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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by bossCmom on October 12, 2003, at 23:28:11
In reply to Re: Topamax , posted by Kristine on October 8, 2003, at 12:16:19
I have been part of a research study (no drug testing) just following the side effects of the most commonly used medication to treat bipolar disorder and also their effectiveness for about three years now. (traslated-free dr. visits) So I have been on Topomax for two years now and I am up to 200 mgs at night. The rest of the time I was taking fish oil because I was pregnant. I am still taking the fish oil (omega-3 fatty acids) along with the topomax but unlike some of you I have not experienced any signifigant weight loss, which I majorly need to do. and I still have the problem of binge eating at times, even though I have no real appetite.
Posted by platinumbride on October 13, 2003, at 4:55:20
In reply to Re: Topamax , posted by bossCmom on October 12, 2003, at 23:28:11
god that sux.........sobering......but thanks for the honsety.
I have my bingeing too.......and appetite is sporadic. I am waiting for the day when all of the pants don't fit. But I know it may not happen, just as all ADs don't work.......sigh
Diane
Posted by rainy on October 13, 2003, at 7:53:22
In reply to Re: Topamax , posted by Kristine on October 8, 2003, at 12:16:19
Here are more sobering thoughts. I went off Top over a month ago because of severe stupids. I've still got them. Immediately I wanted to binge on carbs and I haven't had a sweet tooth in years! Of course the pounds are jumping on. Also, my hair is still falling out in long strands (I'm still on 100 mgs lamictal). How long does Top hair loss continue and how long does it take to stop being confused and disoriented? I mean unusually so. I wish all of you who are starting medication well. Quitting has issues, too.
Posted by sarita0001 on October 13, 2003, at 9:46:33
In reply to Re: Topamax , posted by rainy on October 13, 2003, at 7:53:22
hi Kristine-
The hair loss probably is from going off Topamax but could also be happening because of the Lamictal. There have been a couple posts here about that. Good Luck.
Sara
Posted by redscarlet on October 13, 2003, at 20:06:37
In reply to Re: Topamax , posted by rainy on October 13, 2003, at 7:53:22
I've been on Topamax for over two years and have had BAD hair loss the whole time. Taking all kinds of vitamins for it has not helped. I take biotin along with a hair vitamin, I just now (this past week) added the zinc and selenium and also MSM to the mix, hoping it will make some difference. I do take a lot of other vitamins as well, a multi, co-q10, E, C, B12, calcium, anti-oxidants, omega3....I don't eat all that well (who does?), so I feel I should at least try to get in some vitamins everyday. If anyone else has good response from a vitamin combination that has slowed or stopped hair loss PLEASE tell, desperate here. Thanks
P.S. I do make sure I get enough protein every day. You got any other ideas ????
Posted by Haleyr on October 13, 2003, at 20:15:27
In reply to Re: Topamax , posted by redscarlet on October 13, 2003, at 20:06:37
> Can you please tell me how many mgs of topamax you were taking when you noticed the hair loss and when did it start? I am taking it for about 2 mths and am taking 150 mgs and havent noticed that side effect yet. Thanks for your info. Haley R.
I've been on Topamax for over two years and have had BAD hair loss the whole time. Taking all kinds of vitamins for it has not helped. I take biotin along with a hair vitamin, I just now (this past week) added the zinc and selenium and also MSM to the mix, hoping it will make some difference. I do take a lot of other vitamins as well, a multi, co-q10, E, C, B12, calcium, anti-oxidants, omega3....I don't eat all that well (who does?), so I feel I should at least try to get in some vitamins everyday. If anyone else has good response from a vitamin combination that has slowed or stopped hair loss PLEASE tell, desperate here. Thanks
>
> P.S. I do make sure I get enough protein every day. You got any other ideas ????
>
>
Posted by redscarlet on October 13, 2003, at 20:51:44
In reply to Re: Topamax » redscarlet, posted by Haleyr on October 13, 2003, at 20:15:27
Sorry I don't remember at what milligram the hair loss started but I have had it the whole time with no let up at all, I'm on 200mgs and have been at that for two years. My hair has thinned so much due to the loss and it's turned to straw (this stuff also make's your hair dry...UGH !). Not everyone has the hair loss side effect and this may not happen to you, wishing you the best... :-)
Posted by rainy on October 13, 2003, at 23:19:59
In reply to Re: Topamax » rainy, posted by sarita0001 on October 13, 2003, at 9:46:33
Boy, these psych meds really mess with us. Sara, I think it is the Lamictal that is causing hair loss since it didn't start until I went up to 300 mgs of that stuff per day. That's also when the suicidal ideation began. The doctor took me off Topamax because I was disoriented and almost mute, but has kept me on 150 mgs of the road-map-on-the-head-making-damn-Lamictal. Unlike RedScarlets', my remaining hair has become so oily that I get to wash it down the drain every day. The guy who shapes it every now and then told me that rinsing with cool to cold water after each shampoo may slow hair loss. I can't tell but that's my Topamax/Lamictal Hint. Thanks, all of you, for your information. What about the problems dredging up words? How long does that go on after going off? Take all of this with a salt shaker Haley--I had no trouble until I went up to 350 mgs and then all hell broke loose, but I still think that for me the hair part is the Lamictal.
Posted by tug on October 21, 2003, at 19:22:05
In reply to Re: Topmax for Migraines » Sprgrvr, posted by Snoozy on June 24, 2003, at 14:46:05
I have had great results in reducing my migraines by taking 50mg of Nortriptylin every evening. I had gotten to the point where a trip to the emergency room and 2 shots of morphine would not even dull the pain. I have tried all of the usual medications (Imitrex, Maxalt, Relpax, plus every -cet you can imagine). The Nortriptylin is a godsend for me.
I also take 225mg of Effexor daily for PTSD and depression. That has resulted in a 20lb weight gain and am interested in adding Topomax to the mix. By reading some of the threads it sounds like I could replace the Effexor with the Topomax. Any thoughts on that?
Thanks!
Tug
Posted by Nitro on October 22, 2003, at 9:56:10
In reply to Effexor, Nortriptylin and Top-- Migraines, PTSD, posted by tug on October 21, 2003, at 19:22:05
> I have had great results in reducing my migraines by taking 50mg of Nortriptylin every evening. I had gotten to the point where a trip to the emergency room and 2 shots of morphine would not even dull the pain. I have tried all of the usual medications (Imitrex, Maxalt, Relpax, plus every -cet you can imagine). The Nortriptylin is a godsend for me.
>
> I also take 225mg of Effexor daily for PTSD and depression. That has resulted in a 20lb weight gain and am interested in adding Topomax to the mix. By reading some of the threads it sounds like I could replace the Effexor with the Topomax. Any thoughts on that?
>
> Thanks!
>
> TugI have been taking Topomax, 25 mg morning & night since 9/10 and have had great results, was having up to 5 migraines per week, just constant, and they have gone away. I am quite impressed with the results of the topomax with no side effects other than occassional slight tingling and slight loss of appetitie which i don't think is anything to complain about. Of course I am on low dosage and it is working for me so I am lucky. Good luck to you - I know how debilitating migraines are, have had them for more than 20 years and this is the first time I am free of them - 6 weeks today!!! Nitro
Posted by Liligoth on October 24, 2003, at 1:57:24
In reply to Effexor, Nortriptylin and Top-- Migraines, PTSD, posted by tug on October 21, 2003, at 19:22:05
hey Nortriptyline prevents my migraines too!! it's a miracle isnt it. I just love it & will hopefully stay on it for life for this effect. strangely this was an unforseen effect. did your doc know it would help with the migraines?
Posted by tug on October 24, 2003, at 17:32:29
In reply to Re: Effexor, Nortriptylin and Top-- Migraines, PTSD » tug, posted by Liligoth on October 24, 2003, at 1:57:24
> hey Nortriptyline prevents my migraines too!! it's a miracle isnt it. I just love it & will hopefully stay on it for life for this effect. strangely this was an unforseen effect. did your doc know it would help with the migraines?
>
Actually it was my neurologist who presecribed the nortriptylin. I thought I had MS because of the vertigo and some other symptoms. I went to see the local MS Specialist and he got rid of the vertigo and the migraines with the nortriptylin. If I do have a breakthrough migraine, (every once in a while) I take indomethiacin and that seems to knock them right out. It's like having a new life!! Glad to hear I'm not the only one having success with this.Cheers!
Posted by tug on October 27, 2003, at 21:40:30
In reply to Re: Effexor, Nortriptylin and Top-- Migraines, PTSD » tug, posted by Liligoth on October 24, 2003, at 1:57:24
> hey Nortriptyline prevents my migraines too!! it's a miracle isnt it. I just love it & will hopefully stay on it for life for this effect. strangely this was an unforseen effect. did your doc know it would help with the migraines?
> Yes, my neurologist presecribed it specifically to prevent migraines. A miracle drug from my perspective!! He's the best nuerologist I have seen.
Posted by Lyra on October 29, 2003, at 8:16:16
In reply to What worked for my hairloss, posted by Rainbowlight on September 18, 2003, at 18:26:13
I had hair loss on Depakote- doc said it was because it blocked absorbtion of zinc and selenium. I now take 200 mg. of selenium and 100 mg of zinc a day and hair came back.
Posted by redscarlet on October 29, 2003, at 8:55:47
In reply to Re: What worked for my hairloss, posted by Lyra on October 29, 2003, at 8:16:16
Thank You for this info on the vitamins. I just recently added the zinc and selenium to my vitamin regiment but I was only taking them at 100mgs each a day so I will increase to the 200mgs each a day. I hope I have the same effect and stop some of this massive hair loss !!!
Thanks again... :-)
Posted by redscarlet on October 29, 2003, at 9:02:16
In reply to Re: What worked for my hairloss } Rainbowlight, posted by redscarlet on October 29, 2003, at 8:55:47
I meant...200 mcg. of selenium & 100 mg of zinc !
Sorry !
Posted by Ramon Paz on October 29, 2003, at 22:30:44
In reply to Re: What worked for my hairloss, posted by Lyra on October 29, 2003, at 8:16:16
> I had hair loss on Depakote- doc said it was because it blocked absorbtion of zinc and selenium. I now take 200 mg. of selenium and 100 mg of zinc a day and hair came back.
Have anybody already tried thr suplement by "twinlab" Super hair factor (i think is this)?
(Dr. bob, do fon redicion this post, it is supplements but directly relationed with meds)
Posted by Nervz on November 3, 2003, at 13:13:47
In reply to Re: Topamax » sarita0001, posted by rainy on October 13, 2003, at 23:19:59
Hi. I just recently found this thread and have enjoyed all your comments. I am a 27 year old female with generalized anxiety disorder. It used to be severe, with panic attacks almost daily. I was well on my way to becoming agoraphobic (afraid to leave the house). Now my life is totally different because of 40mg of Prozac a day. I am happy to say that I haven't had a panic attack in almost 2 years. I have, however, gained about 35 pounds or so. I am up to a whopping 180, which is definetly noticeable on my 5'5 frame. My pdoc has prescribed 100mg of Topamax to take at bedtime. I am so scared to start taking it. I would appreciate any comments or advice. Thanks, Nervz
Posted by helenag on November 3, 2003, at 13:41:02
In reply to Re: Topamax, posted by Nervz on November 3, 2003, at 13:13:47
I do believe that topamax is a drug that needs to be titrated up to a needed dose. Usually, a patient begins on 25mg or so and goes up from there in order to lessen side effects. At least that is my understanding. Helen
Posted by Sabina on November 3, 2003, at 22:41:26
In reply to Re: Topamax, posted by Nervz on November 3, 2003, at 13:13:47
your best bet for a wealth of information would be to do a search of the archives and/or to follow this thread back. also, don't be afraid to ask specific questions if you get in a bind and can't find your answer. i started topamax about six weeks ago and it wasn't as bad as i was afraid it would be. take it slow. let it settle in before you make up your mind about it. good luck!
Posted by Nervz on November 4, 2003, at 12:06:50
In reply to Re: Topamax » Nervz, posted by Sabina on November 3, 2003, at 22:41:26
Thanks so much for you helpful advice. Well..... here I go. Nervz
Posted by sarita0001 on November 4, 2003, at 15:34:41
In reply to Re: Topamax, posted by Nervz on November 3, 2003, at 13:13:47
Hi Nervz-
I am one of the people that had a bad experience with Topamax but learned a lot from it. Like you, I gained about 25 lbs on lithium over 2 years and couldn't shake it off no matter what I did.
Topamax is one of those drugs that people react very uniquely to, meaning that from what I have read here, side effects can be common and some people can get very strange ones. A very important thing my new psychiatrist told me that is if you don't tolerate a drug's side effects well in the beginning, then you should discontinue it. After 3 weeks, I got side pains on Topamax and went to the doctor and he ruled out kidney stones. It did pass, but looking back it was a sign that maybe my body wasn't tolerating it well.
I know weight gain from meds is bad but if you have the time and energy to try and lose the weight another way then you can avoid the worry of side effects. At the same time, the medicine can work for you. Don't give up and good luck. Be happy to answer any questions.
Sara
Posted by Nervz on November 5, 2003, at 11:55:34
In reply to Re: Topamax, posted by sarita0001 on November 4, 2003, at 15:34:41
I've had this scrip for a month now and can't seem to get the courage to take it. I am pretty miserable being overweight, so I need some help with the weight loss. I've read all the stuff on here about Topamax, but I still don't feel like I have very many definite answers......
1.The pharmacist says "drink plenty of water" to avoid kidney stones. HOW MUCH IS PLENTY? and do sodas counteract the water. I love Diet Coke, do I need to drink even more water to combat those?
2.I'm of childbearing age and would like to start a family in about a year. HOW LONG DOES TOPAMAX STAY IN YOUR SYSTEM? Is there any withdrawal?
3.I've heard of people hearing voices in their heads. That sounds pretty damn crazy to me. HOW OFTEN IS THAT A SIDE EFFECT?
4.I am extremely near-sighted (-10.5). WILL THE TOPAMAX MAKE THAT WORSE?
5.DOES ANYONE KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT LONG TERM EFFECTS OF TOPAMAX?
I know these are all questions for my doctor, but I can't seem to get any straight answers from him or the info on the web. I really need some input from people who have used Topamax. If anyone would please share your experience. I'd be very thankful. And remember, I am DESPERATE to lose weight. --- Nervz
Posted by Nitro on November 5, 2003, at 13:10:23
In reply to Re: Topamax:HELP!!!!, posted by Nervz on November 5, 2003, at 11:55:34
> I've had this scrip for a month now and can't seem to get the courage to take it. I am pretty miserable being overweight, so I need some help with the weight loss. I've read all the stuff on here about Topamax, but I still don't feel like I have very many definite answers......
>
> 1.The pharmacist says "drink plenty of water" to avoid kidney stones. HOW MUCH IS PLENTY? and do sodas counteract the water. I love Diet Coke, do I need to drink even more water to combat those?
>
> 2.I'm of childbearing age and would like to start a family in about a year. HOW LONG DOES TOPAMAX STAY IN YOUR SYSTEM? Is there any withdrawal?
>
> 3.I've heard of people hearing voices in their heads. That sounds pretty damn crazy to me. HOW OFTEN IS THAT A SIDE EFFECT?
>
> 4.I am extremely near-sighted (-10.5). WILL THE TOPAMAX MAKE THAT WORSE?
>
> 5.DOES ANYONE KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT LONG TERM EFFECTS OF TOPAMAX?
>
> I know these are all questions for my doctor, but I can't seem to get any straight answers from him or the info on the web. I really need some input from people who have used Topamax. If anyone would please share your experience. I'd be very thankful. And remember, I am DESPERATE to lose weight. --- Nervz
>I drink at least 64 oz of water above any coffee or tea - my pharmacist & dr said that was more than sufficient to ward off kidney stones.
I have poor vision also, -9.5. It has not gotten worse after 2 months on topamax, but I am only at 50 mg - what amount are you prescribed?
I have had no ill side efffects, only a slight tingling in hands & feet which goes away after a few minutes when I get it. I get it randomly too. No absentmindedness, nothing! It has completely stopped my migraines for which I am grateful.
good luck! Nitro
Posted by Sabina on November 5, 2003, at 14:11:13
In reply to Re: Topamax:HELP!!!!, posted by Nervz on November 5, 2003, at 11:55:34
i feel that the first, best answer to all of your questions is that if you're this freaked out about it then maybe topamax isn't a good fit for you right now. don't get angry with me just yet, keep reading. i'm a nice person, really.
a lot of what i hear you saying is, what if i have X side effect, or what if i have Z side effect? i have a *strong* tendency to do that same thing, so i do know how you feel and am not making light of your predicament at all. i hate to have people tell me to relax (my answer is always, if i could relax then i wouldn't need the medicine!), but *try* not to focus so much on the "what if's" and start thinking more about the positive results you hope to see from this drug.
i would simply encourage you to start with the recommended beginning dose of 25mg and see how you go, day by day. you'll know soon enough if it's a good fit and worth the effort for you. i was nervous, too; and it wasn't nearly as bad as i had feared. i am now becoming more and more comfortable at 100mg. there have been many positive effects from this drug that have far outweighed the few rough patches. that has been my personal experience, anyway.
i also plan to become pregnant late next year. i haven't been able to find any documentation on the subject, but i plan to taper off over a period of three months prior to conception and to finish with a thorough detox program. i feel confident that will be sufficient for me.
drink your 6-8 8oz glasses of water, or more if you can, and hope for the best. good luck, keep us posted, and i really hope you're not too angry at me! i don't usually speak so candidly here.
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