![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 181 to 205 of 1838. Go back in thread:
Posted by JennieInnex on February 16, 2003, at 12:07:07
In reply to Re: joining the topamax club, posted by maaron71 on February 16, 2003, at 0:32:57
Maaron71
Thanks for your input. I appreciate everybody's comments so much! It helps so much to know there are other people out there going thru similiar situations as myself. My Topamax has just been raised to level it off at 400mg per day. This is where the doc wants it to stay until I have completely withdrawn from all Depakote. That should be by the end of March. I had been on 2750mg of Depakote per day. If I remain seizure free then he will keep the dosage at that amount, if not then he will add additional amounts of Topamax. I have Generalized Tonic Clonic seizures which were acquired from a head injury 30 years ago. What side effects do you experience from the Topamax?
Posted by exys on February 16, 2003, at 12:17:41
In reply to Re: joining the topamax club, posted by JennieInnex on February 16, 2003, at 12:07:07
My side effects were major loss of appitite, icky tingling in my hands and feet that eventually went away, bad taste when I drank anything carbonated but that's cool because soda isn't that good for you anyway! (ever since my topomax regimin thingy i've stayed clear from soda) and I would mix up words and be pretty forgetful. It's pretty weird when you're talking to your friends about what kind of food to bring to a party and you say "So... I should bring diapers?" They never let me live it down. It was too funny.
Well... that was all for me.
Posted by maaron71 on February 16, 2003, at 15:08:50
In reply to Re: joining the topamax club, posted by JennieInnex on February 16, 2003, at 12:07:07
Gosh, I guess the most annoying for me are numbness in my hands and fingers, feet and toes, and also in my mouth and tongue. This is to the point that food taste funny. My sleep patterns have been affected and my tummy is not always very steady. One of the most annoying is the twitchy eye syndrome to the point where people notice it. The next is light headedness. None of these things are worth giving up the positive effects of the medicine though. I used to have horrible night seizures and now I can get through the night without them.
Posted by PodWoman on February 16, 2003, at 18:13:06
In reply to topomax=no prob w. bc pills for me/zoloft? , posted by exys on February 15, 2003, at 22:46:33
Loved Zoloft, hated losing my mojo.
Posted by exys on February 16, 2003, at 19:05:39
In reply to Re: topomax=no prob w. bc pills for me/zoloft? , posted by PodWoman on February 16, 2003, at 18:13:06
*cries* and I never had much of a mojo to begin with...
Posted by Madge on February 17, 2003, at 11:12:47
In reply to Re: joining the topamax club, posted by PodWoman on February 14, 2003, at 8:18:55
I was perscribed Topamax to counteract the weight gain (12lbs) from Remeron. The key to mitigating the side effects of cognitive "dopyness" and tingling is to titrate really slowly ie 25mg at a time. I did really well on those fronts. When I got up to 100 mg. I started developing UTI's every other week. Finally at 150 mg I hadn't lost a single pound and got fed up with having bladder infections every other week. One of Topamax's biggest side effects is dehydration so it's a really good idea to keep hydrated, take lots of vitamin C which keeps your Urethra at a PH level so you don't get the ecoli infections, and also drink Cranberry juice. I even took meds prophylactically, but I still got UTI's. So, I gave up. Topamax also makes you constipated, so taking 1 gram of Omega 3 fish oil and 800 mg of vitamin e a day helps with that.
I'm now on Phentermine for the weight loss.
Good luck to those of you on Topamax. I hope it works for you...
Madge.
Posted by judyt on February 17, 2003, at 16:59:09
In reply to Re: joining the topamax club, posted by Madge on February 17, 2003, at 11:12:47
I've been taking Topomax for over 2 years now primarily for weight-loss. My psychiatrist gives it to me. I started at 200mg per day, but now take 400mg per day. I also take Effexor and Lithium for depression. When I first started taking it, it gave me such an amazing boost of energy! I felt the best I have ever felt in my life! I've been given the diagnosis of fibromyalgia for my general overall tired and achiness, but when I started Topomax, the first 6 months or so, the fibromyalgia melted away. I increased from 100 to 400 mg per day to maintain that effect, but eventually it faded away as I acclimated. :::sigh::: I have lost 50lbs. in 2 years. So that is a big success story. But, I don't think I've really changed my bad habits, I'm just eating less of the same old bad foods! :D If I have to stop the Topomax, I'm afraid, I'll gain it back. I think I am noticing more and more of the cognitive problems...perhaps because Lithium has a bad reputation for similar problems. I'm going in to see my Dr. soon and talk about what to do about lousy short term memory, inability to learn new things, not being able to pull up the word I need, other similar things that make me feel like an 85 IQ instead of my actual 135! When you start crying (yelling!) because you can't learn what button does what on the new remote control...the 5th time you're shown...it's time to make some changes! I'm sure it works differently in different doses for every single person!
Posted by JennieInnex on February 17, 2003, at 17:47:12
In reply to Re: joining the topamax club, posted by judyt on February 17, 2003, at 16:59:09
Hello judyt
I too take 400mg of Topamax but just recently started that amount. The thing that caught my eye in your post was the fact that you just can't find that last word to finish your sentences. I am finding more and more that I am having that same problem. It does seem like it affects everybody in many different ways but there are some similarities as well. I have seen many people describe this numbing, prickly feeling in their hands and feet... I have been feeling that in my feet. Like my feet are asleep. I am still eating like a pig so no change there..lol. Maybe after I get thru the withdrawal of my depakote it will also affect me differently.
Posted by Cheryl2815 on February 18, 2003, at 11:56:06
In reply to Re: joining the topamax club » babs, posted by FloridaOT on February 14, 2003, at 8:08:21
Is anyone taking the above combo? I gained over 55 pounds in 9 months on Effexor so Dr. tried decreasing Effexor and adding 100 mgs Topamax. Decreased Effexor isn't working (75mgs. feels like taking nothing...when I was taking full dose of Effexor..225mgs. was on top of world but miserable because I was 175 lbs, I am only 5'4" and have only weighed over 125 lbs when I was pregnant) I see the dr. on Friday but I am anxious to get feedback if others are on this combo and what doses. Any info you can share with me is greatly appreciated.
Posted by Lady on February 18, 2003, at 21:04:15
In reply to Re: Effexor Topamax weight issues, posted by Cheryl2815 on February 18, 2003, at 11:56:06
Hello,
I have been on topomax before for a mood stablizer, but it seem to quit working after about 8 months..but did lose weight on it. Since then I could have opened a pharmacy with all the meds that I have tried. Am back to the topomax again, and am wondering if anyone experienced stomach cramps and what can be done about them. I want to give it a chance again. Thanks
Posted by karmagirl on February 19, 2003, at 16:57:55
In reply to topomax immunity, posted by Lady on February 18, 2003, at 21:04:15
My experience with Topomax has been positive. I was diagnosed with Pseudotumor cerebri and papilledema. I started at 25 MG back in June and increased up to 100 MG over the course of 4 weeks and am still currently taking 100 MG. My symptoms were soda tasting flat in the very beginning, I had some mild cognitive dullness but I work full time for a large computer company and my work is very demanding..I never missed a beat. The worst side effect I had was the tingling sensation or numbness in my appendages. The usual feet falling asleep would be akin to a gnat but on Topomax it was a much BIGGER tingling akin to a bird (or to the 10th power) LOL!! It was a scratchier tingling if that makes sense to anyone but all of the side effects passed away. I have had great weight loss success but it's not been solely due to the Topomax. I don't think a pill exists that's going to make fat melt away. The success is the making up of your mind that you want to do better, feel better, live better. It DID help me make up MY min
d because now I don't binge and THAT alone is a miracle. No I'm not some Skinny Minnie from the Slim Fast choir singing, when I started the medication I weighed 365 lbs. and now I weigh 295. But again I say, I exercise, eat right and I made up my mind that I would not be defeated by the traps and snares that the enemy had set for my life. I decided that I would accept God's invitation to live a fuller healthier life and that's what has made the difference. Topomax has really helped me, but God has helped me more. Someone said it in a previous post that all medications don't work for everyone but I've had good success with the Topomax. All I can say is to give it a try and see how it works for you individually. Good luck with it and I wish for each of you nothing but the GREATEST of success!!!karmagirl
Posted by Lady on February 21, 2003, at 10:35:18
In reply to Re: topomax immunity, posted by karmagirl on February 19, 2003, at 16:57:55
Thanks karmagirl for letting me know about your experience. I was on this before but don't seem to remember having any side effects. I am now having the flat soda taste, stomach cramps and hot flushes in my face...they seem to be an almost steady thing and I am still only on 25 mg. I go to 50 mg this weekend and am hoping that the side effects subside...I had weight loss last time I took this and am hoping for the same effect this time too. Hope everything keeps working for you!!
Lady
Posted by Honey Bunny on February 28, 2003, at 23:56:09
In reply to topomax, posted by Ellen Brodie on April 19, 1999, at 15:58:40
I am thrilled to have found a group of people who have all experienced the funny soda taste. I am up to 300mgs a day. The only weight loss that I experienced was in the first week when I dropped twelve pounds. After that, we thought the dose was too high, we cut it in half, and then I went through withdraw. I quickly developed a tolerance and needed to be raised weekly untill the past month. Now we are at a steady 300mgs a day.
I have been gaining weight for the past month. The impulsivity is less than before Topomax, but is still present. The only time it worked was when the side-effects were strong. I still have slight tingling in my fingers in the morning. But that's really it. I worry that there is really no hope for a binge eater like me. At least on the medication I am not eating to the painful and debilitatin gextreme that I was before I started the medication.
I am just so happy that I found a site where there are others who talk about this. And who would have thought that others have that funny soda taste and can smell the morning breath from a mile away. Also, if I am away from water for more than five minutes I feel lost in the desert. Please respond soon.
~Allison B.
Posted by Lady on March 1, 2003, at 0:33:26
In reply to Re: topomax, posted by Honey Bunny on February 28, 2003, at 23:56:09
Allison,
I am up to 50mg right now and am feeling pretty good. Soda just does not taste as good as it used to, but then I drank too much. As for eating, I have lost 4 lbs over the last 2 weeks..I seem to not eat as much junk as before. Have been having some hot flushes, but not much of anything else at this time. Hope things work out for you.
Lady :)
Posted by ROO on March 1, 2003, at 11:14:31
In reply to Re: topomax, posted by Lady on March 1, 2003, at 0:33:26
what sort of withdrawal did you experience when
you cut your dose down?
Posted by ljen on March 1, 2003, at 20:51:32
In reply to Re: topomax - not for me » nancy, posted by BarbaraCat on December 30, 2002, at 20:29:22
Hi.
Boy there sure are a lot of uses for this med, I'm finding. I'm a 14 year migrainer. Tried EVERYTHING. Married. Husband w/BPII, who just finally 'discovered' it 3 months ago. Four great kids. Work 2 part-time jobs - one at the school; one at the hospital.
Here's my thing: Started Topomax 2 wks ago at 25mg to prevent migraines. Also take 20mg Lexapro for anxiety. MD plans to move up to 100mg Topamax over 4 wks.
Week two I bumped up to 50mg and also got strep thoat. Started Augmentin 1000mg twice a day X10 days. That was four days ago. My immediate strep symptoms seem better, however now I've noticed that I'm having great difficulty catching my breath and breathing after going up and down stairs or any type of exertion. It's especially bad after showering. I also can't seem to get rid of my sinus stuffiness and chest congestion. The MD said to stop cold meds because they can cause these kinds of side-effects. He doesn't think it's the Topamax.
I wonder about this. I've taken cold meds before and never had these reactions. Has anyone every had these types of side-effects with Topamax? My initial response to Topamax was very good. I've lost 6 pounds, and I'm not that over weight. I went from 146 to 140 in 2 weeks. And the appetite suppression started almost immediately--well before the strep hit. I'm not over tired, but have a big lack of energy. I try to sleep, but cough A LOT. I usually end up sleeping upright in my recliner. I do have trouble getting to sleep.
Migraines were very well controlled at 25mg, but since moving up the dose they've returned, only more mild than before. Would splitting the dose into twice a day help?
I'd appreciate any ideas. Take care all.
Jen.
P.S. I don't have the funny taste with pop, but some foods, like gravy taste strange now. Guess that's probably a good thing, but I sure miss it! Also, beer is *really* awful tasting!
Posted by Honey Bunny on March 2, 2003, at 10:55:36
In reply to Topomax Migraines Anyone?, posted by ljen on March 1, 2003, at 20:51:32
Hey Jen, I absolutely know what you're talking about. My first couple of weeks I had difficulty walking up stairs. I couldn't run across the grocery store for an item I forgot (I forgot a lot of things when I first strted the Topomax). Since I started the meds, back in December, I haven't been able to do much cardio. ( I used to run about five times a week. Now I feel a lot healthier, but its hard to get back into the swing of things. I got sick, with a sore throat, like you in the beginning. It took about a month to shake it off. My psychiatrist told me it was going around and not to worry about it. Don't worry. It will go away. But I remember when I lost my breath. I was so worried about that. It does go away, give it time. Just tell your doctors about your symptoms. And remember, they're the experts.
~Allison
Posted by Honey Bunny on March 3, 2003, at 18:57:16
In reply to Re: topomax--Honey Bunny, posted by ROO on March 1, 2003, at 11:14:31
when I dropped down from 200mgs to 100mgs, there was a week when I was so dehydrated I could not go without water for more than one minute. I could not carry out a conversation without sipping water. I also had a hard time falling asleep. I would lie in bed for hours without being able to sleep. However, I would also wake up early, and not feel tired all day long. Ever since, I have been waking up early, and having the whole day to get things accomplished. Its actually been a blessing. We have since raised the meds from 100 to 300, and the withdrawal only lasted about on week. It wasn't that bad. If you have any more questions feel free to ask.
~Allison
Posted by karmagirl on March 4, 2003, at 11:00:56
In reply to withdrawal, posted by Honey Bunny on March 3, 2003, at 18:57:16
HELP!! I have a doctor's appt. tomorrow and I'm curious as to whether I should ask my doctor to increase my dosage from 100 MG to 150 MG or higher of Topomax. Are higher dosages more effective for weight loss? I've been on 100 MG for about 8 or 9 months and am wondering if it's become ineffective for my headaches as they are appear to be slowly returning. They are still not as frequent as before, but I am having them again. Any advice/info. is appreciated.
Karmagirl
Posted by Honey Bunny on March 4, 2003, at 22:00:48
In reply to RE: Increased dosage more effective in weight loss, posted by karmagirl on March 4, 2003, at 11:00:56
What you have to remember, and that my doctor keeps reminding me, is that Topomax is supposed to keep us from binge eating, and is not supposed to be a diet pill. I am up to 300mgs. I have built up such an immunity that I think I even need to go higher, because I have started bingeing frequently again. Are you bingeing, or do you just want to lose your appetite? You have to ask yourself these questions. The answer lies in you as far as losing weight. I went on topomax because I was having painful side-effects of bingeing, and I wasn't even that over-weight, because it was counter-acted with periods of abstinence. There is only so much you can raise your medication. Write back soon.
Posted by karmagirl on March 5, 2003, at 12:20:18
In reply to RE: Increased dosage more effective in weight loss, posted by Honey Bunny on March 4, 2003, at 22:00:48
Thanks Honey Bunny! Saw my doc this morning and you sound like her!! (LOL) I gained 2 lbs. in 2 weeks and blew my stack...I KNOW it's not the end of the world but it was a small setback as I've done pretty good. I've been doing Weight Watchers and I know that the Topomax has helped me with the binging because I've been able to maintain pretty steadily since I started in June. But in those 2 weeks that I gained, and even now, I seem to have lost a grip on my eating. I've been at 100 MG since June and am wondering if maybe I've become immune to the weight loss side effect.(?) Even my headaches seem to have returned gradually but certainly not with the frequency or the intensity that I had them prior to the Topomax. I've still got a LONGGGGGGG way to go with the weight loss (299 lbs.) but that's 66 lbs. lighter than when I started so I can appreciate where I've come from. Certainly those 2 lbs. won't have me jumping off any bridges, especially when I KNOW my eating has NOT been good, but I don't want to stray off track and wind up BACK where I was. I feel like a newly released inmate about to re-offend but I can't stop myself from committing the crime. Any advice/input is welcome. At this stage of the game, I'm wide open. Thanks all!!
Karmagirl
Posted by Madge on March 5, 2003, at 18:04:08
In reply to RE: Increased dosage more effective in weight loss, posted by karmagirl on March 5, 2003, at 12:20:18
Hi karmagirl,
Wow it sounds like you have made great strides in terms of your health and self care. I am really impressed. You go girl!!! I have discontinued the Topamax, because unfortunately it didn't work for me, however, my Pdoc said that the magic number for weight loss for most people is around 150mg. Topamax does promote weight loss, but it isn't "called" a weight loss medication because there are potentially alot of side effects. It was discovered accidently that it promotes weight loss by people who were taking it in conjunction with Anti depresse\ants who had gained alot of weight, and once they started taking the Topamax they lost the weight. Have you tried Phentermine for weight loss? I don't know if that is something you can take with your other meds, but that is a weight loss med. It is the non implicated part of Phen fen and increases dopamine so it acts like an amphetimine. It curbs your appetite big time, and is used for those who want to lose a fair amount of weight. I tried it also to lose the weight from Remeron, but it didn't work either. Damn, because I sure am motivated too.
Good luck to you.
Madge
Posted by karmagirl on March 6, 2003, at 13:01:19
In reply to RE: Increased dosage more effective in weight loss, posted by Madge on March 5, 2003, at 18:04:08
Hi Madge!! DON'T GIVE UP GIRLFRIEND!! That motivation alone is the victory. The fact that we have the desire to do, live and feel better is a victory within itself. I saw my GP doc yesterday and she said she would put a call in to my neurologist to get her opinion about increasing the dosage. My GP said she didn't know enough about it to say if a higher dosage was more effective or not. As much as I appreciate honesty, I wanted to ring her 120 lb. neck for not knowing on the spot. (LOL) My saving grace was the fact that at least she's FAT right now because she's pregnant. HA HA HA!~! May sound cruel, but I hope her ankles swell up like the damn KLUMPS!!!! WHEW! Glad to get that off my chest. And yes, I'm kidding!! (sort of...) :=) I really had hoped that she'd just up the dosage and let me be on my merry way but I can't blame her for wanting to get a 2nd opinion and somewhere deep, I mean REALLY deep, down inside, I appreciate that. She said she'd call me after she caught up with my other doc and let me know. The motivation that we feel even without meds should be enough to drive us off of couches and into the streets and at least take a walk, a jog or SOMETHING to get us a little closer to the goals in our hearts. All I know is that I don't ever want to see 3 ANYTHING on the scale again and I'm willing to do whatever it takes to stay away. Two lbs. scared the crap out of me and that's a GOOD thing. The first time I bought anything exercisey, (yes-exercisey is a word, I just made it up) I almost cried. I went in Target and bought a workout tape and a pair of 3 lb. weights. I was at the checkout line and the realization hit me, OMG, you are REALLY going to lose this weight and change your life. CHANGE YOUR LIFE. CHANGE YOUR LIFE. It was like it echoed in my soul. It was empowering because I never knew I had any control over my own life. Strange huh....But at that moment, in the checkout line in Target, I knew I was in control of something in my life. My own well being, my health. Damn it felt good. I don't have the answers. I'm going to continue to seek God's face and walk this thing out. It won't be easy but the reward is great. Discipline in one area brings on discipline in another. Keep ya head up Chickie....I may be overweight but I'm also an OVERCOMER and so are you!!!
karmagirl
Posted by Davina on March 15, 2003, at 19:42:48
In reply to Re: topamax, posted by katie on April 26, 1999, at 13:16:19
Hi. I know I am cutting in here, but I am new. I am bipolar and have a new doc. He is trying to get me to do the risperdal/remeron/topomax combo thing, but all together at first was too much for me physically to take. (Although the risperdal WAS effective in making the chaos in my head turn off so I could at least have some peace!) Now, I am babying myself back onto them one by one, trying to figure out which one is causing which side-effects. I believe the topomax is raising my blood pressure -or at least making it seriously feel like it!- and I get a little shaky and dizzy at times. Also, I am experiencing extreme dry-mouth, nasty tasting sodas, and I am wondering what is so wonderful about it? Is it worth sticking it out? Do these things go away? I have so many questions, I will try to tackle only a few at a time here... please forgive me! But, for years I have been searching for my miracle drug, and so far I haven't found it. Lately I have just been taking prozac alone, which probably explains why I am going through such severe episodes these past few months. I've been on Lithium, buspar, depakote, blah, blah, blah... I have put on the weight, my hair has fallen out (no- not all, but plenty!)... and I am scared. I can't support myself. I have lost my medical insurance because I left a good paying job. And I am wondering... where is the help? How do you survive??? Anyway- I am glad to have found this site so maybe I can actually get feedback from people who really DO know what I am talking about... and what it feels like. I am sorry if this is not the right forum for this... if I have grossly mis-spoken here, would someone kindly direct me to the appropriate place? Thank you... and God Bless.
Posted by Ajah on March 16, 2003, at 4:18:32
In reply to Re: topomax immunity » karmagirl, posted by Lady on February 21, 2003, at 10:35:18
I have been on Topamax for a year now for migraines. Make no mistake. It is a serious med with serious side effects. I am currently on 50-100 mg/twice a day. The dose varies according to my time of month. Side effects get worse with increasing doses. I lost 40 pounds in my first 2 months on the drug, but then adjusted to it. The mental "dulling" is okay at the 50 mg. dose, but words don't "come out" right when I take my 100mg dose. I can still think, but I just seem a second slower than usual. Lets not forget numbness/tingling of the extremities, and a vague light-headed feeling, as if one has had a bit too much to drink. Cokes taste like cough syrup to me. Orange juice is even too strong for my taste.
Despite all this, I love Topamax. It prevents my migraines that occur 4-6 times/week otherwise. I did wean myself off the drug for a while last Fall. Waited two weeks before trying a carbonated drink--it was almost an orgasmic experience, it tasted so good.
Since Topamax is an anti-seizure drug, I am not sure about its effects as a mood stabilizer or enhancer. I know it is great for migraines. I would not use it just for weight loss because of all the side effects. And, to be honest, I would not be using it for my migraines if I could find anything that worked half as well. I adjust to the effects, and take other drugs for my depression.
C
Go forward in thread:
Psycho-Babble Medication | Extras | FAQ
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.org
Script revised: February 4, 2008
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/cgi-bin/pb/mget.pl
Copyright 2006-17 Robert Hsiung.
Owned and operated by Dr. Bob LLC and not the University of Chicago.