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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 72 to 96 of 1838. Go back in thread:
Posted by SalArmy4me on June 5, 2001, at 16:37:40
In reply to Re:Topamax, posted by Lynne on June 5, 2001, at 8:46:19
A patient I heard of was taking Topamax. At first, she got tired, confused, and the cycling speeded up! After two weeks though, the cycling ceased and she was generally euthymic.
Posted by KarenK on June 5, 2001, at 22:11:43
In reply to Re:Topamax-How is it for Anxiety?, posted by roo on June 5, 2001, at 15:28:44
> How are people finding topomax for anxiety?
It keeps me balanced for day to day anxiety but for life altering stuff it does nothing.
KarenK
Posted by krissi on June 6, 2001, at 9:39:31
In reply to Re: topamax, posted by Mitch on May 25, 2001, at 10:37:34
> Mitch -
Went to my pdoc yesterday and she did back me down on my Effexor from 300 mg to 225 daily. But she also increased the Topamax to 250 mg. As you know, I've been really nauseous, but I have also been experiencing high anxiety and she thinks maybe the high dose of the Effexor was causing that as well.
She also upped my Trazodone to 150 mg in the p.m. We'll see what happens. I'm starting to feel like a lab rat - ha, ha!
Thanks for the advice -
Krissi
Posted by Mitch on June 6, 2001, at 10:26:03
In reply to Re: topamax, posted by krissi on June 6, 2001, at 9:39:31
Hi, Krissi
Effexor did make me quite nauseous. I am a little surprised she tweaked all three things at once! Usually pdocs are very conservative with changes-she must be pretty confident and know you well.
good luck with your "reformulation"!
Mitch> > Mitch -
> Went to my pdoc yesterday and she did back me down on my Effexor from 300 mg to 225 daily. But she also increased the Topamax to 250 mg. As you know, I've been really nauseous, but I have also been experiencing high anxiety and she thinks maybe the high dose of the Effexor was causing that as well.
> She also upped my Trazodone to 150 mg in the p.m. We'll see what happens. I'm starting to feel like a lab rat - ha, ha!
> Thanks for the advice -
> Krissi
Posted by limey on June 6, 2001, at 15:04:32
In reply to To Karen and Elizabeth, posted by Made-up Name on June 4, 2001, at 8:25:11
To Made-Up-Name,
I just logged in and saw your initial entry sent a few days ago. I hope you are still reading this thread, because just yesterday my pdoc started me on Topamax. I have been on Paxil for 5 years for severe depression and panic disorder, and although it has done wonders for my emotional well-being - it has done nothing for my shape! Actaully, it has done something - added 70lbs. Finally, in desparation I asked my pdoc to put me on anything else!! So, two months ago I slowly stopped Paxil and slowly started Effexor (the emphasis being on SLOWLY) - now I feel terrific! Yesterday, he started me on Topamax to help me lose the weight. I will be building it up slowly - 25mg every night this week - 50mg the following week and so on, until in 4 weeks I reach 100 mg each night. We are going to continue at that strength and see if it helps. I know our weight comes from different reasons - but, hopefully, your doctor will put you on topamax and give it a try! Maybe, we'll both lose weight!! Good luck to you - let me know how you get on. - limey
Posted by Elizashae on June 6, 2001, at 19:01:46
In reply to Topamax and Obesity, posted by limey on June 6, 2001, at 15:04:32
I too have put on weight with all SSRI's. I am coming off of zoloft and adding serzone. On monday, my therapist will start me on topomax. After she read about, she said she wanted to go on it. LOL. I really hope it will work for me, extra weight just adds to my depression!! A closet full of clothes just hanging there that can't be worn:(
Heather~
Posted by Mitch on June 6, 2001, at 20:35:35
In reply to Re:Topamax-How is it for Anxiety?, posted by KarenK on June 5, 2001, at 22:11:43
KarenK,
I found it helped a lot for hypomania, and reduced anxiety in a way like Zoloft does (PTSD-wise). But it blunts your thinking like hell! I think that it may be a good thing for some folks at very low doses for certain problems. But personally I don't think I could take ANY of it on a long-term basis.
> > How are people finding topomax for anxiety?
>
> It keeps me balanced for day to day anxiety but for life altering stuff it does nothing.
>
> KarenK
Posted by limey on June 6, 2001, at 21:33:42
In reply to Re: Topamax and Obesity, posted by Elizashae on June 6, 2001, at 19:01:46
> I too have put on weight with all SSRI's. I am coming off of zoloft and adding serzone. On monday, my therapist will start me on topomax. After she read about, she said she wanted to go on it. LOL. I really hope it will work for me, extra weight just adds to my depression!! A closet full of clothes just hanging there that can't be worn:(
> Heather~
Let's hope it works for both of us - you're right, being over-weight just adds to your depression! Good luck! -limey
Posted by Montana50 on June 7, 2001, at 23:30:25
In reply to Re:Topamax, posted by Lynne on June 5, 2001, at 8:46:19
Lynne,
I take Topamax in the a.m. and p.m. and now that I am at my "target dose" 400mg/day I do not find it to be either sedating or stimulating. I find that it evens my mood.
During the period that my dosage was being titrated, I did have some drowsniness but that has passed. I cannot speak to other's experience.
I was on Lamictal for a year and because of the circumstances of a inexperienced psydoc who kept changing dosages and adding and taking away other meds, I was a mess.
I never did stabilize on Lamictal. So I cannot truly make an accurate comparision.
Good Luck,
Montana
> Kathryn and All,
>
> Thanks for sharing your stories on Topamax. Is Topamax sedating or stimulating for most people? Is it taken am or pm? Can anyone compare it to Lamictal? I did like Lamictal but I looked like I had a bad sunburn on one side of my face so I quit taking it.
>
> thanks,
> Lynne
Posted by Montana50 on June 8, 2001, at 0:18:23
In reply to Re:Topamax-rapid cylcing and hormone Madeup Name, posted by AMenz on June 5, 2001, at 11:29:07
>I'm sorry but I really don't have too much information re: menopause & rapid cycling. Because
I had a partial hysterectomy in my early 20's and did not begin any form of HRT until
beginning in my late 30's,and then it was off & on, until the .05mg patch (lowest dose) came out
in my 40's & I have stuck with it. However, in my research, I found various references
correlating menstrual cycles with rapid cycling as it seems to be more common in women.
Have you tried keeping a mood chart ? There is a very good one available from the National
Depression and Manic Depression Assn. (NDMDA) You can find them on the web.As to your next question: I cannot take either Lithium or Depakote because of side efx.
They have just started me on a a small dose of Neurontin in addition to all the other
drugs I mentioned in my 1st posting.
I am really sorry about the pain you have experienced over the last 2 years.
Hopefully, there are some others out there with your experience who are willing to share
any knowledge they might have.
Best wishes.
Kathryn
You're the first person here to mention hormone replacement and rapid cylcing.
>
> Have you had an experience of the cycling increasing with hormone replacement (estrogen therapy)?
>
> Did you experience menopause and have the cycling decrease but the depression increase?
>
> I can't find anyone down here knowledgeable in the interaction of menopausal changes in hormone levels and rapid cycling.
>
> I've been through a horrible two year period. Finally have had to take control over my medication myself. BTW are you on Topomax alone or as and adjunct to Lithium or Divalproex?
>
> > > >To all those of you have questions about
> > Topamax, I would like to share my experiences.
> > First,I am a middle aged woman who has Bipolar II
> > mixed with rapid cycling. I am unable to tolerate anti-
> > depressants and for various reasons am unable to
> > take the standard mood stablizers or any of the
> > new atypical antipsychotics. The last 2 years of
> > of my life have been hell and I've lost those years
> > of my life. Bad docs and bad meds. Fortunately,
> > this spring I found a good Doc and hospital. He
> > started me on Topamax but at 50 mg increments/wk.
> > I also was on 2mg. 2x/day Klonopin, 1mg x4/day
> > Ativan, Catapres,Hormone replacement therapy,
> > thyroid 3(levothyroxine),thyroid 4 (Cytomel),&
> > Sonata for sleep. He also started me on 10 mg in
> > a.m. of dexidrine and 7.5 mg at noon. The T-3,T-4,
> > and dexidrine were to help with the depression but
> > not to set off the rapid cycling or hypomania.
> > As I increased my Topamax, on the 3rd day, I would
> > get my "Topamax drunk", I staggered when I walked,
> > my voice was slurred, and I was drowsy and slept
> > for 14 hrs. However, the next day these sx would
> > be almost all gone. In the meantime, my mood was
> > stablizing, but it seemed like I couldn't feel any
> > joy, or satisfaction. Life seemed very dreary.
> > Finally, my husband insisted that I be rehospiti-
> > lized. Oh by the way, during this time, I wasn't
> > eating very much, very little appetite. When I got
> > to the hospital, I was able to go through the last
> > 2 steps of my Topamax increases. My Doc changed mu
> > Dexidrine to 15 mg. spansules in the a.m. and 10mg
> > at noon. This seemed to help. I was able to get
> > stablized and be discharged in 8 days.
> > I take 400 mg. Topamax & it really has changed my
> > life. I know that different drugs work differently
> > for each individual but all the drugs I take every
> > day seem worth it because now " I am glad I am
> > alive and am going to see tomorrow." I urge folks
> > to ask questions, educate themselves, and if your
> > health provider is not meeting your needs, check
> > around to try and find one who will. With know-
> > ledge I have empowered myself so that I keep
> > learning how I can manage my life and not let my
> > disease control it. So when I fall down, I see
> > it just as a lesson,not a defeat, to learn from
> > the experience, not to blame or beat up on myself,
> > and it makes getting back up that much easier.
> > Something not so easily done.
> > In short: My Doc told me that if he didn't start
> > me slowly on Topamax it would be like giving me
> > instant Alzheimer's,I lost my appetite & 17 lbs
> > in 9 weeks, I experienced depression but I was
> > free for the first time in several years of rapid
> > cycling, dysphoric hypomania and with the change
> > in meds I am functional and fairly happy and busy
> > working.
> > Know this is long, but I hope it helps and gives
> > hope where hope is needed, and answers some of the
> > questions about Topamax.
> > Good Luck
> > Kathryn1
> >
> >
> >
> > Elizabeth, I do eat breakfast and take melatonin. I give insulin to my cat and he is as well-regulated as cats can be as far as the diabetes goes. But he is old and has kidney disease. I have to give him subcutaneous fluids every other day with a big needle, and that is very stressful to both of us because it hurts him.
> > >
> > > Ouch! I know how he feels (I had sub-Q heparin every morning when I was in the hospital a couple months ago). You must love each other very much.
> > >
> > > > I was told by a relative who works at a residential psychiatric facility that Topamax didn't work for the fat girls in treatment there. I guess it does work for some people like Karen, though, so I am going to try it.
> > >
> > > I think that carb cravings are a distinct phenomenon which most people experience at some point, and some people have a persistent problem with them. My guess would be that you are most likely to be helped by antiobesity treatments which generally help people lose weight gained as a result of carb cravings.
> > >
> > > Best wishes to you and your cat.
> > >
> > > -elizabeth
Posted by Montana50 on June 8, 2001, at 0:48:17
In reply to Re:Topamax-rapid cylcing and hormone Madeup Name, posted by AMenz on June 5, 2001, at 11:29:07
>I'm sorry but I really don't have too much information re: menopause & rapid cycling. Because
I had a partial hysterectomy in my early 20's and did not begin any form of HRT until
beginning in my late 30's,and then it was off & on, until the .05mg patch (lowest dose) came out
in my 40's & I have stuck with it. However, in my research, I found various references
correlating menstrual cycles with rapid cycling as it seems to be more common in women.
Have you tried keeping a mood chart ? There is a very good one available from the National
Depression and Manic Depression Assn. (NDMDA) You can find them on the web.As to your next question: I cannot take either Lithium or Depakote because of side efx.
They have just started me on a a small dose of Neurontin in addition to all the other
drugs I mentioned in my 1st posting.
I am really sorry about the pain you have experienced over the last 2 years.
Hopefully, there are some others out there with your experience who are willing to share
any knowledge they might have.
Best wishes.
Kathryn
You're the first person here to mention hormone replacement and rapid cylcing.
>
> Have you had an experience of the cycling increasing with hormone replacement (estrogen therapy)?
>
> Did you experience menopause and have the cycling decrease but the depression increase?
>
> I can't find anyone down here knowledgeable in the interaction of menopausal changes in hormone levels and rapid cycling.
>
> I've been through a horrible two year period. Finally have had to take control over my medication myself. BTW are you on Topomax alone or as and adjunct to Lithium or Divalproex?
>
> > > >To all those of you have questions about
> > Topamax, I would like to share my experiences.
> > First,I am a middle aged woman who has Bipolar II
> > mixed with rapid cycling. I am unable to tolerate anti-
> > depressants and for various reasons am unable to
> > take the standard mood stablizers or any of the
> > new atypical antipsychotics. The last 2 years of
> > of my life have been hell and I've lost those years
> > of my life. Bad docs and bad meds. Fortunately,
> > this spring I found a good Doc and hospital. He
> > started me on Topamax but at 50 mg increments/wk.
> > I also was on 2mg. 2x/day Klonopin, 1mg x4/day
> > Ativan, Catapres,Hormone replacement therapy,
> > thyroid 3(levothyroxine),thyroid 4 (Cytomel),&
> > Sonata for sleep. He also started me on 10 mg in
> > a.m. of dexidrine and 7.5 mg at noon. The T-3,T-4,
> > and dexidrine were to help with the depression but
> > not to set off the rapid cycling or hypomania.
> > As I increased my Topamax, on the 3rd day, I would
> > get my "Topamax drunk", I staggered when I walked,
> > my voice was slurred, and I was drowsy and slept
> > for 14 hrs. However, the next day these sx would
> > be almost all gone. In the meantime, my mood was
> > stablizing, but it seemed like I couldn't feel any
> > joy, or satisfaction. Life seemed very dreary.
> > Finally, my husband insisted that I be rehospiti-
> > lized. Oh by the way, during this time, I wasn't
> > eating very much, very little appetite. When I got
> > to the hospital, I was able to go through the last
> > 2 steps of my Topamax increases. My Doc changed mu
> > Dexidrine to 15 mg. spansules in the a.m. and 10mg
> > at noon. This seemed to help. I was able to get
> > stablized and be discharged in 8 days.
> > I take 400 mg. Topamax & it really has changed my
> > life. I know that different drugs work differently
> > for each individual but all the drugs I take every
> > day seem worth it because now " I am glad I am
> > alive and am going to see tomorrow." I urge folks
> > to ask questions, educate themselves, and if your
> > health provider is not meeting your needs, check
> > around to try and find one who will. With know-
> > ledge I have empowered myself so that I keep
> > learning how I can manage my life and not let my
> > disease control it. So when I fall down, I see
> > it just as a lesson,not a defeat, to learn from
> > the experience, not to blame or beat up on myself,
> > and it makes getting back up that much easier.
> > Something not so easily done.
> > In short: My Doc told me that if he didn't start
> > me slowly on Topamax it would be like giving me
> > instant Alzheimer's,I lost my appetite & 17 lbs
> > in 9 weeks, I experienced depression but I was
> > free for the first time in several years of rapid
> > cycling, dysphoric hypomania and with the change
> > in meds I am functional and fairly happy and busy
> > working.
> > Know this is long, but I hope it helps and gives
> > hope where hope is needed, and answers some of the
> > questions about Topamax.
> > Good Luck
> > Kathryn1
> >
> >
> >
> > Elizabeth, I do eat breakfast and take melatonin. I give insulin to my cat and he is as well-regulated as cats can be as far as the diabetes goes. But he is old and has kidney disease. I have to give him subcutaneous fluids every other day with a big needle, and that is very stressful to both of us because it hurts him.
> > >
> > > Ouch! I know how he feels (I had sub-Q heparin every morning when I was in the hospital a couple months ago). You must love each other very much.
> > >
> > > > I was told by a relative who works at a residential psychiatric facility that Topamax didn't work for the fat girls in treatment there. I guess it does work for some people like Karen, though, so I am going to try it.
> > >
> > > I think that carb cravings are a distinct phenomenon which most people experience at some point, and some people have a persistent problem with them. My guess would be that you are most likely to be helped by antiobesity treatments which generally help people lose weight gained as a result of carb cravings.
> > >
> > > Best wishes to you and your cat.
> > >
> > > -elizabeth
Posted by krissi on June 8, 2001, at 8:50:40
In reply to Re: topamax » krissi, posted by Mitch on June 6, 2001, at 10:26:03
>Hi Mitch -
Day 3 of 250 mg of Topamax and I'm more nauseous than ever. As I've said before, I'm so happy with how my moods have stabilized on this med, but who wants to feel sick all the time? If you don't mind me asking, since you are bi-polar too and can't take Topamax, what are you taking now to stabilize your moods and to control hypomania?
Krissi
Posted by Montana50 on June 8, 2001, at 23:35:54
In reply to Re: topamax, posted by krissi on June 8, 2001, at 8:50:40
Krissi,
Have you tried sipping ginger tea for the nausea ? Use a standardized herb ginger tea, one reliable brand is Traditional Medicinals.
There are others. It was even listed on the printout from the pharmacy I rec'd with my Topamax.
Hope it helps.
Kathryn
> >Hi Mitch -
> Day 3 of 250 mg of Topamax and I'm more nauseous than ever. As I've said before, I'm so happy with how my moods have stabilized on this med, but who wants to feel sick all the time? If you don't mind me asking, since you are bi-polar too and can't take Topamax, what are you taking now to stabilize your moods and to control hypomania?
> Krissi
Posted by Cateb on June 9, 2001, at 6:01:56
In reply to Re: Topamax and Obesity, posted by Elizashae on June 6, 2001, at 19:01:46
Heather, noticed you were going off Zoloft onto Serzone: Because of weight gain? Can you tell me why? Thanks a lot.
cate.> I too have put on weight with all SSRI's. I am coming off of zoloft and adding serzone. On monday, my therapist will start me on topomax. After she read about, she said she wanted to go on it. LOL. I really hope it will work for me, extra weight just adds to my depression!! A closet full of clothes just hanging there that can't be worn:(
> Heather~
Posted by KarenK on June 9, 2001, at 9:04:10
In reply to Re: topamax » krissi, posted by Montana50 on June 8, 2001, at 23:35:54
> Krissi,
> Have you tried sipping ginger tea for the nausea ? Use a standardized herb ginger tea, one reliable brand is Traditional Medicinals.
> There are others. It was even listed on the printout from the pharmacy I rec'd with my Topamax.
> Hope it helps.
> KathrynIf you can get fresh ginger, it tastes better and works better. Just throw a palm full in water and boil it for about five minutes until it turns light yellow or smells like ginger whichever comes first. I add rice milk or regular milk and a little honey. It's very soothing and really helps your stomach.
KarenK
>
>
> > >Hi Mitch -
> > Day 3 of 250 mg of Topamax and I'm more nauseous than ever. As I've said before, I'm so happy with how my moods have stabilized on this med, but who wants to feel sick all the time? If you don't mind me asking, since you are bi-polar too and can't take Topamax, what are you taking now to stabilize your moods and to control hypomania?
> > Krissi
Posted by Carolyn S. K. on June 9, 2001, at 17:55:31
In reply to Re:Topamax-How is it for Anxiety?, posted by roo on June 5, 2001, at 15:28:44
> How are people finding topomax for anxiety?
roo:
I take 400 mgs Topamax (200 a.m. & p.m.) daily. It did not appear to do any thing at all for my anxiety. In fact, I was on Paxil 20 mgs. and due to increased anxiety - not sure what it was caused by - my doc increased my Paxil to 40 mgs. a day. I'm still at that dose to this day.
I never experienced any nausea over the months it took me to get to 400 mgs of Topamx but did experience a total lack of appetite for months. However, that has passed and I'm back to binging w/no purging in the late afternoons.
What kind of scares me about this medicine is that I've noticed that even a couple of hours delay in taking Topamax will cause me to start feeling spaced out and dizzy. If I miss a day, I start feeling very ill - head achy, disconnected, sweaty, and very dizzy. Very nasty. Be careful. Carolyn
Posted by Carolyn S. K. on June 9, 2001, at 18:23:38
In reply to Re: topamax, posted by Toby on April 26, 1999, at 10:49:35
> What kinds of doses are working for you ladies? I've seen everything from 100 mg per day to 600 mg per day in the studies, but the studies also indicate that the higher doses make people cognitively dull. I have only one patient on it now (at 100 mg) and she's still got a little bit in the way of hypomania so we're slowly going to go up to 150 mg. She's very bright and in graduate school so I'm being cautious because I don't want to dull her intellect or creativeness, but at the same time when she's manic she doesn't get a whole lot of useful activities done either. I'm hoping we can find a happy medium with the Topamax.
Toby:
I am a practicing attorney who was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder approximately 1 year ago. I am taking Topamax at 400 mgs. a day - 200 mgs. a.m. and likewise at bedtime.I started off at 25 mgs. in the a.m. for two weeks and my doc added another 25 mgs. in the evening for two weeks. He added 25 mgs. to the dose once every two weeks for quite some time.
Around the time we hit 200 mgs. a day, Doc started increasing the dosage a little faster because I started racing toward a manic phase. About the same time I noticed a major mental dulling that made it difficult for me to work. Doc and I struggled for a while with my refusal to agree to switch to Depokote (sp?) or Lithium due to my fear of gaining weight (I'm already overweight) and his fear that I was about to lose my battle with keeping "superwoman" locked in the phone booth.
Somehow we made it through that rough period and the mental dulling has passed. Doc and I believe it was just an adjustment to the medication as was my appetite loss. I now have very level moods - no more fighting to keep superwoman from leaving the phone booth. I have regained my cognitive abilities and unfortunately, my appetite.
I hope this anecdote helps you in the treatment of your patient. Carolyn
Posted by AMenz on June 9, 2001, at 21:09:10
In reply to Re: topamax, posted by Carolyn S. K. on June 9, 2001, at 18:23:38
Hi, did you start noticing the dulling at 200 or above? I'm not clear. How long did it take to clear up?
> > What kinds of doses are working for you ladies? I've seen everything from 100 mg per day to 600 mg per day in the studies, but the studies also indicate that the higher doses make people cognitively dull. I have only one patient on it now (at 100 mg) and she's still got a little bit in the way of hypomania so we're slowly going to go up to 150 mg. She's very bright and in graduate school so I'm being cautious because I don't want to dull her intellect or creativeness, but at the same time when she's manic she doesn't get a whole lot of useful activities done either. I'm hoping we can find a happy medium with the Topamax.
>
> Toby:
> I am a practicing attorney who was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder approximately 1 year ago. I am taking Topamax at 400 mgs. a day - 200 mgs. a.m. and likewise at bedtime.
>
> I started off at 25 mgs. in the a.m. for two weeks and my doc added another 25 mgs. in the evening for two weeks. He added 25 mgs. to the dose once every two weeks for quite some time.
>
> Around the time we hit 200 mgs. a day, Doc started increasing the dosage a little faster because I started racing toward a manic phase. About the same time I noticed a major mental dulling that made it difficult for me to work. Doc and I struggled for a while with my refusal to agree to switch to Depokote (sp?) or Lithium due to my fear of gaining weight (I'm already overweight) and his fear that I was about to lose my battle with keeping "superwoman" locked in the phone booth.
>
> Somehow we made it through that rough period and the mental dulling has passed. Doc and I believe it was just an adjustment to the medication as was my appetite loss. I now have very level moods - no more fighting to keep superwoman from leaving the phone booth. I have regained my cognitive abilities and unfortunately, my appetite.
>
> I hope this anecdote helps you in the treatment of your patient. Carolyn
Posted by Carolyn S. K. on June 9, 2001, at 23:26:45
In reply to Re: topamax, posted by AMenz on June 9, 2001, at 21:09:10
> Hi, did you start noticing the dulling at 200 or above? I'm not clear. How long did it take to clear up?
>
I noticed the dulling when Doc sped up the increases. At 25 mgs every two weeks, no problems. However, when he started me increasing my dosage by 50 mg a week, I was a zombie for a good 3 to 4 months. I couldn't remember what I had said just a few moments ealier and forget about a whole prior. I was barely able to complete sentances without getting confused. My friends and co-workers really noticed my slowness. Someone actually thought that I had taken up getting "stoned" and during work hours no less!The good thing is, at least for me, I'm completely back to normal now. I hope that answers your question.
Posted by Mitch on June 10, 2001, at 23:06:15
In reply to Re: topamax, posted by krissi on June 8, 2001, at 8:50:40
I hope I haven't missed any responses, I have been on vacation for several days-sorry if I missed any request for any replies....
Krissi,
The MOST Topamax I EVER took was 50mg/day. I couldn't hack the cognitive side-effects due to my job. I obviously never got to a dose that created the sort of side-effects you are talking about (gastro-intestinal). I am just taking a small dose of Neurontin with Klonopin. It seems to work ok. But 250mg of TOP just seems like a MEGADOSE to me. Maybe you are just taking much too much! Your pdoc may be more aggressive than necessary with upward titration of the TOP. If it is obviously stabilizing you, why NOT slowly REDUCE the dosage of TOP to a more reasonable maintenance level that suits you better?
Mitch
> >Hi Mitch -
> Day 3 of 250 mg of Topamax and I'm more nauseous than ever. As I've said before, I'm so happy with how my moods have stabilized on this med, but who wants to feel sick all the time? If you don't mind me asking, since you are bi-polar too and can't take Topamax, what are you taking now to stabilize your moods and to control hypomania?
> Krissi
Posted by Carolyn S. K. on June 11, 2001, at 18:28:39
In reply to Re: topamax, posted by Carolyn S. K. on June 9, 2001, at 23:26:45
> > Hi, did you start noticing the dulling at 200 or above? I'm not clear. How long did it take to clear up?
> >
> I noticed the dulling when Doc sped up the increases. At 25 mgs every two weeks, no problems. However, when he started me increasing my dosage by 50 mg a week, I was a zombie for a good 3 to 4 months. I couldn't remember what I had said just a few moments ealier and forget about a whole "day" prior. I was barely able to complete sentances without getting confused. My friends and co-workers really noticed my slowness. Someone actually thought that I had taken up getting "stoned" and during work hours no less!
>
> The good thing is, at least for me, I'm completely back to normal now. I hope that answers your question. "400 mgs" every day and no problems. My moods are level and the dulling is gone!!!Corrections added post - posting.
Posted by Deirdre on June 27, 2001, at 16:55:01
In reply to Re: topomax, posted by nancy on April 21, 1999, at 12:00:06
In response to ellen:
I was taking lithium, and since I started taking it, months ago, I would gain anywhere from a half a pound to a pound and a half a week. Now I am taking less lithium in conjunction with Topomax, and I have stopped gaining weight. My family says I appear to have lost a little weight, though the scale says I'm just about the same, but thank god it's stopped creeping up!Has anyone had any bad side effects to topomax? I've noticed that since taking it, my skin has been itchier.
Deirdre
Posted by Autumn Despotis on June 27, 2001, at 18:23:26
In reply to Re: topomax, posted by Deirdre on June 27, 2001, at 16:55:01
>
> I've just started taking topomax, too. Just last night, actually. I noticed a change in my dreams right away, they were much more vivid(I really don't mind that, anyway!). Have you experienced anything like this? How long have you had the itchy skin, and how long did it take for this side effect to begin?
I would really appreciate any info on side effects from topomax. It seems to be hard to find research related to the use of topomax in treating bipolar disorder.Cheers!
Autumn
Posted by Nichol on July 19, 2001, at 19:01:25
In reply to Re: topomax, posted by Autumn Despotis on June 27, 2001, at 18:23:26
> I would really appreciate any info on side effects from topomax. It seems to be hard to find research related to the use of topomax in treating bipolar disorder.< <
>
Tomorrow I am going to begin a clinical trial at UCLA for we bipolar types who have gained weight because of their meds. I will either be assigned Meridia or Topamax (I'm hoping for Topamax) and will take it in conjunction with my Depakote. I gained 45 pounds in about 3-4 months on Depakote after always being very petite - very depressing as you all well know. I lost about 25 pounds through diet and exercise by going off my meds for a while but now that I'm back on, I've hit a wall. I will keep you updated on what I learn as I go.
Cheers,
Nichol
Posted by Anns on July 21, 2001, at 8:37:27
In reply to Re: topamax, posted by Carolyn S. K. on May 29, 2001, at 22:31:35
I am a 42 yr.old female who has taken seveal different medicacations for grandmal seizures.I have been on tegratol, dilanton, nueronton, depacote, and several others.And if any of you have taken the depakote one of the side effects is weight gain.And of course if anyone is going to put the weight on it is going to be me! I did. I started taking the topamax on 3/15/01 and I have lost 37lbs and I feel great. The only side effect that I can tell that I am having from it is the tingling in the feet but I can live with that.I feel like a whole new person with this medicine.I think it is just great and I would recommend it to anyone who asked me about it.
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