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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by jhlsgirl on December 15, 2003, at 9:30:16
In reply to Re: Topamax Experiences?, posted by Beck on December 14, 2003, at 22:04:39
I too just started 1/2 of 25 mg. It's so weird how this drug effects people differently. I am a little tired during the day and maybe a little foggy. I have slept better then I have in a long time. but really sleepy I am not. In fact I have to say I am a little less sleepy then before I started. I was prescribed topamax as a mood stablizer and to correct my sleep I have sleep apnea as well. I started on 1/2 25 mg because of this board..thank you all so much..i hope the teeny improvment I feel gets alot bigger!!
Posted by Sooshi on December 15, 2003, at 9:33:15
In reply to Re: Topamax Experiences?, posted by Beck on December 14, 2003, at 22:04:39
Hi Beck,
My experience was the same...extreme tiredness for the first two weeks (I started with 25mgs at night). I literally couldn't function. But, it DID go away, and now I don't have any tiredness at all. I actually have a LOT of energy. With every increase in dosage though, expect another few days/week of fatigue and tiredness. Hang in there...it takes a while to build up to your therapeutic dosage, so you'll need a lot of patience!
Posted by headachequeen on December 15, 2003, at 11:29:19
In reply to Re: Topamax tingling and vitamin B ?, posted by jtevers on December 12, 2003, at 14:27:01
>
> am i understanding correctly that the tingling that occurred in response to dose increases in your topamax also abated with time ... until the next increase? and may be avoided with slow titration?
>
>Arrgghhh there are days when one should either sleep until the next day or not turn on the computer or something....
<g>Tegretol, another of the anti-seizure medications causes the tingling...tingling, now there is a nice euphemism... we live in a cold climate... they do not call it NORTHERN Ontario for no reason, believe me... and I never know if my hands and feed are telling me that they are about to file for separate maintenance because of impending frostbite or about to fall off because they are frozen or if it is just another Tegretol reaction...
the tingling side effect from the Tegretol never goes away...
at least not in my experience...it made it fun trying to sort out the Topomax experience .... :)
and before the Topomax introduction, which was done at 25 mg increments over a period of months.. and at my discretion, I could increase the dosage every two weeeks or go slower if I wished... the 'tingling' was so extreme at times that my doctor thought it might be a symptom of something else...
No one has ever told me that the Tegretol Tingles will go away...
they also affect the face... and it seems to be more on a whenever they feel like it basis...
indeed it is time to convince Someone... ANYONE that Tegretol needs to be replaced with more Topomax... maybe I am the only lunatic here? I don't know but I am convinced with all that I read that there is less risk from it than from Tegretol.... fewer side effects...
and less discomfort...
kat
Posted by jhlsgirl on December 15, 2003, at 12:30:34
In reply to Re: Topamax Experiences? » Beck, posted by jhlsgirl on December 15, 2003, at 9:30:16
how many of us have started with 1/2 of 25 mg? I have heard the slower the better. I have been on this for 4 days now and I really do feel a slight improvement..IM SLEEPING! does anyone else have fibromyalgia? my pdoc says this is also a help for that. Sounds all to good to be true when you factor in the weight loss that he also says will happen. What is the lowest dose that anyone has lost weight on? I swear I feel a small glimmer of happiness creeping in if i still remember what that feels like.
Posted by Cybele on December 15, 2003, at 13:05:12
In reply to Re: slow tritration, posted by jhlsgirl on December 15, 2003, at 12:30:34
> Sounds all to good to be true when you factor in the weight loss that he also says will happen. What is the lowest dose that anyone has lost weight on? I swear I feel a small glimmer of happiness creeping in if i still remember what that feels like.
Now this is purely anecdotal, but I took 25mg of Topamax daily for 3 weeks after being on Wellbutrin for 6 weeks (I am continuing on Wellbutrin). The Wellbutrin helped me stay on WW, but I think that effect fades after 4-6 weeks. So I was already losing weight and not stress eating when I started Topamax. A week ago or so I stopped taking Topamax because the hair loss was freaking me out. Within a few days I was struggling to stay on WW and for the last two days it was simply impossible. I was back to my gourmet/gourmand ways. Last night we had blue camembert cheese, tarragon chicken salad, french bread, Pinot Grigio, and dark chocolate for dinner--definitely NOT on WW in the volume I ate of these treats. So, last night I started back on Topamax. I don't know if it is a placebo effect (i.e., all in my head), but as I thought the Wellbutrin was helping me to stay with my eating plan I did not expect this low dose of Topamax to also help with this, and hence did not *expect* going off of it to cause a problem. Hope this makes sense.
Posted by jhlsgirl on December 15, 2003, at 13:39:12
In reply to Re: slow tritration » jhlsgirl, posted by Cybele on December 15, 2003, at 13:05:12
Hair Loss huh? well I guess I'll wait that one out. I actually lost 60 lbs on WW last year but have gained back 30 how sad is that? My Pdoc says its because I'm bi polar Im waiting that one out too. Im beginning to think that all my problems are from a sleep disorder.The topamax does make me sleep. this is all so confusing, its so hard to trust doctors. I dont know if im doing the right thing or not. with me weight gain leads to depression cant sleep because of fibromyalgia and who knows what else?
Posted by Beck on December 15, 2003, at 18:29:54
In reply to Re: slow tritration » Cybele, posted by jhlsgirl on December 15, 2003, at 13:39:12
i am not to happy to be sleeping all the time. People make Topamax sound like some wonder drug. Well I don't think its so wonderous. it causes hairloss, I've already escaped that sentance once in life, thats enough. It causes wightloss, I already lost 20 pounds (yay slimfast!) and cant realy afford to loose more. I read somewhere were theres a high rate of kidney stones in patients on topamax, that scares me. And also I read Topamax could be used as a mood stabilizer, so I was thinking hey cool, eventhough I dont need it. Well my mood certainly is not stable now! and mee and my depression were just peachy with 45mg of Remron before Topamax came along. Some wonder drrug! However I'm notorious for not taking meds the neurologist prescribes me so I guess I will stick with topamax for atleast 2 months. I hope the sleepieness goes away quickly!
Posted by mags on December 15, 2003, at 19:58:34
In reply to Re: slow tritration, posted by Beck on December 15, 2003, at 18:29:54
Hi all, Maggie hear....few notes to add,
re kidney stones, yes Topomax can be bad but not if you drink lots of water and that is also good for weight loss! I find it great for helping me sleep at night and it used to make me sleepy during day but not so much anymore. I am up to 75 mg and because I titrated(upped dose) slowly I don't have any more side effects. I feel next time I see doc I can start upping more quickly. I have not had any hair problems (keeping fingers crossed!)I am still finding I have good days and bad days mood wise but I think I am feeling more stable and happier moments are definately peaking through a lot!. My appetite has decreased but that could also be because I am on the Atkins diet.I started Atkins and Topomax at the same time, 8 weeks ago and I have lost 30 lbs.I am not complaining ;o)I haven't felt this good in a long time......
Maggie
Posted by mags on December 15, 2003, at 21:55:55
In reply to Re: Topamax tingling and vitamin B ?, posted by jtevers on December 12, 2003, at 14:27:01
I do take a Vtamin B complex 90 mg. I don't know if this helps or not 'cause I took this before I started Topamax and I sure still got tingling but my tingling has stopped. I think it is a S/E that is doseage dependant and if you titrate slowly won't be so bad...that worked for me anyway......
Maggie
Posted by jhlsgirl on December 16, 2003, at 8:29:21
In reply to Re: slow tritration, posted by mags on December 15, 2003, at 19:58:34
> Hi all, Maggie hear....few notes to add,
> re kidney stones, yes Topomax can be bad but not if you drink lots of water and that is also good for weight loss! I find it great for helping me sleep at night and it used to make me sleepy during day but not so much anymore. I am up to 75 mg and because I titrated(upped dose) slowly I don't have any more side effects. I feel next time I see doc I can start upping more quickly. I have not had any hair problems (keeping fingers crossed!)
>
> I am still finding I have good days and bad days mood wise but I think I am feeling more stable and happier moments are definately peaking through a lot!. My appetite has decreased but that could also be because I am on the Atkins diet.I started Atkins and Topomax at the same time, 8 weeks ago and I have lost 30 lbs.I am not complaining ;o)I haven't felt this good in a long time......
> Maggie
>
hi maggie I just started WW again with the Topamax even at 1/2 of 25mg I seem to be able to control my appitite better(maybe in my head but ill take it either way) at what dosage did you begin to lose? This drug is funny it seems that people either love it or hate it.
Posted by mags on December 16, 2003, at 10:38:39
In reply to Re: slow tritration, posted by jhlsgirl on December 16, 2003, at 8:29:21
I am not really sure because I started Atkins diet same time....but I definately don't have much of an appetite and I am at 75 mg...but most people say Atkins does that to them too...from what I hear most say you need to be at 200 mg of Topamax before the weight loss really kicks in...but then we do all differ....for me the big thing is I no longer crave the carby junk food.
Posted by jtevers on December 16, 2003, at 16:56:07
In reply to Re: slow tritration, posted by mags on December 16, 2003, at 10:38:39
> I am not really sure because I started Atkins diet same time....but I definately don't have much of an appetite and I am at 75 mg...but most people say Atkins does that to them too...from what I hear most say you need to be at 200 mg of Topamax before the weight loss really kicks in...but then we do all differ....for me the big thing is I no longer crave the carby junk food.
maggie and friends,
please remember to be careful while remaining on atkins diet (a hi protien diet) while taking topamax ... i have heard, sensibly, that this increases the risk of developing kidney stones...
i am doing the same routine (the diet and topamax) and hope, while i am only at 50mg., that once i do reach 100-200 mg. the weight i have gained due to antipsychotic treatment (i take a moderate dose of seroquel for bipolar) will reduce.
it seems that several of us are in the same boat...now on minimal doses looking forward to the weight-loss effect seen in higher doses, but weary of the dreadful effects that may come with it... hair loss ( i've heard to take biotin, zinc and selenium at moderate doses ), tingling (i've heard to take an "anti-stress" complex-B vitamin), eye and vision trouble that sound incombatable but may reduce with slow titration as may the cognitive "numbing".
i wonder whether the success of topamax at reducing my weight may be compromised because i am forced to remain on my original med. regimen (with a moderate propensity to cause weight gain) or whether the topamax may counter this propensity and NORMALIZE my weight? has anyone tried topa. while remaining on med., or have many with weight loss success also dropped the weight-offensive medication (ie. zyprexa, lithium, depakote, etc.)?
Posted by mags on December 16, 2003, at 19:45:25
In reply to Re: atkins, topamax ... stones and wt. loss?, posted by jtevers on December 16, 2003, at 16:56:07
I would really hope that the Topo would perhaps balance out those other bad weight gaining meds lithium, depo etc....I am lucky as I am not on them right now but still have their weight they gave me!!And I have lost weight....
Thanks for info re kidney stones..I am aware of Atkins and Topo propensity for it and am very careful to drink LOTS of water.
I also have been lucky with no hair loss but my multi vitamin has biotinin it and I do take a B stress complex as well..the tingling has stopped but was bad for awhile.....for me the S/E's have been worth it for me..I am really hoping Topo is the med for me.....I hope it can be for others...
Maggie
Posted by LBcats on December 16, 2003, at 20:44:03
In reply to Re: atkins, topamax ... stones and wt. loss?, posted by jtevers on December 16, 2003, at 16:56:07
I tried both topomax and depakote together and still lost weight. However, when I got to a high dose of topomax 300 mg and 1000 mg of depakote, the cognitive side effects were really bad. Even after reducing the depakote to 500mg a day, the cognitive side effects were bad. I found that depakote just worked better for me. Topomax really screwed up my affect. I had a very flat affect and had trouble expressing my thoughts and feelings. The weight issue however was great. I just didn't have a taste for food. Mostly I wanted fruits and yogurt. Anything else sounded horrible.
LB
Posted by cyndie on December 17, 2003, at 14:24:24
In reply to Topamax Experiences?, posted by Kingfish on January 4, 2001, at 7:29:48
VOICE CHANGES???? My husband says my voice sounds "different", but he doesn't elaborate...on a different thread I asked if anyone had any experience with this, and now it's happening to me! Insights???? Thanks, Cyndie
Posted by headachequeen on December 17, 2003, at 14:32:09
In reply to Re: Topamax Experiences?, posted by cyndie on December 17, 2003, at 14:24:24
> VOICE CHANGES???? My husband says my voice sounds "different", but he doesn't elaborate...on a different thread I asked if anyone had any experience with this, and now it's happening to me! Insights???? Thanks, Cyndie
Hmmm I have had a change in my voice over the past few years... during a single fibre something or other test the neurologist performing the torture asked if that were my normal speaking voice and when I said no, she told me that was a symptom... of what she did not say... I have asked my doctor to ask her of what it is a symptom but have not yet heard...
is this Topomax-related?
Is it neurologically-related?
it would be interesting to know if only because not knowing is consuming me with curiosity...have you any idea what is causing the changes in your voice patterns? and what are the changes, for that matter?
kat
Posted by jtevers on December 17, 2003, at 14:43:10
In reply to Re: atkins, topamax ... stones and wt. loss?, posted by LBcats on December 16, 2003, at 20:44:03
> I tried both topomax and depakote together and still lost weight. However, when I got to a high dose of topomax 300 mg and 1000 mg of depakote, the cognitive side effects were really bad. Even after reducing the depakote to 500mg a day, the cognitive side effects were bad. I found that depakote just worked better for me. Topomax really screwed up my affect. I had a very flat affect and had trouble expressing my thoughts and feelings. The weight issue however was great. I just didn't have a taste for food. Mostly I wanted fruits and yogurt. Anything else sounded horrible.
> LBLB,
do i understand correctly?
do you attribute the cognitive side-effects to the topamax, the depakote, or both?
had you introduced topamax to your med. regimen for mood stabilization, seizure control, or weight issues?and do you believe the weight loss you experienced was simply due to appetite suppression (being overall less hungry) or some greater effect topamax has on the body system(s)?
do people generally gain weight while on depakote? and do you believe topa. kept you from gaining that weight? have you, since dropping topa. from your med. regimen gained any weight back?
thanx for your insight...you have been to a place where i am going and your awareness is enlightening. is there anything i can help you with?
jtevers
Posted by headachequeen on December 17, 2003, at 14:53:53
In reply to Re: Topamax-bipolar and weight loss? » headachequeen, posted by kka on December 11, 2003, at 20:06:01
> Kat,
>
> I know I have read that you take 2500 mgs of Biotin which I have now started, but what do you take 400 mgs of Vitamin E and C? How much Zinc.
> BTW - Does anyone have that link Murphia posted re the other discussion group for Topamax users? Any help would be great. I couldn't find the old post! Thanks
Vitamin C is a natural analgesic and boosts the immune system, something which, being a redhead I was born with almost none, and does so many other things, that I take huge amounts daily.... half in the morning and half in the evening as it is water soluble and if it is all taken at once half will be flushed out of the system; I have recently taken to splitting the dosage into thirds, actually and take 5000 mg every 8 hours... this is again something I give to my Chows as a matter of course but never thought to give to myself... and give to them for the same reasons I now take it after Murphia jogged my mind...
the E is a simply wonderful natural source of so much that is valuable... again it is a vitamin I give to the dogs because they need it so totally and it is so good for the skin and hair... so I now take it myself... 800 IU a day and the zinc 25mcg unless I can find the 10mcg tablets (hard to do around here) makes it possible for the body to absorb the E, without the zinc the body can't absorb the E according to the vet and that works for people as well as dogs LOL...
I had the info for the other site that Murphia mentioned and left it on the other computer when I came home... duh... shall see if someone at the course can send it to me...
kat
Posted by LBcats on December 17, 2003, at 20:53:17
In reply to Re: atkins, topamax ... stones and wt. loss? » LBcats, posted by jtevers on December 17, 2003, at 14:43:10
I attributed the cognitive side effects to the topomax because I took depakote by itself and did not experience those. I also attributed the weight loss to the topomax as the depakote by itself made me gain weight. Now without the topomax I have gained 10 of the 20 lbs I lost. Topomax just wasn't for me. I have a job that requires lots of thought and I just couldn't do it with the topomax. My whole personality changed on it. I loved the weight loss but unfortunately it just wasn't for me. It helped a little bit with the mood swings. I kept me calm actually but I guess I saw myself differently than how my friends saw me. They saw me with no affect and with not much to say. I just wasn't the "sharpest knife in the drawer".
LB
Posted by kka on December 17, 2003, at 21:51:11
In reply to headachequeen » kka, posted by headachequeen on December 17, 2003, at 14:53:53
> > Kat,
Thanks so much for the info, I really don't see any hair sheading but my hair definitely feels much thinner, I will add some things you mentioned. Also, If you are able to locate that info, post it when you can, I appreciate it. Take care!
> >
> > I know I have read that you take 2500 mgs of Biotin which I have now started, but what do you take 400 mgs of Vitamin E and C? How much Zinc.
> > BTW - Does anyone have that link Murphia posted re the other discussion group for Topamax users? Any help would be great. I couldn't find the old post! Thanks
>
>
> Vitamin C is a natural analgesic and boosts the immune system, something which, being a redhead I was born with almost none, and does so many other things, that I take huge amounts daily.... half in the morning and half in the evening as it is water soluble and if it is all taken at once half will be flushed out of the system; I have recently taken to splitting the dosage into thirds, actually and take 5000 mg every 8 hours... this is again something I give to my Chows as a matter of course but never thought to give to myself... and give to them for the same reasons I now take it after Murphia jogged my mind...
> the E is a simply wonderful natural source of so much that is valuable... again it is a vitamin I give to the dogs because they need it so totally and it is so good for the skin and hair... so I now take it myself... 800 IU a day and the zinc 25mcg unless I can find the 10mcg tablets (hard to do around here) makes it possible for the body to absorb the E, without the zinc the body can't absorb the E according to the vet and that works for people as well as dogs LOL...
> I had the info for the other site that Murphia mentioned and left it on the other computer when I came home... duh... shall see if someone at the course can send it to me...
> kat
Posted by Beck on December 17, 2003, at 22:28:44
In reply to Re: headachequeen, posted by kka on December 17, 2003, at 21:51:11
Ok, so two questions,
1. Since I only take 1/2 of 25 mg. then after 2 weeks take 25 mg. and increases by 1/2 25 mg. every two weeks, will I most likley not lose weight until I'm at a high dose?(Which I dont plan to take moere than 100mg.)
2.Do the cognitive effects occur t higher doses?
Posted by jhlsgirl on December 18, 2003, at 7:44:37
In reply to Re: headachequeen, posted by Beck on December 17, 2003, at 22:28:44
> Ok, so two questions,
> 1. Since I only take 1/2 of 25 mg. then after 2 weeks take 25 mg. and increases by 1/2 25 mg. every two weeks, will I most likley not lose weight until I'm at a high dose?(Which I dont plan to take moere than 100mg.)
> 2.Do the cognitive effects occur t higher doses?I second those questions please!
Posted by jhlsgirl on December 18, 2003, at 14:12:58
In reply to Re: Topamax Experiences?, posted by chik on November 14, 2003, at 21:03:25
ahhh today i have a nagging headache and im sleepy and i just dont feel good!! topamax heaven right??
Posted by jtevers on December 18, 2003, at 15:49:32
In reply to Re: atkins, topamax ... stones and wt. loss?, posted by LBcats on December 17, 2003, at 20:53:17
LB and to whom it concerns:
i have recently added topa to my regimen and am at only 50 mg. now...i am experiencing little to no side effects including the weight loss, but haven't expected to.
can you confirm that the weight loss may begin at 100-200mg.? and is this when i may also expect to experience "stupification?"
i wonder whether the weight loss is dose-related or continues once begun whether the dose is increased or not? is it necessary to continually increase the dose in order to see greater and greater weight loss results?
LB, i understand you personally loss 20 lbs. while taking 300mg., is this the point at which, for you, the other side effects became unbearable? do you believe if you continued at 300mg. you would have continued to lose or that it would have been necessary for you to increase your dose to see future weight loss. and, i'm sorry, i forget whether you had been introduced to topa. as a mood stabilizer or a solution to weight loss or both?
i have gained 60lbs over 3 years while being treated with an antipsychotic and a mood stabilizer for bipolar...i would love to lose at least 40 lbs on topa. treatment as this weight has not responded to exercise or diet...i understand this may mean a pretty high dose of topa. IF there is a dose-related response to its weight loss effect??? ... can anyone relate ... have any horror or success stories, i would love to hear from you.
thanx ... jtevers
Posted by headachequeen on December 18, 2003, at 15:54:02
In reply to Re: headachequeen, posted by Beck on December 17, 2003, at 22:28:44
> Ok, so two questions,
> 1. Since I only take 1/2 of 25 mg. then after 2 weeks take 25 mg. and increases by 1/2 25 mg. every two weeks, will I most likley not lose weight until I'm at a high dose?(Which I dont plan to take moere than 100mg.)
> 2.Do the cognitive effects occur t higher doses?I can only speak to my own experience with the Topomax of course, but I followed a slow titration, starting with 25 mg in the evening and working up to 200 mg as I said, then adding 25 mg in the morning and working up to 200 mg in the morning...
officially I am on 200 mornings and evenings now... but I am thinking of changing to 300 mornings and 200 evenings (slowly of course) and dumping one hundred of the tegretol...
thinking about it...
no one seems to want to take responsibility for the change and no one seems to want to be in the office until some time in january and I am TIRED of the Tegretol side effects but I know, that is another board.... sigh...
at any rate, at this point, I have NO cognitive or speech impairment from the Topomax...
there is no longer that slowness or search for words or thoughts... and no longer the slurred speech either... and that used to really bother me...the weight loss started as soon as I started the Topomax.. I know, people here are tired of hearing that I lost three pounds the first week on Topomax, but it happened and it blew me away...
I forgot that the idea was to stabilise the seisure activity (stabilise it? to stop it !!!!) and to hope the side effect would be to stop the migraines and it did that too...at the present time I am comfortable with the Topomax...
Yes, I drink loads of water... but then I have been on Tegretol for ages and been warned that I have to drink water by the gallon with it too... then along came Topomax and the same warning... then along came the Prednizone and antibiotic because of a major asthma attack and more water...
and I had to wonder, did the drink plenty of water warning mean more water or would the same plenty of water suffice??? so I drank an extra two glasses a day in case... have to keep all these medications happy...the past two days or so I have been doing some serious reading about hypomania and wondering why the psychiatrist could not have taken five minutes to explain himself as well as people here did and as well as the internet has done...
and why is it that he gets paid so much better than the psychologists??? and why does OHIP recognise psychiatry but not psychology??? enquiring minds want to know...
It gave me something to think about and kept me from hiding in the darkened room for a while, so that was a positive thing...
and while I was doing all this wondering I wondered if it might not help to change from Tegretol and its incredible side effects to the extra Topomax to which my body seems to adjust comfortably and hope that it would help my mind adjust to the depression that I am told I do not have...
oh a lot of wondering going on here...
I keep looking at the prescriptions for effexor and zyprexor which I have not taken to have filled as yet... and which I do not want to have filled if I can help it...
I was lucky once and came off them cold turkey; I was too naive and stupid to realise it was not supposed to happen that way... I may not be that lucky a second time...
so I would prefer not to start...
kat
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