|
1
|
Wajid I, Vega A, Thornhill K, Jenkins J, Merriman C, Chandler D, Shekoohi S, Cornett EM, Kaye AD. Topiramate (Topamax): Evolving Role in Weight Reduction Management: A Narrative Review. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:1845. [PMID: 37763249 PMCID: PMC10532729 DOI: 10.3390/life13091845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2023] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Obesity has emerged as a widespread disease with epidemic proportions, necessitating effective management to enhance the overall health outcomes of patients. Medical intervention for weight loss becomes necessary when diet and exercise prove ineffective, and topiramate emerges as a potential treatment option for this global problem. Currently approved as an anti-epileptic and migraine prophylaxis medication, topiramate is frequently utilized as adjunctive therapy for patients with mood and eating disorders, as well as for alcohol use disorders. Its multifaceted mechanisms of action contribute to reducing neuronal excitation and enhancing neuronal inhibition. Given its variety of mechanisms, topiramate shows several off-label outcomes, including weight loss, for patients prescribed this medication. Although the specific mechanism of action concerning weight loss remains uncertain, various hypotheses have been reported. Notably, topiramate may contribute to weight loss by reducing calorie intake, decreasing fat gain, and lowering triglyceride and cholesterol levels. Additionally, its impact on reward pathways associated with food could play a role. Multiple clinical studies have supported the use of topiramate as a weight-loss medication. Notably, the medication demonstrates effectiveness in reducing body weight across different dosages and sustaining weight loss over time, outperforming alternative weight loss methods. Moreover, it was generally well-tolerated in clinical studies, with few side effects observed. In conclusion, topiramate offers promising potential as a weight loss solution and can be a valuable addition to the range of treatment options for combating obesity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Irza Wajid
- School of Medicine, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center at New Orleans, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA;
| | - Alexis Vega
- School of Medicine, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center at Shreveport, Shreveport, LA 71103, USA; (A.V.); (K.T.); (J.J.); (C.M.)
| | - Katherine Thornhill
- School of Medicine, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center at Shreveport, Shreveport, LA 71103, USA; (A.V.); (K.T.); (J.J.); (C.M.)
| | - Jack Jenkins
- School of Medicine, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center at Shreveport, Shreveport, LA 71103, USA; (A.V.); (K.T.); (J.J.); (C.M.)
| | - Chandler Merriman
- School of Medicine, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center at Shreveport, Shreveport, LA 71103, USA; (A.V.); (K.T.); (J.J.); (C.M.)
| | - Debbie Chandler
- Department of Anesthesiology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center at Shreveport, Shreveport, LA 71103, USA; (D.C.); (E.M.C.); (A.D.K.)
| | - Sahar Shekoohi
- Department of Anesthesiology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center at Shreveport, Shreveport, LA 71103, USA; (D.C.); (E.M.C.); (A.D.K.)
| | - Elyse M. Cornett
- Department of Anesthesiology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center at Shreveport, Shreveport, LA 71103, USA; (D.C.); (E.M.C.); (A.D.K.)
| | - Alan D. Kaye
- Department of Anesthesiology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center at Shreveport, Shreveport, LA 71103, USA; (D.C.); (E.M.C.); (A.D.K.)
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Neurosciences, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center at Shreveport, Shreveport, LA 71103, USA
| |
Collapse
|