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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 3 of 3. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Alice on December 6, 1999, at 23:48:29
My doctor recently started me on Topamax for my violent mood swings and chronic depression which I have suffered since I was 13 (I am 23 now.) I have been hospitalized several times, been on numerous medications, and seen many doctors in my time, and it is my experience that doctors rarely speak to you like a human being, or give you any information about what it is that you are taking. When I got home from my appointment, I looked up Topamax, and learned it is prescribed for epilepsy....I was just wondering if anyone out there could explain to me how it works for stabilizing my moods? Since I am on State insurance, I am lumped into what is called "Med group", where my doctor goes around the room and doles out prescriptions, so I get about 2 minutes to talk to him about anything. Also, I have been experiencing severe back pain since starting this med. At times I can barely get up from a sitting position....is this normal? And has Topamax worked well for anyone out there? Thanks.
Posted by Noa on December 8, 1999, at 15:46:09
In reply to Topamax, posted by Alice on December 6, 1999, at 23:48:29
Alice,
I don't know how they work, but I do know that anticonvulsants, the drugs used to treat epilepsy, are also found to be effective for mood stabilization. There are folks on this board who take them for this purpose. In addition to Topomax, there are neurontin, lamictal, valproic acid, and tegretol, for example.
You might want to do a search. Go to the top of the page and click on "search". Unfortunately, you have to do separate searches for each archive period. But I know there have been threads about topomax and lamictal, etc. You might find it helpful to read these.
As for the med group format, that simply stinks. You are right, how can you possibly ask the questions you want to ask if you are one of many being seen by the doctor. On the other hand, are you also seen by a case manager, social worker, nurse, etc? Let that person be an intermediary to get answers to your questions. Write down your questions, and bring them in with you. Also, I question why you would be seen in a med group when making a CHANGE to your meds. A group format might work fairly well for ongoing maintenance monitoring. But anytime a change is made, the patient and doctor need to communicate very closely.
Is there a patient advocate associated with your health plan? Could you speak to that person to inquire about recieving more adequate consultation time?
I don't know about the back pain, but it definitely should be investigated. Call your doctor.
Good luck.
Posted by Alice on December 9, 1999, at 23:22:25
In reply to Re: Topamax, posted by Noa on December 8, 1999, at 15:46:09
Noa,
Thanks for the follow-up. This was actually a new doc. A nurse type person did the intake for about a half hour, and the doctor came in to see me for about 10 minutes (he has literally tons of patients). I didn't think to, or really have time to ask any questions then. Plus I wasn't feeling well having been off meds for so long, and had difficulty in concentrating. I've been feeling better since then though and have been doing research on the Topamax, and a lot of my questions are being answered. It seems to be working pretty well for me too. The back aches are even subsiding, thank God. At any rate, next week I have another appointment to see him in med group and I will try to ask a few questions then. Maybe med group with this doc will be different than ones I've previously been in, and I will get more time with to speak with the doctor.
Thanks for taking the time for the info! :)
This is the end of the thread.
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