Topiramate for weight loss: Can this antiepileptic drug help you shed kilos?

Ozempic, used for treating diabetes, is sort of standard amongst individuals who wish to drop extra pounds. However it’s not the one weight reduction drug which will present optimistic outcomes. Your physician may suggest one other remedy referred to as topiramate for weight reduction. The US Meals and Drug Administration (FDA) has authorized it for treating epilepsy, a mind situation that results in seizures. However it’s but to get a inexperienced sign by the FDA for utilizing it to drop extra pounds. Nonetheless, medical doctors might prescribe it to some folks, particularly those that are overweight. Earlier than taking this remedy for weight reduction, know the way it might assist and if there are any uncomfortable side effects.

What’s topiramate?

Topiramate, largely offered beneath the model identify Topamax, is a prescription remedy primarily used to deal with signs of epilepsy. It may be prescribed for epilepsy remedy for youngsters aged 2 years and older, in line with analysis printed in StatPearls in 2024. Known as an antiepileptic medication, topiramate helps to cut back bursts {of electrical} exercise within the mind, as per the UK’s Nationwide Well being Service. It additionally works by restoring the traditional steadiness of nerve exercise. It will also be taken to stop migraine, a extreme headache that results in throbbing ache on one facet of your head.

“In recent times, it has gained consideration for its off-label use in managing weight,” says surgeon Dr Nikhil Gupta, who specialises in bariatric, basic, laparoscopic, and minimal entry surgical procedure. This implies the FDA has not authorized topiramate by itself for the aim of losing a few pounds.

Topiramate for weight reduction: Right here’s the way it works

There’s proof to show that having topiramate for weight reduction works. Throughout a 2013 examine, printed within the Journal Of Analysis In Medical Sciences, researchers discovered that topiramate induced weight reduction and improved glycemic management in diabetics who have been overweight. The load loss drug was additionally discovered efficient in non-diabetics. A 2011 evaluation, printed in Weight problems Evaluations, confirmed that individuals handled with topiramate misplaced a median of 5.34 kg.

“It has been discovered that taking Topiramate for weight reduction is efficient as a result of its totally different results on the mind and metabolism,” says Dr Gupta. Listed here are some the explanation why the physician might prescribe topiramate for weight reduction:

• Urge for food suppression: It influences sure neurotransmitters within the mind, together with gamma-aminobutyric acid and glutamate. “These adjustments might scale back urge for food, resulting in decrease calorie consumption,” says the knowledgeable. A 2023 examine, printed within the journal Life, confirmed that topiramate might contribute to weight reduction by lowering calorie consumption, and lowering fats acquire.
• Elevated satiety: Medical doctors might prescribe Topiramate for weight reduction because it enhances the sensation of fullness. “This may help you to eat smaller parts and really feel glad for an extended time,” says the knowledgeable.
• Diminished impulsive consuming: By stabilising temper and controlling impulsive behaviours, topiramate might scale back episodes of binge consuming. In relation to off-label functions, it’s also used within the remedy of binge consuming dysfunction, as per analysis printed in StatPearls in 2024.

Learn how to take topiramate for weight reduction?

Step one to remember earlier than having topiramate for weight reduction, is to seek the advice of a health care provider.

• Dosage: “The everyday beginning dose for weight administration is low, usually round 25 mg each day,” says the knowledgeable. It’s progressively elevated primarily based in your response and tolerance to the remedy. Whether or not it’s an oral pill or an oral sprinkle capsule, it needs to be swallowed entire.
• Frequency: Chances are you’ll be instructed to take topiramate for weight reduction a couple of times a day.

“Chances are you’ll discover lowered urge for food inside the first few days to weeks, and see measurable outcomes inside 8-12 weeks,” says the knowledgeable. However you additionally want to stay to a wholesome life-style for weight administration.

What are the uncomfortable side effects of taking topiramate for weight reduction?

Earlier than having topiramate for weight reduction, know that it comes with potential uncomfortable side effects, which embrace:

• Numbness or tingling that’s usually felt within the fingers and ft
• Nausea
• Drowsiness or a basic feeling of tiredness
• Dizziness, particularly whereas beginning or growing the dose of topiramate for weight reduction
• Meals might style bland or totally different.
• Issue concentrating or recalling info. Allergic reactions equivalent to hives, rash, or swelling.
• Dry mouth.

“You need to keep hydrated to cut back the chance of dry mouth, or take the remedy with meals if nausea happens,” suggests Dr Gupta.

Who ought to keep away from taking Topiramate for weight reduction?

• Being pregnant: Taking Topiramate for weight reduction throughout being pregnant needs to be averted, as it might result in beginning defects.
• Medical circumstances: These with a historical past of kidney stones, ought to talk about dangers with their physician.
• Drug interactions: Whereas taking topiramate for weight reduction, be sure you aren’t on one other remedy. “It may possibly work together with different medicines, together with contraception tablets and antidepressants,” says the knowledgeable.

If you’re planning to strive topiramate for weight reduction be sure to do it solely beneath medical supervision. By suppressing urge for food, and enhancing satiety, it could help in reaching your weight administration targets. Nevertheless, don’t simply depend on it to drop kilos. Mix this remedy with a wholesome life-style to drop extra pounds and maintain it off.