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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Sabina on November 11, 2003, at 19:34:43
In reply to re: the benefits of topamax » Murphia, posted by Nervz on November 11, 2003, at 18:12:10
i'm confused...thought i was having deja vu there for a minute until i looked back at the history. http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20031105/msgs/276912.html
i'm sorry you're still so "nervz"-ous about taking topamax that you need to keep asking the same questions. maybe after you keep hearing the same answers (about increasing dosage, etc.) from enough different people you'll feel confident enough to try it? good luck.
Posted by headachequeen on November 11, 2003, at 21:17:16
In reply to re: the benefits of topamax » Murphia, posted by Nervz on November 11, 2003, at 18:12:10
> Thanks so much for the advice. When you say build up slowly, exactly what do you mean? If my pdoc writes me a scrip for 25 mg. Do you think that upping it every week is slow enough? Thanks again-- nervz
my neurologist gave me a protocol (with a copy for the pharmacist ) that I was to follow as I increased the dosage over a period of weeks... I would assume that any doctor who wanted a patient to increase the dosage would give a similar direction with a time frame...
I was told how long to stay on each dosage and also told to continue at each dosage longer if I felt that I was not ready to increase the dosage...
although there was no indication of reason to stay ...
Posted by headachequeen on November 11, 2003, at 21:25:32
In reply to re: the benefits of topamax, posted by Murphia on November 11, 2003, at 15:55:03
> take all your vits, and heavy on the biotin.
>
>
I had thought of the biotin... we give it to the dogs to maintain good coat... and wondered if it should be a multivitamin or should one do a mixture of individual vitamins????
all help appreciated <g>
and may one state that one is greatly pleased to be more awake than usual this evening....
Posted by Nervz on November 12, 2003, at 9:33:31
In reply to re: the benefits of topamax » Nervz, posted by Sabina on November 11, 2003, at 19:34:43
Wow. What a gruff answer. I'm sorry, I thought this was a forum with understanding individuals who can relate to the anxiety that comes with taking new meds. And YES, I do like to hear several opinions before I make a decision. Thanks for all the attitude --- just what I needed. ---- Nervz
Posted by Murphia on November 12, 2003, at 9:38:41
In reply to re: the benefits of topamax » Murphia, posted by Nervz on November 11, 2003, at 18:12:10
I think 25 mgs. every week is a great start. And I think if that starts bothering you, 25mgs every other week is great too. See how you feel, and go from there.
> Thanks so much for the advice. When you say build up slowly, exactly what do you mean? If my pdoc writes me a scrip for 25 mg. Do you think that upping it every week is slow enough? Thanks again-- nervz
Posted by Nervz on November 12, 2003, at 11:22:29
In reply to re: the benefits of topamax, posted by Murphia on November 12, 2003, at 9:38:41
Thanks for the encouraging and informative advice. I'll keep ya posted --- Nervz
Posted by kka on November 12, 2003, at 13:02:36
In reply to re: the benefits of topamax, posted by Murphia on November 12, 2003, at 9:38:41
Murphia,
This may be a crazy question, but do you mean one week on top one week off> Would you still receive some benefits? Does it have a long half life or is this simply a way to bulid tolerance to try and work towards 25 per day and then maybe think about an increase? Thanks for all your help with my previous posts!I think 25 mgs. every week is a great start. And I think if that starts bothering you, 25mgs every other week is great too. See how you feel, and go from there.
>
>
>
> > Thanks so much for the advice. When you say build up slowly, exactly what do you mean? If my pdoc writes me a scrip for 25 mg. Do you think that upping it every week is slow enough? Thanks again-- nervz
>
>
Posted by headachequeen on November 12, 2003, at 13:25:23
In reply to re: the benefits of topamax » Sabina, posted by Nervz on November 12, 2003, at 9:33:31
> Wow. What a gruff answer. I'm sorry, I thought this was a forum with understanding individuals who can relate to the anxiety that comes with taking new meds. And YES, I do like to hear several opinions before I make a decision. Thanks for all the attitude --- just what I needed. ---- Nervz
I guess I missed this post... but have to say that I do not think that it was a 'gruff post' I think that Sabina was trying to say that Nervz would eventually build up the confidence to try Topmax with the answers and support given... I read her (?) post and that is what I saw in it...
meanwhile, slept until 1030 this morning solidly and soundly and while my eyes still feel tired... doesn't that sound silly but it is how I feel and I know it has nothing to do with the Topomax but everything to do with the MG... I actually feel awake, but am not going to go out now to try and find the others and start a few hours behind them... instead I am giving myself a quiet morning... I shall read the psychobabble mail and then work with my puppy and bring him up to the level I would like him to be... my adult dog can already do what they are doing today and my pup is not ready for that so what the heck... oh the excuses LOL...
but it was time for that sleep I think...
maybe now I shall not feel this constant drowsiness???
It is now three months to the day with only one seizure and that a very mild one and ten months to the day without a headache of any sort let alone a migraine... so the Topomax is helping me and I have to learn to adjust to any side effects...
I have started taking biotin and vitamins c, e as well as zinc, d and a (both in small amounts of course), primrose oil, fish oil, and B complex... simply raiding the dogs' supplements... although I get B12 in a shot each month... then there is Lecithin and some other oil that is alternated each meal... so if it is healthy for them it must be healthy for humans...
and if topomax destroys our vitamins I shall replace them this way...
simply take them as I am tossing them into the dogs' dishes...
each bottle I open to toss into the dog dishes, I take one... the biotin I take two... they get two, I take two <g>
the C they get in megadoses, I take in large amounts working up to megadoses... have been saying I ought to for years... now putting my shoulds into action...
Nervz, I think if you look at the information and 'attitude' presented here, you can learn a lot... and find that many people are willing to share their knowledge and experiences and willingly help people learn how to live with Topomax and its side effects in order to bring order into their lives... and that means you can use it successfully too...
look at the posts that have replied to yours...
and look again at Sabina's... if you can prove to me that it was gruff, I will be surprised...
I am a journalist and I am gruff... I am a cynic, and really inclined to be gruff so to speak... and to over-react to comments.. I didn't see it...
Posted by Murphia on November 12, 2003, at 13:27:56
In reply to re: the benefits of topamax » Murphia, posted by kka on November 12, 2003, at 13:02:36
No, for Nervz, I meant for his titration schedule, that he can increase his dosage by 25 mg. every week. If he is not comfortable he can wait several weeks to adjust before increasing his daily dosage.
> Murphia,
> This may be a crazy question, but do you mean one week on top one week off> Would you still receive some benefits? Does it have a long half life or is this simply a way to bulid tolerance to try and work towards 25 per day and then maybe think about an increase? Thanks for all your help with my previous posts!
>
> I think 25 mgs. every week is a great start. And I think if that starts bothering you, 25mgs every other week is great too. See how you feel, and go from there.
> >
> >
> >
> > > Thanks so much for the advice. When you say build up slowly, exactly what do you mean? If my pdoc writes me a scrip for 25 mg. Do you think that upping it every week is slow enough? Thanks again-- nervz
> >
> >
>
>
Posted by jhlsgirl on November 12, 2003, at 14:03:21
In reply to Topamax Experiences?, posted by Kingfish on January 4, 2001, at 7:29:48
Hi! I have not yet started Topamax. Just got my RX yesterday. Want to wait til the weekend to see how it effects me. Tell me has anyone lost weight on 25mg only? Does this medication really make you feel good again??
Posted by Murphia on November 12, 2003, at 14:11:05
In reply to Re: Topamax Experiences?, posted by jhlsgirl on November 12, 2003, at 14:03:21
Why have you been prescribed topamax and what do you mean by feel "good" again?
> Hi! I have not yet started Topamax. Just got my RX yesterday. Want to wait til the weekend to see how it effects me. Tell me has anyone lost weight on 25mg only? Does this medication really make you feel good again??
Posted by Sabina on November 12, 2003, at 14:36:14
In reply to re: the benefits of topamax » Sabina, posted by Nervz on November 12, 2003, at 9:33:31
>>> Wow. What a gruff answer. >>>Thanks for all the attitude --- just what I needed.
i'm so sorry. it wasn't at all intended to sound gruff. i was saying that i was *literally* answering your post when i started having a deja vu. (i've got short term memory loss.) then i remembered you from a couple of weeks ago. that's it.
"...i'm sorry you're still so "nervz"-ous about taking topamax that you need to keep asking the same questions."(that was supposed to be a play on words that gives a nod to both your posting name and my *sincere* concern over what you're still going through with your heightened anxiety toward topamax.)
"...maybe after you keep hearing the same answers (about increasing dosage, etc.) from enough different people you'll feel confident enough to try it?"(this was a comment expressing my *hope* that, with enough positive reinforcement, you will feel comfortable enough to take topamax)
again, i am sorry that you were hurt by my post. i was most sincere and good natured in my heart when i wrote to you, and not at all gruff or full of attitude. when i have found myself in your position before, i have always chosen to give the other person the benefit of the doubt, pending further explanation, an apology, or the chance that i had misread. i have never regretted that policy and i have never yet been on the receiving end of a post that was actually intended to be hateful. every time it was a misunderstanding. sometimes there are language barriers. sometimes people are having a bad day or feeling bad on their meds when they first read a post. maybe i should use more emoticons, or just refrain from posting altogether. anyway, i'm doing fine on topamax and i've made my apology, so i'm outtie.
Posted by Sabina on November 12, 2003, at 14:47:52
In reply to re: the benefits of topamax » Nervz, posted by headachequeen on November 12, 2003, at 13:25:23
...for sticking up for me. you didn't have to do that. it means more to me than you can know. i was feeling a little rattled and ready to run away there for a minute.
bina
Posted by Nervz on November 12, 2003, at 15:23:05
In reply to re: hey, whoa! » Nervz, posted by Sabina on November 12, 2003, at 14:36:14
Oh, wow. I'm so sorry. I guess I should be a little less defensive about these posts. It's so hard to communicate without the use of facial expression and voice inflection. I didn't mean to put my bad mood on anyone else. My anxiety disorder makes me VERY hesitant to try new meds. I've even lied to my pdoc about meds that I never even had filled. I WORRY ABOUT EVERYTHING --- allergic reaction, permanent organ(mostly brain) damage, effects on future pregnancies. You name it, I can worry about it. Again, I am soooooooo sorry for being such a b*tch. I swear I'm a nice person --- Nervz
Posted by headachequeen on November 12, 2003, at 16:45:24
In reply to re: hey, whoa! » Sabina, posted by Nervz on November 12, 2003, at 15:23:05
>> It's so hard to communicate without the use of facial expression and voice inflection. <<
Then, when you want to communicate facial expression insert the little things that help you translate them.... like the <s> and <g> for smile and grin or <S> and <G> for bog smile and big grin...
or LOL for Laughing out Loud and there are always the :( that means a grimace I think??? and the :) that means a smile and that is the end of my fourth language...
sometimes you can invent images that help translate your facial language...
Once in a while there are people on lists who are students conducting blind studies... they need to be shot down.... arrgghhhh (one of my favourite expressions to express myself and I have added it to my outside language as well... so much for the literate person I thought I was lol)
>>I didn't mean to put my bad mood on anyone else.<<
You didn't put your bad mood on me at least... I wanted you to realise that no one to my knowledge at least and I admit I have not been here for more than a couple of months is here to hurt anyone else... the intention is to learn and to share...
and you can relax... really you can...
I have learned that...>>My anxiety disorder makes me VERY hesitant to try new meds. I've even lied to my pdoc about meds that I never even had filled.<<
Hey! Been there, did that, and may have the t-shirts made... I have all sorts of prescriptions in my purses and briefcases that are waiting to see the light of day because I am not sure they are the ones that I really want to take... or because I have not yet completed the previous doses...or in the case of the effexor, immovane, and zyprexa I had already quit taking the stuff and had not the nerve to tell him in case he quit treating me... non-compliant patients and all that :(
I really thought the anti-d's were doing more harm than good and it was time to stop, so I stopped with no idea that it was not something I could just do on my own... and I am supposed to be intelligent (sigh) -- I had also cut back on my allergy meds a few days before because he felt the dosage was much too high and potentially risky... I was originally taking 8 a day of hydroxyzine (Atarax) and had cut down to 4 a day at his suggestion and had cut down to 2 a few days before with quite a struggle... the Effexor/Zyprexa/Immovane stoppage was no problem compared to that...
When I finally told him he was not angry... and I was relieved...
so you see, we are not all that different..
you have to trust us...
we are quite a mixed group and there is a lot of help here, so I have found...
I have learned so much here...
and you will too... trust me....
and we know you are a nice person....
You just have to learn to let us be us and let you be that nice person and let all of us interact comfortably...
kat
I swear I'm a nice person --- Nervz
Posted by headachequeen on November 12, 2003, at 16:51:32
In reply to re: thank you... » headachequeen, posted by Sabina on November 12, 2003, at 14:47:52
Hi again... and more questions...
by the way... someone asked about weight loss at 25 mg... I lost 3 pounds the first week at 25 mg ...
not much but a start...My question regards protein...
I have started the vitamins and have included amino acid complex as I do for the dogs...
and am wondering if I should make meals mostly protein... I am not hungry as I mentioned but I do want protein at meal time... is this an indication that there is a need for it???
does topomax perhaps deplete protein?
and does it cause throat irritation and cought???
Posted by Sunny-Dee on November 12, 2003, at 18:16:14
In reply to Re: Topamax Side Affects! » California_Princess, posted by platinumbride on October 14, 2003, at 11:13:03
Diane,
I was interested in your remark about hairloss.
I've been on Topomax for 1 1/2 years. My once thick, wavy hair has become very thinned out and straight. Do you feel your hairloss is related to the Topomax?SD
Posted by Murphia on November 13, 2003, at 9:08:57
In reply to Re: Topamax Side Affects!, posted by Sunny-Dee on November 12, 2003, at 18:16:14
Hair loss is a very common complaint among topamax users. I have talked with Ortho, and they are aware of it. All mood stabilizers/anti-convulsants have some hair loss complaints.
As for the protein question - you do not not need more protein. That is part of the appetite suppresssion, you crave less carbs and sweets. Also, carbonated drinks will taste bad, and your taste will be affected a little overall.
> Diane,
>
> I was interested in your remark about hairloss.
> I've been on Topomax for 1 1/2 years. My once thick, wavy hair has become very thinned out and straight. Do you feel your hairloss is related to the Topomax?
>
> SD
Posted by headachequeen on November 13, 2003, at 9:39:04
In reply to re: thank you... » headachequeen, posted by Sabina on November 12, 2003, at 14:47:52
> ...for sticking up for me. you didn't have to do that. it means more to me than you can know. i was feeling a little rattled and ready to run away there for a minute.
>
> binaI think we all find things tend to rattle us, perhaps more than they would bother other people... if that were not the case, then we would not be here...We are a little extra sensitive
we would not need the extra help of the pdocs and the meds... I am still adjusting to the reality of having a personality disorder that needs to be treated so that I can live a normal life, although my psychologist tells me there is really no such thing as a normal life, that each of us defines normal within ourselves -- then why do I need to see him in the first place <g>
Anyway, you are most welcome...
and who knows when it will be you helping me through the rocky places
kat
Posted by jhlsgirl on November 13, 2003, at 13:46:31
In reply to Topamax Experiences?, posted by Kingfish on January 4, 2001, at 7:29:48
I mean does Topamax REALLY help with depression? Thats what my doc is rx for primarly.
Posted by Murphia on November 13, 2003, at 13:52:34
In reply to Re: Topamax Experiences?, posted by jhlsgirl on November 13, 2003, at 13:46:31
No, topamax is not recommended for and doesn't do much for depression. Topamax can cause depression, as it is increased in dosage. Sorry, wish I had better news. Murph
Posted by TexasChic on November 13, 2003, at 14:16:03
In reply to Re: Topamax Side Affects!, posted by Sunny-Dee on November 12, 2003, at 18:16:14
I had a weird side effect this morning, at least I'm assuming it was from the Topamax. For about the first 5 minutes after I got up I saw tracers! At first I thought I walked through a spiderweb, but as I turned and moved my hands around I realized I was seeing tracers! It only lasted a few minutes, but it was pretty trippy. I did have a few beers last night, but I've had a few before with no consequences (I'm taking 75 mg). I'm thinking this may be tied to the other eye related side effects Topamax has. Or else I'm flashing back to the single time in my life I tried acid when I was a teenager...
...surely not.
Posted by Murphia on November 13, 2003, at 14:56:53
In reply to Re: Topamax Side Affects!, posted by TexasChic on November 13, 2003, at 14:16:03
Tracers are a side effect of topamax. Tracers are a common side effect with depakote also. Tracers in and of themselves aren't harmful to your eyes, but you do need to see an opthomologist regularly on topa, as sudden changes in eyesight and glaucoma are side effects of topa.
> I had a weird side effect this morning, at least I'm assuming it was from the Topamax. For about the first 5 minutes after I got up I saw tracers! At first I thought I walked through a spiderweb, but as I turned and moved my hands around I realized I was seeing tracers! It only lasted a few minutes, but it was pretty trippy. I did have a few beers last night, but I've had a few before with no consequences (I'm taking 75 mg). I'm thinking this may be tied to the other eye related side effects Topamax has. Or else I'm flashing back to the single time in my life I tried acid when I was a teenager...
> ...surely not.
Posted by headachequeen on November 13, 2003, at 16:46:34
In reply to Re: Topamax Side Affects!, posted by TexasChic on November 13, 2003, at 14:16:03
> I had a weird side effect this morning, at least I'm assuming it was from the Topamax. For about the first 5 minutes after I got up I saw tracers! At first I thought I walked through a spiderweb, but as I turned and moved my hands around I realized I was seeing tracers! It only lasted a few minutes, but it was pretty trippy. I did have a few beers last night, but I've had a few before with no consequences (I'm taking 75 mg). I'm thinking this may be tied to the other eye related side effects Topamax has. Or else I'm flashing back to the single time in my life I tried acid when I was a teenager...
> ...surely not.Okay, question time again, can you describe these 'tracers'. It is really important, especially given the comment that you first thought you had walked through a spider web.
Posted by Sunny-Dee on November 13, 2003, at 17:35:34
In reply to Re: Topamax Side Affects! » TexasChic, posted by headachequeen on November 13, 2003, at 16:46:34
Thanks for your responses. It helps to know that I'm not alone in some of these side effects for which they don't describe in their liturature. I can understand why my other doctors weren't having any luck finding the cause of my hairloss.
Someone mentioned "tracers".....your description of walking into a spider web was EXACTLY how I kept feeling, but never thought of it as "tracers" or from the Topomax. Thanks and I'll make my eye exam appt., SOON!
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