Losing weight is tough. Sometimes people have a time with diet and exercise. That is when doctors might suggest medicine to help with weight loss. One medicine that people talk about is topiramate for weight loss. It was made to help with epilepsy and migraines. It also helps people lose weight.
If you are thinking about taking topiramate for weight loss you need to know how it works and what to expect.
What is Topiramate?
Topiramate is a medicine that doctors prescribe to help with seizures and migraines. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration says it is okay to use.. It is not just for weight loss. Sometimes doctors prescribe it to help people lose weight because it can help with appetite and eating less.
Topiramate is also in a weight loss medicine called Qsymia. This medicine has phentermine. Topiramate in it.
How Does Topiramate Help with Weight Loss?
Topiramate for weight loss helps people in a ways:
- It makes you less hungry
- You feel full after eating
- You do not crave food much
- It can help with eating when you are stressed
- Some foods might not taste as good like drinks
These things help people eat less without feeling too hungry.
Who Can Take Topiramate for Weight Loss?
Your doctor might suggest topiramate for weight loss if:
- You are very overweight
- You have health problems because of your weight
- You did not lose weight with diet and exercise
- You need help with losing weight for a time
You should always take this medicine with a doctors help.
How Weight Can You Lose?
People lose different amounts of weight when they take topiramate for weight loss. It depends on how you live and how medicine you take.
Most people lose around five to ten percent of their weight in a months. That means if you weigh 220 pounds you might lose eleven to twenty-two pounds.
Some people lose weight and some people lose less.
How Long Does it Take to Work?
Topiramate for weight loss does not work overnight. It takes time.
Most people start to feel less hungry after a weeks. They might start to lose weight after a months. If they keep taking the medicine and living they can keep losing weight for up to a year.
You have to be consistent to lose weight and keep it off.
What is the Right Dosage?
Doctors usually start with an amount of topiramate for weight loss. They do this to make sure you do not have side effects. If you need medicine they will give it to you.
Never change how medicine you take without talking to your doctor. Take the medicine like your doctor says to avoid problems.
What are the Benefits of Topiramate for Weight Loss?
Topiramate for weight loss can help with more than weight. It can also help with:
- Eating less
- Not craving sweets
- Blood sugar
- Blood pressure
- Moving around more
You might notice these things more when you eat healthy and exercise.
What are the Side Effects?
Like all medicines topiramate for weight loss can have effects. Some common side effects are:
- Tingling in your hands and feet
- Dry mouth
- Feeling tired
- Feeling dizzy
- Having trouble focusing
- Memory problems
- Taste changes
- Feeling sick
These side effects might get better as you get used to the medicine.
Serious Side Effects
Sometimes topiramate for weight loss can have side effects. If you have:
- Vision problems
- eye pain
- Allergic reactions
- Mood changes
- Thoughts of suicide
- Kidney stone symptoms
- Confusion
You need to go to the doctor away.
Who Should Not Take Topiramate?
Topiramate for weight loss is not for everyone. Your doctor might say no if:
- You are pregnant. Want to get pregnant
- You have glaucoma
- You have kidney disease
- You have acidosis
- You are allergic to topiramate
Women who can have babies need to talk to their doctor about not getting pregnant because topiramate can hurt the baby.
How to Live Healthy with Topiramate
Medicine works best when you live healthy.
Eat a Lot of Protein
Eat foods like:
- Chicken
- Fish
- Eggs
- Greek yogurt
- Beans
- Lentils
Protein helps you keep your muscles when you lose weight.
Eat a Lot of Vegetables
Fill half your plate with vegetables. They have fiber. Are low in calories.
Good vegetables are:
- Broccoli
- Spinach
- Bell peppers
- Cucumbers
- Cauliflower
Drink a Lot of Water
Drink water all day. This can help with kidney stones.
Exercise a Lot
Try to exercise for least:
- 150 minutes a week
- Two times a week of strength training
Exercise helps you lose weight and stay healthy.
Topiramate vs. Other Weight Loss Medicines
Topiramate for weight loss is one of medicines. Other medicines are:
- GLP-1 receptor agonists
- Phentermine
- Qsymia
- Naltrexone-bupropion
- Orlistat
The best medicine for you depends on your health, weight loss goals and what your doctor says.
When Medicine is Not Enough
If you are very overweight or have health problems medicine might not be enough. You might need surgery to help you lose weight. Surgery can help you lose weight and keep it off when you also eat healthy and exercise.
Final Thoughts
Topiramate for weight loss can help some people lose weight when they eat healthy and exercise. But it is a medicine that can have side effects so you need to take it with a doctors help. If you want to lose weight talk to your doctor to see if topiramate for weight loss is right, for you. The best way to lose weight is to eat healthy exercise and get help from a doctor.
Sign in to leave a comment.