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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by headachequeen on November 30, 2004, at 23:33:24
In reply to Re: Herman Munster and eating disorder/topamax/new » stresser, posted by iris2 on November 30, 2004, at 22:18:02
> Okay 400mg of Topamax works best for what specific symptoms?
>
> ireneAt 400 mg it works best at supporting other AEDs for one thing and it seems to achieve its best side effect (have to stress that I think) work regarding appetite suppressant work...
several people I know who are using the medication for other reasons found that when they reached that level it really worked at suppressing the appetite as well as achieving its main role...
either migraine suppression or AED support...
Others found that when they reached this level it also helped in supporting their attempts to control Bipolar II...
Some of these people I have been trying to convince to enter into these discussions as I think they might find some of the discussions and some of the support helpful...
still working at it...
kat
Posted by bridgey1128 on December 1, 2004, at 14:07:25
In reply to Re: Herman Munster and eating disorder/topamax/new » iris2, posted by headachequeen on November 30, 2004, at 23:33:24
I am still at 200mg and doing well so far, even with my bipolar II. I suspect eventually I will have to go up on it but for the mean time I am ok. I don't WANT to have to go up on it because I am just now feeling like I am getting beyond the stupids but I have noticed a lot of errors in my typing. So it seems to be switching. This is odd for me. Normally it's my speech and not my typing that is affected. I have also been really REALLY tired lately and my right shoulder has been KILLING me. Went to the chiro today and he got a good adjustment so hoping that will help. My birthday present is a good "rolfing" which I hope will help work out some of these huge crunchy knots I have had forever all over my back, neck and hips. It's also the day of my audition so I am hoping that I am not so sore I can't do the dance they are making us learn at the audition! Has anyone had it done before? I sure do with insurance would cover massage therapy. I really think people would get a lot LESS sick if they covered that but of course they won't because GASP! IT FEELS GOOD!!! Can't have that now. We have to be in misery before they cover something. I better not tell them they cover that massage table at my chiro. I should tell them to label it...TABLE OF MISERY AND HORROR!! Maybe they would cover more...hmmm
Posted by rainy on December 1, 2004, at 14:49:04
In reply to Topomax and bipolar II, posted by bridgey1128 on December 1, 2004, at 14:07:25
You've probably mentioned and I've forgotten, but are you on any other meds besides Topamax? I noticed Kat said 400 mgs was an effective dose as an antiepilesy drug but I haven't heard or read anything about what an effective mood stabilizing dose is. It seems from the literature that there's a general agreement that doses above 400 aren't much more effective that those at 400. (My typing sucks too.)
I think in January we'll order my Top from Canada. Without insurance it'll be cheaper than here, even with Drugstore.com. where I've been getting most of my meds.
Know what you mean about coverage, Bridgey. We've been paying over $900/mo for the two of us and there's still co pay. We may save money when I lose mine.
rainy
Posted by bridgey1128 on December 1, 2004, at 15:29:04
In reply to Re: Topomax and bipolar II » bridgey1128, posted by rainy on December 1, 2004, at 14:49:04
I took other meds when I thought it was just depression but Topomax is the first one I have been on since being diagnosed as bipolar II. All the rest of the antidepressants just didn't work and I guess that is because I am not depressed, I am bipolar. My husband is without insurance right now because we just can't afford for him to have it. Personally we were losing money with him having it because he NEVER went to the Dr and he was never sick! He hasn't had it for more than a year and he still hasn't been sick enough to go to the Dr. His mother is a nurse so she can bascially get any antibiotic we need. He has never had anything more than a sinus infection and we are VERY blessed by that. I am not a sickly person either but, being a woman and having allergies, I tend to go more often. I HAVE to have insurance. I guess it sounds like I am sickly because of all the meds I have to take but I really am a pretty healthy person otherwise. I have good bloodpressure and other than my bipolar and my allergies I don't have too many colds or get sick much. Last year when everyone got that horrid stomach virus I had it for 5 hours. YES, I said 5 hours. I guess my system just kicked it's butt. I came home from handbells, felt puny, threw up twice, took a 3 hour nap, woke up and felt fine. The other people in our show were throwing up for days at a time. Of course, last winter I DID have bronchitis for 3 months straight....I think I would rather have the barfing stomach virus!
Posted by headachequeen on December 1, 2004, at 15:59:18
In reply to Topomax and bipolar II, posted by bridgey1128 on December 1, 2004, at 14:07:25
>is a good "rolfing" which I hope will help work out some of these huge crunchy knots I have had forever all over my back, neck and hips.
almost afraid to ask... but what does this mean LOL
our private insurance covers massage therapy in half-hour sessions and it is sensational...
when the therapist hits a tension spot one can feel the tension flowing down the body and out...
unbelievable...
of course the massage therapist has to be registered for the insurance to cover...
kat
Posted by rainy on December 1, 2004, at 16:14:18
In reply to Re: Topomax and bipolar II, posted by bridgey1128 on December 1, 2004, at 15:29:04
Bridgey--how well do you think the Topamax controls your cycling? You've described yourself as a rapid cycler (spelling isn't so hot, either) -do you think the Topamax is working for you? Has anybody suggested cognitive therapy or anything like that? My pdoc was on me about that like a duck on a June bug.
And Kat, did your neuro change any of your meds?
rainy
Posted by headachequeen on December 1, 2004, at 16:38:45
In reply to Re: Topomax and bipolar II and Bridgey, posted by rainy on December 1, 2004, at 16:14:18
>
> And Kat, did your neuro change any of your meds?
> rainyDidn't go
Apparently the forecast was for more snow and these southerners panic at the thought so my husband thought we had better cancel
I am now on the cancellation list...
and not a very happy camper
I have a list of questions a mile long that need to be answered and will be out of meds in another three days and don't quite know what happens then...
well I know that to run out of Tegretol means instant seizures ...
and of course the freezing rain that was predicted didn't come ...
I could have told him that, I have lived in far worse climes than this where they know how to cope with weather, real weather...
and I am not in the mood to be put off by a couple of inches of heavy snow...
arrgghhh
I am tired of thinking one thing and saying another and all the rest of this nonsense; tired of typing then realising that I forgot to hit the spacer bar and all that goes with it...
we are supposed to be cutting a CD in a few days... and I need all my wits about me...
and no stress about potential seizures or what to do about auras or whatever...
I want it settled and over with...
I could have driven myself in this weather with no problems but someone decided that one must be a year free of seizures before one could have a licence...
this whole thing is really a royal pain...
kat
Posted by rainy on December 1, 2004, at 16:45:40
In reply to Re: Topomax and bipolar II and Bridgey » rainy, posted by headachequeen on December 1, 2004, at 16:38:45
Well, if I said what I want to I would be blocked from the board. I'm sorry to hear this news.
rainy
Posted by stresser on December 2, 2004, at 6:47:45
In reply to Re: Herman Munster and eating disorder/topamax/new » stresser, posted by iris2 on November 30, 2004, at 22:18:02
We are talking about topamax working for binge eating disorder at 400 mgs -L
Posted by bridgey1128 on December 2, 2004, at 8:29:06
In reply to Re: topamax symptoms, posted by stresser on December 2, 2004, at 6:47:45
hahaha rainy!I know what mean! Kat I called my insurance company and they won't cover the rolfing. Rolfing is a form of deep massage therapy where they use their elbows palms etc. It's like deep tissue massage to the extreme. I would assume it is not for everyone. Most people go to a massage therapist to relax. This one kinda hurts but it's a good kinda hurt. THey work out all those crunchy knots and it goes hand in hand with chiro. My chiro says it's a shame that insurance companys don't cover it because for people with fibro myalgia and yes he finally admits I have it now(unfortunately), massage and chiro are on the top of the list to treat it. This guy is licensed and I am going to take it off my taxes, dang it! I consider it a valid medical treatment! I am doing this not just for fun but to help relieve some of this pain in my tight muscles so my chiro can do a better job. I'm sorry you are having such a horrid time getting to where you need to go Kat. :( It really sucks that people freak out when there is hardly any snow on the ground. I KNOW! I live in the south where they moment they announce snow, before the first snowflake has fallen, all you know what breaks loose and people are stampeding to the stores to buy BREAD AND MILK! I guess they plan on making bread soup. Who knows. ALL THE SCHOOLS CLOSE! AHHHH IT'S THE SECOND ICE AGE!! You catch my drift. And people can't EVEN begin to drive in the snow. It's very frustrating, especially when you need to get out and actually get medicine. I'll pray that you can get out soon! We don't want you to have any more seizures!
Posted by headachequeen on December 2, 2004, at 20:34:49
In reply to Re: Topomax and bipolar II and Bridgey » headachequeen, posted by rainy on December 1, 2004, at 16:45:40
> Well, if I said what I want to I would be blocked from the board. I'm sorry to hear this news.
> rainyThanks, rainy...
also found out this morning that I am on a different form of tegretol now as they work out the balance of meds... it is a short lasting version... so as I take it twice a day I have AED coverage from it for about three to four hours twice a day...
no wonder the seizures are moving in to stay...
topomax is only a supportive med and not a stand-alone AED...
but at this point it is all that is standing between me and a lot more seizures I guess....no wonder I am always defending the stuff :(
kat
Posted by rainy on December 3, 2004, at 8:38:31
In reply to Re: Topomax and bipolar II and Bridgey » rainy, posted by headachequeen on December 2, 2004, at 20:34:49
It's bad enough when we mess up our own lives but when someone else does it for us it really sucks. Especially when it comes to prescription writing. If I am not extremely vigilant at pdoc's office, when I get home and look at the scripts I usually find that there's something that needs to be changed.
This must be a function of the American system of ten minutes to a client so that more and more people can be seen per day--the sheer number of prescriptions written has to numb the brain of the person writing them. My psychophamachologist is unique to me, so I assume I am to her, forgetting that I'm just one out of thirty or more people she'll see during an ordinary work day.This is a question to help me make up my mind: how many of you who have a bipolar diagnosis and are on medication are also having talk therapy? Do you think it helps? I've been seeing a therapist since September and I'm not sure it's doing any good.
I feel like I'm losing hope with medication and therapy. Bummer.
rainy
Posted by redscarlet on December 3, 2004, at 9:26:09
In reply to Re: Topomax and bipolar II and Bridgey, posted by rainy on December 3, 2004, at 8:38:31
raniy ~
I'm bipolar and I'm on five medications and was in talk therapy from April 1998 to March 2004.
I feel the talk therapy was a help at the time. I really needed to have someone to talk to about what I was going through.
However now I feel I'm past that kind of therapy and if I went back into therapy I would want to have sessions geared more to goal and problem solving, not just like hanging out talking for an hour to someone.
My therapist for those six years was the best, but I would pick someone new if I were to go back into therapy.
I do attend every now and then a bipolar support group that meets twice a month.
I have really stepped up my exercise to everyday, that's right seven day's a week for and hour and a half daily.
And I've started doing some volunteer work at a new hospital here in town and I feel these things have helped me a lot.
But I know that I would not be able to do these things if it weren't for my meds working pretty good right now.
I really feel that with bipolar that getting your meds working is key. I know they can't do everything, but if you can get them as close as you can you can do the rest.
Posted by rainy on December 3, 2004, at 9:40:00
In reply to Re: Topomax and bipolar II and Bridgey, posted by redscarlet on December 3, 2004, at 9:26:09
Thank, redscarlet. I'm sure you've said, but if don't mind, what are you taking now?
(I would love a support group. The only one around is at night and I'm night blind.)
rainy
Posted by krem on December 3, 2004, at 9:47:09
In reply to Re: topamax symptoms, posted by bridgey1128 on December 2, 2004, at 8:29:06
has anyone tried accupuncture for fibro or chronic fatigue?
Posted by redscarlet on December 3, 2004, at 10:39:24
In reply to Re: Topomax and bipolar II and Bridgey » redscarlet, posted by rainy on December 3, 2004, at 9:40:00
> Thank, redscarlet. I'm sure you've said, but if don't mind, what are you taking now?
> (I would love a support group. The only one around is at night and I'm night blind.)
> rainyI take: Zonegran, Geodon, Seroquel, Wellbutrin & Xanax
Posted by rainy on December 3, 2004, at 11:38:17
In reply to Re: Topomax and bipolar II and Bridgey, posted by redscarlet on December 3, 2004, at 10:39:24
Thank you, Redscarlet, you just said that last week! Hello!
Krem, I've just begun acupuncture for what was a huge muscle spasm in my shoulder and back--thoretically a side effect of provigil. I've just discovered that trazodone could be implicated too. I've had three sessions of acupuncture and there's been remarkable relief of pain and the big knots I could feel in muscle tissue.
The practioners claim they can "redirect energy" to alleviate symptoms of depression and bipolar disorder, but I certainly haven't noticed any change in that regard unles it's been a slight worsening of mood. About chronic fatigue I know nothing.
rainy
Posted by iris2 on December 3, 2004, at 12:52:15
In reply to Re: Topomax and bipolar II and Bridgey, posted by redscarlet on December 3, 2004, at 9:26:09
I wanted you to know how much I appresciate you stating tha the exersise and volunteer work helps you but importantly tha you could not do it if the meds were not working. People around me have made me feel so guilty that I am no table to do these things that have so obviously helped me in the past When My Medicine Was Working!
Thanks,
irene
Posted by stresser on December 3, 2004, at 13:52:11
In reply to Re: Topomax and bipolar II and Bridgey, posted by redscarlet on December 3, 2004, at 9:26:09
I have a question for those of you who take Xanax. Do you take it every day, or just when you feel you need it? My daughters doc. gave her a prescription a while back and said take up to 3x per day, but didn't say every day. I have been reading that some of you are taking it, and wonder now if it's something that is suppose to be taken every day.....maybe that could have been helping her more than the welbutrin alone all this time? Please give me your advice.-L
Posted by redscarlet on December 3, 2004, at 17:38:51
In reply to Re: New subject, posted by stresser on December 3, 2004, at 13:52:11
Stresser (L) ~
Xanax is used to treat anxiety.
It's a benzondiazepine, meaning you can become addicted to it.
Xanax is a good med when and if needed and used properly, for the treatment of anxiety.
Posted by bridgey1128 on December 3, 2004, at 22:23:14
In reply to Re: New subject, posted by redscarlet on December 3, 2004, at 17:38:51
same thing with Ativan. It's addictive and you can take it just when you need it. I think its a benzodiazapine as well. I took .5mg twice a day for about 2 months until it just stopped working. After that I just quit taking it. I have never been addicted to any drug. I have only had withdrawl once and that was Effexor the drug from you know where....That was horrid..I won't do that one again. I guess that means I was addicted. I am not sure. I certainly didn't WANT to take it. It started giving me a constant headache so I had to wean myself off of it. But half a capsule wasn't good enough so I had to break it into like a 4th. It was driving me crazy! I ended up almost having a nervous breakdown because of my headache not going away so I stopped the Effexor cold turkey and took and Ativan. Well...I found out much later that Ativan is also used to combat withdrawl symptoms. I was taking it to combat the nervous breakdown. I guess being a redhead I am just not affected like other people...oh well..
Posted by rainy on December 4, 2004, at 9:13:14
In reply to Re: New subject, posted by bridgey1128 on December 3, 2004, at 22:23:14
There are some interesting posts on the admistration board, all referring back to posting policies beginning with "please be supportive" and HermanMunster. It turns out that "Please be civil" is apparently the precurser to a block, so we will do well to be civil. It also seems that we can make a citizen's arrest by asking another poster to please be civil ourselves, so that another infingement by the poster is an automatic block if Bob catches it. At least that's how I read the messages.
I've learned something about the site.
rainy
Posted by stresser on December 4, 2004, at 11:09:29
In reply to Heads up, posted by rainy on December 4, 2004, at 9:13:14
I was basically getting the same idea myself, thanks for making that clearer to me. You are right on that one! Good girl! -L
Posted by iris2 on December 4, 2004, at 20:20:25
In reply to Heads up, posted by rainy on December 4, 2004, at 9:13:14
Posted by merry on December 5, 2004, at 2:28:18
In reply to Very interesting!! (nm) » rainy, posted by iris2 on December 4, 2004, at 20:20:25
Hi everyone! Long time no talk. Been down in the dumps for a while. Feeling better now.
My pdoc had me on xanax 3 or 4x a day for irritability and agitation caused by the wellbutrin even though it is addicting. But since I've been on the Topomax, I've cut back on the xanax because my moods are calmer. I only use the xanax now as needed. Mostly when I get anxious.
I was in talk therapy for a while, but I didn't feel it was helping me much. I think that learning how to cope and manage my symptoms helps. Reading books about bipolar disorder, researching on-line, finding support from others like you guys helps me. I learn a lot from you guys.
merry
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