Posted by helenag on January 9, 2004, at 22:42:37
In reply to Topamax and Alcoholism, posted by EmmyS on January 8, 2004, at 21:08:59
> No lectures. If anyone IS interested in trying to quit drinking, try Topamax.
>
> Google search on Topamax and "alcohol cravings". Articles were published last summer and fall showing excellent results. I personally aware of several recent amazing success stories.
>
> Ramp up from slowly from 25mg to 100mg or whatever you doc tells you. Stops those fun carb cravings too.Yes, I am very aware of the research done on Topamax and alcoholics, as is my pdoc. Have been on the drug since July for mood stabilization and for alcohol cravings.
Results: Great med for mood stabilization and side effects are sometimes bothersome: tingling in hands and feet, cognitive slowness at times, like trying to remember someone's name or the name of a book or movie or phone number and you can't... plus loss of appetite. I started at 50mg and have titrated up to 300mg a day.
As far as working for cravings: NADA. The drug has not done that at all for me. Alcoholics will drink regardless; I suggest reading the chapter in the Big Book about "More About Alcoholism" There is no magic bullet, unfortunately. Just like when someone relapses, they are asked why they didn't call someone...what a question!!! Anyone who wants to drink badly enough will drink.
Perhaps topamax can help some folks, that is wonderful. Everyone is different. But for this alcoholic, the solution doesn't come in a prescription vial.
>
> Life is better without hangovers.
>
poster:helenag
thread:289516
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/subs/20031208/msgs/298876.html