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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Lady on February 21, 2003, at 10:35:18
In reply to Re: topomax immunity, posted by karmagirl on February 19, 2003, at 16:57:55
Thanks karmagirl for letting me know about your experience. I was on this before but don't seem to remember having any side effects. I am now having the flat soda taste, stomach cramps and hot flushes in my face...they seem to be an almost steady thing and I am still only on 25 mg. I go to 50 mg this weekend and am hoping that the side effects subside...I had weight loss last time I took this and am hoping for the same effect this time too. Hope everything keeps working for you!!
Lady
Posted by Honey Bunny on February 28, 2003, at 23:56:09
In reply to topomax, posted by Ellen Brodie on April 19, 1999, at 15:58:40
I am thrilled to have found a group of people who have all experienced the funny soda taste. I am up to 300mgs a day. The only weight loss that I experienced was in the first week when I dropped twelve pounds. After that, we thought the dose was too high, we cut it in half, and then I went through withdraw. I quickly developed a tolerance and needed to be raised weekly untill the past month. Now we are at a steady 300mgs a day.
I have been gaining weight for the past month. The impulsivity is less than before Topomax, but is still present. The only time it worked was when the side-effects were strong. I still have slight tingling in my fingers in the morning. But that's really it. I worry that there is really no hope for a binge eater like me. At least on the medication I am not eating to the painful and debilitatin gextreme that I was before I started the medication.
I am just so happy that I found a site where there are others who talk about this. And who would have thought that others have that funny soda taste and can smell the morning breath from a mile away. Also, if I am away from water for more than five minutes I feel lost in the desert. Please respond soon.
~Allison B.
Posted by Lady on March 1, 2003, at 0:33:26
In reply to Re: topomax, posted by Honey Bunny on February 28, 2003, at 23:56:09
Allison,
I am up to 50mg right now and am feeling pretty good. Soda just does not taste as good as it used to, but then I drank too much. As for eating, I have lost 4 lbs over the last 2 weeks..I seem to not eat as much junk as before. Have been having some hot flushes, but not much of anything else at this time. Hope things work out for you.
Lady :)
Posted by ROO on March 1, 2003, at 11:14:31
In reply to Re: topomax, posted by Lady on March 1, 2003, at 0:33:26
what sort of withdrawal did you experience when
you cut your dose down?
Posted by ljen on March 1, 2003, at 20:51:32
In reply to Re: topomax - not for me » nancy, posted by BarbaraCat on December 30, 2002, at 20:29:22
Hi.
Boy there sure are a lot of uses for this med, I'm finding. I'm a 14 year migrainer. Tried EVERYTHING. Married. Husband w/BPII, who just finally 'discovered' it 3 months ago. Four great kids. Work 2 part-time jobs - one at the school; one at the hospital.
Here's my thing: Started Topomax 2 wks ago at 25mg to prevent migraines. Also take 20mg Lexapro for anxiety. MD plans to move up to 100mg Topamax over 4 wks.
Week two I bumped up to 50mg and also got strep thoat. Started Augmentin 1000mg twice a day X10 days. That was four days ago. My immediate strep symptoms seem better, however now I've noticed that I'm having great difficulty catching my breath and breathing after going up and down stairs or any type of exertion. It's especially bad after showering. I also can't seem to get rid of my sinus stuffiness and chest congestion. The MD said to stop cold meds because they can cause these kinds of side-effects. He doesn't think it's the Topamax.
I wonder about this. I've taken cold meds before and never had these reactions. Has anyone every had these types of side-effects with Topamax? My initial response to Topamax was very good. I've lost 6 pounds, and I'm not that over weight. I went from 146 to 140 in 2 weeks. And the appetite suppression started almost immediately--well before the strep hit. I'm not over tired, but have a big lack of energy. I try to sleep, but cough A LOT. I usually end up sleeping upright in my recliner. I do have trouble getting to sleep.
Migraines were very well controlled at 25mg, but since moving up the dose they've returned, only more mild than before. Would splitting the dose into twice a day help?
I'd appreciate any ideas. Take care all.
Jen.
P.S. I don't have the funny taste with pop, but some foods, like gravy taste strange now. Guess that's probably a good thing, but I sure miss it! Also, beer is *really* awful tasting!
Posted by Honey Bunny on March 2, 2003, at 10:55:36
In reply to Topomax Migraines Anyone?, posted by ljen on March 1, 2003, at 20:51:32
Hey Jen, I absolutely know what you're talking about. My first couple of weeks I had difficulty walking up stairs. I couldn't run across the grocery store for an item I forgot (I forgot a lot of things when I first strted the Topomax). Since I started the meds, back in December, I haven't been able to do much cardio. ( I used to run about five times a week. Now I feel a lot healthier, but its hard to get back into the swing of things. I got sick, with a sore throat, like you in the beginning. It took about a month to shake it off. My psychiatrist told me it was going around and not to worry about it. Don't worry. It will go away. But I remember when I lost my breath. I was so worried about that. It does go away, give it time. Just tell your doctors about your symptoms. And remember, they're the experts.
~Allison
Posted by Honey Bunny on March 3, 2003, at 18:57:16
In reply to Re: topomax--Honey Bunny, posted by ROO on March 1, 2003, at 11:14:31
when I dropped down from 200mgs to 100mgs, there was a week when I was so dehydrated I could not go without water for more than one minute. I could not carry out a conversation without sipping water. I also had a hard time falling asleep. I would lie in bed for hours without being able to sleep. However, I would also wake up early, and not feel tired all day long. Ever since, I have been waking up early, and having the whole day to get things accomplished. Its actually been a blessing. We have since raised the meds from 100 to 300, and the withdrawal only lasted about on week. It wasn't that bad. If you have any more questions feel free to ask.
~Allison
Posted by karmagirl on March 4, 2003, at 11:00:56
In reply to withdrawal, posted by Honey Bunny on March 3, 2003, at 18:57:16
HELP!! I have a doctor's appt. tomorrow and I'm curious as to whether I should ask my doctor to increase my dosage from 100 MG to 150 MG or higher of Topomax. Are higher dosages more effective for weight loss? I've been on 100 MG for about 8 or 9 months and am wondering if it's become ineffective for my headaches as they are appear to be slowly returning. They are still not as frequent as before, but I am having them again. Any advice/info. is appreciated.
Karmagirl
Posted by Honey Bunny on March 4, 2003, at 22:00:48
In reply to RE: Increased dosage more effective in weight loss, posted by karmagirl on March 4, 2003, at 11:00:56
What you have to remember, and that my doctor keeps reminding me, is that Topomax is supposed to keep us from binge eating, and is not supposed to be a diet pill. I am up to 300mgs. I have built up such an immunity that I think I even need to go higher, because I have started bingeing frequently again. Are you bingeing, or do you just want to lose your appetite? You have to ask yourself these questions. The answer lies in you as far as losing weight. I went on topomax because I was having painful side-effects of bingeing, and I wasn't even that over-weight, because it was counter-acted with periods of abstinence. There is only so much you can raise your medication. Write back soon.
Posted by karmagirl on March 5, 2003, at 12:20:18
In reply to RE: Increased dosage more effective in weight loss, posted by Honey Bunny on March 4, 2003, at 22:00:48
Thanks Honey Bunny! Saw my doc this morning and you sound like her!! (LOL) I gained 2 lbs. in 2 weeks and blew my stack...I KNOW it's not the end of the world but it was a small setback as I've done pretty good. I've been doing Weight Watchers and I know that the Topomax has helped me with the binging because I've been able to maintain pretty steadily since I started in June. But in those 2 weeks that I gained, and even now, I seem to have lost a grip on my eating. I've been at 100 MG since June and am wondering if maybe I've become immune to the weight loss side effect.(?) Even my headaches seem to have returned gradually but certainly not with the frequency or the intensity that I had them prior to the Topomax. I've still got a LONGGGGGGG way to go with the weight loss (299 lbs.) but that's 66 lbs. lighter than when I started so I can appreciate where I've come from. Certainly those 2 lbs. won't have me jumping off any bridges, especially when I KNOW my eating has NOT been good, but I don't want to stray off track and wind up BACK where I was. I feel like a newly released inmate about to re-offend but I can't stop myself from committing the crime. Any advice/input is welcome. At this stage of the game, I'm wide open. Thanks all!!
Karmagirl
Posted by Madge on March 5, 2003, at 18:04:08
In reply to RE: Increased dosage more effective in weight loss, posted by karmagirl on March 5, 2003, at 12:20:18
Hi karmagirl,
Wow it sounds like you have made great strides in terms of your health and self care. I am really impressed. You go girl!!! I have discontinued the Topamax, because unfortunately it didn't work for me, however, my Pdoc said that the magic number for weight loss for most people is around 150mg. Topamax does promote weight loss, but it isn't "called" a weight loss medication because there are potentially alot of side effects. It was discovered accidently that it promotes weight loss by people who were taking it in conjunction with Anti depresse\ants who had gained alot of weight, and once they started taking the Topamax they lost the weight. Have you tried Phentermine for weight loss? I don't know if that is something you can take with your other meds, but that is a weight loss med. It is the non implicated part of Phen fen and increases dopamine so it acts like an amphetimine. It curbs your appetite big time, and is used for those who want to lose a fair amount of weight. I tried it also to lose the weight from Remeron, but it didn't work either. Damn, because I sure am motivated too.
Good luck to you.
Madge
Posted by karmagirl on March 6, 2003, at 13:01:19
In reply to RE: Increased dosage more effective in weight loss, posted by Madge on March 5, 2003, at 18:04:08
Hi Madge!! DON'T GIVE UP GIRLFRIEND!! That motivation alone is the victory. The fact that we have the desire to do, live and feel better is a victory within itself. I saw my GP doc yesterday and she said she would put a call in to my neurologist to get her opinion about increasing the dosage. My GP said she didn't know enough about it to say if a higher dosage was more effective or not. As much as I appreciate honesty, I wanted to ring her 120 lb. neck for not knowing on the spot. (LOL) My saving grace was the fact that at least she's FAT right now because she's pregnant. HA HA HA!~! May sound cruel, but I hope her ankles swell up like the damn KLUMPS!!!! WHEW! Glad to get that off my chest. And yes, I'm kidding!! (sort of...) :=) I really had hoped that she'd just up the dosage and let me be on my merry way but I can't blame her for wanting to get a 2nd opinion and somewhere deep, I mean REALLY deep, down inside, I appreciate that. She said she'd call me after she caught up with my other doc and let me know. The motivation that we feel even without meds should be enough to drive us off of couches and into the streets and at least take a walk, a jog or SOMETHING to get us a little closer to the goals in our hearts. All I know is that I don't ever want to see 3 ANYTHING on the scale again and I'm willing to do whatever it takes to stay away. Two lbs. scared the crap out of me and that's a GOOD thing. The first time I bought anything exercisey, (yes-exercisey is a word, I just made it up) I almost cried. I went in Target and bought a workout tape and a pair of 3 lb. weights. I was at the checkout line and the realization hit me, OMG, you are REALLY going to lose this weight and change your life. CHANGE YOUR LIFE. CHANGE YOUR LIFE. It was like it echoed in my soul. It was empowering because I never knew I had any control over my own life. Strange huh....But at that moment, in the checkout line in Target, I knew I was in control of something in my life. My own well being, my health. Damn it felt good. I don't have the answers. I'm going to continue to seek God's face and walk this thing out. It won't be easy but the reward is great. Discipline in one area brings on discipline in another. Keep ya head up Chickie....I may be overweight but I'm also an OVERCOMER and so are you!!!
karmagirl
Posted by Davina on March 15, 2003, at 19:42:48
In reply to Re: topamax, posted by katie on April 26, 1999, at 13:16:19
Hi. I know I am cutting in here, but I am new. I am bipolar and have a new doc. He is trying to get me to do the risperdal/remeron/topomax combo thing, but all together at first was too much for me physically to take. (Although the risperdal WAS effective in making the chaos in my head turn off so I could at least have some peace!) Now, I am babying myself back onto them one by one, trying to figure out which one is causing which side-effects. I believe the topomax is raising my blood pressure -or at least making it seriously feel like it!- and I get a little shaky and dizzy at times. Also, I am experiencing extreme dry-mouth, nasty tasting sodas, and I am wondering what is so wonderful about it? Is it worth sticking it out? Do these things go away? I have so many questions, I will try to tackle only a few at a time here... please forgive me! But, for years I have been searching for my miracle drug, and so far I haven't found it. Lately I have just been taking prozac alone, which probably explains why I am going through such severe episodes these past few months. I've been on Lithium, buspar, depakote, blah, blah, blah... I have put on the weight, my hair has fallen out (no- not all, but plenty!)... and I am scared. I can't support myself. I have lost my medical insurance because I left a good paying job. And I am wondering... where is the help? How do you survive??? Anyway- I am glad to have found this site so maybe I can actually get feedback from people who really DO know what I am talking about... and what it feels like. I am sorry if this is not the right forum for this... if I have grossly mis-spoken here, would someone kindly direct me to the appropriate place? Thank you... and God Bless.
Posted by Ajah on March 16, 2003, at 4:18:32
In reply to Re: topomax immunity » karmagirl, posted by Lady on February 21, 2003, at 10:35:18
I have been on Topamax for a year now for migraines. Make no mistake. It is a serious med with serious side effects. I am currently on 50-100 mg/twice a day. The dose varies according to my time of month. Side effects get worse with increasing doses. I lost 40 pounds in my first 2 months on the drug, but then adjusted to it. The mental "dulling" is okay at the 50 mg. dose, but words don't "come out" right when I take my 100mg dose. I can still think, but I just seem a second slower than usual. Lets not forget numbness/tingling of the extremities, and a vague light-headed feeling, as if one has had a bit too much to drink. Cokes taste like cough syrup to me. Orange juice is even too strong for my taste.
Despite all this, I love Topamax. It prevents my migraines that occur 4-6 times/week otherwise. I did wean myself off the drug for a while last Fall. Waited two weeks before trying a carbonated drink--it was almost an orgasmic experience, it tasted so good.
Since Topamax is an anti-seizure drug, I am not sure about its effects as a mood stabilizer or enhancer. I know it is great for migraines. I would not use it just for weight loss because of all the side effects. And, to be honest, I would not be using it for my migraines if I could find anything that worked half as well. I adjust to the effects, and take other drugs for my depression.
C
Posted by davina on March 16, 2003, at 9:55:16
In reply to Re: joining the topamax club, posted by Madge on February 17, 2003, at 11:12:47
> I was perscribed Topamax to counteract the weight gain (12lbs) from Remeron. >
Hi, Madge... I am just new to this group and noticed that you are taking Remeron with Topomax. My doc has prescribed the same for me, but also with Risperdal. Taking all three at once to start was not good... my heart raced, my blood pressure went up, I got dizzy, and extremely fluish. So, we reduced the dosages, but I still had a little trouble with my heart rate and it seems my blood pressure. The heart rate is attributed to the Risperdal, so I am temporarily not taking that one. And, I am trying to figure out which of the Topomax or the Remeron is causing the hypertension. Have you had any of this type of experience early on in your treatment? Or know of anyone who has? I think these may be the right meds for me, if I can just get past this particular side effect! I did notice the soda thing right away! I am glad to finally figure out what the problem is... I thought I just kept getting bad bottles... =)
Any advice on the combo of the two meds would be very helpful indeed... thanks!
Posted by Smallchange on March 21, 2003, at 1:07:50
In reply to joining the topamax club, posted by babs on February 13, 2003, at 19:29:59
I am taking Topamax for bi-polar disorder and severe restless leg syndrome. I have been on everything under the sun. I gained 55 pounds during the Depakote years and so I am trying Topamax to try and shed a little of that. Topamax rules as far as relieving the symptoms of restless leg syndrome. I have never had anything that came close to working as well as this.
As far as feeling dull, I have recently been on Klonipin and Gabitril and I feel really DENSE! Kinda in a fog. So that hasn't really changed for me. Maybe I am doing a little better.
I can't drink soda due to a recent fusion surgery and so I drink about 60 ounces of water and 20 ounces of Gatorade daily and I have no problem with the way they taste. I try to drink lots of water because they say that the Topamax can cause kidney stones. I figure I'll flush whatever is in there out before it gets big enough to hurt. LOL
Posted by Podwoman on March 21, 2003, at 6:41:28
In reply to Re: joining the topamax club, posted by Smallchange on March 21, 2003, at 1:07:50
Hi Folks, haven't been here in a while... I've been seeing my doc bi-monthly. I have been on 200 mgs p.m. for 6 weeks and lost 10 lbs and now Doc wants to get me up to 200 mgs in the a.m. + 200 p.m. *whoa* So I balked a bit at the potential side effects parade and he gave me a script for 100 mgs [I am now armed w/those + 25 mgs too] and he told me "do what's comfortable w/ the goal in mind". So I started yesterday...and ate very little due to minimal appetite.
Here's the thing that cracks me up, and I asked him [I'm wondering if anyone else is experiencing this].... There are lots of times when I am feeling really hungry ---nay, STARVING--- and I wander around the kitchen poking and looking and opening and closing cabinets and drawers looking at PLENTY of choices but ultimately (more times than not) choose NOTHING. He says if I was in a supermarket with ALL the choices availanle to me I would find something and probably binge on it.... I'm not sure about that. This medicine has made it hard for me to binge any more.
Anyone having any of these same reactions?
Prayers to all you w/friends & loved ones in the Service...I have a 19 yr. old nephew in the 101st Airborne over in Kuwait.
Podwoman
Posted by mair on March 22, 2003, at 8:49:24
In reply to Re: increasing Topamax script, posted by Podwoman on March 21, 2003, at 6:41:28
I started taking amitriptyline last summer and over the course of 4 or 5 months gained around 18 pounds which I have been unable to lose. I haven't been happy about it and it's been a real disincentive to increasing that AD when maybe an increase was called for.
During one session this fall my pdoc told me about topomax and after getting particularly disgusted with myself one day I asked her to put me on it. Now I'm really wondering whether it's indicated for me at all and whether she's really just humoring me. I'm pretty tall and the 18 lb gain isn't overwelmingly noticeable to alot of people because I was too light to begin with in the estimation of some. I feel weighted down now and most of my clothes (even new ones bought this fall to accommodate some extra weight) are uncomfortable. Binge eating has never been a problem, although during the period when I was gaining weight my apetite was definitely greater and I was eating more and eating more heavy calorie stuff (sweets which I didn't used to really care about). On the other hand the prescription she gave me is only for 50 mgs, which, from what I've read in this thread, maybe couldn't possibly do anything.
So what do you think is up? I've been at this dose for at least 2 weeks and while I haven't gained weight I certainly haven't lost any either. Mostly the topomax has just given me heartburn and constipation and made me feel pretty washed up. Should I just keep trying to increase this or is this drug really not indicated for me anyway since I'm not a binge eater? Is it possible that this dosage could be effective for me but I just haven't been taking it long enough?
Mair
Posted by Podwoman on March 22, 2003, at 18:45:31
In reply to Question about who benefits from topomax, posted by mair on March 22, 2003, at 8:49:24
You know, I have found that everyone is sensative to different amts of Topamax. I know someone who just began using it at a low dosage of 50 mgs per day and eats less and drinks more water and craves less sugar already after a week. So, who knows. Every little things helps, right? I mean, if Topamax prevents us from taking a bite of something, and eventually that means we have eaten 3500 calories less than we would have without it, then, there's a pound off. It works for me.
We went out to dinner tonight and I had a hard time ordering any food. I'm just not hungry. My whole family had ordered and I had the waiter come back for mine. I ended up getting a grilled veggie sandwich w/side salad & a water. I ate it without appetite but enjoyed it. I think it's the first real meal I've had in a while. I tend to pick. Now I feel bloated, but I'll get over it. Does any one else have this happen? I think my husband was shocked to see me actually eat a meal. Like I said...It's been like a month since I've eaten a whole balanced meal in one sitting. I'm a grazer.
When you say you're "pretty tall", what do you mean? I'm 5'10" and 219 lbs....[11 down, many to go] That's what I call "pretty tall" and 18 lbs over weight would be nice. Right now I need to lose at least 40.
So, I'm rambling, which is my signal to sign off. LOL :) Peace to all,
--Podwoman
Posted by dawningmist on March 26, 2003, at 20:53:40
In reply to Re: Question about who benefits from topomax, posted by Podwoman on March 22, 2003, at 18:45:31
Hi I was wondering if anyone knew anything about taking the birth control with the topamax, Im having a hard time finding one that doesnt interact, please help!
Misty
Posted by Podwoman on March 27, 2003, at 7:10:27
In reply to Re: Question about who benefits from topomax, posted by dawningmist on March 26, 2003, at 20:53:40
Posted by epcake on March 29, 2003, at 17:31:52
In reply to Re: Question about who benefits from topomax (nm), posted by Podwoman on March 27, 2003, at 7:10:27
I've been on Zoloft for a few years now (was on Welbutrin, lost about 40 lbs before the antidepressive effects evaporated, and I switched to Zoloft, which is when the 40+ lbs. came back full force). Recently my shrink prescribed Topamax to help counteract the weight-retaining effects of Zoloft. She's suggested 25-50mg, 1-2 times a day (30-45 minutes before lunch and/or dinner). My question is: what's generally the most effective way of taking it? Does it matter if you take it before a meal, or should it stay in your system long enough that the appetite suppressing effects linger even if you were to only take it, say, before going to bed?
Thanks very much for any insights!
Posted by SpreadDaALoha on March 29, 2003, at 21:27:26
In reply to new to topamax, question about dosage, posted by epcake on March 29, 2003, at 17:31:52
Hi. I can't remember how much Topamax I took. I only took it for a month maybe...always at night. I quit taking it because it made me sluggish and also made me feel rather sad in a way. But I definitely lost my appetite. I would not eat and not even realize it. I lost quite a bit of weight. I'm not sure how much, but people I haven't seen in a few months would always say "wow, you have lost weight." Anyway I quit it for the sluggishness, but I think it has jumpstarted my metabolism, even though I have stopped taking it...
Posted by Madge on March 30, 2003, at 10:27:46
In reply to new to topamax, question about dosage, posted by epcake on March 29, 2003, at 17:31:52
25-50mg of Topamax sounds like a very odd way of perscribing the med. This med needs to be introduced very slowly ie 25mg to start for a week, then 50mg then 75 then 100 a day because of the side effects. This is an antiseizure med, that is also used as a mood stabilizer, and to prevent migraines for people who suffer from them. It was discovered accidentally that topamax helped SOME people on AD's lose weight, but not everyone. The magic dosage for wieght loss is around 150mg. It may be less for you. You have to build slowly on the dosage because there are cognitive side effects ie it feels like your brain works slower. I was on it to try to lose weight being on Remeron. It didn't work for me. I was able to tolerate the cognitive side effects, but I did feel like it was harder to remember words sometimes. The drug also is very dehydrating and can cause urinary tract infections. It's really important to stay hydrated, and take vitamin C to keep your Eurethra at a PH level that inhibits the UTI. I was getting UTI's every other week. That part was awful. And since I didn't lose the weight, I stopped the Topamax.
I am now off the Remeron, and trying Wellbutrin. I like the drug, but it seems to give me terrible vaginitis. Did that happen to you?
Posted by justyourlaugh on March 30, 2003, at 15:38:44
In reply to Re: new to topamax, question about dosage, posted by Madge on March 30, 2003, at 10:27:46
i started slow...was up to 100 by the end of a month(was on wellbutrin aswell)
didnt even notice it was making me totally delusional...by the end of it i couldnt even hold simple conversations...
i thought everything was fine,,,my husband is the one that stopped the med...
i was not aware that one "might"have this kind of side effect..
i was only told to drink lots of juice...
jyl
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