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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 6 of 6. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Greg on October 18, 2001, at 19:26:04
I'm supposed to be taking 200mgs daily of Topamax (the eye exam was fine BTW), 100am, 100 pm. but I find the am dose to be a little too sedating for my liking so I usually take it in the early afternoon. I have been having some increased anxiety lately which the Top seems to really help. I'd like to split the morning tab in half and was wondering if there might be any problem with doing that. I've read that there are some meds shouldn't be split. I've checked some sites for info on this but couldn't come up with any info either way. I will ask my doc for the 50mg when I see him in Dec but would like to do something about this in the interim.
Any info anyone might have would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Greg
Posted by Cam W. on October 19, 2001, at 17:41:21
In reply to Splitting tabs of Topamax? Cam, Anyone?, posted by Greg on October 18, 2001, at 19:26:04
Greg - Topamax tablets should be swallowed whole, and not broken. I was told this by the rep, but never did get an explanation why. I guess that you'll have to make do as best you can until December.
Sorry - Cam
Posted by Greg on October 19, 2001, at 18:42:01
In reply to Re: Splitting tabs of Topamax? Cam, Anyone? » Greg, posted by Cam W. on October 19, 2001, at 17:41:21
Thanks Bud, I figured with the coating there might be a reason not to. I appreciate you checking it out for me.
Greg
Posted by Jane Doh on October 20, 2001, at 2:35:33
In reply to Re: Splitting tabs of Topamax? Cam, Anyone? » Cam W., posted by Greg on October 19, 2001, at 18:42:01
Hi,
I've been taking Topomax for..oh, at least six? months or so. For me, I take 200mg/day and I split it up so that I take 50mg/ 4X day - I find that it is smoother for me. I accomplish this by asking the psychiatrist to order the Topomax in 25mg tablets, then take 2tablets at 9am, 1pm, 5pm, and at 9pm.
However, when I was in the middle of switching psychiatrists and the new one didn't know my "system", he prescribed 100mg tablets at 2X/day. So, what I did was I bit the very nasty tasting tablet in half with my teeth and made it so I could have 1/2 table at 4X like my usual. Let me tell you, they taste very nasty, but it made me feel better psychologically and physically.
I could've got a pill cutter, but didn't invest because I only had a 30day supply and just bit-the-table, if you will, for that month.
Hope this helps you,
Jane
Posted by Jane Doh on October 20, 2001, at 2:46:05
In reply to Re: Splitting tabs of Topamax? Cam, Anyone?, posted by Jane Doh on October 20, 2001, at 2:35:33
I forgot to mention that Topomax comes in 100mg tablets and the next lowest is 25mg tablets. They do not make them in 50mg tablets. I've already asked several times. Also, my psychiatrist just asked me why I do not want 100mg 2X/day and I explained just what I told you that it makes me feel "smoother".
This is why I do my little system.
Again, best of luck to you,
Jane
Posted by medlib on October 21, 2001, at 4:25:05
In reply to Splitting tabs of Topamax? Cam, Anyone?, posted by Greg on October 18, 2001, at 19:26:04
Hi Greg--
The reason for the coating is the bitter taste of the ingredients (RxList, Medscape, Ortho-MacNeil). So, if you can find a way to swallow without tasting, you'll likely survive just fine. And Jane's also right about the dose strengths--no 50s (and no XR).
Most drug companies charge little more for high-dose than for low-dose pills. Since selling 25s is so much better for company profit margins, that bitter taste is convenient, huh?
A bit paranoid about coincidences---medlib
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