Topamax - Miracle "diet pill" with sever side effects

by Marion Holley
(Marina, Ca US)

"The doctor placed me on Topamax 100mg two times a day. Within 6 months; I had dropped almost 85 lbs."

Hi my name is Holley. I have Borderline Personality Disorder. I am almost 27 yrs old. I have a small frame and stand 5feet 0inches tall. Remember these stats because they will be important to make a point later.

Four years ago in 2005/2004 I was 23 yrs old and lived a very sedentary life style. I was presumed to have Bipolar 2 and was taking Zyprexa, Lithium and Depakote all at the same time and at high doses of each. Note that all these drugs are weight gain oriented medications. My weight shot up to 220 lbs and stayed there for 2 yrs.

I ate all the time and slept and that was about all I could manage. I didn't have any friends, and never went anywhere. While consequently living at my parents in an isolated area with no real town nearby.

I know all too well the significant depression that comes with being as obese as I was. I felt incredibly horrific about my appearance. As well as hopeless to change it. After seeing my physician on a routine visit I asked if there was anything that could be done to...

A). reduce the number of medications I was on,and
B).to reduce my total weight by any amount.

She did a total about face with my regimen. The doctor placed me on Topamax 100mg.X2 a day. I saw results right away. Within 6 months; I had dropped almost 85 lbs. and continued to lose.

Within a year I was down to 105 lbs. I was completely astonished to say the least! But remember with Topamax you don't stop losing weight. You will get thinner and thinner as long as you continue use.

I have scaled down to 89lbs. which is extremely unhealthy for me. I am now actually having to take the 200mgs only two or three times weekly to make sure my weight doesn't drop too much. . .

. . .but beware there are other side effects that are not so exciting. I have as well LOST 1/2 my hair and it continues to fall out. Along with memory loss and major Rhainiods- severe cold hands and feet in even mild temperatures. They numb up and cause severe pain then turn white and lose blood circulation. This effect hurts so much you almost feel as if to cry out in pain.

In conclusion, all of these side effects ; do they make the weight loss worth all the damaging cons? How bad do you want to lose weight? How bad do you want to keep your memory and your hair? You Decide.

Well I don't think any of them are worth an easy fix that is so harmful. I have been off of this drug since Nov 2008.
Any question and or comments email ...
sweet.run{at]hotmail.com

Editors Note:
Holley, what a story... using easy fix methods is such an attraction. But few ever consider the likely side effects. For example the Zhen de shou pill where some are still asking where to get the pill inspite the side effects. I hope your story will deter some. Thanks for sharing.