Patent ID: 8580299

Claim:
A method for effecting weight loss in a subject having a body mass index of at least 30 kg/m 2 and a condition associated with obesity comprising administering an escalating unit dosage form comprising, (a) a first dosage form, comprising, 23 mg of topiramate, formulated for controlled release, and 3.75 mg of phentermine, formulated for immediate release, wherein the first dosage form is administered to the subject daily for 2 weeks; and (b) a second dosage form, comprising either, 46 mg of topiramate, formulated for controlled release, and 7.5 mg of phentermine, formulated for immediate release, or 92 mg of topiramate, formulated for controlled release, and 15 mg of phentermine, formulated for immediate release, wherein the topiramate formulated for controlled release reaches maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) at about 6 to about 10 hours (Tmax) after administration and exhibits a lower Cmax, than non-controlled release topiramate, without decreasing total drug exposure defined by the area under the concentration-time curve (AUC), enabling a reduction in side effects without compromising the efficacy of the treatment, and wherein the second dosage form is administered to the subject daily for at least 2 years, thereby effecting weight loss and treating the condition associated with obesity.