![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 63 to 87 of 1838. Go back in thread:
Posted by Elizabeth on June 3, 2001, at 20:47:41
In reply to Re: Topamax and Obesity, posted by Made-up Name on June 2, 2001, at 17:58:49
> Elizabeth, I mean that I started having carbohydrate cravings again and being hungry. What sets me off is the time of day--I know that it is 3 PM without even looking at a clock because that is when I get the overwhelming desire to binge.
OK. I gather that a lot of people have carb cravings at a particular time of day. Had you been eating breakfast?
I'm glad you stopped purging; that does no good (as you discovered) and can be dangerous.
> My old cat developed diabetes and renal failure at the time the diet quit working on my appetite. I am sure the stress of having to deal with the daily shots and knowing he will die within a year is what set me off.
You mean diabetic cats can't get effective treatment? That is sad. I hope that both of you will be able to give each other comfort.
> I have never tried Wellbutrin. Maybe that would help. Probably Topamax is being hyped for binge eating disorder by Johnson & Johnson when it is really not that effective.
Topamax really does cause weight loss for a lot of people. Wellbutrin is another option (although I don't know if either of these would continue working over time, any more than the stimulants do).
One other thing occurred to me. This is just a hunch...have you ever tried melatonin?
best wishes,
-elizabeth
Posted by Made-up Name on June 4, 2001, at 8:25:11
In reply to Re: Topamax and Obesity, posted by KarenK on June 3, 2001, at 20:24:16
Karen, I am really interested in hearing about the dose of Topamax which you found to be effective for appetite control. How long did it take you to reach that dose? Did your doctor prescribe it for weight loss or for something else?
Elizabeth, I do eat breakfast and take melatonin. I give insulin to my cat and he is as well-regulated as cats can be as far as the diabetes goes. But he is old and has kidney disease. I have to give him subcutaneous fluids every other day with a big needle, and that is very stressful to both of us because it hurts him.
I was told by a relative who works at a residential psychiatric facility that Topamax didn't work for the fat girls in treatment there. I guess it does work for some people like Karen, though, so I am going to try it.
Posted by Elizabeth on June 4, 2001, at 15:36:14
In reply to To Karen and Elizabeth, posted by Made-up Name on June 4, 2001, at 8:25:11
> Elizabeth, I do eat breakfast and take melatonin. I give insulin to my cat and he is as well-regulated as cats can be as far as the diabetes goes. But he is old and has kidney disease. I have to give him subcutaneous fluids every other day with a big needle, and that is very stressful to both of us because it hurts him.
Ouch! I know how he feels (I had sub-Q heparin every morning when I was in the hospital a couple months ago). You must love each other very much.
> I was told by a relative who works at a residential psychiatric facility that Topamax didn't work for the fat girls in treatment there. I guess it does work for some people like Karen, though, so I am going to try it.
I think that carb cravings are a distinct phenomenon which most people experience at some point, and some people have a persistent problem with them. My guess would be that you are most likely to be helped by antiobesity treatments which generally help people lose weight gained as a result of carb cravings.
Best wishes to you and your cat.
-elizabeth
Posted by KarenK on June 4, 2001, at 20:32:04
In reply to To Karen and Elizabeth, posted by Made-up Name on June 4, 2001, at 8:25:11
> Karen, I am really interested in hearing about the dose of Topamax which you found to be effective for appetite control. How long did it take you to reach that dose? Did your doctor prescribe it for weight loss or for something else?
>**My doctor prescribed it for anxiety and as a mood stabilizer and to lose weight. I found some benefits at 150mg and 200mg but it really kicked in at 250mg. It took me a lonnnnggg time to get there. I started at 25mg last October.
KarenK
> Elizabeth, I do eat breakfast and take melatonin. I give insulin to my cat and he is as well-regulated as cats can be as far as the diabetes goes. But he is old and has kidney disease. I have to give him subcutaneous fluids every other day with a big needle, and that is very stressful to both of us because it hurts him.
>
> I was told by a relative who works at a residential psychiatric facility that Topamax didn't work for the fat girls in treatment there. I guess it does work for some people like Karen, though, so I am going to try it.
Posted by Montana50 on June 5, 2001, at 1:24:49
In reply to carb cravings, etc. » Made-up Name, posted by Elizabeth on June 4, 2001, at 15:36:14
> >To all those of you have questions about
Topamax, I would like to share my experiences.
First,I am a middle aged woman who has Bipolar II
mixed with rapid cycling. I am unable to tolerate anti-
depressants and for various reasons am unable to
take the standard mood stablizers or any of the
new atypical antipsychotics. The last 2 years of
of my life have been hell and I've lost those years
of my life. Bad docs and bad meds. Fortunately,
this spring I found a good Doc and hospital. He
started me on Topamax but at 50 mg increments/wk.
I also was on 2mg. 2x/day Klonopin, 1mg x4/day
Ativan, Catapres,Hormone replacement therapy,
thyroid 3(levothyroxine),thyroid 4 (Cytomel),&
Sonata for sleep. He also started me on 10 mg in
a.m. of dexidrine and 7.5 mg at noon. The T-3,T-4,
and dexidrine were to help with the depression but
not to set off the rapid cycling or hypomania.
As I increased my Topamax, on the 3rd day, I would
get my "Topamax drunk", I staggered when I walked,
my voice was slurred, and I was drowsy and slept
for 14 hrs. However, the next day these sx would
be almost all gone. In the meantime, my mood was
stablizing, but it seemed like I couldn't feel any
joy, or satisfaction. Life seemed very dreary.
Finally, my husband insisted that I be rehospiti-
lized. Oh by the way, during this time, I wasn't
eating very much, very little appetite. When I got
to the hospital, I was able to go through the last
2 steps of my Topamax increases. My Doc changed mu
Dexidrine to 15 mg. spansules in the a.m. and 10mg
at noon. This seemed to help. I was able to get
stablized and be discharged in 8 days.
I take 400 mg. Topamax & it really has changed my
life. I know that different drugs work differently
for each individual but all the drugs I take every
day seem worth it because now " I am glad I am
alive and am going to see tomorrow." I urge folks
to ask questions, educate themselves, and if your
health provider is not meeting your needs, check
around to try and find one who will. With know-
ledge I have empowered myself so that I keep
learning how I can manage my life and not let my
disease control it. So when I fall down, I see
it just as a lesson,not a defeat, to learn from
the experience, not to blame or beat up on myself,
and it makes getting back up that much easier.
Something not so easily done.
In short: My Doc told me that if he didn't start
me slowly on Topamax it would be like giving me
instant Alzheimer's,I lost my appetite & 17 lbs
in 9 weeks, I experienced depression but I was
free for the first time in several years of rapid
cycling, dysphoric hypomania and with the change
in meds I am functional and fairly happy and busy
working.
Know this is long, but I hope it helps and gives
hope where hope is needed, and answers some of the
questions about Topamax.
Good Luck
Kathryn1
Elizabeth, I do eat breakfast and take melatonin. I give insulin to my cat and he is as well-regulated as cats can be as far as the diabetes goes. But he is old and has kidney disease. I have to give him subcutaneous fluids every other day with a big needle, and that is very stressful to both of us because it hurts him.
>
> Ouch! I know how he feels (I had sub-Q heparin every morning when I was in the hospital a couple months ago). You must love each other very much.
>
> > I was told by a relative who works at a residential psychiatric facility that Topamax didn't work for the fat girls in treatment there. I guess it does work for some people like Karen, though, so I am going to try it.
>
> I think that carb cravings are a distinct phenomenon which most people experience at some point, and some people have a persistent problem with them. My guess would be that you are most likely to be helped by antiobesity treatments which generally help people lose weight gained as a result of carb cravings.
>
> Best wishes to you and your cat.
>
> -elizabeth
Posted by Lynne on June 5, 2001, at 8:46:19
In reply to Re:Topamax, posted by Montana50 on June 5, 2001, at 1:24:49
Kathryn and All,
Thanks for sharing your stories on Topamax. Is Topamax sedating or stimulating for most people? Is it taken am or pm? Can anyone compare it to Lamictal? I did like Lamictal but I looked like I had a bad sunburn on one side of my face so I quit taking it.
thanks,
Lynne
Posted by AMenz on June 5, 2001, at 11:29:07
In reply to Re:Topamax, posted by Montana50 on June 5, 2001, at 1:24:49
You're the first person here to mention hormone replacement and rapid cylcing.
Have you had an experience of the cycling increasing with hormone replacement (estrogen therapy)?
Did you experience menopause and have the cycling decrease but the depression increase?
I can't find anyone down here knowledgeable in the interaction of menopausal changes in hormone levels and rapid cycling.
I've been through a horrible two year period. Finally have had to take control over my medication myself. BTW are you on Topomax alone or as and adjunct to Lithium or Divalproex?
> > >To all those of you have questions about
> Topamax, I would like to share my experiences.
> First,I am a middle aged woman who has Bipolar II
> mixed with rapid cycling. I am unable to tolerate anti-
> depressants and for various reasons am unable to
> take the standard mood stablizers or any of the
> new atypical antipsychotics. The last 2 years of
> of my life have been hell and I've lost those years
> of my life. Bad docs and bad meds. Fortunately,
> this spring I found a good Doc and hospital. He
> started me on Topamax but at 50 mg increments/wk.
> I also was on 2mg. 2x/day Klonopin, 1mg x4/day
> Ativan, Catapres,Hormone replacement therapy,
> thyroid 3(levothyroxine),thyroid 4 (Cytomel),&
> Sonata for sleep. He also started me on 10 mg in
> a.m. of dexidrine and 7.5 mg at noon. The T-3,T-4,
> and dexidrine were to help with the depression but
> not to set off the rapid cycling or hypomania.
> As I increased my Topamax, on the 3rd day, I would
> get my "Topamax drunk", I staggered when I walked,
> my voice was slurred, and I was drowsy and slept
> for 14 hrs. However, the next day these sx would
> be almost all gone. In the meantime, my mood was
> stablizing, but it seemed like I couldn't feel any
> joy, or satisfaction. Life seemed very dreary.
> Finally, my husband insisted that I be rehospiti-
> lized. Oh by the way, during this time, I wasn't
> eating very much, very little appetite. When I got
> to the hospital, I was able to go through the last
> 2 steps of my Topamax increases. My Doc changed mu
> Dexidrine to 15 mg. spansules in the a.m. and 10mg
> at noon. This seemed to help. I was able to get
> stablized and be discharged in 8 days.
> I take 400 mg. Topamax & it really has changed my
> life. I know that different drugs work differently
> for each individual but all the drugs I take every
> day seem worth it because now " I am glad I am
> alive and am going to see tomorrow." I urge folks
> to ask questions, educate themselves, and if your
> health provider is not meeting your needs, check
> around to try and find one who will. With know-
> ledge I have empowered myself so that I keep
> learning how I can manage my life and not let my
> disease control it. So when I fall down, I see
> it just as a lesson,not a defeat, to learn from
> the experience, not to blame or beat up on myself,
> and it makes getting back up that much easier.
> Something not so easily done.
> In short: My Doc told me that if he didn't start
> me slowly on Topamax it would be like giving me
> instant Alzheimer's,I lost my appetite & 17 lbs
> in 9 weeks, I experienced depression but I was
> free for the first time in several years of rapid
> cycling, dysphoric hypomania and with the change
> in meds I am functional and fairly happy and busy
> working.
> Know this is long, but I hope it helps and gives
> hope where hope is needed, and answers some of the
> questions about Topamax.
> Good Luck
> Kathryn1
>
>
>
> Elizabeth, I do eat breakfast and take melatonin. I give insulin to my cat and he is as well-regulated as cats can be as far as the diabetes goes. But he is old and has kidney disease. I have to give him subcutaneous fluids every other day with a big needle, and that is very stressful to both of us because it hurts him.
> >
> > Ouch! I know how he feels (I had sub-Q heparin every morning when I was in the hospital a couple months ago). You must love each other very much.
> >
> > > I was told by a relative who works at a residential psychiatric facility that Topamax didn't work for the fat girls in treatment there. I guess it does work for some people like Karen, though, so I am going to try it.
> >
> > I think that carb cravings are a distinct phenomenon which most people experience at some point, and some people have a persistent problem with them. My guess would be that you are most likely to be helped by antiobesity treatments which generally help people lose weight gained as a result of carb cravings.
> >
> > Best wishes to you and your cat.
> >
> > -elizabeth
Posted by krissi on June 5, 2001, at 14:04:52
In reply to Re:Topamax, posted by Lynne on June 5, 2001, at 8:46:19
> Lynne
My doc has me taking 100 mg of the Topamax in the A.M. and 100 mg before bed. It is not sedating to me at all though. I do not feel any drowsiness from it. Although I had a little less energy than normal for awhile, it seems to be coming back now. The stomach "yucks" and lack of appetite have been the primary side effects for me. Hope this helps -
Krissi
Posted by roo on June 5, 2001, at 15:28:44
In reply to Re:Topamax, posted by krissi on June 5, 2001, at 14:04:52
How are people finding topomax for anxiety?
Posted by SalArmy4me on June 5, 2001, at 16:37:40
In reply to Re:Topamax, posted by Lynne on June 5, 2001, at 8:46:19
A patient I heard of was taking Topamax. At first, she got tired, confused, and the cycling speeded up! After two weeks though, the cycling ceased and she was generally euthymic.
Posted by KarenK on June 5, 2001, at 22:11:43
In reply to Re:Topamax-How is it for Anxiety?, posted by roo on June 5, 2001, at 15:28:44
> How are people finding topomax for anxiety?
It keeps me balanced for day to day anxiety but for life altering stuff it does nothing.
KarenK
Posted by krissi on June 6, 2001, at 9:39:31
In reply to Re: topamax, posted by Mitch on May 25, 2001, at 10:37:34
> Mitch -
Went to my pdoc yesterday and she did back me down on my Effexor from 300 mg to 225 daily. But she also increased the Topamax to 250 mg. As you know, I've been really nauseous, but I have also been experiencing high anxiety and she thinks maybe the high dose of the Effexor was causing that as well.
She also upped my Trazodone to 150 mg in the p.m. We'll see what happens. I'm starting to feel like a lab rat - ha, ha!
Thanks for the advice -
Krissi
Posted by Mitch on June 6, 2001, at 10:26:03
In reply to Re: topamax, posted by krissi on June 6, 2001, at 9:39:31
Hi, Krissi
Effexor did make me quite nauseous. I am a little surprised she tweaked all three things at once! Usually pdocs are very conservative with changes-she must be pretty confident and know you well.
good luck with your "reformulation"!
Mitch> > Mitch -
> Went to my pdoc yesterday and she did back me down on my Effexor from 300 mg to 225 daily. But she also increased the Topamax to 250 mg. As you know, I've been really nauseous, but I have also been experiencing high anxiety and she thinks maybe the high dose of the Effexor was causing that as well.
> She also upped my Trazodone to 150 mg in the p.m. We'll see what happens. I'm starting to feel like a lab rat - ha, ha!
> Thanks for the advice -
> Krissi
Posted by limey on June 6, 2001, at 15:04:32
In reply to To Karen and Elizabeth, posted by Made-up Name on June 4, 2001, at 8:25:11
To Made-Up-Name,
I just logged in and saw your initial entry sent a few days ago. I hope you are still reading this thread, because just yesterday my pdoc started me on Topamax. I have been on Paxil for 5 years for severe depression and panic disorder, and although it has done wonders for my emotional well-being - it has done nothing for my shape! Actaully, it has done something - added 70lbs. Finally, in desparation I asked my pdoc to put me on anything else!! So, two months ago I slowly stopped Paxil and slowly started Effexor (the emphasis being on SLOWLY) - now I feel terrific! Yesterday, he started me on Topamax to help me lose the weight. I will be building it up slowly - 25mg every night this week - 50mg the following week and so on, until in 4 weeks I reach 100 mg each night. We are going to continue at that strength and see if it helps. I know our weight comes from different reasons - but, hopefully, your doctor will put you on topamax and give it a try! Maybe, we'll both lose weight!! Good luck to you - let me know how you get on. - limey
Posted by Elizashae on June 6, 2001, at 19:01:46
In reply to Topamax and Obesity, posted by limey on June 6, 2001, at 15:04:32
I too have put on weight with all SSRI's. I am coming off of zoloft and adding serzone. On monday, my therapist will start me on topomax. After she read about, she said she wanted to go on it. LOL. I really hope it will work for me, extra weight just adds to my depression!! A closet full of clothes just hanging there that can't be worn:(
Heather~
Posted by Mitch on June 6, 2001, at 20:35:35
In reply to Re:Topamax-How is it for Anxiety?, posted by KarenK on June 5, 2001, at 22:11:43
KarenK,
I found it helped a lot for hypomania, and reduced anxiety in a way like Zoloft does (PTSD-wise). But it blunts your thinking like hell! I think that it may be a good thing for some folks at very low doses for certain problems. But personally I don't think I could take ANY of it on a long-term basis.
> > How are people finding topomax for anxiety?
>
> It keeps me balanced for day to day anxiety but for life altering stuff it does nothing.
>
> KarenK
Posted by limey on June 6, 2001, at 21:33:42
In reply to Re: Topamax and Obesity, posted by Elizashae on June 6, 2001, at 19:01:46
> I too have put on weight with all SSRI's. I am coming off of zoloft and adding serzone. On monday, my therapist will start me on topomax. After she read about, she said she wanted to go on it. LOL. I really hope it will work for me, extra weight just adds to my depression!! A closet full of clothes just hanging there that can't be worn:(
> Heather~
Let's hope it works for both of us - you're right, being over-weight just adds to your depression! Good luck! -limey
Posted by Montana50 on June 7, 2001, at 23:30:25
In reply to Re:Topamax, posted by Lynne on June 5, 2001, at 8:46:19
Lynne,
I take Topamax in the a.m. and p.m. and now that I am at my "target dose" 400mg/day I do not find it to be either sedating or stimulating. I find that it evens my mood.
During the period that my dosage was being titrated, I did have some drowsniness but that has passed. I cannot speak to other's experience.
I was on Lamictal for a year and because of the circumstances of a inexperienced psydoc who kept changing dosages and adding and taking away other meds, I was a mess.
I never did stabilize on Lamictal. So I cannot truly make an accurate comparision.
Good Luck,
Montana
> Kathryn and All,
>
> Thanks for sharing your stories on Topamax. Is Topamax sedating or stimulating for most people? Is it taken am or pm? Can anyone compare it to Lamictal? I did like Lamictal but I looked like I had a bad sunburn on one side of my face so I quit taking it.
>
> thanks,
> Lynne
Posted by Montana50 on June 8, 2001, at 0:18:23
In reply to Re:Topamax-rapid cylcing and hormone Madeup Name, posted by AMenz on June 5, 2001, at 11:29:07
>I'm sorry but I really don't have too much information re: menopause & rapid cycling. Because
I had a partial hysterectomy in my early 20's and did not begin any form of HRT until
beginning in my late 30's,and then it was off & on, until the .05mg patch (lowest dose) came out
in my 40's & I have stuck with it. However, in my research, I found various references
correlating menstrual cycles with rapid cycling as it seems to be more common in women.
Have you tried keeping a mood chart ? There is a very good one available from the National
Depression and Manic Depression Assn. (NDMDA) You can find them on the web.As to your next question: I cannot take either Lithium or Depakote because of side efx.
They have just started me on a a small dose of Neurontin in addition to all the other
drugs I mentioned in my 1st posting.
I am really sorry about the pain you have experienced over the last 2 years.
Hopefully, there are some others out there with your experience who are willing to share
any knowledge they might have.
Best wishes.
Kathryn
You're the first person here to mention hormone replacement and rapid cylcing.
>
> Have you had an experience of the cycling increasing with hormone replacement (estrogen therapy)?
>
> Did you experience menopause and have the cycling decrease but the depression increase?
>
> I can't find anyone down here knowledgeable in the interaction of menopausal changes in hormone levels and rapid cycling.
>
> I've been through a horrible two year period. Finally have had to take control over my medication myself. BTW are you on Topomax alone or as and adjunct to Lithium or Divalproex?
>
> > > >To all those of you have questions about
> > Topamax, I would like to share my experiences.
> > First,I am a middle aged woman who has Bipolar II
> > mixed with rapid cycling. I am unable to tolerate anti-
> > depressants and for various reasons am unable to
> > take the standard mood stablizers or any of the
> > new atypical antipsychotics. The last 2 years of
> > of my life have been hell and I've lost those years
> > of my life. Bad docs and bad meds. Fortunately,
> > this spring I found a good Doc and hospital. He
> > started me on Topamax but at 50 mg increments/wk.
> > I also was on 2mg. 2x/day Klonopin, 1mg x4/day
> > Ativan, Catapres,Hormone replacement therapy,
> > thyroid 3(levothyroxine),thyroid 4 (Cytomel),&
> > Sonata for sleep. He also started me on 10 mg in
> > a.m. of dexidrine and 7.5 mg at noon. The T-3,T-4,
> > and dexidrine were to help with the depression but
> > not to set off the rapid cycling or hypomania.
> > As I increased my Topamax, on the 3rd day, I would
> > get my "Topamax drunk", I staggered when I walked,
> > my voice was slurred, and I was drowsy and slept
> > for 14 hrs. However, the next day these sx would
> > be almost all gone. In the meantime, my mood was
> > stablizing, but it seemed like I couldn't feel any
> > joy, or satisfaction. Life seemed very dreary.
> > Finally, my husband insisted that I be rehospiti-
> > lized. Oh by the way, during this time, I wasn't
> > eating very much, very little appetite. When I got
> > to the hospital, I was able to go through the last
> > 2 steps of my Topamax increases. My Doc changed mu
> > Dexidrine to 15 mg. spansules in the a.m. and 10mg
> > at noon. This seemed to help. I was able to get
> > stablized and be discharged in 8 days.
> > I take 400 mg. Topamax & it really has changed my
> > life. I know that different drugs work differently
> > for each individual but all the drugs I take every
> > day seem worth it because now " I am glad I am
> > alive and am going to see tomorrow." I urge folks
> > to ask questions, educate themselves, and if your
> > health provider is not meeting your needs, check
> > around to try and find one who will. With know-
> > ledge I have empowered myself so that I keep
> > learning how I can manage my life and not let my
> > disease control it. So when I fall down, I see
> > it just as a lesson,not a defeat, to learn from
> > the experience, not to blame or beat up on myself,
> > and it makes getting back up that much easier.
> > Something not so easily done.
> > In short: My Doc told me that if he didn't start
> > me slowly on Topamax it would be like giving me
> > instant Alzheimer's,I lost my appetite & 17 lbs
> > in 9 weeks, I experienced depression but I was
> > free for the first time in several years of rapid
> > cycling, dysphoric hypomania and with the change
> > in meds I am functional and fairly happy and busy
> > working.
> > Know this is long, but I hope it helps and gives
> > hope where hope is needed, and answers some of the
> > questions about Topamax.
> > Good Luck
> > Kathryn1
> >
> >
> >
> > Elizabeth, I do eat breakfast and take melatonin. I give insulin to my cat and he is as well-regulated as cats can be as far as the diabetes goes. But he is old and has kidney disease. I have to give him subcutaneous fluids every other day with a big needle, and that is very stressful to both of us because it hurts him.
> > >
> > > Ouch! I know how he feels (I had sub-Q heparin every morning when I was in the hospital a couple months ago). You must love each other very much.
> > >
> > > > I was told by a relative who works at a residential psychiatric facility that Topamax didn't work for the fat girls in treatment there. I guess it does work for some people like Karen, though, so I am going to try it.
> > >
> > > I think that carb cravings are a distinct phenomenon which most people experience at some point, and some people have a persistent problem with them. My guess would be that you are most likely to be helped by antiobesity treatments which generally help people lose weight gained as a result of carb cravings.
> > >
> > > Best wishes to you and your cat.
> > >
> > > -elizabeth
Posted by Montana50 on June 8, 2001, at 0:48:17
In reply to Re:Topamax-rapid cylcing and hormone Madeup Name, posted by AMenz on June 5, 2001, at 11:29:07
>I'm sorry but I really don't have too much information re: menopause & rapid cycling. Because
I had a partial hysterectomy in my early 20's and did not begin any form of HRT until
beginning in my late 30's,and then it was off & on, until the .05mg patch (lowest dose) came out
in my 40's & I have stuck with it. However, in my research, I found various references
correlating menstrual cycles with rapid cycling as it seems to be more common in women.
Have you tried keeping a mood chart ? There is a very good one available from the National
Depression and Manic Depression Assn. (NDMDA) You can find them on the web.As to your next question: I cannot take either Lithium or Depakote because of side efx.
They have just started me on a a small dose of Neurontin in addition to all the other
drugs I mentioned in my 1st posting.
I am really sorry about the pain you have experienced over the last 2 years.
Hopefully, there are some others out there with your experience who are willing to share
any knowledge they might have.
Best wishes.
Kathryn
You're the first person here to mention hormone replacement and rapid cylcing.
>
> Have you had an experience of the cycling increasing with hormone replacement (estrogen therapy)?
>
> Did you experience menopause and have the cycling decrease but the depression increase?
>
> I can't find anyone down here knowledgeable in the interaction of menopausal changes in hormone levels and rapid cycling.
>
> I've been through a horrible two year period. Finally have had to take control over my medication myself. BTW are you on Topomax alone or as and adjunct to Lithium or Divalproex?
>
> > > >To all those of you have questions about
> > Topamax, I would like to share my experiences.
> > First,I am a middle aged woman who has Bipolar II
> > mixed with rapid cycling. I am unable to tolerate anti-
> > depressants and for various reasons am unable to
> > take the standard mood stablizers or any of the
> > new atypical antipsychotics. The last 2 years of
> > of my life have been hell and I've lost those years
> > of my life. Bad docs and bad meds. Fortunately,
> > this spring I found a good Doc and hospital. He
> > started me on Topamax but at 50 mg increments/wk.
> > I also was on 2mg. 2x/day Klonopin, 1mg x4/day
> > Ativan, Catapres,Hormone replacement therapy,
> > thyroid 3(levothyroxine),thyroid 4 (Cytomel),&
> > Sonata for sleep. He also started me on 10 mg in
> > a.m. of dexidrine and 7.5 mg at noon. The T-3,T-4,
> > and dexidrine were to help with the depression but
> > not to set off the rapid cycling or hypomania.
> > As I increased my Topamax, on the 3rd day, I would
> > get my "Topamax drunk", I staggered when I walked,
> > my voice was slurred, and I was drowsy and slept
> > for 14 hrs. However, the next day these sx would
> > be almost all gone. In the meantime, my mood was
> > stablizing, but it seemed like I couldn't feel any
> > joy, or satisfaction. Life seemed very dreary.
> > Finally, my husband insisted that I be rehospiti-
> > lized. Oh by the way, during this time, I wasn't
> > eating very much, very little appetite. When I got
> > to the hospital, I was able to go through the last
> > 2 steps of my Topamax increases. My Doc changed mu
> > Dexidrine to 15 mg. spansules in the a.m. and 10mg
> > at noon. This seemed to help. I was able to get
> > stablized and be discharged in 8 days.
> > I take 400 mg. Topamax & it really has changed my
> > life. I know that different drugs work differently
> > for each individual but all the drugs I take every
> > day seem worth it because now " I am glad I am
> > alive and am going to see tomorrow." I urge folks
> > to ask questions, educate themselves, and if your
> > health provider is not meeting your needs, check
> > around to try and find one who will. With know-
> > ledge I have empowered myself so that I keep
> > learning how I can manage my life and not let my
> > disease control it. So when I fall down, I see
> > it just as a lesson,not a defeat, to learn from
> > the experience, not to blame or beat up on myself,
> > and it makes getting back up that much easier.
> > Something not so easily done.
> > In short: My Doc told me that if he didn't start
> > me slowly on Topamax it would be like giving me
> > instant Alzheimer's,I lost my appetite & 17 lbs
> > in 9 weeks, I experienced depression but I was
> > free for the first time in several years of rapid
> > cycling, dysphoric hypomania and with the change
> > in meds I am functional and fairly happy and busy
> > working.
> > Know this is long, but I hope it helps and gives
> > hope where hope is needed, and answers some of the
> > questions about Topamax.
> > Good Luck
> > Kathryn1
> >
> >
> >
> > Elizabeth, I do eat breakfast and take melatonin. I give insulin to my cat and he is as well-regulated as cats can be as far as the diabetes goes. But he is old and has kidney disease. I have to give him subcutaneous fluids every other day with a big needle, and that is very stressful to both of us because it hurts him.
> > >
> > > Ouch! I know how he feels (I had sub-Q heparin every morning when I was in the hospital a couple months ago). You must love each other very much.
> > >
> > > > I was told by a relative who works at a residential psychiatric facility that Topamax didn't work for the fat girls in treatment there. I guess it does work for some people like Karen, though, so I am going to try it.
> > >
> > > I think that carb cravings are a distinct phenomenon which most people experience at some point, and some people have a persistent problem with them. My guess would be that you are most likely to be helped by antiobesity treatments which generally help people lose weight gained as a result of carb cravings.
> > >
> > > Best wishes to you and your cat.
> > >
> > > -elizabeth
Posted by krissi on June 8, 2001, at 8:50:40
In reply to Re: topamax » krissi, posted by Mitch on June 6, 2001, at 10:26:03
>Hi Mitch -
Day 3 of 250 mg of Topamax and I'm more nauseous than ever. As I've said before, I'm so happy with how my moods have stabilized on this med, but who wants to feel sick all the time? If you don't mind me asking, since you are bi-polar too and can't take Topamax, what are you taking now to stabilize your moods and to control hypomania?
Krissi
Posted by Montana50 on June 8, 2001, at 23:35:54
In reply to Re: topamax, posted by krissi on June 8, 2001, at 8:50:40
Krissi,
Have you tried sipping ginger tea for the nausea ? Use a standardized herb ginger tea, one reliable brand is Traditional Medicinals.
There are others. It was even listed on the printout from the pharmacy I rec'd with my Topamax.
Hope it helps.
Kathryn
> >Hi Mitch -
> Day 3 of 250 mg of Topamax and I'm more nauseous than ever. As I've said before, I'm so happy with how my moods have stabilized on this med, but who wants to feel sick all the time? If you don't mind me asking, since you are bi-polar too and can't take Topamax, what are you taking now to stabilize your moods and to control hypomania?
> Krissi
Posted by Cateb on June 9, 2001, at 6:01:56
In reply to Re: Topamax and Obesity, posted by Elizashae on June 6, 2001, at 19:01:46
Heather, noticed you were going off Zoloft onto Serzone: Because of weight gain? Can you tell me why? Thanks a lot.
cate.> I too have put on weight with all SSRI's. I am coming off of zoloft and adding serzone. On monday, my therapist will start me on topomax. After she read about, she said she wanted to go on it. LOL. I really hope it will work for me, extra weight just adds to my depression!! A closet full of clothes just hanging there that can't be worn:(
> Heather~
Posted by KarenK on June 9, 2001, at 9:04:10
In reply to Re: topamax » krissi, posted by Montana50 on June 8, 2001, at 23:35:54
> Krissi,
> Have you tried sipping ginger tea for the nausea ? Use a standardized herb ginger tea, one reliable brand is Traditional Medicinals.
> There are others. It was even listed on the printout from the pharmacy I rec'd with my Topamax.
> Hope it helps.
> KathrynIf you can get fresh ginger, it tastes better and works better. Just throw a palm full in water and boil it for about five minutes until it turns light yellow or smells like ginger whichever comes first. I add rice milk or regular milk and a little honey. It's very soothing and really helps your stomach.
KarenK
>
>
> > >Hi Mitch -
> > Day 3 of 250 mg of Topamax and I'm more nauseous than ever. As I've said before, I'm so happy with how my moods have stabilized on this med, but who wants to feel sick all the time? If you don't mind me asking, since you are bi-polar too and can't take Topamax, what are you taking now to stabilize your moods and to control hypomania?
> > Krissi
Posted by Carolyn S. K. on June 9, 2001, at 17:55:31
In reply to Re:Topamax-How is it for Anxiety?, posted by roo on June 5, 2001, at 15:28:44
> How are people finding topomax for anxiety?
roo:
I take 400 mgs Topamax (200 a.m. & p.m.) daily. It did not appear to do any thing at all for my anxiety. In fact, I was on Paxil 20 mgs. and due to increased anxiety - not sure what it was caused by - my doc increased my Paxil to 40 mgs. a day. I'm still at that dose to this day.
I never experienced any nausea over the months it took me to get to 400 mgs of Topamx but did experience a total lack of appetite for months. However, that has passed and I'm back to binging w/no purging in the late afternoons.
What kind of scares me about this medicine is that I've noticed that even a couple of hours delay in taking Topamax will cause me to start feeling spaced out and dizzy. If I miss a day, I start feeling very ill - head achy, disconnected, sweaty, and very dizzy. Very nasty. Be careful. Carolyn
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