Psycho-Babble Medication Thread 9746

Shown: posts 1 to 25 of 27. This is the beginning of the thread.

 

Neurontin, Depakote, Topamax

Posted by Debbie on August 7, 1999, at 19:27:04

I thought I had gained all the weight I possibly could gain when my doctor put me on Neurontin and I gained even more. My doctor had assured me this med should not cause a weight gain, so I wonder if anyone else out there is having a problem with this med. Also, how bad does the hair loss get with Depakote? Everything I have read on this med mentions hair loss as a side effect and my doctor has me on herbs and vitamins and so far so good, but I just don't want to wake up some morning and find myself bald. I have been on Depakote now 2 1/2 years and am more than 50 lbs heavier than I used to be. My meds costs $2,000 every three months. What a price some pay for normal. DD

 

Re: Answer to Ellen about three meds

Posted by Debbie on August 13, 1999, at 16:10:25

In reply to Neurontin, Depakote, Topamax , posted by Debbie on August 7, 1999, at 19:27:04

> I thought I had gained all the weight I possibly could gain when my doctor put me on Neurontin and I gained even more. My doctor had assured me this med should not cause a weight gain, so I wonder if anyone else out there is having a problem with this med. Also, how bad does the hair loss get with Depakote? Everything I have read on this med mentions hair loss as a side effect and my doctor has me on herbs and vitamins and so far so good, but I just don't want to wake up some morning and find myself bald. I have been on Depakote now 2 1/2 years and am more than 50 lbs heavier than I used to be. My meds costs $2,000 every three months. What a price some pay for normal. DD

>Hi, Ellen. In addition to being bi-polar, I have epilepsy, and the Topamax has seemed to help a LITTLE to control the weight gain in addition to helping with the seizures (I have tonic clonic and complex partial). I don't know how much one condition is related to the other since the epilepsy began in childhood but came back two years ago following an aneurysm. I doubt very much they have any connection at all, just a bad luck of the draw for me. I'm doing pretty well now. Seziures concern me more than my moods. Hope you are doing well. Thanks for your concern. It is nice to know someone cares. Debbie.

 

Re: Neurontin, Depakote, Topamax

Posted by Shirley on August 13, 1999, at 22:31:17

In reply to Neurontin, Depakote, Topamax , posted by Debbie on August 7, 1999, at 19:27:04

I have found Neurontin to be the most effective of all the meds I've tried. I've also gained about 20 pounds in the last year. I began with the Neurontin after a horrible experience with a Wellbutrin and Effexor mix. The Neurontin helped to eliminate the mood swings I experienced (Bipolar 2).

I'm am currently tapering off Neurontin because of the weight-gain issue, although my doctor tells me weight gain isn't very common with this med. I also take Celexa, which I recently started. I'll drop that, too, if the weight doesn't come off by the end of the year (I'm also beginning to watch my diet and exercise).

20 pounds may not sound like much, but I'm not feeling too good about goin from a size 10 to a size 14. I'm tired of hassling with the pills, refills, doctors, yada, yada, yada.....

SJ

 

Re: Neurontin, Depakote, Topamax

Posted by Nadine Reeder on January 23, 2000, at 16:45:45

In reply to Neurontin, Depakote, Topamax , posted by Debbie on August 7, 1999, at 19:27:04

> I thought I had gained all the weight I possibly could gain when my doctor put me on Neurontin and I gained even more. My doctor had assured me this med should not cause a weight gain, so I wonder if anyone else out there is having a problem with this med. Also, how bad does the hair loss get with Depakote? Everything I have read on this med mentions hair loss as a side effect and my doctor has me on herbs and vitamins and so far so good, but I just don't want to wake up some morning and find myself bald. I have been on Depakote now 2 1/2 years and am more than 50 lbs heavier than I used to be. My meds costs $2,000 every three months. What a price some pay for normal. DD

My doctor put me on Topamax about two months ago and I'm experinced wait gain, partial seziures, slur speech and I'm always tired. My doctor says that Topamax would be the best medicine to be on if I wanted to have a baby. I did my own research on Topamax and found out that Topamax was only used in animal studies for pregancy experiments. Right now I'm trying to change over to Diamox to take with my Tegertol. Does anyone know about pregnacies with Topamax? Please email me if you do.

 

well..eventhough many peoples seziures are similer

Posted by Misty Harper on March 24, 2000, at 9:14:10

In reply to Re: Answer to Ellen about three meds, posted by Debbie on August 13, 1999, at 16:10:25

My name is Misty Harper and I haven't had a seziure for almost 4years going on five.
the medicine i take is Tegertal and it works to take care of seziures it's like your bestfriend
for life. It also doesn't make you gain weight either so ask your doctor about this kind of medicine.

 

Re: Neurontin, Depakote, Topamax

Posted by Dylan T. Kenny on May 19, 2000, at 5:15:29

In reply to Re: Neurontin, Depakote, Topamax , posted by Shirley on August 13, 1999, at 22:31:17

I am currently taking Topamax for Migraine,
after experianceing a really horrible episode
with Depakote, they say it was just a histalogical
reaction but it felt more like nearly dying to
me...so now it says NO DEPAKOTE on my chart,

the Topamax seems to be doing really good, but I
seem to have picked up this same bout 20 pound
weight gain in the last year or two after successfully fighting off a chronic depression
with anti depressants...which is sorta what brings
me to this board...my general practicioner currently thinks I have a gastric ulcer caused by
heliobacter so am taking Prilosec and Biaxin, but
am doing my own research too...

Has anyone out there had any experiance with Topamax or any of these other drugs being misdiagnosed as a gastric ulcer? I dont think that
this is really the problem cause I had this kind of pain before taking the topamax but NEVER this
severe....

 

Re: Neurontin, Depakote, Topamax

Posted by Ginny L on May 19, 2000, at 11:03:53

In reply to Re: Neurontin, Depakote, Topamax , posted by Dylan T. Kenny on May 19, 2000, at 5:15:29

>
>
> I am currently taking Topamax for Migraine,
> after experianceing a really horrible episode
> with Depakote, they say it was just a histalogical
> reaction but it felt more like nearly dying to
> me...so now it says NO DEPAKOTE on my chart,
>
> the Topamax seems to be doing really good, but I
> seem to have picked up this same bout 20 pound
> weight gain in the last year or two after successfully fighting off a chronic depression
> with anti depressants...which is sorta what brings
> me to this board...my general practicioner currently thinks I have a gastric ulcer caused by
> heliobacter so am taking Prilosec and Biaxin, but
> am doing my own research too...
>
> Has anyone out there had any experiance with Topamax or any of these other drugs being misdiagnosed as a gastric ulcer? I dont think that
> this is really the problem cause I had this kind of pain before taking the topamax but NEVER this
> severe....

Dylan, I took Topamax for several months for migraine and it didn't work for me. My doctor then added Depakote to take with the Topamax, but I only took it for about a month. I quit because I was losing so much hair! It's curious to me that you are having stomach problems. I decided to stop taking the Depakote last week, and the Topamax too. I love not taking medications. But within 3 days of stopping the Depakote, my stomach hurt like I couldn't believe! I was actually thinking for a day or 2 that it was my chest and I was on the verge of a heart attack. But I really think it was my upper stomach. I feel alot better now, but it's still hurting off and on. Does your do like that? Maybe it's the Depakote. Ginny

 

Topamax, Midrin, Depakote, Migraines...

Posted by Dylan T. Kenny on May 19, 2000, at 20:55:18

In reply to Re: Neurontin, Depakote, Topamax , posted by Ginny L on May 19, 2000, at 11:03:53

Ginny. I dont take Depakote. At All. I have been Given (Intraveniously) it as a standard Migraine med when admited to the emergancy room in a less than semi consious state during a SEVERE full blown migraine attack, about 3 or 4 times in the last 3 years all VERY BAD experiances, much like near death To Me as near as I can remember, the
way you describe you stomach pains above seem vaguely smilar to what I am experiancing currently ON the topamax!!! What were/are your dosages times? I am on 3 20 mgs for 60mgs at bedtime for about 3 weeks now...and it's making me absolutely RAVENOUS!!! I Cant stop eating, and cant stop being hungry, before I started with it, I was abusing my previous migraine med Stadol and that's what the Topamax combined with Midrin was supposed to stop...and thankfully it has...what does your stomach pains feel like nausea or the opposite, a gnawing hunger type pain? I would like to know both for my own couriosity and to help you out?

I really think that this is a Male Migraine Complex VS. A Female Migraine Complex issue....

And of course my Primary Care Physician MIGHT be
right and the Stomach pains COULD be "JUST" a gastric ulcer...But becuse of todays news, which will be detailed in another thread, I dont trust him anymore...


Dylan


 

Re: Topamax, Midrin, Depakote, Migraines...

Posted by SLS on May 21, 2000, at 9:27:27

In reply to Topamax, Midrin, Depakote, Migraines..., posted by Dylan T. Kenny on May 19, 2000, at 20:55:18

>
>
> Ginny. I dont take Depakote. At All. I have been Given (Intraveniously) it as a standard Migraine med when admited to the emergancy room in a less than semi consious state during a SEVERE full blown migraine attack, about 3 or 4 times in the last 3 years all VERY BAD experiances, much like near death To Me as near as I can remember, the
> way you describe you stomach pains above seem vaguely smilar to what I am experiancing currently ON the topamax!!! What were/are your dosages times? I am on 3 20 mgs for 60mgs at bedtime for about 3 weeks now...and it's making me absolutely RAVENOUS!!! I Cant stop eating, and cant stop being hungry, before I started with it, I was abusing my previous migraine med Stadol and that's what the Topamax combined with Midrin was supposed to stop...and thankfully it has...what does your stomach pains feel like nausea or the opposite, a gnawing hunger type pain? I would like to know both for my own couriosity and to help you out?
>
> I really think that this is a Male Migraine Complex VS. A Female Migraine Complex issue....
>
> And of course my Primary Care Physician MIGHT be
> right and the Stomach pains COULD be "JUST" a gastric ulcer...But becuse of todays news, which will be detailed in another thread, I dont trust him anymore...
>
>
> Dylan


Hey Dylan, have you ever tried Neurontin?

- Scott

 

Re: Topamax, Midrin, Depakote, Migraines...

Posted by kady on May 21, 2000, at 16:40:54

In reply to Re: Topamax, Midrin, Depakote, Migraines..., posted by SLS on May 21, 2000, at 9:27:27

This is a little scary to hear. I have migraines,
but it is seemingly hormonal related.Nothing has
gotten rid of the headache. No one had taken me
seriously. Not the OB/GYN or the Primary Care until
after suffering with these for seven years I called
and screamed a not so nice message in one of their
voice mails. Now seeing a neurologist for the first
time and we are in the trial and error period for
meds. Last visit he suggested looking into Topomax.
His version was that weight loss seemed to be a
sympton, not gain. Is everyone on this thread saying
the Topomax is causing hunger and weight gain?

 

Re: Topamax, Midrin, Depakote - Kady

Posted by SLS on May 21, 2000, at 18:37:19

In reply to Re: Topamax, Midrin, Depakote, Migraines..., posted by kady on May 21, 2000, at 16:40:54

>Last visit he suggested looking into Topomax.
His version was that weight loss seemed to be a
sympton, not gain. Is everyone on this thread saying
the Topomax is causing hunger and weight gain?

Dear Kady

Topomax (topiramate) causes weight loss.

A friend of mine, who is prone to weight gain on most medications, lost quite a bit of weight while taking Topomax. I imagine there are some people who will react to this drug in an atypical manner, but I would not worry about gaining weight on it.


- Scott

 

Re: Topamax, Midrin, Depakote, Migraines...

Posted by Dylan T. Kenny on May 21, 2000, at 21:28:01

In reply to Re: Topamax, Midrin, Depakote, Migraines..., posted by SLS on May 21, 2000, at 9:27:27



No, I am VERY Atypical (that's a big screaming very and big capital a atypical, in both a migraines and my reations to my meds.) in history,
pathology, everything, so everyone take everything I say with a nice big tablespoon of salt! (Whee salt, another story!) But, however!

When My new neurologist, Dr. Potts, started me on
the Topamax he mentioned the Neurontin and said that because of it's class and my history with Depakote and our fortunate Timing here we might
as well go with the Topamax...

Like I said before, I think this is mainly a
Male vs Female think ie Hormonal, so Kady dont
be afraid of weight gain on Topamax it will probably be typical for you. Even thought I think I am having a atypical reaction to it (all those rare side effects) I dont think I am acctually GAININING weight, and because I am off the paxil
I think I am starting to loose a pound or two, I am not sure, I'm starting to edge over into the male age where I should start to pick up pound anyway.

Anyhoo, I'm suppose to go to my N tommorow, I'll let yall know how it works out...

Dylan

 

Re: Topamax, Midrin, Depakote, Migraines...

Posted by Ginny L on May 22, 2000, at 7:22:13

In reply to Re: Topamax, Midrin, Depakote, Migraines..., posted by Dylan T. Kenny on May 21, 2000, at 21:28:01

>
>
> No, I am VERY Atypical (that's a big screaming very and big capital a atypical, in both a migraines and my reations to my meds.) in history,
> pathology, everything, so everyone take everything I say with a nice big tablespoon of salt! (Whee salt, another story!) But, however!
>
> When My new neurologist, Dr. Potts, started me on
> the Topamax he mentioned the Neurontin and said that because of it's class and my history with Depakote and our fortunate Timing here we might
> as well go with the Topamax...
>
> Like I said before, I think this is mainly a
> Male vs Female think ie Hormonal, so Kady dont
> be afraid of weight gain on Topamax it will probably be typical for you. Even thought I think I am having a atypical reaction to it (all those rare side effects) I dont think I am acctually GAININING weight, and because I am off the paxil
> I think I am starting to loose a pound or two, I am not sure, I'm starting to edge over into the male age where I should start to pick up pound anyway.
>
> Anyhoo, I'm suppose to go to my N tommorow, I'll let yall know how it works out...
>
> Dylan

Dylan, I was taking 200 mg of Topamax a day for the migraines and Depakote sprinkle also (can't remember the mgs). My stomach pains do not feel like a hunger pain or a burning pain. Just a PAIN, can't really describe it. Almost like pressure on the stomach. I didn't gain any weight while on the Topamax. I lost around 10 lbs. But when I started taking the Depakote along with it, the weight loss leveled off, I think the 2 medications were fighting each other. Couldn't lose anymore. I've not heard of anyone gaining weight on Topamax. Hope this helps. Good luck! Ginny

 

Re: Topamax, Midrin, Depakote, Migraines...

Posted by kady on May 22, 2000, at 8:27:36

In reply to Re: Topamax, Midrin, Depakote, Migraines..., posted by Ginny L on May 22, 2000, at 7:22:13

Thank you Dylan, SLS, and Ginny. I can now breathe. I too am at the age where a 10 pound gain would not be unusual, but with all the hormone juggling I have actually gained about 30 pounds in the past 2 years! If I gain anymore I will be joining those with the unfortunate depression. I am on the edge of it anyway. I actually feel there is hope for the first time. My arthritis started really early, 36, and am also taking the new arthritis wonder drug Vioxx as a preventative measure for these migraines. Prescribed by the same neuro. Now I can take care of two things with one drug. If I go with the Topomax successfully, there will two more things taken care of. Migraine and weight gain. Keep your fingers crossed .I have been trying to get answers to all of these problems for 7-8 yrs now. My fault, I tend to suffer in silence and think it will just go away. In fact I have only missed work 3 times in those years due to the migraines. Thanks for the inspiration. By the way, Midrin, does that stuff really work for anybody? That't the first thing my primary care threw my way years ago and it never did a thing for me.

 

Re: Risperadal,topamax.depakote

Posted by John curcio on June 3, 2000, at 16:25:52

In reply to Re: Neurontin, Depakote, Topamax , posted by Shirley on August 13, 1999, at 22:31:17

>I have found out that lower doses of depakote at bedtime help tremendeslsly. I have bipolar mixed. Just to let everybody know this disability is very hard to live with. For all you Surviving, be proud of yourself! I find it very hard to live even with medication. So if you havent found the right medication keep tryin. Dont give up! Risperadal, Depakote, and Topamax all can make you tired, so take before bedtime or decrease dosage .Any more questions write back. Good luck and God bless!

 

where can i purchase a prescription online for top

Posted by jackie percy on November 20, 2000, at 12:17:59

In reply to Re: Risperadal,topamax.depakote, posted by John curcio on June 3, 2000, at 16:25:52

where can i find the cheapest place online to get a prescription
for topamax 25mg. 30 tablets i tried drugstore.com and planetrx.com
and it was a no go can you help me? jackie percy e-mail ladyhawke@skyenet.net

 

Re: where can i purchase a prescription online for top

Posted by JohnL on November 23, 2000, at 5:09:36

In reply to where can i purchase a prescription online for top, posted by jackie percy on November 20, 2000, at 12:17:59

> where can i find the cheapest place online to get a prescription
> for topamax 25mg. 30 tablets i tried drugstore.com and planetrx.com
> and it was a no go can you help me? jackie percy e-mail ladyhawke@skyenet.net

I'm not clear as to what you are looking for.

Do you want a prescription online? Like they do with things like Viagra or weight loss meds?

Or do you want to order the drug without a prescription?

If you want a prescription, I don't know of any place to get one other than your doctor.

If instead you just want to order the drug and not bother with a prescription, I do know of a pharmacy where you can order it. Price is 79.43Euro for 60 tabs of 50mg. You could cut or break them in half for 25mg. The price in USdollars is slightly less than Euros, and with $10 shipping (I think) your total cost would be in the $80 to $90 range. Delivery takes 5 to 8 days from Europe to USA. Very reliable mailorder source with secure server for credit card purchase online. You can legally order up to a 90 day supply without a prescription.

If you are interested in other mood stabilizers, antipsychotics, antidepressants, most of them are also available.

Just let me know. I can supply you the website address.
John

 

Re: JohnL

Posted by Anna P. on November 28, 2000, at 11:37:53

In reply to Re: where can i purchase a prescription online for top, posted by JohnL on November 23, 2000, at 5:09:36

> >
> Hi John,

I'm interested in getting of some samples of Risperdal and Zyprexa for a trial.
Can you recommend some pharmacies that sell these medications?
You can e-mail me directly if you prefer. My E-mail address is

Kazimierz.PL@worldnet.att.net.

I will appreciate your help.

Anna P.

 

Re: Anna

Posted by JohnL on November 29, 2000, at 5:15:28

In reply to Re: JohnL, posted by Anna P. on November 28, 2000, at 11:37:53

Anna,
Try www.farmaciacerati.it/drug.html. I think you'll find the drugs you want under the 'antidepressant' category. Click on that. Prices are very good (though Zyprexa is a pricey drug no matter what or where) and there is a good selection of dose/quantity sizes to choose from. Delivery has been from 5 to 8 days so far with me. Easy online purchase with a credit card. Highly reliable and professional outfit. I'm very impressed with them.
John

 

Topamax, Midrin, Migranes

Posted by Jae S on April 24, 2001, at 9:26:03

In reply to Re: Risperadal,topamax.depakote, posted by John curcio on June 3, 2000, at 16:25:52

I tend to suffer Migrane headaches as well as one of my co-workers. We often talk about different ways of treating and preventing this horrid condition. He came into work with a short write up on Topamax last night and asked me to look into it a bit. Here I am now reading over your responces to Topamax. From what it looks like to me it has very different effects between genders. Wieght gain seems to be spoken of quite a bit here. I also noticed stomache pain as well. Would you say it works well enough for Migranes, to risk the stomache pains and wieght gain? As far far as Midrin goes, for me it worked very well however it will put me right to sleep and very quickly, which is fine when I can sleep though. thanx

 

Re: Topamax, Midrin, Depakote, Migraines...

Posted by simba on June 5, 2001, at 17:15:50

In reply to Re: Topamax, Midrin, Depakote, Migraines..., posted by kady on May 21, 2000, at 16:40:54

> This is a little scary to hear. I have migraines,
> but it is seemingly hormonal related.Nothing has
> gotten rid of the headache. No one had taken me
> seriously. Not the OB/GYN or the Primary Care until
> after suffering with these for seven years I called
> and screamed a not so nice message in one of their
> voice mails. Now seeing a neurologist for the first
> time and we are in the trial and error period for
> meds. Last visit he suggested looking into Topomax.
> His version was that weight loss seemed to be a
> sympton, not gain. Is everyone on this thread saying
> the Topomax is causing hunger and weight gain?


I had cyclical migraines. After 4-5 visits with
a *skilled* and *nonhostile* practitioner of
St Johns neuromuscular therapy I was fairly pain
free. The pain now is fairly easily controlled
with hot towels to the face (I nuke them) and
sometimes back of the beck. I spent thousands
on half-trained St Johns and other massage
practioners. If someone doesn't help in 1-2 visits,
forget them!!!! Make sure they have completed
their training and are going routinely for
refresher courses.
I also don't eat anyh migraine-related foods
(the usual list of 20-30 no nos)

Simba

 

Re: Topamax, Midrin, Migranes

Posted by Cari A, Jansen on June 15, 2001, at 11:13:28

In reply to Topamax, Midrin, Migranes, posted by Jae S on April 24, 2001, at 9:26:03

I have been having migrane headaches for about ten years and my doctor first started me on Amitryptiline and that is the one that causes wieght gain. I was then sent to a neurologist and he switched me to Topomax and the only problem I see is that I am loosing more wieght then I can by clothes to keep up with. this medicine works great and has not caused any stomach pains and has actually helped me loose all of the weight i gained while on the amitriptyline as well as some extra wieght. I have gone from a size 16 to a size 9 since I have been taking topomax.

> I tend to suffer Migrane headaches as well as one of my co-workers. We often talk about different ways of treating and preventing this horrid condition. He came into work with a short write up on Topamax last night and asked me to look into it a bit. Here I am now reading over your responces to Topamax. From what it looks like to me it has very different effects between genders. Wieght gain seems to be spoken of quite a bit here. I also noticed stomache pain as well. Would you say it works well enough for Migranes, to risk the stomache pains and wieght gain? As far far as Midrin goes, for me it worked very well however it will put me right to sleep and very quickly, which is fine when I can sleep though. thanx

 

Re: where can i purchase a prescription online for top

Posted by Tweetie on June 22, 2001, at 15:16:48

In reply to where can i purchase a prescription online for top, posted by jackie percy on November 20, 2000, at 12:17:59

> John L mentions in one follow up about a place in Europe where you can order Topomax without a prescription. Please email me this information to me. Thank you.

 

Re: where can i purchase a prescription online for top

Posted by Lorrin on July 18, 2001, at 15:11:18

In reply to Re: where can i purchase a prescription online for top, posted by Tweetie on June 22, 2001, at 15:16:48

> > The place where John had given to purchase Topamax in Europe now requires a prescription as of June of this year. Does anyone know of any other place to purhchase online? Please reply. Thanks.

 

Re: Topamax, Midrin, Depakote, Migraines...

Posted by lizard on March 8, 2002, at 15:29:51

In reply to Topamax, Midrin, Depakote, Migraines..., posted by Dylan T. Kenny on May 19, 2000, at 20:55:18

I have recently started taking Topamax and i have had to force myself to eat anything. I drink a slimfast and I am stuffed. They have helped some with my migraines but I am still waiting for them to kick in!! Does anyone know how long it is supposed to take for them to begin working????


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