The disclosed embodiments relate to, dosing regimens for the administration of topiramate, optionally in combination with one or more sympathomimetic agents such as phentermine. The dosing regimens can, for example, limit the exposure of subjects to topiramate, identify subjects who are unlikely to obtain a benefit from treatment with escalating dosages of topiramate (with or without the sympathomimetic agent, such as phentermine), or both, thereby reducing or eliminating harmful or intolerable side effects in subjects who are unlikely to respond to treatment and maximizing the therapeutic benefits from treatment in subjects who do respond.