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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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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.
Posted by Sabina on November 5, 2003, at 14:46:01
In reply to Re: Topamax:HELP!!!!, posted by Sabina on November 5, 2003, at 14:11:13
Posted by Nervz on November 5, 2003, at 15:26:17
In reply to Re: Topamax:HELP!!!!, posted by Nitro on November 5, 2003, at 13:10:23
Thanks Nitro and Sabina! Your comments were very helpful. My doctor prescribed 100mg to start out with. Has anyone out there started out at such a high dosage? The main reason (well, actually only reason) I'm going to take the Topamax is for weight loss because NOTHING else has helped my weight gain. Have either of you lost any weight and how long have you been on it? Thanks again guys --- Nervz
Posted by Nitro on November 5, 2003, at 15:42:00
In reply to Re: Topamax:HELP!!!!, posted by Nervz on November 5, 2003, at 15:26:17
> Thanks Nitro and Sabina! Your comments were very helpful. My doctor prescribed 100mg to start out with. Has anyone out there started out at such a high dosage? The main reason (well, actually only reason) I'm going to take the Topamax is for weight loss because NOTHING else has helped my weight gain. Have either of you lost any weight and how long have you been on it? Thanks again guys --- Nervz
>
Nervz -
I started out at 25 mg - the doc said it was really important to start low and work your way up to alleviate any side effects. I had loss of appetite, didn't really need to lose much weight but I did lose a few lbs.Nitro.
Posted by Sabina on November 5, 2003, at 15:53:22
In reply to Re: Topamax:HELP!!!!, posted by Nervz on November 5, 2003, at 15:26:17
oh dear god no i would *not* start out with 100mg!
of course, that is my totally non-professional opinion, but i have generally noticed posts on this site mentioning titrating up by weekly 25mg increments. when i made a comment about the dosing schedule the first time i picked it up, my pharmacist said the same kind of thing...something to the effect that it is a powerful drug and to just be patient and build up slowly.
i have been on it about seven weeks and i know i have lost some weight. i can tell from how my clothes fit. i don't know how much because i can't let myself get obsessed with weigh-ins.
if your scrip calls for 100mg tabs then try to see if your doc will change it to 25mg. if he won't then you can always use a pill splitter. a lot of people have posted about how they shouldn't be split, how bitter they taste, etc., but i found out that's just not so. my pdoc wrote my last scrip for 100mg pills because that's where i had titrated to, even though i only wanted to take 50mg at a time. i was worried after what i had read and bought some applesauce, pudding, etc. to hide the supposedly terribly bitter taste, but i just take the split pill with water, no problem at all.
please do write again with any questions. i'm taking topamax in addition to seroquel for my bipolar II. still, i was interested in the weight loss benefits as i had gained some weight on the seroquel and i am trying to lose weight so that i will be at a healthy weight before i get pregnant next year. also, i'm really glad you weren't offended by my other post!
Posted by Sabina on November 5, 2003, at 16:27:36
In reply to Re: Topamax:HELP!!!!, posted by Nervz on November 5, 2003, at 15:26:17
i also agree with nitro. i just kind of lost my appetite. i never really overate, but i did do some nervous carb eating for awhile on the seroquel when i would have problems with akathisia, which is why i broke my seroquel down into smaller doses throughout the day.
since starting topamax, some things just don't taste right, and that may be part of it. for instance, fizzy drinks don't seem as appealing and alcohol makes me ill just to smell it. that's a plus for me, since those things aren't good for me, anyway. if they've become unappealing, then it's no problem to give them up. hooray! i often just forget to eat, but i always keep a galss of ice water beside me to help keep up my fluid intake.
i'll probably just keep thinking of things and posting them...i really hope you have a positive experience. i know how hard it is to try and lose weight on some of these drugs, and i know people who won't take a drug that they know helps them just because they don't want to gain the weight again. if this one works for you then (hopefully) you won't have to make that decision.
Posted by sarita0001 on November 5, 2003, at 20:13:42
In reply to Re: Topamax:HELP!!!!, posted by Nervz on November 5, 2003, at 11:55:34
Hi Nervz-
If you are having all these worries about Topamax then I think maybe you shouldn't take it. Then when you are taking it you might worry more. If you can and have the means, maybe seeing a nutritionist can help. I am sure they see this problem often- weight gain b/c of meds and have more natural ways to combat it. I wish I had done that. Good luck with your decision.
Sara
Posted by karen_kay on November 6, 2003, at 7:16:16
In reply to Re: Topamax:HELP!!!!, posted by sarita0001 on November 5, 2003, at 20:13:42
I agree that maybe it is not a good idea to take Topamax with the sole purpose of trying to lose weight. But, if you begin taking it and the side effects are bothersome you can always discontinue, with the exception of the few rare but potentially serious side effects. Maybe you should make a list of pros and cons. And remember that the weight loss doesn't work for everyone eighter. Good luck in your decision. I know that Topamax has really changed my life, but not because I've lost a few pounds. However, that is a bonus as well. But, I have only lost maybe 15 lbs. Good luck. Karen
Posted by Boonie on November 13, 2003, at 10:48:46
In reply to Re: Topamax:HELP!!!!, posted by sarita0001 on November 5, 2003, at 20:13:42
Hi,
I went on Topomax because I was diagnosed as cyclothymic (bi-polar). I tried a couple of other meds and they did make me gain weight even when eating a very well balanced diet and exercising. This, of course, led to depression, which was cancelling out the positive effects that I was supposed to be getting from the meds in the first place. I am cursed with a slow metabolism without meds, being on those meds sent my metabolism on an extended vacation. I was very nervous to try topomax (like every med I've tried), and started at 50 mg. That was too much for me to start with, and I was having some manic episodes. I cut back to 25 mg and stayed there for a while and then slowly went to 50 mg. I've been on 50 mg. for 9 or 10 months now. In the first 6 months I lost 30 lbs. Was it the topomax? Was it being off the other meds? Or, was it just bad nerves? I seem to have levelled off now. But, I've had a major change of situations (living/working) which may have affected my appetite. I thought topomax for weight loss was supposed to be at a much higher dosage.
Posted by jtevers on November 25, 2003, at 16:12:39
In reply to Re: Topamax:HELP!!!!, posted by Boonie on November 13, 2003, at 10:48:46
i have been on medication treatment ( seroquel and neurontin ) for bipolar, diagnosed in 2000.
since then i have gained 60 lbs. ... devestating for a previous marathon runner. this weight gain has been entirely unresponsive to diet and exercise!
so... i am getting ready to try topamax and have learned i must titrate it slowly ... very slowly and that i can look forward to experiencing some harsh side effects.
i am prepared for the fatigue and the change in taste, but to combat the hair loss i've heard of using 200 mcg. of selenium and 100 mg. of zinc .... perhaps also adding biotin ... i have become very fat and do not want also to be balding, can anyone confirm this advice or help with any additional????
i know to drink plenty of water to avoid kidney stones and watch my protein intake , but have been advised to use a B-complex vitamin ( or an anti stress B of some sort ) to combat the tingling sensation i will probably experience in my extremities.... can anyone confirm this advice or help with any additional????
finally, i wonder, from those who have experienced weight loss, whether you had simultaneously dropped the weight-adding medication or whether the weight came off while you had still been on the offending med. (for expample, lithium, depakote or an antipsychotic)? you see, i cannot change my medication regimen, but want to add topamax to it temporarily.... help!
your help is sooo greatly appreciated and i look forward to your advice. wish me luck.
Posted by browneyez on November 25, 2003, at 21:35:33
In reply to topomax, posted by Ellen Brodie on April 19, 1999, at 15:58:40
My doctor has given me topomax for my weight gain.I was on Paxil for my panic attacks, but i gained weight. I'm and occasional drinker, and with the holidays coming up, I just wanted to know if anyone drinks while taking this medication?
Posted by Sabina on November 26, 2003, at 3:24:30
In reply to Re: topomax, posted by browneyez on November 25, 2003, at 21:35:33
drinking any alcohol on topamax makes me exceedingly sick and dizzy. i would not advise it, but everyone is different, of course.
Posted by TexasChic on November 26, 2003, at 15:10:00
In reply to Re: topomax, posted by browneyez on November 25, 2003, at 21:35:33
> My doctor has given me topomax for my weight gain.I was on Paxil for my panic attacks, but i gained weight. I'm and occasional drinker, and with the holidays coming up, I just wanted to know if anyone drinks while taking this medication?
You didn't say the amount you are taking. I think that may make a difference. I was on 75mg and was able to have a few social drinks with no problem (except maybe I got tipsy a little easier). I have read of others that had horrendous problems though, so I would take baby steps and see how it effects you. If you're on 200-300mg, you may not even want to consider it (that seems to be the amount I hear the horror stories about). You can always get a juice spritzer and it will look like a mixed drink. I do that sometimes to fend off the nosy people who want to know why I'm not drinking. (Aren't people weird?)
Posted by chloe44 on November 26, 2003, at 18:13:15
In reply to Re: topomax, posted by TexasChic on November 26, 2003, at 15:10:00
Hi, I have been on several anti-depressants with severe weight gain. My therapist has suggested I speak with my Dr. about Topomax to counter-act the weight gain. I mean I have never been over 130 lbs. in my life (I am 44 and 5'4") I am now 200 lbs plus. I started the anti-depressants after my oldest child drown and a divorce quickly folowed. The weight gain has me severely depressed. Any one has a comment?
Posted by haleyr on November 26, 2003, at 19:06:53
In reply to Re: topomax » TexasChic, posted by chloe44 on November 26, 2003, at 18:13:15
> Hi, I have been on several anti-depressants with severe weight gain. My therapist has suggested I speak with my Dr. about Topomax to counter-act the weight gain. I mean I have never been over 130 lbs. in my life (I am 44 and 5'4") I am now 200 lbs plus. I started the anti-depressants after my oldest child drown and a divorce quickly folowed. The weight gain has me severely depressed. Any one has a comment?
Hi - I have been on topomax for three months after putting some weight on after being on lexapro for depression since my brother died on 9/11. I am up to 200 mgs. now - i did start slowly 25 mgs , 50 mgs, etc. I've had a few side effects - but nothing terrible that hasnt gone away - but i really havent seen much of a weight loss yet. In the beginning i noticed my appetite diminish a bit but now when I am depressed I can still eat a lot. I dont know if I should maybe have the dr. increase the med. - he seems pretty cool in doing so - i am just afraid with some of the horror stories I hear of the hair loss and all - i could use some advice, too. haley
Posted by headachequeen on November 28, 2003, at 13:55:24
In reply to Re: topomax, posted by browneyez on November 25, 2003, at 21:35:33
> My doctor has given me topomax for my weight gain.I was on Paxil for my panic attacks, but i gained weight. I'm and occasional drinker, and with the holidays coming up, I just wanted to know if anyone drinks while taking this medication?
Oh brother... this is one of the few side effects of which I was warned... and by someone who had been given a list of warnings but tried it anyway. Last evening I was at a working session, trying to get back into the swing of things now that I am home. We were doing so well that someone decided a bottle of wine was a good idea... I had one small glass... and only half of it at that... and about three this morning I woke up and was not sure if I were going to live or die...
I did not feel hung over: that feels good in comparison. I know I have been there twice in my life, being like you an occasional drinker... don't really like the stuff, especially wine and beer, to be honest... I was sorely tempted to call 911 because I was afraid that something was seriously wrong, more than the effects of a bit of alcohol and the topomax... could my epilepsy be doing something really weird? I have had a drink with the Topo before and the aftershock was not pleasant but this was worse and it the aftershocks continue now...
It would not be as bad if I did not know better... but I simply didn't stop to think... I was too proud of what I had accomplished to stop and do such a simple thing as think and here I am...
I know there are others who have no problems with it...
but one of the warnings is not to drink when using Topomax and if my day from early morning is any example, I would suggest you stick to mineral water or soda water or something of that nature...
learn from the mistakes of others, you don't have time to make them all yourself LOL
Posted by chloe44 on November 28, 2003, at 14:10:10
In reply to Re: topomax » chloe44, posted by haleyr on November 26, 2003, at 19:06:53
Hi, thanks for the reply to my concerns with Topomax. I too have been on Prozac for about a year before starting Lexapro a month ago. It seems that nothing I do will allow the weight to come off. I have never had a weight problem and have always exercised daily. Dr. do not seem to believe that I am not binge eating but I am not. This weight gain has caused me severe depression. Everyone has just suggested Topomoax but if I don't see dramatic results I am hesitant to try more meds. I really do not have a large appetite. I have always eaten as I have over the years. What to do, anybody? I am seriously considering a surgical procedure to reduce my stomach size.
Posted by Boonie on November 28, 2003, at 15:01:49
In reply to Re: topomax » browneyez, posted by headachequeen on November 28, 2003, at 13:55:24
Reading the posts, I think we're talking about two separate things. Someone taking topomax for epilepsy and someone taking it for weight gain. I'd be a lot more cautious drinking with meds for epilepsy. I'm on 50 mg. of topomax as a mood stabilizer and if I'm going to drink, I don't take my meds that evening. The warning on my bottle says alcohol may intensify the effects, but topomax doesn't make me sleepy, it makes me a tad tense. As for the weight loss, like I said before, I lost 30ish pounds, but I don't know if that is because I'm not taking Paxil or other meds that helped me gain weight, or if it's the topomax. I do take clonazepam at night to help me sleep cuz the topomax keeps me awake and I still lost weight. I'm shrugging.
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