![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1441 to 1465 of 1838. Go back in thread:
Posted by stresser on February 14, 2005, at 19:23:23
In reply to Re: Bridgey :Topamax and weight gain » stresser, posted by headachequeen on January 31, 2005, at 10:17:31
Kat,
Where are you? How is your wrist? Your health?
We miss you -L
Posted by stresser on February 14, 2005, at 19:27:12
In reply to Re: Bridgey :Topamax and weight gain, posted by stresser on February 14, 2005, at 19:23:23
Sorry
I'm such a blonde ditz! There's no Re: Bridgey.....I don't know what I did. You all should know me by now!!! -L
Posted by nicki on February 18, 2005, at 18:06:07
In reply to Re:oops /Topamax and weight gain, posted by stresser on February 14, 2005, at 19:27:12
My doc told me to start at 25mg at night and 25mg in am for a few weeks then 50 at night and 50 in am. Sound logical? I'm scared to death of it but very hopeful!
Posted by headachequeen on February 18, 2005, at 20:23:38
In reply to Re:oops /Topamax and weight gain, posted by nicki on February 18, 2005, at 18:06:07
> My doc told me to start at 25mg at night and 25mg in am for a few weeks then 50 at night and 50 in am. Sound logical? I'm scared to death of it but very hopeful!
Well, here I am... the hand healed like a dream despite the surgeon's (and my and my doctor's fears... but the back of my hand and part of my wrist as of this evening ARRRGGGHHH are seriously infected... that redhead thing and the cellulitis telling me that it is here and could have done worse had it wanted to... on 2000 mg a day of Keflex for two weeks... if that doesn't blast it out nothing will...)
now for nicki ---
the best and most successful way to start topomax is to start at 25 mg at night... puppy cookies for the doctor... for two weeks or more, until your system accepts it and feels comfortable....
then on the same time frame work up to half the total daily dosage...
at half the dosage, start adding the other half in the morning in 25 mg increments, the same way, at two week increments...
works well and safely...
if you have a problem then go back to the previous dose for a while until your body adjusts...and Stresser, I am thinking of you...
none of you is forgotten...
but typing opens the lesions on my hand that are slowly closing and we hope healing...
kat
Posted by stresser on February 23, 2005, at 11:08:17
In reply to Topamax and weight gain » nicki, posted by headachequeen on February 18, 2005, at 20:23:38
Kat,
So nice to hear from you...happy that your hand is healing and not to worry about the typing. We will wait until you are ready for your hand to heal.
Nicki-
Topamax isn't bad at all! I haven't had trouble with it, it helps greatly with mood stablization and can decrease appetite for the lucky ones!
Let us know how it works for you -L
Posted by headachequeen on February 23, 2005, at 22:43:17
In reply to Re: Topamax and weight gain, posted by stresser on February 23, 2005, at 11:08:17
> Kat,
>
> So nice to hear from you...happy that your hand is healing and not to worry about the typing. We will wait until you are ready for your hand to heal.
Thanks!!!! and I am glad to know that Topomax works to stabilise moods....
have been on antibiotics for 15 days to deal with the cellulitis that broke out on my hand (incision totally healed and ready for the next round but the back of my hand is a disaster) and Monday they call to tell me that the antibiotic is the wrong one...
I told them that it was not the right one when they gave it to me...
so now we are on two weeks or more of a new one...
and I am dealing with more outbreaks including an involvement with the area in front of my right ear...
I am not a very stable person right now...
nurses still coming to change dressings and clean wounds and ooh and ahh about the incision...
but that does not make me feel any happier...
still I shot two rolls of film yesterday and got some good shots...
I can close my fingers on the right hand and bend them properly... all things I thought were connected with the original wound years ago that started the cellulitis...
turns out it had to do with this tendon problem...
when the swelling in my hand goes down from this nonsense I will be able to wear rings again and be a real person again...
until then they had better up my topomax...
my moods are almost dangerous at the moment....
but working on new ideas... will not let this thing control me... any more than I intend to let the epilepsy control me...
starting new business despite seizures and meds and all the rest of it...
my new approach to life is going to be that I shall simply trample the epilepsy into the ground...
neurologist or no neurologist... rules or no rules...
rules are meant to be adapted...
and life is to be lived...
only one chance at it...
and as the surgeon said, it is not a dress rehearsal...
have to do it the first time and do it all and do it right...
fasten your seatbelts... it may get interesting or it may be a real mess...
especially with this mood <GG>
film at eleven
kat
Posted by stresser on February 24, 2005, at 7:12:12
In reply to Re: Topamax and weight gain » stresser, posted by headachequeen on February 23, 2005, at 22:43:17
Yes, I should say they had better increase the topamax or the ride will be rough. Why don't the doctors listen to us when we say we know the meds aren't correct? You are right, life is not a dress rehearsal, and maybe you should tell the other doctors that one also? Haaa, how would that go over? Now THAT would be the film to see at eleven!
-L
Posted by headachequeen on February 24, 2005, at 23:45:29
In reply to Re: Topamax and weight gain, posted by stresser on February 24, 2005, at 7:12:12
> Yes, I should say they had better increase the topamax or the ride will be rough. Why don't the doctors listen to us when we say we know the meds aren't correct? You are right, life is not a dress rehearsal, and maybe you should tell the other doctors that one also? Haaa, how would that go over? Now THAT would be the film to see at eleven!
> -LThe film is going to be a trilogy...
spent the afternoon at the hospital with my doctor... called for an appointment and was told to get to his office at once...
seems the infection has moved through my system and is now in the area in front of my right ear, lymph nodes are involved and I am in intense pain... there is not enough topomax in the world to control my mood ...
however, when I walked into the office one of the patients just leaving saw my bandaged hand and wrist and was so upset that my surgery had not gone well. The receptionist chirped up, oh no, it healed beautifully, not even a scar... the back of her hand and her wrist are infected and now her face but we never expect her to do anything the normal way... she wouldn't be kat if she did and I started to laugh...
laughing hurts so much....
tonight I am taking pain killers... my face and neck hurt more than my hand ever did..
Why cannot I not get anything right and I don't want to hear about the redhead thing...
but the good news is that my doctor and the neuro have been talking... the neuro says that last time he saw me I was having great success with the meds...
and I want to know who it was he saw?????
It wasn't I, other than the topomax...
we are now two full years and a month with no migraine and the weight loss is holding...
now if I could kick these seizures we would be laughing... no on second thought... a quiet smile...
kat
Posted by stresser on February 25, 2005, at 7:21:12
In reply to Re: Topamax and weight gain » stresser, posted by headachequeen on February 24, 2005, at 23:45:29
AHHHH, I forgot about the red hair! That explains everything, and I can see where this is going now. Do they clear out the waiting room at the doctors office when they see you coming?
I'm sorry, it's my mood today and your post was quite humorous....but I expect that from you.
You must be in extreme pain, what medication are you taking for that? Are you still having the seizures as of now? How are you taking care of the dogs?
It's no wonder you haven't gained any weight, you don't have the time, and energy (it seems) to do it. I will probably gain some for you......you can count on me, anyway! -L
Posted by headachequeen on February 26, 2005, at 22:31:42
In reply to Re: Topamax and weight gain, posted by stresser on February 25, 2005, at 7:21:12
> AHHHH, I forgot about the red hair! That explains everything, and I can see where this is going now. Do they clear out the waiting room at the doctors office when they see you coming?
> I'm sorry, it's my mood today and your post was quite humorous....but I expect that from you.
> You must be in extreme pain, what medication are you taking for that? Are you still having the seizures as of now? How are you taking care of the dogs?
> It's no wonder you haven't gained any weight, you don't have the time, and energy (it seems) to do it. I will probably gain some for you......you can count on me, anyway! -L
>As I mentioned a while back, my primary care physician and his wife, also a doctor, are leaving the area (my husband says I drove him away )...
until a few weeks ago they had been unable to find anyone to take over the practice, but we recently received a letter telling us that a doctor now completing his residency in family practice and emergency medicine is going to take over the practice in June and is recruiting others to come to the area;
when I was in to see my doctor on Thursday about this latest outbreak of infection (and painful it is!!!!!!!!) he commented that they had not told the man he actually was taking on three practices:
his, hers, and me...The dogs are still with their big brother thank heaven because now no one can tell me that the infection is because I am always handling them...
although one bright and shining star in my life suggested that had they amputated my hand when I first developed cellulitis (I think it was in 97) then I would not be having this problem...
I guess that amputation after the cellulitis is in the bloodstream would stop it from taking hold????I am really getting tired of stupid people.
Wish I could find a way to give them my epilepsy...the 'kids' come home as soon as this is cleared up and then I am going to adjust my work and training schedule to fit the epilepsy rules...
there are ways to do the things I want to do and love to do and still fit inside the rules...
as in, do it without having seizures and breaking my neck...meanwhile, the incision is so healed that I can use the cameras with intense comfort as long as I don't break open the almost healed areas on the back of my hand...
but I cannot wear my glasses now because the temples rub the area that is affected...
laughing, swallowing, chewing...
well, those are out of the question right now...
one antibiotic needs to be taken with food and lots of water...
the other must be taken one hour before eating or three to four hours after eating...
both are four times a day....
and then there are the topomax, tegretol and clobazam, batman to work into the mixture...
one of which is now on three times a day...I am certainly learning to tell time...
but have no interest whatever in food...
both antibiotics have a serious effect on appetite... more so than topomax!!!
if I stay on them long enough it should be a really thin me emerging from all of this...I can't wait to meet the slim new me...
and that will mean a new wardrobe ....
which means the recycling clothes stores...
have learned that when on topomax that is the only way to shop LOLnow all of you...
remember: small increments and only when your body says it is ready...
in case I have not been around often enough to nag you....and L, how is M doing????
I am constantly thinking of and worrying about her...
kat
Posted by stresser on February 28, 2005, at 13:35:28
In reply to Re: Topamax and weight gain » stresser, posted by headachequeen on February 26, 2005, at 22:31:42
Maybe I should send you my clothes!! Topamax isn't helping me with staying away from the goodies! Handcuffs... maybe. -L
Posted by TylerTor on March 7, 2005, at 23:25:20
In reply to Re: topomax pain » JPS, posted by headachequeen on April 6, 2004, at 16:00:23
I have 2 herniated discs with neuropathy in right foot and drop foot. I am currently having nerve blocking done where I get injections of marcaine (similar to dentist novocaine) directly into my back and take Topomax and Amytriptyline (an anti-depressant) at night. When the therapy was suggested to me, I researched it and, in Canada anyway, it is quite common. I've been in pain for 7 years, it has become neuropathic so percocets no longer help and the last 6-7 months the pain has been debilitating. Surgery isn't an option because the pain is now neuropathic. It's only been a short time but my pain is definitely reduced. Of course the treatment doesn't fix the problem, so should I decide to discontinue the therapy then I imagine the pain would return but it does work.
Posted by rainy on March 8, 2005, at 6:35:53
In reply to Re: topomax pain » headachequeen, posted by TylerTor on March 7, 2005, at 23:25:20
I have taken tofranil, another tricyclic antidepressant for neuropathic pain in my feet which helped, but not Topamax. That I take as a mood stabilzer. I still have the pain from a peripheral neuropathy, but it's very faint and very old, so I don't think the Top has anything to do with it. This response is out of surprise and interest and a deep wish for your comfort. I certainly hope this treatment continues to soften what I know is merciless pain.
rainy
Posted by ed_uk on March 8, 2005, at 9:42:33
In reply to Re: topomax pain » headachequeen, posted by TylerTor on March 7, 2005, at 23:25:20
Hello,
>I've been in pain for 7 years, it has become neuropathic so percocets no longer help and the last 6-7 months the pain has been debilitating.
Oxycodone frequently does help neuropathic pain provided that the dose is adequate. The amount of oxycodone present in Percocet is rarely adequate to control neuropathic pain. OxyContin can be useful to treat neuropathic pain because it contains oxycodone only ie. no acetaminophen, as is present in Percocet. The absense of acetaminophen allows the dose of oxycodone to be effectively titrated against the pain. Some doctors will tell you that neuropathic pain never responds to opioids, this is a myth- there are studies which support the efficacy of oxycodone in neuropathic pain.
Good luck with the Marcaine,
Ed.
Posted by TylerTor on March 9, 2005, at 2:51:38
In reply to Re: topomax pain » TylerTor, posted by ed_uk on March 8, 2005, at 9:42:33
Thanks Ed. Actually, my GP talked to me about oxycontin and it was my decision not to go that route. I'm involved in every decision concerning my health and in this case, after much research, I didn't see the sense in going off percocets only to go on the more addictive oxycontin. My therapy is working and by posting a message I was only sharing that success. Your last comment "Good luck with the Marcaine" seemed condescending -- I hope that doesn't come from the fact that my therapy is actually working!!
Posted by ed_uk on March 9, 2005, at 7:05:10
In reply to Re: topomax pain » headachequeen, posted by TylerTor on March 7, 2005, at 23:25:20
Hi,
>Your last comment "Good luck with the Marcaine" seemed condescending
Ok fine, well it's a shame that you think that since I was just trying to help. You actually said that your pain was reduced, not that it was well controlled so I thought you might need extra analgesia.
>I didn't see the sense in going off percocets only to go on the more addictive oxycontin.
It isn't more addictive, both contain oxycodone, acetaminophen isn't associated with any risk of dependence. OxyContin will produce physical dependence, yes, but you won't become 'addicted' like a 'drug addict' unless you abuse it.
Ed.
Posted by challenged on March 11, 2005, at 12:14:18
In reply to Re: topomax pain, posted by rainy on March 8, 2005, at 6:35:53
Hi,
Well I am new to this and am so glad to have found this forum. I am now taking topomax after taking the dreaded fat pills prozac and lexapro, welbutrin all the above. You might say I have had a bit of stress and been depressed in my life. Well I did a dumn thing a while back and just quit the damn lexapro when i started jenny Craig and spent 500 bucks and gained a pound I knew that something was wrong. I went off the pills .....cold turkey and well i just kept myself in for a few weeks ..was in between jobs at the time and just told everyone to not call ..and I just delt with it.....I did lose the 20 pounds that I had gained ...ok 15 .....ok 13... Then I get thisa great job that has a manger who was intimidated by the fact that my qulifications had highere ups looking at me to fill the position that she was failing at and I didn't want it.I was just happy selling diamonds and doing my job without the management stuff that I am qualified to do that led me into taking meds in the first place. She made my job a living hell and then fabricated lies that through me over the edge and forced me to have to resign. I loved my job and well the depression is back and my Dr. kept me out of work for 8 days when I returned she just wanted me out so I was pushed to keep my dignity I walked and now on disability and taking topomax which I didn't want to have to do. I trust my Dr. but......I am so afraid of gaining the weight back and started Dieting again because I am so worried that these pills are going to do it to me again, Somebody please tell me that won't happen. i have read and read and my Dr. tells me these are what Renee Zellwigger took after she made that movie and then lost all that weight......I say he is reading the Enquire again! I know I need the pills but I stopped them then I had to start them again because I know I need them. Anybody somebody tell me will I gain weight again.......or is this the breakthrough pill for the stressed without that terrible side effect. I need to know, Thank you so much and I am looking forward to making friends here. Need to connect. I have closed myself up lately really bad. Thanks all....... Nettie
Posted by stresser on March 11, 2005, at 17:15:36
In reply to topomax and weight loss, posted by challenged on March 11, 2005, at 12:14:18
Renee Zellwigger took these to lose weight? Are you taking these to lose weight or taking these for another reason also? I really couldn't understand from your post, so if you did say, I'm sorry. What mg. are you taking right now and did you lose on them the first time you were taking them? I would think if they worked once they will work again. I take 200mg per day, and I have not lost any weight on Topamax. My daughter is bipolar II and also takes it, she hasn't lost any weight either....it must be a genetic thing for us. I do know many people lose taking topamax, and will assure you here on the board. -L
Posted by challenged on March 12, 2005, at 3:17:28
In reply to Re: topomax and weight loss, posted by stresser on March 11, 2005, at 17:15:36
Hi thanks stresser for replying. Actually I am taking them because of a condition with depression I have been treated with for years and refuse to go back to the othet pills that I stopped taking and when my job became an over load I had no blocker to avoid my breakdown a few weeks ago and my Dr. put me on
Topomax and when I said PLease NO more Meds he told me that Renee Zellwegger took these to lose weieght but that is not the reason I am taking them. My concern is the weight gain with most of this mood alteting meds and I gained like 20 pounds when i was taking anti depressants. I just started taking these and am only in my 3rd week and just started 1 25 mil morn and 1 25 mil even. I don't know how I feel. All I know is i went off them and lost 2 pounds the week I was off them at weigh in at Jenny Craig and went back on them last week and didn't lose a thing tonight at weigh in and dieted all week. I just am not going to spend this money to diet if these pills are not going to allow my body to shed the weight is my main concern. I am in my 50's and know it is not an easy thing anymore but just the same I need to talk to the people who know who use them not the Dr's that prescribe them if ya know what I mean. I appreciate any info you can give me about them and thanks so much.
Posted by rainy on March 12, 2005, at 7:11:52
In reply to Re: topomax and weight loss » stresser, posted by challenged on March 12, 2005, at 3:17:28
Hi, challanged. I've been taking Topamax as a mood stabilizer for a couple of years. I may have have lost some weight on it after I reached about 250--300 mgs. Well, I know I did, but there were so many other things going on in my life, that it's a little hard to say if it was the medication or the other stuff that caused me to lose my appetite and about 30 pounds. 20 of those pounds I can attribute to moving, heat, depression and a broken rib. The other ten might be the Topamax.
If you are careful about what you eat and drink (and Topamax has been very helpful in keeping me away from too much wine) and in moderate exercise, you know, a daily walk, that kind of [boring?] thing, you'll probably be OK. A lot of people on this board have lost more on Topamax, but it isn't a weight loss drug per se.
Unfortunately, it's a bone loss drug. I hate the thought of gaining weight, so I'm willing to put up with the potential risks for the potential benefits--not gaining weight.
Since going off Wellbutrin a couple of months ago and sitting on my butt instead of walking, I've gained about six pounds on nefazodone Hcl--generic for serzone. I've been hungry and sedentary. Duh. So it isn't magic for me but I think it will help me lose and keep me from gaining more. Fingers crossed, here.
Keep us posted, don't give up on it and remember to increase your dose slowly to avoid the stupids which you might experience anyway. But going up slowly will soften them. This is the voice of stupid experience writing here.
rainy
Posted by challenged on March 12, 2005, at 12:54:11
In reply to Re: topomax and weight loss » challenged, posted by rainy on March 12, 2005, at 7:11:52
Hi Rainy,
Thanks so much for the info, I was at the 7/11 yesterday and , talk about the stupids, I am putting in anold pin # and hitting the damn machine like IT was the stupid one, God i am only on 5o Mils a day and having the stupids already. I guess I do need to excersize not only the body but my brain as well. I was reading a study about how topomax was actually being used for obesity and people with over eating problems and how it aactually was helping to do something with the chemical balance for weight loss. Ever heard of anything like this anyone? I am just so afrraid of meds because I had such a hard time after I went on to meds and gained weight that I never before had........to then have to remove it.....and now I am just not wanting to gain any back and still have some to take off . Seems meds began all my depression......haha.......I really wonder sometimes!!! After my divorce is when my depression started 9 years ago and well it just has been a hard road for me after 25 years married. Thanks for being there for me. Appreciate the communication here.
Posted by rainy on March 12, 2005, at 16:25:03
In reply to Re: topomax and weight loss » rainy, posted by challenged on March 12, 2005, at 12:54:11
The idea of having to struggle with that weight for the rest of our lives is so well, heavy! It took a long time for me to take off the 50 pounds the SSRIs helped me pack on and I don't want to do that again either, ever. As I said, I think that as long as we stay away from chocolate elclairs and vodka tonics on a daily baisis and keep moving, we'll be OK.
You haven't said how fast you're going up or what other meds you're on. The general wisdom here is that it's a good idea to go up 25 mgs every 2 to 3 weeks but no faster, with your higher dose at bedtime. If your pdoc suggests going up faster you might ask about it, but not do it. Otherwise, you'll find yourself forgetting your own name, having problems with your eyes (maybe) being very crabby (maybe) and certainly experiencing tingling in your fingers and face. So err on the side of caution.
I'm sorry if I sound dogmatic and opinionated. I am.
I haven't done it yet, but I understand that in general, divorce can really do you in. Also meds that mess with our minds of course mess with our spirits, too, so sometimes it becomes hard to figure out what is us and what's the medication--at least I've been in that place and not liked it.
At 400 mgs, Topamax is keeping me in sort of a calm depression rather than rolling all over the map, so it's doing its mood stabilizing job and I feel better than I did. Maybe it will have some seredipitous effects for you, too.
rainy
Posted by challenged on March 12, 2005, at 20:01:42
In reply to Re: topomax and weight loss » challenged, posted by rainy on March 12, 2005, at 16:25:03
Rainy..thank so much for all the insight. Believe me i am reading what is sent back to me three and four times....Do ya think the stupids have set in this quickly? haha...........O' God. I do hope you never do experience divorce. I knew my ex since I was 13 years old, he went through some mid life thing found a younger woman, who is long gone, by the way, and we are still the best of friends. The bad thing is that I cannot date because I still love this man and always will and cry every single day because I live on my memeories and now my wonderful son is away at college and the lonely life seems to make my already depressed days longer. I tried to deal without the lexapro( the fat pill) and the prozac (the other fat pill) and was doing fine while I was working but now under Dr.s advice I am on disability and on topomax. He wants me to take welbutrin too but I haven't taken them. I don't even want to take THESE. I went off the lexapro and lost the weight and am just not wanting to go through any more added depression with weight gain. I just cannot handle that anymore and will do anything even try to control my own depression wihout meds if need be and I was actually doing it until my last job through me over without the needed blocker as I stated in my opening message to psycho-Babble. Also I will not be replacing any clothes that I have spent good money on in my days because I have gained weight. There has got to be a sane medium here somewhere. I am hoping that topomax will be for me, what I have read it is for so many that use it and that tomorrow I will remember why I take it.......Again looking forward to any and all input.......
Posted by headachequeen on March 12, 2005, at 22:38:32
In reply to Re: topomax and weight loss » challenged, posted by rainy on March 12, 2005, at 7:11:52
> Hi, challanged. I've been taking Topamax as a mood stabilizer for a couple of years. I may have have lost some weight on it after I reached about 250--300 mgs. Well, I know I did, but there were so many other things going on in my life, that it's a little hard to say if it was the medication or the other stuff that caused me to lose my appetite and about 30 pounds. 20 of those pounds I can attribute to moving, heat, depression and a broken rib. The other ten might be the Topamax.
> If you are careful about what you eat and drink (and Topamax has been very helpful in keeping me away from too much wine) and in moderate exercise, you know, a daily walk, that kind of [boring?] thing, you'll probably be OK. A lot of people on this board have lost more on Topamax, but it isn't a weight loss drug per se.
> Unfortunately, it's a bone loss drug. I hate the thought of gaining weight, so I'm willing to put up with the potential risks for the potential benefits--not gaining weight.
> Since going off Wellbutrin a couple of months ago and sitting on my butt instead of walking, I've gained about six pounds on nefazodone Hcl--generic for serzone. I've been hungry and sedentary. Duh. So it isn't magic for me but I think it will help me lose and keep me from gaining more. Fingers crossed, here.
> Keep us posted, don't give up on it and remember to increase your dose slowly to avoid the stupids which you might experience anyway. But going up slowly will soften them. This is the voice of stupid experience writing here.
>
> rainy
Here I am, breaking all the rules again...
in fact tomorrow I shall post my new manifesto, my declaration of war and living but that is for tomorrow...
right now, noticing the mention of Welbutrin and having sneaked a peak at my mail when I am supposed to be in bed
I had to post...
There are all sorts of warnings attached to the ads for it up here.
Actually I believe it is illegal to advertise meds on tv up here, but I have been seeing quite a few so they must be slipping through.
One that is frequently aired is for Welbutrin.
The ads state that it is not to be used be people with seizure disorders as it can cause sezures or make them worse, so those of you who are taking Topomax for seizure activity and didn't know that, take heed, please.They also warn that people with eating disorders should not take Welbutrin...
then they go on to say that people who are suicidal especially teen-agers should not use Welbutrin as anti-depressants tend to increase such feelings...
that one was a real shock
I knew that it was a seizure producer but the other two were awakenings!!!!
kat
Posted by headachequeen on March 12, 2005, at 22:43:00
In reply to Re: topomax and weight loss » challenged, posted by rainy on March 12, 2005, at 16:25:03
> The idea of having to struggle with that weight for the rest of our lives is so well, heavy! It took a long time for me to take off the 50 pounds the SSRIs helped me pack on and I don't want to do that again either, ever. As I said, I think that as long as we stay away from chocolate elclairs and vodka tonics on a daily baisis and keep moving, we'll be OK.
> You haven't said how fast you're going up or what other meds you're on. The general wisdom here is that it's a good idea to go up 25 mgs every 2 to 3 weeks but no faster, with your higher dose at bedtime. If your pdoc suggests going up faster you might ask about it, but not do it. Otherwise, you'll find yourself forgetting your own name, having problems with your eyes (maybe) being very crabby (maybe) and certainly experiencing tingling in your fingers and face. So err on the side of caution.
> I'm sorry if I sound dogmatic and opinionated. I am.
> I haven't done it yet, but I understand that in general, divorce can really do you in. Also meds that mess with our minds of course mess with our spirits, too, so sometimes it becomes hard to figure out what is us and what's the medication--at least I've been in that place and not liked it.
> At 400 mgs, Topamax is keeping me in sort of a calm depression rather than rolling all over the map, so it's doing its mood stabilizing job and I feel better than I did. Maybe it will have some seredipitous effects for you, too.
> rainy
>I am sure to get busted and sent to bed at any moment but had to get in my two cents worth here...
when starting topomax, start at 25mg and stay at that dosage for two to three weeks at least until your body adjusts then increase by 25 mg increments at 2-3 week intervals as rainy mentioned....
but start in the evenings until you have reached half the proposed maximum dosage, then start adding 25 mg a week the same way in the morning until the whole dosage is reached...
it tends to make one quite nauseated to start in the morning ...
let the evenings deal with the first half...
for instance if the total is 400 mg... work up to 200 at night then start the next 200 in the a of m....
kat
Go forward in thread:
Psycho-Babble Medication | Extras | FAQ
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.org
Script revised: February 4, 2008
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/cgi-bin/pb/mget.pl
Copyright 2006-17 Robert Hsiung.
Owned and operated by Dr. Bob LLC and not the University of Chicago.