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Topiramate (Topamax)
Topiramate (Topamax, Topiragen) is an anticonvulsant (anti-epileptic drug). It is used to treat epilepsy (prevent seizures) in adults and children who are at least 2 years old.
Topamax is also used to prevent migraine headaches and reduce the number
of migraine attacks. It will not treat a headache that has already begun. It is also an effective option for the preventive
treatment of episodic and chronic cluster headache.
Topamax for weight loss
There is good evidence that Topiramate promotes weight loss and suppresses the appetite 1-5. However, Ortho-McNeil prematurely stopped a large phase III program for Topamax as a weight loss drug because of emotional and cognitive side effects. So far it is not licensed for obesity.
Nevertheless, the research data shows that Topiramate may be useful to manage excess weight. In most studies, about 60-70% of people experienced weight loss1-5. Topamax may promote weight reduction of up to 15-18% of the baseline weight.
Weight loss on topiramate has been reported in people suffering from bipolar disorder who gained weight due to psychotropics3. The small study found that Topamax may be effective for SSRI-induced
weight gain4. Also, Topamax may help to maintain weight following a low calorie diet5.
How does Topamax make you lose weight?
The exact mechanism of action regarding weight loss is still uncertain. It seems to be related to: increase of energy expenditure, reduction in the activity of salivary enzymes responsible for taste, reduction in leptin and corticosteroid concentrations, and reduction of glucose and insulin levels.
Buy Topiramate (Generic Topamax, Topiragen)
We list prices at international online pharmacy for generic Topamax.
| Description |
Quantity |
Pharmacy |
Price |
Buy |
| Topiramate 25 mg |
30 tablets |
EasyMD |
$37.99 |
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| Topiramate 25 mg |
60 tablets |
EasyMD |
$51.99 |
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| Topiramate 25 mg |
90 tablets |
EasyMD |
$68.99 |
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| Topiramate 50 mg |
30 tablets |
EasyMD |
$45.99 |
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| Topiramate 50 mg |
60 tablets |
EasyMD |
$65.99 |
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| Topiramate 50 mg |
90 tablets |
EasyMD |
$85.99 |
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| Topiramate 100 mg |
30 tablets |
EasyMD |
$51.99 |
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| Topiramate 100 mg |
60 tablets |
EasyMD |
$78.99 |
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| Topiramate 100 mg |
90 tablets |
EasyMD |
$103.99 |
|
Drug Information
Precautions
- Avoid breaking the tablets as Topamax has a bitter taste.
- The drug may increase the risk of developing kidney stones. To
prevent this problem, be sure to take Topiramate with plenty of fluids.
- Topiramate has been known to cause a potentially serious condition
known as metabolic acidosis (an increase of acid in the blood).
Symptoms of metabolic acidosis include rapid breathing, an irregular heartbeat, confusion, lethargy, or fatigue.
- Seek emergency medical attention if you have a sudden change
in vision and pain around or behind the eyes. Topamax has been
known to trigger severe nearsightedness along with increased pressure
inside the eye. The problem usually occurs within 1 month of starting treatment.
- Because of new human data that show an increased risk for oral clefts, the pregnancy category for topiramate has changed
from Category C to Category D.
Bipolar disorder
Topiramate appears to show promise as an adjuntive treatment in bipolar disorder. Research data
suggests a 50-65% response for refractory bipolar mania, and a 40-56% response for refractory bipolar depression.
Side effects of topiramate in bipolar individuals include attention,
concentration and memory problems, fatigue, sedation, transient paraesthesias, nausea, and anorexia.
References
- 1. McElroy SL, Frye MA, Altshuler LL. Sibutramine versus topiramate for weight gain in overweight or obese patients with bipolar disorders. Bipolar Disord. 2007 Jun;9(4):426-34.
- 2. Leombruni P, Lavagnino L, Fassino S. Topiramate in obese patients with binge eating disorder. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat. 2009;5:385-92. PubMed
- 3. Tremblay A, Chaput JP. Topiramate and energy balance in obese men. Eur J Clin Pharmacol. 2007 Feb;63(2):123-34.
- 4. Van Ameringen M, Mancini C, Pipe B, Campbell M, Oakman J. J Clin Psychiatry. 2002 Nov;63(11):981-4.
- 5. Astrup A, Caterson I, Zelissen P, Guy-Grand B, Carruba M, Levy B, Sun X, Fitchet M. Topiramate: long term
maintenance of weight loss. Obes Res. 2004 Oct;12(10):1658-69. PubMed
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Quick facts
- Topamax is a sulfamate-substituted monosaccharide, related to fructose, a rather unusual chemical structure for
an anticonvulsant.
- It is recommended to maintain adequate fluid intake to reduce chance of developing kidney stones.
- Topamax was originally developed as hypoglycemic agent that become an anticonvulsant afterward.
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