Posted by akc on August 22, 2001, at 14:22:34
In reply to Re: Topamax? AKC, Kingfish, posted by Greg on August 22, 2001, at 10:17:59
Yes, I think your increase is too rapid. My increase was 25mg per day. Going up 50mg in a day is risky, but when you go up by 100 mg, I won't be surprised if you have some pretty significant side effects.
It took a long time to get to my current dose of 75 mg twice a day (I started at 25 mg twice a day), but I think it was well worth the wait -- my side effects were minimal. I would increase the evening dose one week (e.g., 25 mg in the morning, 50 mg in the evening) then the next week increase the morning does (50 mg twice a day).
If you start experiencing the side effects, you can always back off and talk to your doctor.
AKC
> Just so that I'm clear on this, were your increases 25mgs per dose, or per day? My current schedule is 25mgs per dose and then 50mgs per dose. I'm at 25mgs am and 25 pm now, then I go to 50 and 50 for a week and then to 100 and 100 thereafter. It sounds like you both think that's to rapid an increase from your experience and I'd like to discuss that with my doc if that's the case.
>
> Thanks so much for the feedback (you too Chloe, yes I do want bad and good results).
>
> I hope everyone is well,
> Greg
>
> > Greg:
> >
> > Sorry to repeat what you've already heard, but the key does seem to be how slowly you titrate up. I went up too quickly, I think 50 mg a week, and the cognitive affects were very obvious. It was as if I were drunk - I slurred and veered from side to side when walking. And I couldn't find words.
> >
> > These side effects went away once I got to my current dose of 250 mg, after about 4 weeks of being there. I also had the tingling sensations for awhile, but these really didn't both me.
> >
> > Topamax did help me with ruminating thoughts and it helped me think more linearly. Helped me make decisions. It doesn't seem to be helping with mania, though, so I am going on Depakote soon, and possibly off Topamax - don't know yet.
> >
> > I did have some continuing trouble with sedation from Topamax, but I haven't heard that from anyone else.
> >
> > Good luck.
> >
> > - K.
poster:akc
thread:75586
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010822/msgs/75980.html