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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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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
Posted by Podwoman on March 30, 2003, at 17:23:07
In reply to new to topamax, question about dosage, posted by epcake on March 29, 2003, at 17:31:52
As far as I know, there is no magic timing re: meals. All I know is 200mg max at bed, then if you are taking more, you add it in the a.m.
It doesnt make me sleepy at all. I wonder why. Things that make you go hmmmm... LOL ! Karmagirl, you there?! Anyway, I'm on 400mg daily now, and have worked up to it sloooooooowly. I'm clinically obese, have once contracted gestational diabetes and have high blood pressure...am a gasget ready to blow, I guess. I have lost 12 pounds, with minimum 40 to go. I'm rarely hungry. And usually my eyes are bugger than my stomache.... I wish! LOL
Topamax totally killed my desire/totlerance for oily foods, sugary stuff, gave me a thirst like nothing I've expirienced before, turned me off to complex foods with breading, fried batters, etc. Sodas and carbonated drinks used to taste flat when I was on low doses of the Topo but now they taste downright funky. I usually drink water, Poweraid, or CrystalLight. Better for me anyway.
So, the side effects I live with at this dosage are occassional tingling/numbness in my fingers & feet. It used to bother me a lot, now it's fleeting and best described as annoying. When it comes on it only lasts a few minutes. Often I hear about constipation---I DO NOT have this promblem. I am as regular as a Swiss watch. Must be all the water. I have not had a single migraine (& I was a sufferer). I used to take AD and probably should now....I get a bit bitchy still and I refuse to take them (I balooned up on them). As far as "cognitive dullness" goes...Yea, I had some of that...It was fun at parties...Just kidding! LOL I felt pretty dumb for a while but it wore off. It all wears off....The side effects I mean.
--Podwoman
Posted by dawningmist on March 30, 2003, at 19:22:36
In reply to Re: new to topamax, question about dosage, posted by Madge on March 30, 2003, at 10:27:46
Is anyone taking Topamax with Birth Control, I've looked everywhere online to see if anything is safe with it, and so far nothing is... any help?
And everyone out there how long have you been on it to tell if you had lost any pounds?
Posted by Podwoman on March 31, 2003, at 9:39:55
In reply to Re: new to topamax, question about dosage, posted by dawningmist on March 30, 2003, at 19:22:36
RE: birth control pills...My tubes are tied, sorry. I'm no help there... RE: how long on Topamax before weight loss? Give it 3-4 weeks. Be patient. It didnt go on overnight...am I right?
--Podwoman
Posted by karmagirl on March 31, 2003, at 10:00:12
In reply to Re: new to topamax, question about dosage, posted by Podwoman on March 31, 2003, at 9:39:55
PODWOMAN YOU ROCK!!!!!!!! Well, I've gotten the go ahead to go up to 200 MG, increasing gradually 25 MG at a time up from 100 MG that I've been on since June. Why such a high dosage Pwoman?? 400 MG? WOW!! Then again, in my mind all I keep thinking is that's 4 TIMES as much as me...LOL! Yes, again the world is measured by the great karm-o-meter!! But, anyhoo, whatever you think is best. Good luck to everyone battling with the bulge. I'm living proof, here 68 lbs. lighter, that you can win!!!
Karmagirl
Posted by SpreadDaALoha on April 1, 2003, at 7:06:23
In reply to Re: new to topamax, question about dosage, posted by karmagirl on March 31, 2003, at 10:00:12
I wanted to update my other posting. I took a REALLY small dose of Topamax (not even close to target dose for anything). And I lost my appetite and weight. Again, I quit because I felt sluggish and weepy. But it curbed my irritability significantly as well. I think people will find this a good drug for mania. I can't see it helping regular depression, but for some people it does I guess! Funny how drugs do totally different things to people :)
Posted by dawningmist on April 1, 2003, at 20:49:20
In reply to Re: new to topamax, question about dosage, posted by SpreadDaALoha on April 1, 2003, at 7:06:23
If you'll do not mind, how much do you'll weigh and how much dosage were you'll at when you'll noticed losing any weight? If I get no reply I'll understand....
Posted by Robs2222 on April 1, 2003, at 22:00:56
In reply to Re: Question about who benefits from topomax, posted by dawningmist on March 26, 2003, at 20:53:40
Hi, I am glad to have found your group. I am a grad student put on Paxil CR 7 months ago. I have gained 25-30 pounds in 3 months, and since I have never had a weight prob before (125-130) I am freaking! My doc wants to put me on topomax just for the weight thing. I am only on 12.5 mg of Paxil a day, he wants me to do 25 mg of topomax. I am wondering if it is worth it. I can't be dull, I am afraid of side effects...but I HATE being fat! I don't like being on meds at all, but so far the Paxil seems like it is doing IT's job, just also making me fat. What do ya'll think? Will 25 mg of topomax work and be worth any side effects?
Posted by Podwoman on April 1, 2003, at 22:33:10
In reply to Re: new to topamax, question about dosage, posted by dawningmist on April 1, 2003, at 20:49:20
Not at all... I weigh currently 218 and I was at 150mgs was I really started losing about 1.5 lbs per week steadily, which is still true today. I have been on Topamax since Feb 7th and have lost 12 lbs.
--Podwoman.
Posted by Madge on April 2, 2003, at 10:12:35
In reply to should I try topomax with Paxil?, posted by Robs2222 on April 1, 2003, at 22:00:56
There is no reason why you can't take Topamax with Paxil. For SOME people, Topamax helps them lose wieght on AD's. It didn't work for me,but for some it does. 25mg is a very small amount of Topamax. The magic dose for weight loss is around 150mg. You must titrate up very slowly so you avoid the cognitive side effects. I would also want to know if you are watching your diet and exercising? I was able to lose weight on Paxil, without any med,but I wasn't on Remeron. Some people can't lose weight on Paxil without help. One other suggestion,if you don't want to try Topamax first because of the side effects, ask your doctor about Phentermine. It is the non-implicated part of Phen phen. It is a dopamine agonist, and acts like an amphetimine but isn't. That may be a better place to start, and if that doesn't work, try the Topamax. You'll see almost immediately if the Phentermine is going to work. With Topamax it takes a long titration and there is some cognitive dulling.
Posted by FloridaOT on April 3, 2003, at 16:47:16
In reply to should I try topomax with Paxil?, posted by Robs2222 on April 1, 2003, at 22:00:56
Hi all! I've been taking Topomax for 3 months now, with Wellbutrin and Prozac. Taking the Topamax strictly for weightloss. 3 weeks ago my physician upped my dosage again, from 100mg to 150. I had asked if this would be OK, after reading several of the posts which read "150 was the magic number for weightloss." Since upping the dosage 3 weeks ago I'm 8 pounds down :) From 235lbs to 227lbs. This has also included adding exercise into my daily routine, and eatting healthy. I'm definately having to make lifestyle changes, but the Topomax makes it so much easier. For me, Topomax takes away the cravings for food, or at least diminishes them. I have to remind myself to eat! And, for this big girl that's just unheard of :)
As far as side effects go, the only one I have, is tingling in the extremities from time to time. Not really a big deal, just a nusiance.
Good luck everyone~ FloridaOT
Posted by Lori V on April 4, 2003, at 10:51:35
In reply to Re: topamax, posted by kady on June 2, 2000, at 13:24:38
> From prior postings here I found the majority of people lose weight while on Topomax. What I have just read in this long thread though makes me ponder. I am seeing a neurologist after suffering from migraines for the past 7 years. The GYN nor the Pri Care seemed to be able to take care of the problem. I am now in the stages of trying out different migraine meds to see if any work or react badly. Last follow up the neuro mentioned this Topomax. He is prescribing it to some with migraines. Why would this be? Also, I am reading much to do with bi polar, depression, and this Dr advised me this was a new drug to treat seizures. I know it all happens in the brain and sometimes chemically, I am just trying to put together why this is prescribed for so many different things. Anyone have any knowledge on this? By the way, the weight loss thing, this Dr states his most hopeless migraine case is a woman who just recently underwent some gastro surgery to help her lose weight. Since on Topomax, she is losing weight for the first time in her life! And the migraines are treated. I too am curious as to what Nancy's reply will be on why her Dr will not prescibe it anymore. I am trying to find out as much as I can on this drug before taking it. My husband is on Dilantin after surgery for an AVM and I noticed much mental slowdown with him. He has been on it for 3 years now and is just starting to think quicker and more clearly. I wonder if all seizure realated meds have this "dulling" effect? Thanks
Hi, Kady You and I have a couple of things in common. First, I have a 20 year history of migraines. I have recently been prescribed Topomax in hopes of helping these. Like you, I am on this site (and the web) educating myself to see the specific logic in the use of this drug. I also happen to be bi-polar, and over-weight -- so, I certainly will give it a try. (In addition, my husband had an AVM years ago and takes Dilantin daily.) What I find interesting about this medication is the wide range of diagnosis for which it is prescribed. My daughter has been on Topomax for her severe IBS. I will certainly be educating myself on this.
Posted by Bianca on April 5, 2003, at 18:52:05
In reply to new to topamax, question about dosage, posted by epcake on March 29, 2003, at 17:31:52
Hi, This is my first post here. I started Topomax a month ago at 25 mg. upping 25 mg per week per my pdoc inst. She said it has little to do to help regulate my mood but might help me with anxiety which i was struggling with at the time. I requested it for weight. i am on 1800 mg of Lithium and on and off of wellbutrin for bipolar. I was on a crazy cock tail over the winter and fall for rapid mixed cycling. I gained 25 pounds quickly and am hoping to take off the weight as quickly but I know that it never comes off as quick as it goes on (sigh) I am experiencing the tingling in the face and extremeties and am relieved to read others experiencing the same effects here from the Topomax. Its no fun to have to have the side effects but it is somewhat of a relief to be able to read others have them too. Something about comraderie makes uncomfortable things more endurable. Thanks for sharing!!
Posted by Podwoman on April 6, 2003, at 11:23:18
In reply to Re: new to topamax, question about dosage, posted by Bianca on April 5, 2003, at 18:52:05
Welcome, Bianca!
We're all just muddling through.... I just had my bi-monthly appt on Friday w/my doc to evaluate my Topamax script which he decided is at a "good" level (200mg a.m./200mg p.m.)and the really good news (he all but did a jig, folks)is I'm down 15 lbs! That's since Feb 7th... For ME that's a miracle...That's the first confirmed weight loss in 10 years! Holy smokes....No one else has yet to notice or said anything (I wonder how many pounds THAT will take)but my doc said my face is noticably tighter. YEA! I see that myself, but, you never know if others do, you know?Anyhoo, welcome Bianca...ask all yor questions, read the postings...there's lots of terrific stuff here.
--Podwoman
Posted by Lexxey on April 6, 2003, at 22:28:57
In reply to My Topomax update, posted by FloridaOT on April 3, 2003, at 16:47:16
If it helps any, I took 100mg a day for 6 months and lost 38 pounds that I have kept off. I really tried hard and mostly ate slimfast bars. I still have 20 more to go but I just lost too much hair and I wanted to get it out of my system and go back to it someday.
It seemed to have lost it's effect and I didn't want to increase it anymore because it made me clumsy, fearful and I lost my sense of direction and wasn't comfortable driving. It all came back when I stopped it and I'm ok now.
It helped me not crave the bad stuff and all the healthy stuff tasted great like meat and veggies and fruit. I wish I stull felt that way but if I keep biting the bullet I will keep it off.
Posted by Podwoman on April 7, 2003, at 6:55:07
In reply to Re: My Topomax update, posted by Lexxey on April 6, 2003, at 22:28:57
No offense, Friend, but is living on SlimFast bars while losing your hair any way to live?
You say you tried really hard....to do what, exactly? stay away from real food? Why were you put on Topamax in the first place? You mentioned preffered taste toward fresh fruit etc...The very thought of a SlimFast bar in my mouth turns me off...too sweet, too artificial, too oily...etc. While I congradulate you on your weightloss successes, I question your reasons for being on the Topamax. It is a serious and dangerous mediacation not to be tampered with. I have 2 conditions which are being treated as are the majority of the posters here. BE CAREFUL!
Sorry if I sound harsh to you but you're scaring me, honey!
Anyone out there who can maybe be supportive and a bit less blunt (or I-dont-know-what) should rush right in here!!! LOL I don't mean to be... I tend to speak my heart.
----Podwoman
Posted by Lexxey on April 7, 2003, at 11:59:57
In reply to Re: My Topomax update » Lexxey, posted by Podwoman on April 7, 2003, at 6:55:07
I don't mind you bluntness one bit. My post was brief and I can elaborate.
I had such problems losing weight...slow metabolism and I have tried all my life, at one time or another, responsibly. I'm not casual about making health decisions at all. I read compulsively on health matters and that's how I found this forum!!
I'm ADHD and pretty hyper and my doc thought the topamax might help along with weight loss and he warned me of the side effects and I took a whole month to decide before trying it while reading up on it....so that was a reasonable way to do it. I also had trouble with ocular migraines.
It did help me with losing weight but I was calmed too much. I am a potter and I could only do basic pots and not the more elaborate ones at much proficiency. Just felt too spacey. I got used to the effects ok and I only lost some hair...enuf to feel uncomfortable...actually it was like when I went off hormones for several months before deciding to go ahead and take them again.
I may try Topamax again to lose more. My doc is cooperative with that. He is a psychaiatrist who is ADHD himself and had had several patients and associates who had had success with it..
I am on strattera now and waiting for it to click in...takes a while.
I read about everything I could on topamax and was on a forum of users so I was not unenlightened.
I'm actually glad you questioned me cuz I am highly opinioned myself that folks should never take any med unaware, especially since we have so much info accessable on the net.
I wish I could go off all meds but life would be tougher. I just take lowest dose of Premarin and a drug for a minor heart rhythm thing. I do take lots of supplements and exercise and have for over 30 years and am in good shape for someone 59 even with the extra 20 pounds....it's the cursed heredity thing....
If you are interested you can see my stuff at
http://flummoxed.org/lexxey/index.htm
but this is in no way spam cuz I never sell over the net. Just an intro!
Posted by maaron71 on April 8, 2003, at 13:00:04
In reply to Re: topomax immunity, posted by Ajah on March 16, 2003, at 4:18:32
I appreciated your post. I have been taking Topomax for 4 months or so and finally gave up on it. It was for seizures, mood, and weight. I could not handle the side effect of my tingling feet, hands, and face. My tongue would even tingle and my eye twitched as if I were a monster. I also had a lot of pressure on my right retina from it and saw all kinds of lovely lights. I have a cyst in my brain in that location so I'm sure that's not typical for everyone. I never lost weight on my 100mg.
Has anyone else been tempted to give up on Topomax? I go back to my Pdoc soon, I hope he's not mad at me.
Posted by maaron71 on April 8, 2003, at 13:10:19
In reply to Re: new to topamax, question about dosage, posted by dawningmist on March 30, 2003, at 19:22:36
I have been taking Ortho Tri-cyclene (sp?) with it and had not obvious side effects from the combo. My Pdoc did warn me that there could be a decrease in it's effectiveness as far as preventing pregnancy, so to use other preventitive methods as well. My is mainly for horrible periods and it does such a good job I would change Topomax way before I would change the Ortho.
As far as the weight loss aspect I havn't loss with Topomax and I am currently not taking it till I go back to my Pdoc. I hated, yes hated the tingling effects. It annoyed me so bad it interrupted my activities.
Hope this helps!
Posted by Podwoman on May 27, 2003, at 16:47:23
In reply to topomax, posted by Ellen Brodie on April 19, 1999, at 15:58:40
Hi everyone, s'been a while....I've been on Topamax since Feb'03 and wanted to ask: I'm having an allergic reaction to it [a rash, namely] and wondered if anyone else is/has/does. I have a script for it if the lamisil doesn't do the trick (which it seems to be). My doc was surprised to see the rash, apparently it's rare.
---Podwoman
Posted by Bianca on May 28, 2003, at 7:30:38
In reply to Re: topomax, posted by Podwoman on May 27, 2003, at 16:47:23
Hi all,
I just recieved an updated post to this thread and wanted to send an update. I stopped taking the topomax about a month ago. The tingling limbs were very irritating, but i forced myself to try and live with it. But up around 150 mg i started getting weepy, lethargic, fearful. I am very suseptible to depression and didnt want to go there again this year so I decided that a few pounds were not worth my sanity and stopped taking the med. It took about a week and i was feeling much better. I am trying to accept that the lithium is going to make me heavier than I would like but it also makes me sane. What's it worth to me? Take care, I hope all are well,
Bianca
Posted by buddha on May 31, 2003, at 12:43:59
In reply to should I try topomax with Paxil?, posted by Robs2222 on April 1, 2003, at 22:00:56
hi robbs, i'm new to this forum, but i've been reading this thread for a week or so now and i wanted to see how your topamax was going. i'm in a similar situation. went on a low dose of paxil (never above 15) then went off and switched to lexapro b/c of weight gain (no help) and now i'm trying topamax. i started very slowly--from 25 going up to about 150/175 now after over a month and so far nothing! my weight hasn't budged an inch.
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