Posted by ed_uk2010 on March 20, 2014, at 4:59:59
In reply to Well, Belviq is out. Serotonin Syndrome!, posted by Ruthie Rosia on March 18, 2014, at 22:19:40
>That leaves the Topamax medication but the cognitive impairments are indeed probably more than I would tolerate for weight loss that is most likely pretty darn modest.
The weight loss is indeed modest in many cases, but some people do lose a lot of weight on it. In order to reduce the risk of side effects, it's recommended to start with a very low dose and increase over a period of several weeks. The final dose is still normally quite low when used as an aid to weight loss, similar to the doses used to prevent migraine and less than the doses used in epilepsy.
Topamax is not approved for weight loss and the doses prescribed are variable, but a typical dose schedule would be as follows:
25mg at night for 14 days, then 25mg twice a day. Assess weight loss after three months. If good effect, continue, if not, increase to 25mg in the morning and 50mg at night for 14 days, then 50mg twice a day. Assess weight again after three months. If good effect, continue, if not, gradually reduce the dose and stop the medication. If side effects are a problem, dose reduction (or more gradual increase) may be helpful. Cognitive disturbances and fatigue are sometimes a problem. The most common side effect of all is a 'pins and needles' or tingling feeling, often in the arms or legs. There is also a risk of rare side effects like kidney stones.
Hope this helps.
poster:ed_uk2010
thread:1062642
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20140307/msgs/1062808.html