Does Topamax Really Work?

Topamax is a prescription medication that has shown the ability to aid in weight loss. This drug was not developed as a weight loss tool, however, and is only approved by the FDA as a medicinal treatment for those suffering from seizure disorders, such as epilepsy, and occasionally for those with chronic migraine headaches. The clinical trials done on Topamax did show a loss of weight in 16% of adult test subjects and in 21% of child test subjects. This is significant in that most weight loss supplements don’t have such substantial scientific data to support their claims.

The fact that Topamax can cause some weight loss is great news for the individuals suffering from epilepsy and migraines as these are disorders which generally cause you to lead a less active lifestyle. Topamax lists its active ingredient as a topiramate. Overall this is a chemical compound that does not contain any commonly utilized weight loss agents in the current market. This is to be expected as Topamax was not developed to be an aid to weight loss. Any doctor prescribing this as a weight loss supplement will be prescribing it “off-label”, meaning not for the ailments it is acknowledged for.

This product was engineered to help those with severe and chronic disorders and, while there are no current studies that indicate adverse effects on those not suffering from those disorders, it just makes more sense to avoid a chemical compound that you don’t need. Weight loss is only a side effect of Topamax, not its purpose, and weight loss is not guaranteed. 84% of adults involved in the above mentioned study experienced no weight loss. There are plenty of established over the counter weight loss products that can give you a 16% chance of weight loss or more without the hassle of getting a prescription and without assaulting you with a myriad of chemical compounds that you don’t need to achieve weight loss. We do not recommend the use of Topamax as a weight loss pill.