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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Bob on September 18, 2003, at 11:43:38
In reply to Re: Topamax Weight Loss Advice????? » California_Princess, posted by galkeepinon on September 18, 2003, at 5:59:30
> You sound like me......except the manic area, (and I might add I was diagnosed with BP II in 199~which I don't fully agree with but........) lol
> I can relate to you 100% I binge when I'm happy, stressed, angry, but never when I'm depressed, just don't feel like eating then. Guess that could explain my increased appetite on Lexapro all of the sudden, must be feeling happy, I certainly don't eat when I'm depressed.
> I'm looking at buying Dr. Phil's new book, but dang it's just ANOTHER book/method to lose weight~whadddya do?
> How can we beat this stuff?
> I honestly do think it's possible, don't ever give up hope my friend, I pray everyday for it!!!!
> Keep posting:-)
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> > I certainly will let everyone know it I find something good for weight loss AND depression/moon swings. My problem is not a diet problem but a mental problem that has caused me to gain and gain. I’ve fought that admission for years thinking it’s better to hate myself for being a will-less, out of control fatty. I guess it was better to find fault for not having self control then to admit the REAL problem, compulsive binge eating during my manic cycles.
> >
> > Over this last week since I finally got the confirming diagnosis as having Bi-Polar Disorder I’ve had that “ah ha moment” that Oprah is always talking about. It’s been a break though for me. I remember a show she did with Dr. Phil that she said you will not be able to lose weight for good until you find, or come to terms with WHY you’re overweight in the first place. Then once you have found the reason, work on that new found reason.
> >
> > I have always been thinking, “Ah uh, sure…. I am fat because I’m an out of control, big, fat, looser.” But now, since I have been really looking back at my life, I can CLEARLY see distinctive patterns woven through my whole life. When I’m manic I either binge like crazy, (not only on food, but spending too) or join a new gym and start a new diet. These two “mini cycles” compete with one another the whole time I’m manic. Needless to say, the relatively short binging cycles cause me to gain more weight than I loose during the relatively short “diet & exercise” cycles. So I gain… and gain… and gain.
> >
> > I don’t understand why I haven’t seen it before now! I’m 35 years old and it’s like I’ve just now “grown up” enough to see me for who I am and to inspect my life for what it is!
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> > For the most part, I LOVE my manic cycles because I can get so much more done. It’s like I’m really living! I’m more creative and have the focus and energy to spend writing or painting and the possibilities are endless for me. And the best part, I’m HAPPY! Unfortunately, that creative energy and happiness comes with a heavy price: compulsion.
> >
> > If I can just learn how to control that compulsion and lessen my depressed cycles I will be almost “normal”! :O)
> >
> > But I don’t know if that’s even possible…
> > Melissa
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Have you ever noticed how many of the most successful and energetic/vibrant people out there seem to go through life in a perpetually hypomanic state? I agree with you that manic (or at least hypomanic) states are great for me. I can clean my house, and even do more than one thing in a day without having to go straight to bed. There's no other way to live, really.
Posted by Bear on September 19, 2003, at 12:53:03
In reply to Topamax side effects, posted by Lily83 on September 16, 2003, at 12:29:58
> My doctor started me on Topamax about 3 months ago to supplement a new migraine medicine i was trying out. He told me that the bonus to using Topamax would be that I would find myself losing "a great deal of weight" (his exact words).
When I got up to 300 mg a day, I noticed the migraines were MUCH less frequent and I had already lost 20 lbs (in about 2 months time). >May I ask a question?
What were you eating in those 2 months?
Lettuce leaves only? And 23 hours of exercise a day? Eating normally but sensibly? Eating 3 meals a day? Eating anything? Just curious how this thing makes you lose....Im now at 200mgs a day and eating maybe 1-2 meals a day but Im 3/4 disabled from an accident so exercise is not a poss. Thanks.
Oh! This is open to anyone who's lost on Topamax.
Cheers
Bear
Posted by galkeepinon on September 20, 2003, at 0:50:06
In reply to Re: Topamax side effects, posted by Bear on September 19, 2003, at 12:53:03
When I was on Topamax, I just had NO appetite. I ate anything, but I had cravings for healthy food. It was odd. I didn't exercise either~nope none at all, and I still managed to lose 25.
I think Topamax was great for the weight issue, I may ask my doc to go back on it for the moods also. But that's just my experience here, and no, I ate more than lettuce leaves........
:-)May I ask a question?
>
> What were you eating in those 2 months?
>
> Lettuce leaves only? And 23 hours of exercise a day? Eating normally but sensibly? Eating 3 meals a day? Eating anything? Just curious how this thing makes you lose....Im now at 200mgs a day and eating maybe 1-2 meals a day but Im 3/4 disabled from an accident so exercise is not a poss. Thanks.
>
> Oh! This is open to anyone who's lost on Topamax.
>
> Cheers
> Bear
Posted by LBcats on September 20, 2003, at 11:28:14
In reply to Re: Topamax side effects » Bear, posted by galkeepinon on September 20, 2003, at 0:50:06
>I just stopped taking topomax and I had no appetite either. I was on 300 mg a day. I didn't exercise either. I lost about 25 pounds as well. I also had cravings for healthy food but I also ate food that was fattening every now and then and I just kept losing weight. I stopped taking it because it wasn't controlling my moods. I'm back on depakote. Also, the Side effects like being dopey and the tingling of the feet; all that was too much for me.
good luck
LindaWhen I was on Topamax, I just had NO appetite. I ate anything, but I had cravings for healthy food. It was odd. I didn't exercise either~nope none at all, and I still managed to lose 25.
> I think Topamax was great for the weight issue, I may ask my doc to go back on it for the moods also. But that's just my experience here, and no, I ate more than lettuce leaves........
> :-)
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> May I ask a question?
> >
> > What were you eating in those 2 months?
> >
> > Lettuce leaves only? And 23 hours of exercise a day? Eating normally but sensibly? Eating 3 meals a day? Eating anything? Just curious how this thing makes you lose....Im now at 200mgs a day and eating maybe 1-2 meals a day but Im 3/4 disabled from an accident so exercise is not a poss. Thanks.
> >
> > Oh! This is open to anyone who's lost on Topamax.
> >
> > Cheers
> > Bear
>
>
Posted by California_Princess on September 20, 2003, at 12:41:51
In reply to Re: Topamax side effects, posted by LBcats on September 20, 2003, at 11:28:14
This is so very interesting that weight loss is a side affect with the Topomax. I have my appt with the Dr. this Monday and I will talk with him about Topomax. I guess I just need to take and see how it affects me. I hate being a Guinea Pig... I there aren't any other ways to know how it will affect me.
Melissa
Posted by Stacy Louisa Beus on September 21, 2003, at 5:35:00
In reply to Topamax side effects, posted by Lily83 on September 16, 2003, at 12:29:58
Not to be rude, but your doctor scares me. He obviously doesn't care about your concerns, which are huge red flags. Get a second medical opinion as soon as possible. Listen to your gut instinct~ never ignore your self.
Posted by Lily83 on September 22, 2003, at 8:23:32
In reply to Re: Topamax side effects » Lily83, posted by Stacy Louisa Beus on September 21, 2003, at 5:35:00
I've tried telling him that he's not listening to me...even brought back-up with me to the doctor's office to make sure I wasn't losing my mind lol. Have recently looked into switching doctors altogether (this isn't my first problem with him)...up to 400 mg on the topamax...tried to cut back and the migraines came back even worse so I'm going to wait until I see my new doctor and see what he can do to fix this situation. On the plus side ( I think ) weight keeps coming off although I'm still not convinced that weight loss without trying is healthy or not somehow connected to selling my soul to the devil (just kidding lol)
Posted by susi on September 23, 2003, at 12:17:39
In reply to Re: Topamax Experiences? » Sammy, posted by Krazy Kat on September 26, 2001, at 9:45:36
Posted by susi on September 23, 2003, at 12:43:12
In reply to Sinus problem anyone? (nm), posted by susi on September 23, 2003, at 12:17:39
OK, sorry about the above post...here I go again....I am currently taking 200 topa in the pm, 25 paxil cr in the am..i have the usual side effects, yes, weight loss, can't drink carbinated bev., and no way on the alcohol the taste is awful (just heard topa is now being used as an antabuse drug now), and now it is even cause a major change in my taste buds...but what is causing me the most distress is the posibilty of a sinus problems. I am not sure if it is but in reading the posts here I have seen some reference to sinus problems and I would like to hear if others have had problems in this area of course doctors won't draw the connection. And, in doing my own research I can't find any connection at all, but we all know this type of researchi is the best. I have been on the drugs for 5 months and find even the above side effects to be worth staying on topa, but the sinus stuff is wearing me out, and if it is because of the drug I may need to change directions....any thoughts?
Posted by sarita0001 on September 23, 2003, at 14:32:39
In reply to Re: Sinus problem anyone? » susi, posted by susi on September 23, 2003, at 12:43:12
Hi,
I was on Tmax for 4 months and I did have the sinus problem, mostly stuffiness and sinus headaches. For a short time, I also had a runny nose all the time.
I have a friend on 400 mg and she often has a runny nose, so I think the Tmax does do something to that part of the body. I also do remember reading that somewhere as a side effect.
You could call Ortho Mc Neil, their number is on the Topamax website and ask them if that is common.
Best,
S
Posted by California_Princess on September 23, 2003, at 20:48:37
In reply to Re: Sinus problem anyone?, posted by sarita0001 on September 23, 2003, at 14:32:39
Well, the dr put me on Topomax yesterday when I saw him for the first time. He said for me to start with 25 mg twice a day but I cut my pill in half this morning and will sticking with 12.5 mg twice a day until I feel used to any side affects. I felt kind of weird this morning but couldn't be sure if it was the Topo or my panic disorder.... :O( I sure hope I can lose wight and stay stabelized mood wise!!!!!
Melissa
Posted by Wrain on September 26, 2003, at 11:11:16
In reply to Re: Topamax Weight Loss Advice?????, posted by California_Princess on September 23, 2003, at 20:48:37
I changed how I take the Topomax...I am taking 2 100 mg's in the AM and 1 100mg in the PM....I can say that my appetite has diminished alot.
Posted by Wrain on September 26, 2003, at 11:12:40
In reply to Re: Sinus problem anyone?, posted by sarita0001 on September 23, 2003, at 14:32:39
That is interesting, I have not had any of those side effects.... I really do need to go read about this drug. Does anyone have the web addy for topomax?
Posted by Wrain on September 26, 2003, at 11:16:16
In reply to Re: Sinus problem anyone? » susi, posted by susi on September 23, 2003, at 12:43:12
Personally I just think it is the time of the year for sinus stuffage...But I am not a doctor. I have been on topa for a long time and I had bad sinus problems prior to. Now that yall are mentioning it, I have not had any sinus problems since taking topa but my body is all messed up anyway. Dexatrim puts me to sleep while Xanax wakes me up...Go Figure.
I hear everyone wanting to lose weight on Topamax...Lets not lose sight and forget why we are taking it. If I don't lose a pound on it and it helps me get stable, I am all for it. That is why I am taking it......
And there you have my 2 cents..
Wrain
Posted by California_Princess on September 26, 2003, at 12:43:56
In reply to Re: Topamax Weight Loss Advice?????, posted by Wrain on September 26, 2003, at 11:12:40
If you go to Google.com and type in Topamax you will get a whole bunch of sites! That's how I found this site! :O)
Melissa
Posted by Wrain on September 27, 2003, at 1:29:21
In reply to Re: Topamax Weight Loss Advice?????, posted by California_Princess on September 26, 2003, at 12:43:56
LOL, I typed www.topamax.com and got the topamax page, but I read that this drug is used for epileptic seizures so now I am wondering why I am on it for Bipolar...does anyone know why they would prescribe it to us for Bipolar disorder, I am very interested now.
Posted by platinumbride on September 27, 2003, at 19:03:08
In reply to Re: Sinus problem anyone?, posted by sarita0001 on September 23, 2003, at 14:32:39
Just to add a little spice to the sinus issue, (no sinus puns intended) when I was on remeron (which did nothing for me except help me to sleep) my sinuses were an absolute mess and I felt as if I had taken about 10 benadryl. Then I started my first weight ascent...a lovely experience...but hey, it works for some, and that is what counts.
PB
Posted by platinumbride on September 27, 2003, at 19:18:18
In reply to Re: Topamax Weight Loss Advice?????, posted by Wrain on September 27, 2003, at 1:29:21
Actually, a lot of anti-convulsants are used for Bipolar Disorder as "mood stablizers". Some people don't respond to lithium, some people don't want to take lithium because over long periods of time it causes some nasty things like Parkinsonian tremors. Lithium is no longer the first line of treatment...at least not as I understand it, and at least not for people who do not display extreme cases of mania (like with psychosis--but I could be wrong about this).
Lamictal, which people are talking about a lot on this board is an anticonvulsant, as is neurontin...I am not sure about depakote...
Even anti-psychotics, which are really just "major tranquilizers" (yes, even the dread THORAZINE is technically a major tranqulizer) are given in small doses as part of treatment for some people with Bipolar Disorder. So Topamax is really nothing new.I dont' mean to sound like a snob....
I have a lot of nutty friends and a few family members, and we all compare notes!!!
PB
Posted by Wrain on September 27, 2003, at 19:46:27
In reply to Re: Topamax Weight Loss Advice????? » Wrain, posted by platinumbride on September 27, 2003, at 19:18:18
LOL, you didn't come across as a snob, I was just a little shocked to see Topamax being used for Bipolar when it was for eplipsy. The only side effects that see that I now can say I have that could be due to topamax are the memory loss and the loss of concentration and those are horrible. Yesterday my doctor uped my doses of Topamax to 400 mgs a day, I only wish I had seen this before I went to him so I could have asked him, but I will be making a call Monday.
Take care all
Love Wrain
Posted by Bear on October 1, 2003, at 12:14:56
In reply to Re: Topamax side effects » Bear, posted by galkeepinon on September 20, 2003, at 0:50:06
Hi everyone-
I started the 200mgs on or about 9/19. I said I wasnt gonna weigh myself till the end of Sept. to give it all a fair shot at working. Well, I changed my mind. Im not gonna weigh myself. I can tell Im not losing. You know when you are, right? I know I will go into a catastrophic depression if I do, because when I see I havent lost an ounce or maybe gained, I will cascade down, crawl into bed or God knows what.
Im not seeing my dr. till Oct. 13, so I have no one to ask but you seasoned vets. How long does it take to kick in at 200mgs a day? Im only at barely 2 weeks. Am I asking too much? I am the QUEEN of instant gratification, so maybe, eh? EVERYONE is asking "are the pills working?" which is driving me NUTS, Im eating about 2 meals a day, hardly any snacking, maybe 1-2 snacks a week, lots of water, but I dont feel like Im losing anything.
I see some people on here say they lost 20-25 lbs in 2 months. 2 months from WHEN? From when they started Topamax? From when they started 200mgs? 300mgs? Do I sound like a LUNATIC? ;o)
Thanks...
Bear
Posted by Lily83 on October 1, 2003, at 12:27:07
In reply to Re: Topamax Weight Loss- I dont think I am.., posted by Bear on October 1, 2003, at 12:14:56
Although I saw pretty quick results in weight loss from the time I started even low doses of Topamax, I don't think that you should compare. Not everyone has the weight loss side effect and even those who do, not everyone has the same amount in the same time period. Give it time. Topamax is about our overall health so don't worry if you are reacting a little differently to it. Never know, maybe you'll lose weight at a higher dose or maybe topamax just isn't the weight loss "quick fix" that you've want it to be...just gotta wait and see sometimes
Posted by platinumbride on October 1, 2003, at 13:17:17
In reply to Re: Sinus problem anyone?, posted by sarita0001 on September 23, 2003, at 14:32:39
I feel so foolish!!!
I thought that the headaches I was getting from pushing myself like a maniac to the max dose of 400 mgs in 3 weeks of topamax were from too fast a titration! But then it occured to me that I should stand in the shower for a while because they seemed a lot like sinus headaches to me and steam is good for sinuses. I was about to post this to the board as if I had come up with some great idea. (I forgot that I had seen it the other day and even posted about it....duh!)So I guess I will get on the bandwagon for the sinus headache experience...
But I will also say that steam does help, even if you stand over a pot of hot water with a towel over your head (careful not to burn your face)
I think the med dries a person out and that makes the headaches come on.
Posted by Bear on October 1, 2003, at 14:43:16
In reply to Re: Topamax Weight Loss- I dont think I am.. » Bear, posted by Lily83 on October 1, 2003, at 12:27:07
> Although I saw pretty quick results in weight loss from the time I started even low doses of Topamax, I don't think that you should compare. Not everyone has the weight loss side effect and even those who do, not everyone has the same amount in the same time period. Give it time. Topamax is about our overall health so don't worry if you are reacting a little differently to it. Never know, maybe you'll lose weight at a higher dose or maybe topamax just isn't the weight loss "quick fix" that you've want it to be...just gotta wait and see sometimes
The thing is my dr. gave it to me mainly for the weight loss side effect. Prob a little for depression but mainly for weight loss. Now I dont know I may step on the scale and see some weight loss and I just dont feel it. I was on one plan and lost 10 lbs and I would have swore I lost nothing. See, Ive been on every plan known to man and I loss in the beginning and then it all stops. And I dont know why. Im 3/4 disabled and I gained all this since becoming disabled and cant lose it no matter how little I eat. If this doesnt work, I swear I dont know what Im going to do.
Thanks for the reply.
Bear
Posted by platinumbride on October 2, 2003, at 17:01:51
In reply to Re: Topamax Weight Loss- I dont think I am.. » Bear, posted by Bear on October 1, 2003, at 14:43:16
Dear Bear,
I know you are kind of a veteran of this board, so I feel kinda silly giving you my two cents, but I am weight loss obsessed myself here, at 5'1'' and 240 (geez, I just said how much I weigh)
I think that the best I am going to get out of topamax is getting full with smaller portions, but still needing to eat every three hours or so. My shrink said to avoid refined sugar and simple carbs....they just make you want more and more.
Maybe this way of eating is just like some kind of "plan" but at 240, and being completely sedentary (though not disabled) it is pretty hard to feel full without a bit of help. Perhaps topamax will help you in this way too. I don't know if I am even losing weight either! I was told that green tea speeds the metabolism...I am drinking it quite a bit. I just have a phobia from my over achieving days about getting on an exercise plan.....
Good Luck......PB
Posted by Bear on October 4, 2003, at 10:46:52
In reply to Re: Topamax Weight Loss- I dont think I am.. » Bear, posted by platinumbride on October 2, 2003, at 17:01:51
> Dear Bear,
>
> I know you are kind of a veteran of this board, so I feel kinda silly giving you my two cents, but I am weight loss obsessed myself here, at 5'1'' and 240 (geez, I just said how much I weigh)
>
> I think that the best I am going to get out of topamax is getting full with smaller portions, but still needing to eat every three hours or so. My shrink said to avoid refined sugar and simple carbs....
they just make you want more and more. >I dont eat sugar really. Never had a sweet tooth, so that's not my problem. Im off potatoes, I only have half a cup of rice if I even have it, I use low carb bread (10 carbs a slice), Im on a low carb diet, I dont eat red meat at ALL, turkey everything, lol, Empire turkey bologna is so unbelievably good, only 3 carbs for 3 slices...etc, you get the point.
> Maybe this way of eating is just like some kind of "plan" but at 240, and being completely sedentary (though not disabled) it is pretty hard to feel full without a bit of help. Perhaps topamax will help you in this way too. >
It certainly has cut my appetite. I only eat 1-2 meals a day, tons of water, but I just dont feel like Im getting anywhere. I see people dropping 20-25 and more without really trying. Without repeating myself ad infinitum Ive been everywhere, man. On every plan in the WORLD, it all works initially, but BAM, I hit that wall and it all stops, and I dont know why. I dont know what the next step will be. I see my dr. Oct. 13 and I guess he'll up the dosage.
< I don't know if I am even losing weight either! I was told that green tea speeds the metabolism...I am drinking it quite a bit. I just have a phobia from my over achieving days about getting on an exercise plan.....>
I WISH I could exercise. Dont think I havent tried, but it hurts like holy hell and I cant do it. I have to stop. I can only do it for like less than 5 minutes and I know Im doing myself a damage and I have to stop. My neighbors must think Im being tortured or murdered in here, lol. It gets to the point where you start loathing people who lose weight. ;) I swear if I ate any less, I just dont know....
< Good Luck......>
Thanks, I feel the depression creeping in heavier, talking to me in my sleep....something better pop soon or I just dont know......
Bear.
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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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