![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 674 to 698 of 1085. Go back in thread:
Posted by Cybele on November 22, 2003, at 10:32:39
In reply to Re: topomax and alcohol, posted by LBcats on November 21, 2003, at 22:09:46
> Thanks for the information on trying other AD's for alcoholism. I was on 300 mg of topomax for the person who was asking about the mg. of what I was on. That was way too much but it sure kept my alcohol cravings in check. For me, to drink is to die, so I'm really wanting to find a medication that works like topomax, without the side effects. I took prozac for awhile but it stopped working for me. I guess it takes motivation and the desire to go to AA and once and for all quit drinking. Any other suggestions would be appreciated.
> It seemed like topomax was the wonder drug for me but I found I didn't have a brain when I took it.
> LBFWIW. I believe that the first month or so being on Wellbutrin helps with any sort of addiction: smoking, food, drinking. After the "side effect" peiod goes away, that benefit lessens.
Posted by CaliGirl on November 22, 2003, at 13:52:21
In reply to Re: Topamax Experiences?, posted by headachequeen on November 20, 2003, at 14:27:51
Well, I've been on topomax for a few days now. I take it at night and get really sleepy and then find it very hard to get up, but once I'm up, I feel very energized. I'm still hungry, and binging and purging, but I do feel full faster. I haven't had any mood swings, but I am also on zoloft, so that may be countering any of those side effects. What is it that you're taking to counter-effect any hair loss?
Posted by LBcats on November 22, 2003, at 19:26:40
In reply to Re: topomax and alcohol, posted by kka on November 21, 2003, at 23:06:16
I have never tried acupuncture. Have you? If so what is it like?
LB
Posted by kka on November 22, 2003, at 20:20:44
In reply to Re: topomax and alcohol, posted by LBcats on November 22, 2003, at 19:26:40
Never tried but totally believe in it.... many people do! People go for all types of reasons. It is Worth a shot. I had a family member beat cancer with alternative medicine. (some traditional too, although the drs. said she probably wouldn't live)
Posted by leopard on November 24, 2003, at 1:48:09
In reply to re: the benefits of topamax, posted by Murphia on November 13, 2003, at 9:08:57
Hi Murphia,
I am new to this board...this is my first email. You seem to know a lot about meds and it is a relief to have a knowledgable person explain this stuff in a way a non MD can understand. I have had little success with Paxil, Prozac, Zoloft and Wellbutrin. The SSRI's made me an agressive rageaholic. When I wasn't angry, I was sleeping. The Wellbutrin made me very anxious, but initially it seemed to shut my brain down, but after 6 months I was anxious and paranoid. My GP thinks that I am BP. I do not have huge ups and downs but based on what I have read, I believe that I am indeed BP. I am taking Effexor and I do like it although I am still unable to concentrate. I thought of Topamax but it may be overkill for me. My GP suggested Geodon last week. Any thoughts on this new atypical? In combo with Effexor? Thank you. :)
Posted by helenag on November 24, 2003, at 11:15:54
In reply to topomax and alcohol, posted by LBcats on November 20, 2003, at 20:56:20
> I am an alcoholic and I took topomax for my bi-polar disorder for 8 months. During that time, I never craved alcohol. However, the cognitive side effects of the topomax were too much for me. I was in school at the time and I also had a full time job in a very high position so I couldn't handle the topomax side effects. I lost 20 lbs and I loved that but I had to have my brain back, so I stopped the topomax and my doc started me on depakote. Since then, I started my binge drinking again and I just feel totally out of control (in terms of my drinking) However I feel totally normal otherwise. I mean I feel good (a little depressed when I drink too much) and I don't feel doped up like I did with topomax but I don't get the motivation to go to AA or to ask for help regarding my alcoholism. Anybody out there know of anything else (drug) that works like topomax but not as dopey.
> LB
I am on 250mg of topamax for mood swings and alcohol and have been for several months. I find that the mood swings are beginning to creep back, however. As far as the alcohol cravings go, I have never known topamax to keep me from a bar stool or a can of beer. It is difficult to say whether or not the drug has curbed drinking or not for me.. If I was a betting woman, I'd have to say, it probably has helped. Perhaps,anyone with a real yen to drink is not going to be deterred by topamax. When periods of intense irritability and anxiety come along, the pressure to self-medicate comes along with them, at least for me. I believe that a real desire to stop drinking must accompany any chemical help a person ingests.
As well, it is probably also just as important that anyone with a alcohol trouble have a proper psych. diagnosis and be on the right medication so he or she has at least a fighting change at recovery on both ends.At least that's how I see it today. helen.
Posted by jhlsgirl on November 24, 2003, at 14:30:18
In reply to re: the benefits of topamax, posted by leopard on November 24, 2003, at 1:48:04
My doctor dx me as BP II.. he prescribed topamax as a mood stabilizer. also he told me that as a side effect I might lose weight (I need to do that) He also told me that it has a seditive effect because I dont sleep well.. who can tell me if all this is true..and what is the downside.
Posted by Murphia on November 24, 2003, at 14:47:37
In reply to re: the benefits of topamax, posted by leopard on November 24, 2003, at 1:48:09
It sounds to me like you may be in mixed states, and when you take an AD, your depression is alleviated, leaving your mania (rage) in control. You probably should be mood stabilizers, and topamax and geodon are not your first line mood stabilizers. Geodon is very mild and has a history of just quitting after a while. It might help the anxiety, but it's not likely to do anything for the rage. Lithium and depakote are the most effective against mixed states BP, but they have some nasty side effects (for some), most notably, weight gain. I'm not your doc, and I can't try to be, but I can just suggest to you that a combination of topamax and lamictal, or probably better yet, a combination of lamictal and tegretal or trileptal would be a good first choice to see if they could help you. Lam, because it is a mood stabilizer with heavy AD properties, the other because they are MSs with anti-manic properties. A pure anti-depressant or an anti-manic isn't going to do it. You will have to move toward mood stabilizers, probably because the neurotransmitters in your brain are firing rapidly, giving you both depression and mania at the same time. Yes it does sound like you are mixed stated bipolar, and as such you need a good Pdoc with this background to help you out. It can be managed, and you can have a wonderful life, without the anger. Stay away from the SSRIs, they will throw you into rage. But a GP is not qualified to handle this, has not had the years of pharmalogical and neurological training, trust me. You deserve a great life, and a good Pdoc can help you. Hugs. Murph
> Hi Murphia,
>
> I am new to this board...this is my first email. You seem to know a lot about meds and it is a relief to have a knowledgable person explain this stuff in a way a non MD can understand. I have had little success with Paxil, Prozac, Zoloft and Wellbutrin. The SSRI's made me an agressive rageaholic. When I wasn't angry, I was sleeping. The Wellbutrin made me very anxious, but initially it seemed to shut my brain down, but after 6 months I was anxious and paranoid. My GP thinks that I am BP. I do not have huge ups and downs but based on what I have read, I believe that I am indeed BP. I am taking Effexor and I do like it although I am still unable to concentrate. I thought of Topamax but it may be overkill for me. My GP suggested Geodon last week. Any thoughts on this new atypical? In combo with Effexor? Thank you. :)
Posted by headachequeen on November 24, 2003, at 15:56:42
In reply to Re: Topamax Experiences?, posted by CaliGirl on November 22, 2003, at 13:52:21
Some one and I think it was Murphia suggested that we look to the vitamin depletion that came with taking Topomax and mentioned the need to take Biotin; in a later post mentioned a megadose, 2500 mg I believe it was and that is what I am taking... come to think of it it may have been 2400 but I am taking 2500 because the tablets I have are 500s... and since I have been taking it I have noticed a great improvement in the hair loss issue...
and I have to admit that my hair is a vanity issue with me...
I am also taking megadoses of vitamin C along with 800 IU of E and a zinc tablet every day.. the C I take half in the morning and half at night same as my dogs... and I take fish oil capsules too... what I put in the dogs' food I take myself... along with that stuff I cannot remember... starts with Conjugated??? there goes the old memory, folks, linoleic acid -- supposed to be very good for you anyway --- it seems to be helping the skin and hair... and I feel better about it all so that must help...but mood swings are now an issue... and I can't blame it on Topomax... my dogs and my music are my life... because of the cost of flying seven dogs back and forth, I chose the wise course and left my dogs in the US in highly skilled and loving hands... I am not worried about their care or the love they will receive while I am here, but I am lost without them...
I said good-bye to them through a flood of tears... I cried all the way to the terminal... I cried half-way home... and since I got here I have been in a constant mood swing... from anger at the strangest and silliest things to tears at the simplest and strangest things... I know it is because my dogs are there and I am here...
I know that their being there is rational... I know I will be back there in about eight weeks... I can rationalise it all... and still I have these incredible episodes that I can only refer to as mood swings...
Given my druthers, I would not want to be around me... this morning, after almost four weeks of being awake and moving, albeit unwillingly I confess, at an early hour, it was all I could do to stumble around at noon... and then I wanted simply to pull the blankets over my head and sleep for a week or so...
standing in the shower it was a toss-up where the most water came from, shower-head or my crying jag...
I do NOT want to go back to that psychiatrist person.. he really did not endear himself to me... nor I to him I imagine... but this can not go on... and I do not think that my 200 mg of Topomax is doing much good as a mood stabiliser...
nor was it prescribed to do so, I realise but something has to give here... and as this is going to be going on for a while until I finish this -- I pity anyone who has to live or work with me...
Most of all I do not want to achieve another stay in that particular psychiatrist's domain... he who informed me that I was not depressed and did not need the care of a psychiatrist... and then proceeded to keep me in hospital for another two weeks.. and told me I was not bi-polar as my GP suspected (I am a creative type of person and when things go right I tend to fly a little in reaction and when things don't go well I do not soar... it is as if I create a manic and depressive behaviour in myself is the best I can describe it and he latched onto that as being bipolar...) then the psychman went on to say I was sub-bipolar or some term that meant that... and totally confused me... I am not depressed I am underdepressed ... and I do not want to see him again because we argue a lot and the psychologist who works with him at the hospital is so easily led... not hard to pull his leash at all...
so reading that Topomax is not helpful in dealing with MOOD swings is not making me happy at all today lol...
sorry for so many switches of mood in the post... but many thoughts churning today... and here seems to be the safe place to say them...anyway, for hair, try the biotin... and megadoses of vitamin C but take the C in half doses part in the morning and part in the evening and only to bowel tolerance and then wait for a while before increasing it...
for years we have used it and biotin for the dogs... and I ought to have known to use them for my own hair... big DOH here... thanks Murphia for the vitamin warning...
kat who is not depressed just a victim of moods that cannot decide what they want to do
Posted by TexasChic on November 24, 2003, at 16:33:52
In reply to Re hair and MOOD » CaliGirl, posted by headachequeen on November 24, 2003, at 15:56:42
I feel for you and wish I could give you some advice, but all I can say is hang in there and try your best to persevere. You'll be back with your dogs soon, at least you have that to look forward to. In the meantime, cry when you need to, vent when you need to, and tell that doc what you think of him (he sounded pretty confusing to me too, sub-bipolar? underdepressed? what the heck?).
I'll be sending good karma your way, so hang in there!
Posted by mags on November 25, 2003, at 8:00:52
In reply to Re hair and MOOD » CaliGirl, posted by headachequeen on November 24, 2003, at 15:56:42
> >
> so reading that Topomax is not helpful in dealing with MOOD swings is not making me happy at all today lol...
> sorry for so many switches of mood in the post... but many thoughts churning today... and here seems to be the safe place to say them...
>
> headachequeen,Topamax IS helpful for mood swings....it is not the strongest stabilizer out there but it does help...BUT it looks to me like you also need an AD of some sort and because of your mood swings you probably want to stay away from a standard SSRI type...have you tried Lamictal? it is considered a good combo with Topamax.....I am looking at that as a combo...I am presently on Topamax as a mood stabilizer and for my headaches. My doc says it will work for some as an AD too, I am not sure of that tho' as I am getting bad crying jags, but for now he wants to keep me on it as mono therapy for awhile and see how I do, then maybe start adding others to it...I usually end up on many combo's but we have to start out slow with new meds as I react bad to most....I have tried some of the other tried and tru stabilizers like Lithium and depakote but didn't like them for various reasons.
good luck and if your new pysc doc isn't right for you can you not find a new one?
hang in there...
Maggie
>
Posted by Magazine Reporter on November 25, 2003, at 8:46:38
In reply to Re: Tomamax for weight loss, posted by Bear on August 28, 2003, at 12:02:19
Hello there Dr. Bob Posters,
I am a reporter for a national women's magazine writing an article on drugs that people use for weight loss, and on people's real experiences with those drugs.
For those of you on Topamax for weight loss (and/or other reasons), I'd love to email with you directly regarding your experience with this drug--how it's made you feel, how it's affected your weight, etc.
If you'd like to email with me about it, please do respond to this posting (If I understand correctly, I think you can email me directly through this post.)
I would so appreciate your help, and would certainly protect your anonymity, if that's what you'd like.
Thank you in advance & Happy Thanksgiving,
Eliza McCarthy
Posted by Murphia on November 25, 2003, at 9:36:14
In reply to Re: Tomamax for weight loss, posted by Magazine Reporter on November 25, 2003, at 8:46:38
Weight loss on topamax is a RANDOM side effect. There are a large host of other side effects which occur at a much higher rate, and some can be devastating. Clinical science is working on the long term ramifications of topamax. Alterations in vision, kidney function and cognitive functions are possible, for the rest of your life. If the media touts this drug as a weight loss remedy, and we all know that people with low self esteem will jump on it regardless of the side effects, is irresposible journalism. Topamax failed FDA approval as a weight loss pharmaceutical, and I have personally reviewed many more cases than I would have liked where topamax has seriously injured people. It is an anticonvulsant, used off label as a migraine remedy, sometimes as an anti-manic, moves people towards depression, and should never be advertised as a weight loss drug. My educated two cents. Hope that helps. Murph
> Hello there Dr. Bob Posters,
>
> I am a reporter for a national women's magazine writing an article on drugs that people use for weight loss, and on people's real experiences with those drugs.
>
> For those of you on Topamax for weight loss (and/or other reasons), I'd love to email with you directly regarding your experience with this drug--how it's made you feel, how it's affected your weight, etc.
>
> If you'd like to email with me about it, please do respond to this posting (If I understand correctly, I think you can email me directly through this post.)
>
> I would so appreciate your help, and would certainly protect your anonymity, if that's what you'd like.
>
> Thank you in advance & Happy Thanksgiving,
> Eliza McCarthy
Posted by headachequeen on November 25, 2003, at 9:40:58
In reply to Re: Tomamax for weight loss, posted by Magazine Reporter on November 25, 2003, at 8:46:38
and there goes the neighbourhood and any sense of anonymity or feelings of security...
"Let me publish your experiences and feelings about this drug... and can I use your name and photo?..."
good one...
really a good one...
and as Murphia points out this is not really intended as a weight loss drug...
what do you not understand about "Side Effect"????
> Hello there Dr. Bob Posters,
>
> I am a reporter for a national women's magazine writing an article on drugs that people use for weight loss, and on people's real experiences with those drugs.
>
> For those of you on Topamax for weight loss (and/or other reasons), I'd love to email with you directly regarding your experience with this drug--how it's made you feel, how it's affected your weight, etc.
>
> If you'd like to email with me about it, please do respond to this posting (If I understand correctly, I think you can email me directly through this post.)
>
> I would so appreciate your help, and would certainly protect your anonymity, if that's what you'd like.
>
> Thank you in advance & Happy Thanksgiving,
> Eliza McCarthy
Posted by Magazine Reporter on November 25, 2003, at 10:19:49
In reply to headachequeen, posted by headachequeen on November 25, 2003, at 9:40:58
>
> and there goes the neighbourhood and any sense of anonymity or feelings of security...
> "Let me publish your experiences and feelings about this drug... and can I use your name and photo?..."
> good one...
> really a good one...
> and as Murphia points out this is not really intended as a weight loss drug...
> what do you not understand about "Side Effect"????
Dear Dr. Bob Posters,I'm sorry if my email made any of you feel less than safe; it's certainly not my intention.
As I said in my first email, I will certainly protect your anonymity.
As I understand it, topiramate was first approved as an epilepsy drug (for adults). Now it's being tested as a treatment for migraines, and was also tested an obesity drug, but because of side effects, the manufacturers Johnson and Johnson are hoping to reformulate in a controlled-release form that would prove to cause fewer side effects.
Yes, weight-loss is a side effect for those using it as an antiseizure medication. For those prescribed the drug off-label--and there are many of them--for weight loss, weight loss is the primary goal.
Just hoping to clarify any confusion regarding my post.
> >
> > Thank you in advance & Happy Thanksgiving,
> > Eliza McCarthy
>
>
Posted by Murphia on November 25, 2003, at 12:03:14
In reply to Re: headachequeen, posted by Magazine Reporter on November 25, 2003, at 10:19:49
There is no confusion about the devastating side effects. In fact, they are clinically documented. You seem, however, to be very deluded. The "new and improved" formulary does not exist, except in vague references from Ortho (J&J), which has been out there for years. Believe me, every drug company is full of vague inferences that never come to fruition. It's called sales and keeping the stock interesting to shareholders. And we do know that drug companies will resort to marketing machinations in order to preserve interest in their drug when it is failing on the expected front. I work in the field of science, to help people. You are looking for magazine sales based on a nonexistent "magic pill." You could also (now wittingly), know that you could hurt people. Now you know. It's your choice. Thanks. Murph
> >
> > and there goes the neighbourhood and any sense of anonymity or feelings of security...
> > "Let me publish your experiences and feelings about this drug... and can I use your name and photo?..."
> > good one...
> > really a good one...
> > and as Murphia points out this is not really intended as a weight loss drug...
> > what do you not understand about "Side Effect"????
>
>
> Dear Dr. Bob Posters,
>
> I'm sorry if my email made any of you feel less than safe; it's certainly not my intention.
>
> As I said in my first email, I will certainly protect your anonymity.
>
> As I understand it, topiramate was first approved as an epilepsy drug (for adults). Now it's being tested as a treatment for migraines, and was also tested an obesity drug, but because of side effects, the manufacturers Johnson and Johnson are hoping to reformulate in a controlled-release form that would prove to cause fewer side effects.
>
> Yes, weight-loss is a side effect for those using it as an antiseizure medication. For those prescribed the drug off-label--and there are many of them--for weight loss, weight loss is the primary goal.
>
> Just hoping to clarify any confusion regarding my post.
>
>
> > >
> > > Thank you in advance & Happy Thanksgiving,
> > > Eliza McCarthy
> >
> >
>
>
Posted by Magazine Reporter on November 25, 2003, at 12:49:54
In reply to Re: headachequeen » Magazine Reporter, posted by Murphia on November 25, 2003, at 12:03:14
http://www.rxlist.com/cgi/generic2/topiram_ad.htm
Do you think this is a fair rundown of side effects and the percentages of those who experience them?
Thank you, and signing off,
Eliza McCarthy
Posted by Murphia on November 25, 2003, at 13:19:34
In reply to Re: headachequeen » Murphia, posted by Magazine Reporter on November 25, 2003, at 12:49:54
Clarify what you mean as a fair "rundown" of side effects of topamax? It sounds like you are looking for a "checklist." You have already said in your email that topamax was approved for adults. Not true. So I am very suspect of the information that you have. It seems very anectodal and not based on fact. Topamax was formulated in 15mg sprinkle caps so it could be given to children, and was never formulated for strictly adults. It is now prescribed widespread to epileptic children. In fact, J&J press releases on topamax states it is safe for children. Just where are you getting your information? And, if you would study the half-life and life of topamax, you would know that time-release would not make that much difference in the efficity of topiramate. Also, why do you want to do a story on a formulary that has not been released?
> http://www.rxlist.com/cgi/generic2/topiram_ad.htm
>
> Do you think this is a fair rundown of side effects and the percentages of those who experience them?
>
> Thank you, and signing off,
> Eliza McCarthy
Posted by Murphia on November 25, 2003, at 13:26:57
In reply to Re: headachequeen » Murphia, posted by Magazine Reporter on November 25, 2003, at 12:49:54
Oh, now I have see the link you gave me. That is a reproduction of s/es copied from J&J. No, this is not a fair list. You should take some topo for about year, go up to about 150mgs, titrate slowly, that is the best way, 25 mcgs at a time. After, that time, write a report.
> http://www.rxlist.com/cgi/generic2/topiram_ad.htm
>
> Do you think this is a fair rundown of side effects and the percentages of those who experience them?
>
> Thank you, and signing off,
> Eliza McCarthy
Posted by headachequeen on November 25, 2003, at 14:48:50
In reply to Re: Tomamax for weight loss » Magazine Reporter, posted by Murphia on November 25, 2003, at 9:36:14
Thanks, Murph... this reminds me of a blind study done by a psychology student on a list to which I belonged several years ago; rather than study his topic, he joined a list and asked questions about the assigned topic and then exploited people's feelings and emotions..
wonderful way to do research...
utterly wonderful and abusive I might add...
some people just don't get it...
kat
> Weight loss on topamax is a RANDOM side effect. There are a large host of other side effects which occur at a much higher rate, and some can be devastating. Clinical science is working on the long term ramifications of topamax. Alterations in vision, kidney function and cognitive functions are possible, for the rest of your life. If the media touts this drug as a weight loss remedy, and we all know that people with low self esteem will jump on it regardless of the side effects, is irresposible journalism. Topamax failed FDA approval as a weight loss pharmaceutical, and I have personally reviewed many more cases than I would have liked where topamax has seriously injured people. It is an anticonvulsant, used off label as a migraine remedy, sometimes as an anti-manic, moves people towards depression, and should never be advertised as a weight loss drug. My educated two cents. Hope that helps. Murph
>
>
> > Hello there Dr. Bob Posters,
> >
> > I am a reporter for a national women's magazine writing an article on drugs that people use for weight loss, and on people's real experiences with those drugs.
> >
> > For those of you on Topamax for weight loss (and/or other reasons), I'd love to email with you directly regarding your experience with this drug--how it's made you feel, how it's affected your weight, etc.
> >
> > If you'd like to email with me about it, please do respond to this posting (If I understand correctly, I think you can email me directly through this post.)
> >
> > I would so appreciate your help, and would certainly protect your anonymity, if that's what you'd like.
> >
> > Thank you in advance & Happy Thanksgiving,
> > Eliza McCarthy
>
>
Posted by Murphia on November 25, 2003, at 15:32:40
In reply to Re: Tomamax for weight loss » Murphia, posted by headachequeen on November 25, 2003, at 14:48:50
Thank you so much, you made me feel good. All I want is to tell the truth and hope that I can make you, and other people on this board, just know a little more. Bless you! Murph
>
> Thanks, Murph... this reminds me of a blind study done by a psychology student on a list to which I belonged several years ago; rather than study his topic, he joined a list and asked questions about the assigned topic and then exploited people's feelings and emotions..
> wonderful way to do research...
> utterly wonderful and abusive I might add...
> some people just don't get it...
> kat
> > Weight loss on topamax is a RANDOM side effect. There are a large host of other side effects which occur at a much higher rate, and some can be devastating. Clinical science is working on the long term ramifications of topamax. Alterations in vision, kidney function and cognitive functions are possible, for the rest of your life. If the media touts this drug as a weight loss remedy, and we all know that people with low self esteem will jump on it regardless of the side effects, is irresposible journalism. Topamax failed FDA approval as a weight loss pharmaceutical, and I have personally reviewed many more cases than I would have liked where topamax has seriously injured people. It is an anticonvulsant, used off label as a migraine remedy, sometimes as an anti-manic, moves people towards depression, and should never be advertised as a weight loss drug. My educated two cents. Hope that helps. Murph
> >
> >
> > > Hello there Dr. Bob Posters,
> > >
> > > I am a reporter for a national women's magazine writing an article on drugs that people use for weight loss, and on people's real experiences with those drugs.
> > >
> > > For those of you on Topamax for weight loss (and/or other reasons), I'd love to email with you directly regarding your experience with this drug--how it's made you feel, how it's affected your weight, etc.
> > >
> > > If you'd like to email with me about it, please do respond to this posting (If I understand correctly, I think you can email me directly through this post.)
> > >
> > > I would so appreciate your help, and would certainly protect your anonymity, if that's what you'd like.
> > >
> > > Thank you in advance & Happy Thanksgiving,
> > > Eliza McCarthy
> >
> >
>
>
Posted by Amy Radtke on November 25, 2003, at 22:08:10
In reply to Re: Topamax-bipolar and weight loss? Galkeepinon » msmelissa, posted by galkeepinon on November 8, 2003, at 13:13:51
I recently started topomax at 100 mg in evening. I was on Depakote 1000 mg but gained too much weight and refused to continue the meds since I am already overweight at 205# and 5'6". I went up to 217# in 6 weeks.
This is my first experience with a mood stabilizer and the depakote worked for it and the topamax seems to continue to work for it as well. I am beginning to notice the lower appetite others post about. I am wondering, however, if others notice the benefits of stabilized moods, better impulse control, less irritability, less depression. Also, do others experience such vivid dreams as I have been experiencing? They actually annoy the heck out of me when I sleep and disturb my sleep.
I do not notice the tiredness that others complain of except that I awaken a lot more during the night and I attribute that to the dreams waking me up and then difficulty falling asleep which causes me to be tired earlier in the evenings so I want to take naps which is not good either.
Have others notice this Rx to help pull them out of depression? I was diagnosed in 1989 with dysthymia and for all these years, until recently, was treated with every type of antidepressant out there. They help but never fully pull me all they way out so "normal" for me was never fully non-depressed, just getting by trying to keep a full depression away. Thus, they psych is trying a mood stabilizer after all these years and it's the first time I feel "normal". Anybody else relate?
Posted by kka on November 25, 2003, at 22:30:36
In reply to Re: Tomamax for weight loss » headachequeen, posted by Murphia on November 25, 2003, at 15:32:40
Murph, Please realize that I feel you have helped EVERYONE understand so much more than we could have ever done with our own fumbling around the internet and asking our Doctors. I am very thankful to have you on this board, as a researcher you are so valueable beyond belief. Thanks for answering everyone's questions, I have had a much better understaning about Topamax reading all the posts!
> Thank you so much, you made me feel good. All I want is to tell the truth and hope that I can make you, and other people on this board, just know a little more. Bless you! Murph
>
> >
> > Thanks, Murph... this reminds me of a blind study done by a psychology student on a list to which I belonged several years ago; rather than study his topic, he joined a list and asked questions about the assigned topic and then exploited people's feelings and emotions..
> > wonderful way to do research...
> > utterly wonderful and abusive I might add...
> > some people just don't get it...
> > kat
> > > Weight loss on topamax is a RANDOM side effect. There are a large host of other side effects which occur at a much higher rate, and some can be devastating. Clinical science is working on the long term ramifications of topamax. Alterations in vision, kidney function and cognitive functions are possible, for the rest of your life. If the media touts this drug as a weight loss remedy, and we all know that people with low self esteem will jump on it regardless of the side effects, is irresposible journalism. Topamax failed FDA approval as a weight loss pharmaceutical, and I have personally reviewed many more cases than I would have liked where topamax has seriously injured people. It is an anticonvulsant, used off label as a migraine remedy, sometimes as an anti-manic, moves people towards depression, and should never be advertised as a weight loss drug. My educated two cents. Hope that helps. Murph
> > >
> > >
> > > > Hello there Dr. Bob Posters,
> > > >
> > > > I am a reporter for a national women's magazine writing an article on drugs that people use for weight loss, and on people's real experiences with those drugs.
> > > >
> > > > For those of you on Topamax for weight loss (and/or other reasons), I'd love to email with you directly regarding your experience with this drug--how it's made you feel, how it's affected your weight, etc.
> > > >
> > > > If you'd like to email with me about it, please do respond to this posting (If I understand correctly, I think you can email me directly through this post.)
> > > >
> > > > I would so appreciate your help, and would certainly protect your anonymity, if that's what you'd like.
> > > >
> > > > Thank you in advance & Happy Thanksgiving,
> > > > Eliza McCarthy
> > >
> > >
> >
> >
>
>
Posted by Dr. Bob on November 25, 2003, at 22:47:33
In reply to Re: Tomamax for weight loss, posted by Magazine Reporter on November 25, 2003, at 8:46:38
> (If I understand correctly, I think you can email me directly through this post.)
Not quite. But you could post your email address. Or people could post theirs. Or you could just have a discussion right here. :-)
BTW, there are two ways to post your email address: (1) you can just type it into your post or (2) you can have it automatically included:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/faq.html#email
Bob
Posted by Dr. Bob on November 25, 2003, at 23:10:15
In reply to Re: Tomamax for weight loss » Murphia, posted by headachequeen on November 25, 2003, at 14:48:50
> there goes the neighbourhood
> exploited people's feelings and emotions..
> utterly ... abusive
> some people just don't get it...
>
> headachequeen> You seem, however, to be very deluded.
>
> MurphiaPlease don't post anything that could lead others to feel put down, thanks.
Bob
PS: Follow-ups regarding posting policies, and complaints about posts, should be redirected to Psycho-Babble Administration; otherwise, they may be deleted.
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