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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by normc on April 5, 2002, at 16:22:17
In reply to Re: Topamax: weight loss/mild depression, posted by djmmm on March 7, 2002, at 9:52:31
> Hey Jen...sounds like a good combo if you are looking to lose some weight and have problems with depression.
>
> Topamax doesn't really have any antidepressant properties. I'm thinking the only reason why Topamax would help with minor mood swings and/or minor depression is because of the effects it has on the GABA system...much like a Benzo may help with stress related depression and/or moodiness...just a thought.I found this site using a search engine. There seems to be quite a little info about Topamax's anti-depressant effects. I'm curious to know why you say it doesn't have anti-depressant properties.
I'm not yet sure how do directly read the posts here, so I'd be grateful if you also email your response and tell me the reading procedure.
My internist (specialty nutrition including weight control) wants me to take it. I am waiting for my psychopharmacologist (neuropsychiatrist) to return my call about it.
TIA
Posted by mel1234 on April 6, 2002, at 14:42:11
In reply to Re: topomax, posted by RBowling on October 20, 2000, at 1:20:58
> (I can go into detail as to why we get the leg cramps if everyone wants to know why)....
>
> -- RobI guess no one ever responded to this...I'd really like to know why we get the leg cramps.
Also, do you know why it causes muscle fatigue? Do you know of a vitamin combo that
helps with that?Thanks.
Posted by Gracy on April 17, 2002, at 18:11:02
In reply to Re: topomax » RBowling, posted by mel1234 on April 6, 2002, at 14:42:11
How long does Topamax take to work? My doc. has just put me on it as an alternative to Zoloft. Zoloft worked really well for my eating disorder but put a downer on my libido. Any problems like that with this stuff?
Posted by Danni on April 17, 2002, at 18:52:15
In reply to Re: topomax, posted by Gracy on April 17, 2002, at 18:11:02
> How long does Topamax take to work? My doc. has just put me on it as an alternative to Zoloft. Zoloft worked really well for my eating disorder but put a downer on my libido. Any problems like that with this stuff?
I was on it for approx. 3 months starting at 25mg and working my way up to 100 a day, it started to work for me after a week or so, HOWEVER, it quickly went down hill. My mood swings got worse than ever and I couldnt stand being in my own skin! I have talked to several people on Topamax and almost all agree. Its great if it stays consistant, but for me and from what I hear many others it quickly switches its progress to downhill mode! Just be careful and when people start telling you're being a B****, believe them!!!!!! HA HA, Hope this helps! Good Luck
Posted by BarbaraCat on April 22, 2002, at 0:19:24
In reply to Re: topomax, posted by Danni on April 17, 2002, at 18:52:15
I had high hopes for Topamax because of the weight loss rumors. I hated it. Started to feel the same awful dread and blackness that heralds a bad depression coming on. Within 2 days of stopping it I felt alot better, calmer, clearer and less anxious.
Posted by littlebaldy29 on May 9, 2002, at 15:40:14
In reply to topomax, posted by Ellen Brodie on April 19, 1999, at 15:58:40
I too have struggled with weight gain on various mood stabilizers over the past year and a half. I have been taking Zyprexa for nine months and went from a size 7 to a 14. The sad thing is Zyprexa works for me, my depressions are better and I have had no mania or mixed episodes. My Dr. has just given me topamax strictly for weight loss so I can keep the benefits of Zyprexa without the weight issue. So far, I am not feeling any side effects from the topamax and am going up slowly. I think it might work. I will keep you posted!
Posted by sparkinark on May 10, 2002, at 21:44:46
In reply to Re: topomax, posted by littlebaldy29 on May 9, 2002, at 15:40:14
After 5+ years very bad years of anti-depressants and a couple of tri-cyclics, along with benzos, I've just recently been diagnosed as BP2 and am on 7.5mg Zyprexa and am now up to 200mg Topamax daily. I quite like both so far except that the Topamax seems to be making me cognitively dull and I want to sleep all day. I've also gained about 15lbs so far.
I'm also struggling with a lot of anxiety -- more than I've had even in the past -- and I'm not sure if that's just part of my condition or if it's coming from the Topamax (which I suspect). Is anyone else in the same boat or has had a similar experience? How does one know whether they are on enough Topamax or not? I feel I need more but I know it takes time for my body to adjust to this medication. I've been at 200mg/day for about 3 weeks. All seems "better" but not "well", if that makes sense.
Should I expect things to actually get "well" one day or is this the best I can hope for? Should I talk to my doctor about other medications in addition to the two I'm taking? He had discussed earlier that he'd like to just get me on Topomax long-term without the Zyprexa but I'm not sure that's going to do the trick. Thanks.
> I too have struggled with weight gain on various mood stabilizers over the past year and a half. I have been taking Zyprexa for nine months and went from a size 7 to a 14. The sad thing is Zyprexa works for me, my depressions are better and I have had no mania or mixed episodes. My Dr. has just given me topamax strictly for weight loss so I can keep the benefits of Zyprexa without the weight issue. So far, I am not feeling any side effects from the topamax and am going up slowly. I think it might work. I will keep you posted!
Posted by JohnX2 on May 11, 2002, at 20:02:16
In reply to Re: topomax, posted by sparkinark on May 10, 2002, at 21:44:46
> After 5+ years very bad years of anti-depressants and a couple of tri-cyclics, along with benzos, I've just recently been diagnosed as BP2 and am on 7.5mg Zyprexa and am now up to 200mg Topamax daily. I quite like both so far except that the Topamax seems to be making me cognitively dull and I want to sleep all day. I've also gained about 15lbs so far.
>
> I'm also struggling with a lot of anxiety -- more than I've had even in the past -- and I'm not sure if that's just part of my condition or if it's coming from the Topamax (which I suspect). Is anyone else in the same boat or has had a similar experience? How does one know whether they are on enough Topamax or not? I feel I need more but I know it takes time for my body to adjust to this medication. I've been at 200mg/day for about 3 weeks. All seems "better" but not "well", if that makes sense.
>
> Should I expect things to actually get "well" one day or is this the best I can hope for? Should I talk to my doctor about other medications in addition to the two I'm taking? He had discussed earlier that he'd like to just get me on Topomax long-term without the Zyprexa but I'm not sure that's going to do the trick. Thanks.
>
>
> > I too have struggled with weight gain on various mood stabilizers over the past year and a half. I have been taking Zyprexa for nine months and went from a size 7 to a 14. The sad thing is Zyprexa works for me, my depressions are better and I have had no mania or mixed episodes. My Dr. has just given me topamax strictly for weight loss so I can keep the benefits of Zyprexa without the weight issue. So far, I am not feeling any side effects from the topamax and am going up slowly. I think it might work. I will keep you posted!I'm bipolar II and Topamax augmentation induced a steady state
agitated hypomania. My sleep for a while was like 4-5 hours a night
(compared to usual 8). I certainly did not gain weight on Topamax,
it killed my appetite. I did not have cognitive dulling on Topamax,
but this is a common complaint. Weight gain is not a common side effect
of topamax, the decrease in appetite many people experience may cause
weight loss.Are you sure the side effects of tiredness and weight gain aren't from
Zyprexa (more common trend)?Again...everyone can react differently to medicines, so I wouldn't dismiss
that the Topamax is causing the side effects you noted.Take Care,
John
Posted by BarbaraCat on May 11, 2002, at 20:35:46
In reply to Re: topomax, posted by sparkinark on May 10, 2002, at 21:44:46
I've been hearing some good things about Lamictal as a mood stabiliser in that it has antidepressant effects and is neutral on the weight gain issue. I don't have any experience with Lamictal personally, but after taking Topamax for 3 weeks and feeling antsy as all get out, I wonder if anyone has any positive experiences to relate. I sure haven't seen very many on this board. The point being that there are other stabilisers/augmentors to consider if you suspect that Top is making things worse for you.
I am also BPII (or so I suspect) and taking Lithium. I like it very much as a smoother and augmentor but have gained weight. I really think the only solution for the weight issue is to find a workout routine you love and simply commit to it every blasted day. There is no other healthy way to deal with the unpleasant fact that most of our meds are making us pork out.
> After 5+ years very bad years of anti-depressants and a couple of tri-cyclics, along with benzos, I've just recently been diagnosed as BP2 and am on 7.5mg Zyprexa and am now up to 200mg Topamax daily. I quite like both so far except that the Topamax seems to be making me cognitively dull and I want to sleep all day. I've also gained about 15lbs so far.
>
> I'm also struggling with a lot of anxiety -- more than I've had even in the past -- and I'm not sure if that's just part of my condition or if it's coming from the Topamax (which I suspect). Is anyone else in the same boat or has had a similar experience? How does one know whether they are on enough Topamax or not? I feel I need more but I know it takes time for my body to adjust to this medication. I've been at 200mg/day for about 3 weeks. All seems "better" but not "well", if that makes sense.
>
> Should I expect things to actually get "well" one day or is this the best I can hope for? Should I talk to my doctor about other medications in addition to the two I'm taking? He had discussed earlier that he'd like to just get me on Topomax long-term without the Zyprexa but I'm not sure that's going to do the trick. Thanks.
>
>
> > I too have struggled with weight gain on various mood stabilizers over the past year and a half. I have been taking Zyprexa for nine months and went from a size 7 to a 14. The sad thing is Zyprexa works for me, my depressions are better and I have had no mania or mixed episodes. My Dr. has just given me topamax strictly for weight loss so I can keep the benefits of Zyprexa without the weight issue. So far, I am not feeling any side effects from the topamax and am going up slowly. I think it might work. I will keep you posted!
Posted by Mel1234 on May 11, 2002, at 23:11:51
In reply to Re: topomax, posted by sparkinark on May 10, 2002, at 21:44:46
>and am now up to 200mg Topamax daily. I quite
>like both so far except that the Topamax seems
>to be making me cognitively dull and I want to
>sleep all day. I've also gained about 15lbs so
>far.How quickly did you go up to 200mg? The faster you go up, the harder the side effects hit. If you are feeling dull, you're on too much too fast. I had the same problem at 200mg no matter how slowly I went up, but after cutting down to 100mg for a week, I was able to go back up to 175mg without too much trouble. As for the weight gain - are you experiencing any loss of appetite? Topomax has been difficult for me in that I eat less, but I'm also exercising less because it (topomax) gives me muscle fatigue. I think the key is to find a level where your appetite is decreased, but your energy is not so bogged down that you stop being active. In my experience so far (about 2 months), it takes a while to find that level.
> I'm also struggling with a lot of anxiety --
>more than I've had even in the past -- and I'm
>not sure if that's just part of my condition or
>if it's coming from the Topamax (which I
>suspect).
I had this problem a LOT when I first started. It faded in the first month or so once I got on a stable dose that was not too high.>How does one know whether they are on enough
>Topamax or not?
My doctor's opinion is that anything 100mg - 400mg is fine, and that what really decides your dose is the side effects. I'm not sure I entirely agree with him - I have the same feeling that I should be on more, BUT I have found that the side effects are the limiting factor. I'm a full-time student, so I'm particularly sensitive about any feeling of cognitive slowness. :-) I am losing weight, but this is NOT the miracle drug my pdoc made it out to be - I'm losing weight quite slowly. It beats continually gaining weight, though!>He had discussed earlier that he'd like to just
>get me on Topomax long-term without the Zyprexa
>but I'm not sure that's going to do the trick.
Apparently topomax has mood-stabilizing effects for some people. I'm not BP, just depressed, and I find that it doesn't stabilize me at all - sometimes I feel less stable in fact (I take it in combo with Wellbutrin). But, as with most drugs, I think this varies from person to person.Hope some of this helps. :-)
Posted by Danni on May 12, 2002, at 9:52:19
In reply to Re: topomax » sparkinark, posted by JohnX2 on May 11, 2002, at 20:02:16
Your Dr. started you at 200mg a day!!!!!!!! I started at 25 and after 3 weeks was bumped to 100 and the anxiety was terrible, maybe its to high a dose. I know how the increase made me and I tell you I hated being in my own skin I was sooooo anxious and very shaky.
Posted by Lory on May 31, 2002, at 9:01:02
In reply to Re: Topamax: weight loss/mild depression, posted by normc on April 5, 2002, at 16:22:17
I AM ON TOPAMAX AND HAVE BEEN FOR A FEW MONTHS. I WAS PUT ON IT FOR WEIGHT LOSS AND MOODINESS. I WAS STARTED ON 50MG AND WENT UP BY 50MG UNTIL I RECENTLY REACHED 200MG ON MAY 13, 2002. I STARTED TO BREAK OUT IN A RASH AROUND MY MIDSECTION THAT SEEMED TO GET WORSE AFTER HE INCREASED MY DOSE THIS LAST TIME AND IT AND ABSOLUTELY DROVE ME NUTS!!! MY DOCTOR SAYS IT IS FROM THE TOPAMAX. HAS ANYONE HAD THIS PROBLEM? I HAVE BEEN ON TOPAMAX SINCE BEFORE X-MAS! HE HAS DECREASED IT BY 50MG. IM NOT TO HAPPY BECAUSE I WAS DOING WELL AT LOSING WEIGHT. MY OTHER MEDS HAVE MADE ME GAIN ABOUT 35 LBS. I AM A PSYCHIATRIC NURSE AND HAVE CLIENTS THAT TAKE 30OMG + AND DO REAL WELL. THEY HAVE LOST GREAT AMOUNTS OF WEIGHT.
Posted by Karmagirl on June 3, 2002, at 13:51:37
In reply to Re: topomax, posted by Danni on May 12, 2002, at 9:52:19
My doctor has prescribed Topomax for what she called "pseudo-tumor". It started with me having headaches and pain behind my eyes. The original diagnosis for those symptoms was papilledema. An MRI ruled out a tumor but my spinal tap showed elevated pressure on the brain and the conclusion was the above mentioned pseudo tumor. I am medically considered "morbidly obese" and am looking forward to the weight loss side effect of this drug. Not solely relying on medication to solve a lifelong battle. I have recenly joined Weight Watchers and began to exercise. I haven't started taking the Topomax yet but will be starting tomorrow. Just curious from other obese patients as to their results/success/etc. as it relates to their weight loss on this drug. The headaches have started to subside which has made me hesitant about taking the medication. If the weight loss results are worth the risk of adding medication to my current regimen, then count me in. Not taking any other drugs and would like to remain drug free but if this medication can help me shed this other person I'm carrying around, then bring it on. Would not want to start taking any medication daily if the results aren't going to be worth the risks. I would start at 25 MG and increase at 25 MG per week. Anyone have any advice??
Posted by RES on June 8, 2002, at 13:34:35
In reply to Re: Topamax: weight loss/mild depression, posted by normc on April 5, 2002, at 16:22:17
I went to an endocrinologist who ruled out any metabolic disorders with my high weight (225 at 5'4"), but prescribed Topamax to help with weight loss. I have been on Weight Watchers for almost 2 years and been following it religiously and lost (only) 30 lbs. She started me on 25mg Topamax at night to add 25 mg after one week. I am also taking Zoloft for mild depression and she felt some weight gain could be attributed to SSRIs.
The only side effect she mentioned was the possibility of tingling of the extremities. I do not know if it makes sense to take this only for weight loss, although I really want and need to be thinner. I am one of those people who also tried phen-fen and had some valve damage (which has repaired itself).I feel a bit like a guinea pig, but this doctor is affiliated with a medical school and has a good reputation. After 2 days on 25 mg, I feel no real difference. Is it suppposed to cut your appetitie for all food? Thanks for any feedback.
Posted by Mel1234 on June 8, 2002, at 17:30:01
In reply to Re: Topamax: weight loss/mild depression, posted by RES on June 8, 2002, at 13:34:35
> The only side effect she mentioned was the
> possibility of tingling of the extremities.
Well, don't be surprised if there are quite a few more than that. :-)
> I do not know if it makes sense to take this
> only for weight loss, although I really want
> and need to be thinner.
Well, it does work, although I didn't notice any change in appetite until I got up to 75-100mg, and nothing *really* significant until about 150mg. Don't rush it though; go up slowly.>Is it suppposed to cut your appetitie for all
> food?
Yes, although there are some things it affects more than others. Lots of people, myself included, experience a total loss of taste for soda. Everything carbonated tastes grossly flat, so while I still want a coke, as soon as I try to drink it, I change my mind. :-)Hope this helps.
Posted by RES on June 8, 2002, at 18:43:58
In reply to Re: Topamax: weight loss/mild depression, posted by Mel1234 on June 8, 2002, at 17:30:01
Thanks for the reply. I wonder if any of the people who wrote last year (I just figured out how to search the old postings) are still reading this and could post how their weight loss efforts have gone. My doctor does not want to see me for two months which would leave me at 50 mg of Topamax for weight loss for that time period. I wonder what others' experiences have been on dosage and weight loss. Thanks again.
Posted by littlebaldy29 on June 10, 2002, at 13:01:09
In reply to Re: Topamax: weight loss/mild depression, posted by RES on June 8, 2002, at 18:43:58
I am on 300mg. daily, have been on topamax a little over a month and have already lost 10 pounds. I bought a pair of size 16 pants two weeks ago and can already pull them off without unbuttoning them. I have very little appetite and eat smaller meals and do virtually no snacking. I have the pins and needles in my feet, can't drink soda, and sometimes have brief numbness in my lips when I eat but I don't feel the cognitive side effects that are sometimes associated with it. I am taking Zyprexa with the topamax but will be weaning off and beginning trileptal. Hope this helps!
Posted by RES on June 10, 2002, at 18:56:54
In reply to Re: Topamax: weight loss/mild depression, posted by littlebaldy29 on June 10, 2002, at 13:01:09
Thanks for the info. Ten pounds in a month sounds wonderful to me! I wonder if anyone was prescribed Topamax only for weight loss. I am now on my 4th day of 25mg and feel no real difference, but of course, I am focusing more on my healthy eating and that is good. The dosage my doctor was suggesting I build up to was 50mg. Does anyone have long term experience with Topamax just for weight loss?
Posted by Karmagirl on June 11, 2002, at 13:07:07
In reply to Re: Topamax: weight loss/mild depression, posted by RES on June 10, 2002, at 18:56:54
I have been taking Topomax for 1 week but have also been following the Weight Watchers plan. I started them both the same day and have lost 8 lbs. in 1 week. Be mindful that I am deemed morbidly obese and that I have an entire person to lose so I wouldn't expect this type of weight loss of that's ALL I had to lose. I am only taking 25 MG of Topomax so I contribute my success mostly to the WW program however I took my first increased dosage of 50 MG last night. No noticeable side effects, only a slight decrease in my appetite since I started taking it a week ago. Looking back over some of the older message boards make me hesitant about taking very high dosages, i.e., more than 200 MG. I think that when I get to 100 MG I'll stop there. The question with pills and medical care is always, do the risks outweigh the benefits?
Posted by RES on June 11, 2002, at 14:19:20
In reply to Re: Topamax: weight loss/mild depression, posted by Karmagirl on June 11, 2002, at 13:07:07
Good luck Karmagirl! I have about 1/2 a person to lose-and I have lost and found her many times in my life! I am also doing Weight Watchers with 25 mg Topamax and will weigh in on Sunday. I am trying to focus on eating more protein and fewer refined carbs. What kind of doctor is prescribing the Topamax? How often is he/she monitoring you? I am also reluctant to go up too high, since I certainly do not want to face cognitive side effects., It worries me that Johnson and Johnson withdrew the weight loss drug trials for Topamax, but I do not know what dosage they were using.
Posted by Janey on July 6, 2002, at 10:27:02
In reply to Re: Topamax: weight loss/mild depression, posted by RES on June 11, 2002, at 14:19:20
I just found all these posts because I was researching Topomax. I was given samples of it from my neurologist to tide me over until I get results back from numerous tests. I might possible have a seizure disorder, but hopefully it will be ruled out and it was just a fluke thing, but he gave me the Topomax(50mg) just incase. I also take Prozac (40mg) for a slump I am in, and I must admit, I love the combo. I am 5'6" and 12 weeks ago I weighed 180. The Prozac helped me start losing a good amount of weight, but I started the Topomax 2 weeks ago and now I am down to 160. The only thing is, it seems like my scale has been stuck there for days. I can't drink anything carbonated...it makes me gag, I haven't been able to sleep at all, so I am afraid to see if I can up the dosage.. BUT, sex is great now and I am very motivated to lose more weight. The weightloss alone kind of makes it all worth it. I have read that Topomax can cause memory loss and kidney stones, but on the same note, I have not had one headache in 2 weeks :) Does anyone else have any problems with sleep from the Topomax? I guess that is the biggest negative side effect I have (that and weird BM, but I won't get into that, LOL). Also, I have read that alot of you are taking yours in two daily doses. I hope I didn't miss that from my dr, I just take 2 pills in the am. I go back for followup in a few days, so I will check.
Posted by Hope on July 6, 2002, at 18:31:04
In reply to Re: Topamax: weight loss/mild depression, posted by RES on June 11, 2002, at 14:19:20
I also am a new user to Topamax. I am currently on my 2nd week and have just started 50mg, up from the 25mg. I am considering starting Prozac along with the Topamax for GAD. And of course the weight loss. I have heard so many negative things abour Prozac and weight gain that I am leary. But, I also heard it is probably the least to cause weight gain. How have the side effects been for you? And has the Prozac helped with your anxiety? I would love to hear your experiences. Please e-mail me if you would like to talk further. Since I am new to this it is nice to find someone that shares the same problem. I have put off trying medication for years but am so tired of seeing my life go by and not enjoying it. Thanks for any help.
Posted by janey on July 6, 2002, at 18:50:05
In reply to Re: Topamax: weight loss/mild depression, posted by Hope on July 6, 2002, at 18:31:04
Hope, I never would have thought that I would take anything stronger than Tylenol in my life because I don't like meds, so when my therapist said Prozac, I almost died. Then I realized that I should give it a try and see what happens. Best thing I could have done! I am so much happier and so is the rest of my family, we just enjoy each other so much more now. I have had no side effects from the Prozac except for the weight loss, which is fine by me. Everyone is different on it though. I have a 4 year old and a 22 month old and have tried every diet in the world and every exersize program I could afford, nothing motivated me, mainly due to depression. The Prozac is helping me deal with that depression, but it is also making me have no appetite. I actually have to have a chart on the door to remind me to eat and feed the kids b/c I don't want to get out of control and cause myself more problems. Where I just started, I think it will be a couple of months before my dr and I find the right dosages for me, and I am hoping that both meds are short term. My goal is to not need Prozac after the winter and the Topamax depends on my migranes and seizures.
Posted by Karmagirl on July 8, 2002, at 16:51:43
In reply to Re: Topamax: weight loss/mild depression, posted by janey on July 6, 2002, at 18:50:05
Hi Res! I just wanted to followup and let you know how the combination Topomax/Weight Watchers program was working out. Okay, here we go. It's been 4 weeks and I'm up to 100 mg of Topomax and starting week 5 of WW. I've lost 20 lbs. and this is week 2 of my 100 mg dosage. To refresh you, I started at 25 mg, progressing weekly by 25 mg up to 100 mg. My Dr. had prescribed the Topomax for pseudotumor cerebri and papilledema. The headaches have all but stopped. I have experienced some insomnia but nothing unbearable. My instructions are to take the meds before bedtime so I've started taking them maybe 2-3 hrs. before I plan on going to sleep. That seems to rectify that. Have had some tingling of extremities but nothing overwhelming. Just wanted to followup with you and let you know. Write back...wanting to hear about you too. Hope all is well!
Posted by RES on July 8, 2002, at 20:07:36
In reply to Re: Topamax: Weight loss, posted by Karmagirl on July 8, 2002, at 16:51:43
Hi Karmagirl and all others,
I have been taking 50mg of Topamax plus Weight Watchers for weight loss for 4 weeks now and have lost about 6.5 lbs. I saw an endocrinologist who prescribed the Topamax off label since she felt it has appetite suppressing effects that would be helpful since I have about 80 lbs to lose. I had been strictly following Weight Watchers before and never had that much success in losing. I am also limiting carbs and focusing more on eating protein and some fats. The Topamax at this dosage does not seem to have negative side effects, but does definitely reduce my appetite. I am also on Zoloft for depression. This week I actually gained .4 lbs vs losing over 2 lbs the previous 3 weeks, but I will not get discouraged, since I know I am eating properly. Good luck to all of us who are struggling!
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