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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Storm Rider on February 14, 2006, at 21:38:57
In reply to Re: topomax, posted by Karla on February 13, 2006, at 21:22:21
> I was up to 900mg and it didn't have any weight loss effect on me. But my motabolism is different than yours. My dr said at 200mg is where you may start to see your weight effected.
I don't know about the 200 mg... I began to notice the weight change within a week of starting the topomax...
it was only a little but it was a real jump start to my attitude and self esteem after having come to terms with the weight gain... I had always been extremely slender... all right, thin :(
my husband always told people he married me out of pity because someone had to feed me <g>
When we married I was the same 5'6" I am now and weighed under 100 pounds...
suddenly thanks to the meds I was on to help me deal with the emotional roller coaster I was on because of the change in the epilepsy, I weighed double and I was not pleased...when the neurologist told me that there was a second side effect to the topomax, it caused weight loss, I said I would have to think about it..
and five seconds later said I would try it LOL
anything to eliminate the migraines and control the seizures that were escalating (tegritol on its own was not doing the job and his initial response was to increase the dosage to some grotesque amount until I mentioned the migraines... never thought I would be grateful for blinding headaches!!!!)The topomax had a definite effect on appetite in my case, almost from the start...
I wonder if it is a mental thing? Because the doctor said it would affect weight, I expected it to cause me to lose weight therefore it did???At any rate, I am now strongly addicted to protein, chicken and salmon, and salads... I don't eat grains at all as I have discovered an allergy to them and am a lot healthier since that...
Today's jean and skirt size is a three...
and the doctors, the orthopaedist and gp, are worried about my weight...
seems to me we have been here and done that at the other extreme...
the words anoraexia are being bandied about again... sounds like my twenties all over again...
but it is just a matter of not wanting to eat the heavy meals and the junk stuff...
sort of a mental conditioning...
I am no longer able to eat large meals and no longer want the junky foods... but protein foods call my name...
I'll swear I hear them <GGG>I tried to diet and follow the nutritionist's regimens but it didn't work, the weight would come off for a while then pile right back as I found myself back at the refrigerator or snack food counter...
it hasn't happened -- yet...I have been told by the mri techs who worked on the study with the one neurologist that if I stop taking the topomax the weight will come back...
that is certainly a worry of sorts, although the bigger worry would be the return of the constant seizures...and that is not an option... since my last stay in hospital we finally have the day time nonsense stopped and the clock returned to its normal patterns of nighttime seizures...
for that matter, I have not had a seizure in ten days...
I feel as though I have wond a gold medal at the Olympics!!!
At the moment I am on 600 mg of topomax.. half in the morning and half in the evening....and for the person who was on 900....
apparently the literature available indicates it is safe up to 1600 mg a day but only therapeutic up to 800 mg a day...makes one wonder why it would be prescribed at doses over 800 mg doesn't it...
One of the doctors in ER was doing some research on it the last time I was in and told me that when he increased my dosage to 300 in the morning...
he also told me he thought I should go right from 200 to 300...
when I was stable enough to argue, I explained why that was not a good idea...
figured it might help someone else down the road...
and besides, I cannot pass up a chance to argue... it meant I was feeling much better <s>kat
Posted by Storm Rider on February 14, 2006, at 21:47:50
In reply to Re: Topamax Alcohol, posted by bridgey1128 on February 14, 2006, at 14:29:33
> Hi Kat! I am back on 100mg but really for losing the weight I gained back. I gained 30lbs back that I had lost after starting it. It has done nothing for my BP this go round. I have noticed a definite decrease in my appetite in a higher dosage whereas I didn't last time. Apparently it DID whether or not I noticed since I lost 30lbs.
Hi Bridgey!It will take longer to work the second time around... or so the techs told me...
I had to go off it for one of those wretched intensive tele whatsis tests ... and they warned me that the weight would come back and fast and would be slower to start coming off again...
I had visions of ballooning from 130 to 3000 pounds in a couple of weeks the way the one tech spoke...
but I gained ten pounds and managed to lose it again in a month or so...
It is frustrating though to work your way through the weight thing and have it come back...
self esteem and weight are so intertwined, especially for women and then there is the physical health issue...
when the BP or ADD or other emotional/mental health issues are added into the equation, life becomes extremely complicated.
Sometimes I think there should be a magic formula or button...
I keep asking my doctor why in an age when we have seen men walk on the moon and cars that can travel twice the speed limit and then some, he doesn't have an instant fix for what ails me...
For a couple of years I was seeing a psychologist to help me adjust to the intensified warfare that my brain was escalating with this epilepsy lark. He didn't have a quick fix either...
That annoyed me...
If I break a leg, the doctor puts a cast on it so it can heal. With an emotional problem, the psychologist tells me that I have to find my own solutions, so we talk about it...
I suppose it made sense, but it frustrated the blazes out of me..
I wanted it fixed and I wanted it fixed right then.
And wrapped up in pretty paper with bows on it...same with these weight issues and ADD....
I often wonder how other people manage to sit and watch a movie ...
I cannot go to the theatre to see a movie. I have to wait until it comes out in video...
cannot imagine sitting still that long...
LOL
kat
Posted by Aleese on February 15, 2006, at 13:45:17
In reply to Re: topomax » Karla, posted by Storm Rider on February 14, 2006, at 21:38:57
I will only be on 100mgs I hope that has an effect on my wieght since its such a low dose.
Posted by SandyWeb on February 17, 2006, at 10:08:54
In reply to Re: topomax, posted by Aleese on February 15, 2006, at 13:45:17
Hi all,
I just started Topamax on the 7th. I take 25mg at bedtime and another 25mg in the morning. I'm not finding any problems with it so far other than:
1. each morning I wake up with a headache!! Crazy, huh? I thought this med was also prescribed for migraines. I'm assuming my body is just adjusting to the new med, and the ibuprofen helps just fine.
2. pop or coffee tastes too sweet. That's a GOOD thing, right? Yeah!! I find I'm drinking a lot more milk and water now.
3. Any sugary foods I tend to "regurgitate" (sorry about that!). So I'm trying to eat just plain, healthy foods now.
And this is just the beginning. Yippee. I can go up to a maximum of 400mg. I am actually replacing Gabapentin because it pooped out on me. Plus the other meds I'm on (especially the Remeron) make me eat and eat and eat.I am finding that I like the way the Topamax makes me feel. I don't know how to describe it. It certainly seems to have an anti-anxiety property to it.
Anyways, I will SLOWLY be titrating my dose upwards. I figured I'd add another 25mg to a nighttime dose on the 22nd. Hopefully I won't ever have that problem of "word-recall" that so many people talk about.
God bless.
Sandra
Posted by Storm Rider on February 17, 2006, at 12:57:29
In reply to Re: topomax, posted by SandyWeb on February 17, 2006, at 10:08:54
> Hi all,
>
> I just started Topamax on the 7th. I take 25mg at bedtime and another 25mg in the morning. I'm not finding any problems with it so far other than:
>
> 1. each morning I wake up with a headache!! Crazy, huh? I thought this med was also prescribed for migraines. I'm assuming my body is just adjusting to the new med, and the ibuprofen helps just fine.
>
> 2. pop or coffee tastes too sweet. That's a GOOD thing, right? Yeah!! I find I'm drinking a lot more milk and water now.
>
> 3. Any sugary foods I tend to "regurgitate" (sorry about that!). So I'm trying to eat just plain, healthy foods now.
>
>
> And this is just the beginning. Yippee. I can go up to a maximum of 400mg. I am actually replacing Gabapentin because it pooped out on me. Plus the other meds I'm on (especially the Remeron) make me eat and eat and eat.
>
> I am finding that I like the way the Topamax makes me feel. I don't know how to describe it. It certainly seems to have an anti-anxiety property to it.
>
> Anyways, I will SLOWLY be titrating my dose upwards. I figured I'd add another 25mg to a nighttime dose on the 22nd. Hopefully I won't ever have that problem of "word-recall" that so many people talk about.
>
> God bless.
>
> Sandra
>I am glad to hear that you are starting at 25 mg doses, but the 50 total is still too much...
the ideal way to start is to start at 25 in the evenings...
then increase by 25 mg after two weeks of adjustment time and again after two weeks and so on
IN THE EVENINGS until you reach the half dose (200 mg) and then start the morning dosages...
this will avoid the nausea and vomiting... been there and done that and didn't want the t-shirt or the cd...
and then re-read the information sheets the neurologist gave me when he gave me the prescription
the part that said, start in the evenings at two-week intervals until half the total dosage has been reached before taking morning dosage....
the part I had skimmed over...
there is a down-side to speed reading obviously...with the evening introduction and waiting to take the morning pills, things balanced and there was not the cognitive problem...
other than today's right and left mix up LOL
It is prescribed for migraines and it works...
but taking it too much too quickly and starting in the mornings for some reason messes up the system...
I never asked why.. didn't want to admit I had not read the destructions...
sigh...
kat
Posted by SandyWeb on February 18, 2006, at 12:04:51
In reply to Re: topomax » SandyWeb, posted by Storm Rider on February 17, 2006, at 12:57:29
Hi Kat,
Thanks for your response. It's always good to hear from others who have gone there before us!
I'm still doing wonderfully on the 50mg (half and half). The morning headache is gone now, but there are still some taste aversions.
I'll add another 25mg at night at the 2-week mark of Feb. 22nd.
Oh, by the way, my 17-year old son says my eyes look weird. Like I'm on something. I don't notice anything. Then again, I'm the one who is on something. LOL!!! Have any of you had this happen? Does it straighten out?
Take care.
Sandy
Posted by redscarlet on February 18, 2006, at 12:36:28
In reply to Re: topomax, posted by SandyWeb on February 17, 2006, at 10:08:54
Well here's the latest...
After my pdoc appointment on the 9th where we decided to stop the Zonegran and not add anything else I was just not feeling good at all after about three days. I was having some food issues and feeling pretty depressed.
I talked to my pdoc on Thursday and we decided it wouldn't hurt to try the Topamax again.
It's been at least two years since I was on it the first time.
So I started on 25mg last night.
When I got up this morning I had a small headache but took some Motrin and it went away.
I will be on 25mgs until my next pdoc appointment on March 9th so this is three weeks so I plan to go slow with it this time and maybe my hair will not fall out !
Can anyone tell me if Topamax works as well as it did the first time when you go back to it after a long time off the drug ? I hope so, I sure want the weight loss effect again. Other meds have put on a few lbs over the past year and I want them gone. But I'm taking the Topamax for bipolar AND weight, not just weight.Have a good day everyone and I'll keep you posted on how's it going... :-)
Posted by luvdogs on February 19, 2006, at 2:26:47
In reply to Re: Topomax for Migraines, posted by jasperwasper on June 23, 2003, at 18:52:56
Does Topomax help for just migraines or other types of headaches also? I have TMJ, Migraines and also get bad sinus headaches. I have very bad pain in my knees that wakes me at night. Any info would be great. I'm BP, but hoping this will help with the pain, i'm sick of taking daily pain meds.
Thanks!!
Posted by Aleese on February 19, 2006, at 18:08:27
In reply to Re: Topomax for Migraines, posted by luvdogs on February 19, 2006, at 2:26:47
has anyone else lost lots of weight on Topamax? and is it as expensive for everyone else as it is for me?
Posted by luvdogs on February 19, 2006, at 18:30:42
In reply to Re: Topomax for Migraines, posted by Aleese on February 19, 2006, at 18:08:27
I am just starting the topomax and my DR gave me a sample bottle- doesn't it come in generic also??
How much did you pay for it? A lot??
Thanks!!
Posted by challenged on February 19, 2006, at 22:08:32
In reply to Re: Topomax for Migraines- Generic??, posted by luvdogs on February 19, 2006, at 18:30:42
> I am just starting the topomax and my DR gave me a sample bottle- doesn't it come in generic also??
> How much did you pay for it? A lot??
> Thanks!!Hi.......I just had to reply to this, I just picked up a prescrption and I am up to 200 mil a day now and for some reason my prescription was 50 miligram pills??? 60 count and it cost me $231.99 and I got a migrane instantly.....I am now applying for medical because I have been recently put on disability after leaving a very well paying position in the working world and I cannot afford almost 500 dollars a month for my medication. Not having any insurance, I had to get them. I have been taking 100 miligrams for a year and my DR has been supplying them but he now cannot get them for me anymore. That being my first purchase was a shocker but I also need them. I actually had to leave them there for two weeks until I could afford them which made me feel under par, if you will! ...Sorry to have to break this expensive news to you .... hopefully you have insurance. I am 55 and not old enough for medicaire ....... Good Luck!! So in answer to your question>>>>>>> YES ALOT!!!
Posted by storm rider on February 20, 2006, at 14:55:05
In reply to Re: Topomax for Migraines- Generic??, posted by challenged on February 19, 2006, at 22:08:32
> > I am just starting the topomax and my DR gave me a sample bottle- doesn't it come in generic also??
> > How much did you pay for it? A lot??
> > Thanks!!
>
>A generic version has just become available...
at least my pharmacy offered me the choice of a generic brand two months ago for the first time so I am assuming that it has just become availableThe generic brand is still costly but significantly lower than the original...
ask your pharmacist
Posted by Aleese on February 20, 2006, at 20:18:12
In reply to Re: Topomax for Migraines- Generic??, posted by challenged on February 19, 2006, at 22:08:32
I pay 100.00 for my script for a month and I am on 100 mg but I cannot afford them I do have insurance through my husbands job but because of the economy his insurance is NOT what it used to be and I have a 300.00 deductable before they will pay for HALF!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by Aleese on February 20, 2006, at 20:20:03
In reply to Re: Topomax for Migraines- Generic?? » challenged, posted by storm rider on February 20, 2006, at 14:55:05
Does the generic version work the same for weightloss?
Posted by Storm Rider on February 21, 2006, at 15:31:29
In reply to Re: Topomax for Migraines- Generic??, posted by Aleese on February 20, 2006, at 20:20:03
> Does the generic version work the same for weightloss?
The generic version has to have all the qualities and attributes of the original or it cannot be substituted for the original...
otherwise it would not do the job for which it is intended and would put the patient being given the med further at risk...
for instance, I am taking it primarily to control epilepsy, and if there were even minor deviations in the makeup and effects of the generic medication, then it would not be a definite control for the epilepsy and there would be no guarantee that it would control the epileptic seizures, putting me further at risk...speaking of which ( drum roll, please) it has been several days since the last seizure and I am ecstatic... absolutely over the moon, as they say...
actually I begin to believe that this monster can be controlled as long as no one plays games with diagnostic tests to learn more about the version of the monster I have...
to have it genuinely controlled... to be seizure-free because the meds control it...
a caged beast that no longer haunts my nights let alone my days...truly a dream come true it would be...
Posted by Aleese on February 21, 2006, at 16:32:47
In reply to Re: Topomax for Migraines- Generic?? » Aleese, posted by Storm Rider on February 21, 2006, at 15:31:29
Thanx. Has it had any weightloss effectsw for you?
Posted by Storm Rider on February 21, 2006, at 20:39:15
In reply to Re: Topomax for Migraines- Generic??, posted by Aleese on February 21, 2006, at 16:32:47
> Thanx. Has it had any weightloss effectsw for you?
Have been using the generic for a month or so only, so cannot really say.
I did lose weight on the topomax and would assume that one would lose weight on the generic as I have not suddenly gained weight since changing to the generic...
as I said in a previous post, if the meds are not identical in properties, the pharmacist cannot switch them so I think it is safe to assume that the generic would help with weight loss too...
Posted by luvdogs on February 22, 2006, at 20:03:42
In reply to Re: Topomax for Migraines- Generic??, posted by Aleese on February 20, 2006, at 20:18:12
That is ludicrous!!! Why are some meds so much- especially when they come in generic.
Thanks A lot!!
:>)
> I pay 100.00 for my script for a month and I am on 100 mg but I cannot afford them I do have insurance through my husbands job but because of the economy his insurance is NOT what it used to be and I have a 300.00 deductable before they will pay for HALF!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by Aleese on February 23, 2006, at 21:59:43
In reply to Re: Topomax for Migraines, posted by luvdogs on February 19, 2006, at 2:26:47
It is prescribed for a few things as well as migranes so it should help with other types of headaches & pains to!
Posted by Aleese on March 3, 2006, at 16:26:33
In reply to Re: Topomax for Migraines- Generic?? » Aleese, posted by Storm Rider on February 21, 2006, at 15:31:29
I am writing under my Aunts name I take Topamax for epilepsy but my Dad will not let me Mom buy it now because he thinks I don't need it and he thinks its to much what should I do?
Posted by Storm Rider on March 3, 2006, at 20:09:41
In reply to Re: Topomax for Migraines- Generic??, posted by Aleese on March 3, 2006, at 16:26:33
> I am writing under my Aunts name I take Topamax for epilepsy but my Dad will not let me Mom buy it now because he thinks I don't need it and he thinks its to much what should I do?
If you are taking topomax for epilepsy, then talk with your doctor about the problem. that is the best solution - probably the only solution
Epilepsy is not something that one can play around with
Posted by fierycelt on March 4, 2006, at 8:46:00
In reply to Re: Topomax for Migraines- Generic?? » Aleese, posted by Storm Rider on March 3, 2006, at 20:09:41
oh sweetheart...
I am so sorry you are going through this with your Dad...there has to be some solution.
Could you possibly have your Dad go with you to your Dr. appointment and have your Dr. explain to your Dad the seriousness of Epilepsy? and the importance of meds to control your seizure activity?
I'm sure you know...the more seizures you have the more scar tissue is formed on your brain AND the more scar tissue present on the brain the more seizures you have...it is a very vicious cycle.
Many, if not all pharmacuetical companies have programs in place to help offset the cost of expensive meds that are needed...perhaps you and your Mom could explore that option. You Dr. can help you with that.I hope you can find some resolution to this problem...I wish you all the best. I will pray for you...
I take Topamax for Bi-Polar myself...I have been in a very dark depression the last few weeks...this sort of snapped me out of it!!
Please don't misunderstand me...I am not saying your bad situation made me feel better about myself...I just realized there are others worse off than me and I guess my "cloud" lifted...
Posted by Aleese on March 5, 2006, at 18:05:47
In reply to Re: Topomax for Migraines- Generic?? » Aleese, posted by Storm Rider on March 3, 2006, at 20:09:41
does anyone else have the problem where soda taste weard or diff to them because of Topamax?
Posted by Storm Rider on March 5, 2006, at 23:08:35
In reply to Re: Topomax for Migraines- Generic??, posted by Aleese on March 5, 2006, at 18:05:47
> does anyone else have the problem where soda taste weard or diff to them because of Topamax?
Soft drinks take on a strange taste when one is taking topomax but after a while I found that either I no longer was interested in 'sodas' or soft drinks so it didn't matter.
I think that they fell into the classification of foods and beverages that were affected by the topomax effect.and I forgot or overlooked or simply have become used to the one side effect that I do have from the topomax...
there is sometimes a slight tingling in my hands that my doctors tell me is caused by it and is normal from it...not as intense as with the tegretol but noticeable at times...
different to the numbness that happens as a warning that I am going to have a seizure at some time during the coming 12 hours ...
but like the feeling one has when one's hand 'goes to sleep'as for the soda taste thing.. that will either pass or not matter...
it is especially noticeable with the diet drinks I found
Posted by Aleese on March 6, 2006, at 14:33:06
In reply to Re: Topomax for Migraines- Generic?? » Aleese, posted by Storm Rider on March 5, 2006, at 23:08:35
I to have tingling but in my feet!1 How long does it take before it really gets in your system real good?
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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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