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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by California_Princess on October 6, 2003, at 17:07:57
In reply to Re: Topamax Weight Loss- I dont think I am.., posted by platinumbride on October 5, 2003, at 8:18:15
Has anyone been having trouble sleeping while on Topamax?
I started on Topamax about three weeks about on only 25 mgs a day, (12.5 in am and 12.5 in pm). Last Monday I increased my dosage to 75 mgs a day (37.5 in am and 37.5 in pm) and since then I have not been able to fall asleep until about 12 or 1 am, (which is not normal for me). I need about 10 hrs of sleep to function and I’m getting about 6 to 8 on a good night so I’m exhausted, but can not sleep. Last night I did not take my nightly dose of Topamax desperate to get some sleep, but still couldn’t fall asleep until about 12:30.
I need to increase my dosage of Topamax this week to 100 mgs a day, but this not being able to sleep is literally killing me.
Have any of you experienced any of these problems? Have you had to take a sleeping pill at night? I do not want to get used to taking a pill to fall asleep. How about something natural like Valerian Root? Have any of you tried that before with Topamax? I know there are some things, (like antacids that you aren’t supposed to take while on Topamax).
Also, some of my other side affects are kind of weird. I really didn’t have any side affects until last week when I increased my dose to 75 mgs. I’ve had sore lungs for almost a week. Also I get a sore throat and runny nose, alternately, and my eyes are drying out. I also get headaches. Weird! I’m drinking about 150oz of water a day since I’m afraid of the possibility of kidney stones. But right now the thing that is bothering me the most is not being able to sleep. I’m a very light sleeper any way and my sleep patterns get disrupted easily.
I find my thoughts are racing and as I’m trying to sleep, my mind is holding it’s own conversation with it’s self! Weird!!!
I haven’t had any weight loss with the Topamax yet, but I have been less compulsive and my appetite hasn’t been as big, so maybe it’s working? I have cycled I think maybe three times since I’ve been on the drug which is good for me! :O)
Melissa
Posted by platinumbride on October 7, 2003, at 13:47:47
In reply to Topamax Side Affects!, posted by California_Princess on October 6, 2003, at 17:07:57
Hi,
I have the opposite problem...
T-max makes metired, so I taked the whole dose at nite. Maybe you can do the whole thing in the am withi you doc's approval? The appetite is still improving for me....Just a thought,
Diane
Posted by Nitro on October 7, 2003, at 17:50:43
In reply to Topamax Side Affects!, posted by California_Princess on October 6, 2003, at 17:07:57
> Has anyone been having trouble sleeping while on Topamax?
>
> I started on Topamax about three weeks about on only 25 mgs a day, (12.5 in am and 12.5 in pm). Last Monday I increased my dosage to 75 mgs a day (37.5 in am and 37.5 in pm) and since then I have not been able to fall asleep until about 12 or 1 am, (which is not normal for me). I need about 10 hrs of sleep to function and I’m getting about 6 to 8 on a good night so I’m exhausted, but can not sleep. Last night I did not take my nightly dose of Topamax desperate to get some sleep, but still couldn’t fall asleep until about 12:30.
>
> I need to increase my dosage of Topamax this week to 100 mgs a day, but this not being able to sleep is literally killing me.
>
> Have any of you experienced any of these problems? Have you had to take a sleeping pill at night? I do not want to get used to taking a pill to fall asleep. How about something natural like Valerian Root? Have any of you tried that before with Topamax? I know there are some things, (like antacids that you aren’t supposed to take while on Topamax).
>
> Also, some of my other side affects are kind of weird. I really didn’t have any side affects until last week when I increased my dose to 75 mgs. I’ve had sore lungs for almost a week. Also I get a sore throat and runny nose, alternately, and my eyes are drying out. I also get headaches. Weird! I’m drinking about 150oz of water a day since I’m afraid of the possibility of kidney stones. But right now the thing that is bothering me the most is not being able to sleep. I’m a very light sleeper any way and my sleep patterns get disrupted easily.
>
> I find my thoughts are racing and as I’m trying to sleep, my mind is holding it’s own conversation with it’s self! Weird!!!
>
> I haven’t had any weight loss with the Topamax yet, but I have been less compulsive and my appetite hasn’t been as big, so maybe it’s working? I have cycled I think maybe three times since I’ve been on the drug which is good for me! :O)
> Melissa
>
Wow, I just thought about the sleep aspects - have been on Topamax a month, only 25 mg morning and night. I have been sleeping 6 hours straight, more than I have slept in years and feeling great. I have had a little bit of dry eyes but keep eye drops handy for it. They have gotten better, it was mostly the first couple of weeks they felt the dryest and now I don't even use the eye drops every day. It depends on how much I use the computer at work. Good luck to you! NItro
Posted by Yogini on October 7, 2003, at 18:23:06
In reply to Re: WEnt off Topamax - I am gaining all the 15 pounds , posted by LoriCA on October 6, 2003, at 1:26:33
Hi Lori,
Wow, Could you please elaborate on what happened to you with your eyes? I have been on Topamax for about 45 days now. I am at a very low dose of 30 mg in the AM & 30 mg in the PM.
I have noticed a change in my vision. I've noticed that I have to take my glasses off in order to see things up close now or they are blurry... whereas prior to the Topamax, I did not have that problem.Thanks for your help :)
- Dee
> i was on topamax, i posted to this board becasue it permanently damged my eyes- not the glaucoma, but blurriness up close. i found it did nothing for my depression,. the doctor now has me on neurontin for anxiety, wellbutrin for depression, along with dextroamphet for about 4 weeks. i know it is an "upper" but i needed energy and to lose the weight i gained. he said it will help with the depression.. efficacy has lessened a bit, but it still helps, 3 a day. i guess..i have become a slug, don't take care of myself. i used to be "put together" looks wise and upstairs. again, i will wait and see...but i would tell anyone to stay off the topamax, it gave me the loss of sight after 9 days.
>
> lori
Posted by Sabina on October 7, 2003, at 21:18:38
In reply to Re: Topamax Weight Loss- I dont think I am.., posted by Bear on October 4, 2003, at 10:46:52
I just started Topamax. I'm *terrified* by the range of SE's I've read about here, but I'm trying to stay positive and give it a good chance. I'm on it for Bipolar II in augmentation to Seroquel. I do hope to lose weight on it as well. Anyway, pertaining to the inability to exercise you mentioned: my heart went out to you in your dilemma (though I can't tell from the thread which one of you guys I'm talking to). I wanted to know if you read my not-too-long-ago post from the Social Board regarding weight loss challenges and a very pleasant solution I've found? I even met one man at the pool who has lost 170 pounds, down from 530lbs, by exercising in the water. Mind you, at first he needed help getting back out of the pool and he could really only kind of walk around in it, but it really worked for him. I hope you don't mind me butting in here. I was just spending the evening on Topamax research and wanted to share this with you...everyone...whoever. Please wish me luck and keep me in your thoughts, everyone. I am very nervous about starting the Topamax. Cheers.
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20030913/msgs/262093.html
Posted by Nycole on October 8, 2003, at 0:50:38
In reply to Re: WEnt off Topamax - I am gaining all the 15 pounds » Nycole, posted by platinumbride on October 6, 2003, at 1:40:28
> Nycole,
> I am so sorry that you are going through this.
> Can I trouble you with dumb questions like are you on
> any other ADs? Is there a way to keep your depression
> under control and still use topamax?
>
> I, too, am fearing the possibility of worsening depression
> with topamax, so my heart goes out to you for various reasons.
>
> Some say that appetite is supressed on Wellbutrin.
> Is this an option for you?
>
> I hope you have luck.
> DianeDiane,
Thanks for replying to my post! AS far as other AD's I was on Effexor XR for over 3 years, but about 3 months ago it just stopped working for me and I was really really bad with depression and anxiety. So, my pdoc decided I have to wein off off of it (which was one of the hardest thing I ever had to do). Then I started Prozac. I took Prozac like 8 years ago and it worked awesome for me but it burned out after 2 years. But my pdoc said it would work for me again and it is starting to work for me. I am on 40 mg. of that and I am also taking seroquel.
I have tried taking Wellbutrin twice and it did nothing for me :(
Do you think Topamax is making your depression worse or you are just afraid it will?
I am thinking about asking my pdoc to go back on Topamax, but I did have all the bad side effects, too, like delayed speech, loss of memory, tingling in extremities. I have to decide if it is worth it. Have you heard of any other appetite suppressants like Topamax??
Thanks for your help!!!
Nycole
Posted by platinumbride on October 8, 2003, at 10:10:34
In reply to Re: WEnt off Topamax - I am gaining all the 15 pounds, posted by Nycole on October 8, 2003, at 0:50:38
Hi Nycole,
There was a post not long ago which brought in a link from the Washington Post....I think it was something lile Tpopamax Hits the Big Time". The Article mentioned an anticonvulsant called Zonegran (pretty sure of the name). It seems to have some of those "not eating like a pig" side effects".
I have not been a great one for ADs, although celexa seemed to have helped for a while.....
Lamictal, they say, has anti-depressant properties. I don't feel them, but my shrink says he sees improvment in me. have you had the old thyroid checked?
Oh, and sorry for this, but a lot of people gain weight on seroquel. I didn't, but I couldn't handle that drug for other reasons.
As for my own depression, I just don't know....sometimes I think it is the air I breathe that does that...I hope you find what clicks.......
Diane
Posted by Nissy on October 8, 2003, at 10:38:11
In reply to Re: WEnt off Topamax - I am gaining all the 15 pounds , posted by Yogini on October 7, 2003, at 18:23:06
>I have been on Topamax for about 45 days now. I am at a very low dose of 30 mg in the AM & 30 mg in the PM.
>
> - Dee
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Hi Dee,
I am so curious about this. How do you take 30 mg.'s of this when it only come in 25, 100 and 200 mg.'s? Am I missing something here?
Nissy :)
Posted by Yogini on October 8, 2003, at 10:41:58
In reply to Re: WEnt off Topamax - I am gaining all the 15 pounds » Yogini, posted by Nissy on October 8, 2003, at 10:38:11
So sorry....
I am new to this medication. After my post I went & checked my bottle. I was confused about the dosage. I'm on 25 in the AM & 25 in the PM. The 30 mg dose is my Phenobarbital.
- Dee
> >I have been on Topamax for about 45 days now. I am at a very low dose of 30 mg in the AM & 30 mg in the PM.
> >
> > - Dee
> ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
> Hi Dee,
> I am so curious about this. How do you take 30 mg.'s of this when it only come in 25, 100 and 200 mg.'s? Am I missing something here?
> Nissy :)
Posted by California_Princess on October 8, 2003, at 19:14:37
In reply to Re: Topamax Weight Issues, posted by Sabina on October 7, 2003, at 21:18:38
Sabina,
I WILL keep you in my thoughts!! :O) I cut my dosage back down to 37gms a day (1 1/2 pill) in the am and I feel much better today! I can think and count today and I am hoping I will be able to sleep tonight. My lungs still hurt a little but not as much. I think I much have just upped the dosage too fast.I started out with 25 mgs a day, (I cut a pill in half and took one half in the am and one half in the pm) for a week. The next three days I took one full one in the am and one full one in the pm (50 mgs daily). Then after only three days I increased it to one and a half in the am and one and a half in the pm, (75 mgs daily) hoping to rush up to 200 mgs by my next pdoc visit.
I'm going to stay at 25 until my next pdoc visit and talk with him about the side affects because I can't be losing my car in a parking structure and getting lost on the freeway because I can't think with this drug! It made it so I was almost so unable to count my change!
I was really hoping that this was going to be the drug that was going to help me get well... I'm not so sure now.... :O(
I have 140 pounds to lose and I desperately need a job and need to get control of this Bi-Polar so I need to find something that will work!
Melissa
Posted by platinumbride on October 9, 2003, at 9:55:48
In reply to Topamax Side Affects!, posted by California_Princess on October 8, 2003, at 19:14:37
I'm so sorry for the horrendous side effects some are experiencing...
I hope you all get respite soon.
I am also confused. There is a big warning not to split these pills. Was anyone told that it was really OK to do so? I am spending a mint in separate scripts as I titrate. What REALLY happens if you split the pills any old way?
Best,
Diane
Posted by Nissy on October 9, 2003, at 11:06:10
In reply to Re: Topamax Side Affects!, posted by platinumbride on October 9, 2003, at 9:55:48
There is a big warning not to split these pills. Was anyone told that it was really OK to do so? I am spending a mint in separate scripts as I titrate. What REALLY happens if you split the pills any old way?
>
Diane,
It's funny you mention this because my Doctor gave me a sample until my script came in from the mail-in pharmacy and he only had 100 mgs and I needed the 25 mgs so I could take 2 at a time. So he told me to cut them in half. Having thought I seen it somewhere myself not to split them I double checked with him about cutting them and he said it would be fine. I did it and I didn't see or feel any different. I have heard of other drugs that you must not do this with, but I'm still alive so Topamax must not be one of them, However, do not hold me to this.
Nissy :)
Posted by platinumbride on October 9, 2003, at 11:43:43
In reply to Re: Topamax Side Affects! » platinumbride, posted by Nissy on October 9, 2003, at 11:06:10
Nissy...
I kinda wondered if this no cutting thing was not some kind of paahrmaceutical company ploy to keep us from saving a few bucks, but my doctor just went along with the directions, especially now that I finally have insurance, albeit with very high copays...
I guess we all have to keep guessing. I thought it might be some mysterious metabolisation thing.....
DianePS: I think there is hope for all of the dumbness of the drug. I just went up to 125 mgs and I don't feel as stupid anymore. I have been on the med for a month. I'm not running around with my jeans falling off yet like on an LA weight loss commercial, but I do feel a bit lighter and am eating less....it is slow, but i think it is less...
Posted by DharmaMama on October 10, 2003, at 12:59:44
In reply to Re: Topamax Experiences: Long Term Use, posted by phillybob on March 26, 2001, at 6:42:49
I was placed on Topamax yesterday. Doing the 25mg one week, then 50 next, 75 next and so on. Diagnoses, they have not diagnosed me. I have read many threads. My worries: 1) Forgetting things! As it is my mind is racing 24/7 which leads to forgetting things, losing things, memory loss and having a hard time getting to sleep. How common is this, does it subside? 2) The idea of weight loss is great. In the past 9 months I have gained 20 lbs, I use to average around 100. When stopping Top. (and not starting anything else), how many gained weight? 3) I have read on Top. website, "Do not take if you plan on becoming pregnant." Does anyone know if this med. causes damage to rep. system in females? Should one take precaution like those who take Accutane? There is a possibility we may want more kids. Sorry for the lengthy post, TIA.
Posted by Larry Hoover on October 10, 2003, at 13:26:29
In reply to Don't Cut Your Pills in half children...... » Nissy, posted by platinumbride on October 9, 2003, at 11:43:43
> Nissy...
>
> I kinda wondered if this no cutting thing was not some kind of paahrmaceutical company ploy to keep us from saving a few bucks, but my doctor just went along with the directions, especially now that I finally have insurance, albeit with very high copays...I checked the detailed drug monograph, and the only reference to not splitting the pills has to do with the flavour.....the drug is quite bitter.
According to the information I just read, there is no pharmacological reason to not split pills, unless you find the broken pill to be too bitter to swallow. The other issue is that it is hard to get the dose just right.
Lar
Posted by Nissy on October 10, 2003, at 14:19:54
In reply to Re: Don't Cut Your Pills in half children...... » platinumbride, posted by Larry Hoover on October 10, 2003, at 13:26:29
I searched myself and didn't find a thing on it either except the bitter taste thing.
Nissy
Posted by platinumbride on October 10, 2003, at 14:21:38
In reply to Re: Don't Cut Your Pills in half children...... » platinumbride, posted by Larry Hoover on October 10, 2003, at 13:26:29
Wow, Lar.....
Thanks for that! I will keep that in mind for future purchases!I think everyone here has swallowed a bitter pill or two, no?
Diane
Posted by Nissy on October 10, 2003, at 14:25:33
In reply to Just started Topamax, posted by DharmaMama on October 10, 2003, at 12:59:44
Does anyone know if this med. causes damage to rep. system in females?
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
I think what it means is take precautions and do not become pregnant while taking this medication because it possibly could have negative effects on the growing fetus.
Nissy :)
Posted by Larry Hoover on October 10, 2003, at 18:31:43
In reply to Re: Don't Cut Your Pills in half children...... » Larry Hoover, posted by platinumbride on October 10, 2003, at 14:21:38
> Wow, Lar.....
> Thanks for that! I will keep that in mind for future purchases!
>
> I think everyone here has swallowed a bitter pill or two, no?
>
> DianeYou're welcome.
I think the prices are more bitter than the pill.
Lar
Posted by SLS on October 10, 2003, at 19:56:22
In reply to Re: Don't Cut Your Pills in half children...... » platinumbride, posted by Larry Hoover on October 10, 2003, at 13:26:29
Hi Larry.
> I checked the detailed drug monograph...Is there a site on the Web you could suggest to find such monographs?
Thanks.
- Scott
Posted by Larry Hoover on October 10, 2003, at 22:37:29
In reply to Re: Don't Cut Your Pills in half children...... » Larry Hoover, posted by SLS on October 10, 2003, at 19:56:22
> Hi Larry.
>
> > I checked the detailed drug monograph...
>
> Is there a site on the Web you could suggest to find such monographs?
>
> Thanks.
>
>
> - ScottSure. http://www.rxlist.com
When you enter the drug name, it uses fuzzy logic, so spelling isn't too important. When you scroll through the results list and find the drug you want, don't choose the brand name, pick the generic. E.g for Topomax, click on topirimate, just below. The generic has the fully detailed info, under five separate headings (the same info that's in the Physician's Drug Reference). The brand name info is rather less detailed, for some reason.
Lar
Posted by California_Princess on October 13, 2003, at 9:58:13
In reply to Re: Don't Cut Your Pills in half children...... » Larry Hoover, posted by SLS on October 10, 2003, at 19:56:22
I was also splitting my pills in half because I didn’t' want to start out taking 25 mgs and then when I increased the dosage I didn't want to go up too quickly.
Has anyone else had SORE LUNGS while taking this med? I went off the Topamax Friday because I couldn’t sleep and my lungs hurt so badly. Unfortunately I crashed BIG TIME Sat and Sun in a deep depression, but my lungs are slowly getting better and after taking a Valerian Root, I slept for almost 8 hrs for the first time in weeks since starting on Topamax.
I’m VERY upset because I really thought this was going to be the right drug for me. However after losing my car in a parking structure and getting lost of the freeway and having to call my husband to come and get me because I didn’t know where I was, (and that was only on 75mgs) and the SORE LUNGS, and insomnia I really had to get off of Topamax.
I’ve got to call my pdoc today and wonder what he will say! :O( I will not take any drugs that will cause me to gain weight so that narrows the field down. I’m very sad that the Topamax didn’t work! :O(
Melissa
Posted by platinumbride on October 14, 2003, at 0:29:47
In reply to Topamax Side Affects!, posted by California_Princess on October 13, 2003, at 9:58:13
Melissa,
Have you been on lamictal?
I had no weight gain on that one.Diane
Posted by California_Princess on October 14, 2003, at 10:46:13
In reply to Re: Topamax Side Affects! » California_Princess, posted by platinumbride on October 14, 2003, at 0:29:47
No, I haven't tried lamictal yet, but my pdoc mentioned it so I'm guessing that is the next drug he will try me on. Did you experience any side affects? How did it work for you?
Melissa
Posted by platinumbride on October 14, 2003, at 11:13:03
In reply to Topamax Side Affects!, posted by California_Princess on October 14, 2003, at 10:46:13
I titrated verrrrrrry slowly with the lamictal, soI had no side effects. And I wouldn't freak out about the rash they warn of. It is extremely rare.
It was definitely one of the drugs that took me out of aparalyzing depression. It has kind of been one of those quiet drugs for me....one which I barely knew was working,but it was.
It has been a god send for a lot of people.
I didn't put weight on from it.
My hair didn't fall out.
It was just a slow and easy thing for me....
I am thinking of going off of it and seeing what just topamax will do.
I don't think topamax is doing s---t for weight loss for me....I weighed in at the doc today at the same 240 i did 2 weeks ago <depressed>....
I did, however, have a few binges yesterday and last week....
Can I whine a bit?I just feel so sad over the weight thing...
Ever take neurontin? Did it make you gain adn gain? I have a feeling that if i am going to take weight off, I may have to give up my favorite drug.....:( and I am a bit freightened by that.I think you will do well with lamictal....just take the titration slooooooow. I guess if you need to, there could be something to augment it while you get to the full dose if you need to.
I really do wish you the best...
Diane
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