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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Carolyn S. K. on October 25, 2000, at 20:27:28
In reply to Re: topamax, posted by kady on June 2, 2000, at 13:24:38
I hear this Topomax works for migraines because migraines are similar to seizures in the way they affect the brain. I'm not sure how that is, but that is what I've heard. I take it for Bipolar Disorder. I started at 25 mgs. at bedtime for one week. Then 50 mg at bedtime for one week. Then 50 mg. at bedtime with 25 mg. in the a.m. for one week. I am about to start 50 mg. in the a.m. and p.m. for for one week. I have not noticed a single negative side effect.
Hope that information helps.
> From prior postings here I found the majority of people lose weight while on Topomax. What I have just read in this long thread though makes me ponder. I am seeing a neurologist after suffering from migraines for the past 7 years. The GYN nor the Pri Care seemed to be able to take care of the problem. I am now in the stages of trying out different migraine meds to see if any work or react badly. Last follow up the neuro mentioned this Topomax. He is prescribing it to some with migraines. Why would this be? Also, I am reading much to do with bi polar, depression, and this Dr advised me this was a new drug to treat seizures. I know it all happens in the brain and sometimes chemically, I am just trying to put together why this is prescribed for so many different things. Anyone have any knowledge on this? By the way, the weight loss thing, this Dr states his most hopeless migraine case is a woman who just recently underwent some gastro surgery to help her lose weight. Since on Topomax, she is losing weight for the first time in her life! And the migraines are treated. I too am curious as to what Nancy's reply will be on why her Dr will not prescibe it anymore. I am trying to find out as much as I can on this drug before taking it. My husband is on Dilantin after surgery for an AVM and I noticed much mental slowdown with him. He has been on it for 3 years now and is just starting to think quicker and more clearly. I wonder if all seizure realated meds have this "dulling" effect? Thanks
Posted by krissi on May 25, 2001, at 10:10:25
In reply to Re: topamax » kady, posted by Carolyn S. K. on October 25, 2000, at 20:27:28
I am a 32-yr old bi-polar female. I have been on numerous different medications with horrible side effects that frankly, haven't done that much to help my terrible ups and downs until now. I started taking Topamax a little over 2 months ago and am thrilled at how it has stabilized my moods and controlled my manic episodes. I also take 300 mg of Effexor XR every AM and 100 mg of Trazodone every PM (both anti-depressants). Before the Topamax I was taking Zyprexa which I hated because it made me so groggy all the time and I was only taking 15 mg, not to mention that it gave me a big appetite. So, having said all that. I have lost 12 lbs since I've been on Topamax so I'm back to my normal weight now which makes me feel alot better about myself. I just can't stand to eat hardly anything. Nothing sounds good. I used to drink coffee - not anymore - yuck. I'm repulsed by eggs and meat. About all I eat is a few saltines, cottage cheese and some fruit. I feel nauseous all the time. I'm also always tired - just have no energy and that's not like me at all. I'm really glad the Topamax is helping me, but I wish I'd start to feel better. My Dr started me on 100 mg/day and then put me on 200 mg/day 3 wks ago. I do get tingling in my hands and feet too. I guess there's just no "miracle cure" - maybe someday. In the meantime, we have to be thankful for what we have and keep a sense of humor. Good luck to everyone out there. Be strong and let me know how you're doing!
Posted by Mitch on May 25, 2001, at 10:37:34
In reply to Re: topamax, posted by krissi on May 25, 2001, at 10:10:25
I have tried TOP before and it worked really well too, but I got a rash and had to stop it. You said that you are pretty nauseous-maybe you could ask your pdoc about backing off the Effexor a *little* notch-it can cause a lot of nausea for some people. One other thing-Effexor can be destabilizing for some people-I am bipolar and I can't take it because of hypomania.
> I am a 32-yr old bi-polar female. I have been on numerous different medications with horrible side effects that frankly, haven't done that much to help my terrible ups and downs until now. I started taking Topamax a little over 2 months ago and am thrilled at how it has stabilized my moods and controlled my manic episodes. I also take 300 mg of Effexor XR every AM and 100 mg of Trazodone every PM (both anti-depressants). Before the Topamax I was taking Zyprexa which I hated because it made me so groggy all the time and I was only taking 15 mg, not to mention that it gave me a big appetite. So, having said all that. I have lost 12 lbs since I've been on Topamax so I'm back to my normal weight now which makes me feel alot better about myself. I just can't stand to eat hardly anything. Nothing sounds good. I used to drink coffee - not anymore - yuck. I'm repulsed by eggs and meat. About all I eat is a few saltines, cottage cheese and some fruit. I feel nauseous all the time. I'm also always tired - just have no energy and that's not like me at all. I'm really glad the Topamax is helping me, but I wish I'd start to feel better. My Dr started me on 100 mg/day and then put me on 200 mg/day 3 wks ago. I do get tingling in my hands and feet too. I guess there's just no "miracle cure" - maybe someday. In the meantime, we have to be thankful for what we have and keep a sense of humor. Good luck to everyone out there. Be strong and let me know how you're doing!
Posted by maribeth on May 29, 2001, at 10:30:35
In reply to Re: topamax, posted by krissi on May 25, 2001, at 10:10:25
> I am a 32-yr old bi-polar female. I have been on numerous different medications with horrible side effects that frankly, haven't done that much to help my terrible ups and downs until now. I started taking Topamax a little over 2 months ago and am thrilled at how it has stabilized my moods and controlled my manic episodes. I also take 300 mg of Effexor XR every AM and 100 mg of Trazodone every PM (both anti-depressants). Before the Topamax I was taking Zyprexa which I hated because it made me so groggy all the time and I was only taking 15 mg, not to mention that it gave me a big appetite. So, having said all that. I have lost 12 lbs since I've been on Topamax so I'm back to my normal weight now which makes me feel alot better about myself. I just can't stand to eat hardly anything. Nothing sounds good. I used to drink coffee - not anymore - yuck. I'm repulsed by eggs and meat. About all I eat is a few saltines, cottage cheese and some fruit. I feel nauseous all the time. I'm also always tired - just have no energy and that's not like me at all. I'm really glad the Topamax is helping me, but I wish I'd start to feel better. My Dr started me on 100 mg/day and then put me on 200 mg/day 3 wks ago. I do get tingling in my hands and feet too. I guess there's just no "miracle cure" - maybe someday. In the meantime, we have to be thankful for what we have and keep a sense of humor. Good luck to everyone out there. Be strong and let me know how you're doing!
Carolyn --
Amen ! I was started on Topamax about a year ago, supposedly for weight loss. Well, I haven't lost any weight, but I have stopped gaining. However, for the first time in many years, I am not a moody, either crying-and-suicidal or screaming-and-bitching woman! Was this an accident, or just a plot on God's part?! I don't know, but whatever, it worked and I am grateful. Hang in there. Oh yeah, I topped out at 500mgm a day. I too take 300mgm of Effexor XR a day (also, 100mgm of Seroquel). Maribeth
Posted by Carolyn S. K. on May 29, 2001, at 22:31:35
In reply to Re: topamax, posted by maribeth on May 29, 2001, at 10:30:35
> > I am a 32-yr old bi-polar female. I have been on numerous different medications with horrible side effects that frankly, haven't done that much to help my terrible ups and downs until now. I started taking Topamax a little over 2 months ago and am thrilled at how it has stabilized my moods and controlled my manic episodes. I also take 300 mg of Effexor XR every AM and 100 mg of Trazodone every PM (both anti-depressants). Before the Topamax I was taking Zyprexa which I hated because it made me so groggy all the time and I was only taking 15 mg, not to mention that it gave me a big appetite. So, having said all that. I have lost 12 lbs since I've been on Topamax so I'm back to my normal weight now which makes me feel alot better about myself. I just can't stand to eat hardly anything. Nothing sounds good. I used to drink coffee - not anymore - yuck. I'm repulsed by eggs and meat. About all I eat is a few saltines, cottage cheese and some fruit. I feel nauseous all the time. I'm also always tired - just have no energy and that's not like me at all. I'm really glad the Topamax is helping me, but I wish I'd start to feel better. My Dr started me on 100 mg/day and then put me on 200 mg/day 3 wks ago. I do get tingling in my hands and feet too. I guess there's just no "miracle cure" - maybe someday. In the meantime, we have to be thankful for what we have and keep a sense of humor. Good luck to everyone out there. Be strong and let me know how you're doing!
>
> Carolyn --
> Amen ! I was started on Topamax about a year ago, supposedly for weight loss. Well, I haven't lost any weight, but I have stopped gaining. However, for the first time in many years, I am not a moody, either crying-and-suicidal or screaming-and-bitching woman! Was this an accident, or just a plot on God's part?! I don't know, but whatever, it worked and I am grateful. Hang in there. Oh yeah, I topped out at 500mgm a day. I too take 300mgm of Effexor XR a day (also, 100mgm of Seroquel). MaribethMaribeth:
I've leveled off at 400 mg a day. My moods have really evened out and I'm really happy about that (so is my husband). No more superwoman fighting to get out of the phone booth all of the time. However, I noticed that it only takes a couple of missed doses for Superwoman to start pounding on the door to get out. I dropped a lot of weight about 30 pounds but nothing after that. I guess I got used to the meds. But, I haven't gained it back and that's just fine with me.!!!! Carolyn
Posted by Made-up Name on June 1, 2001, at 12:58:13
In reply to Re: topamax, posted by Carolyn S. K. on May 29, 2001, at 22:31:35
I see this topic is picking up again, as the drug was just mentioned on CBS News for obesity yesterday. I became fat (170 lb.)around age 30 when I first started having bad migraines. Up until then I weighed 115. At menopause, the migraines became worse and I gained an additional 90 lb. This was very sudden--like over 4 months. Although I went on estrogen and that helped the migraines, I couldn't get the weight off until Prozac. I lost 80 lb. on Prozac over a year's time, but had to keep increasing the dose from 1 to 4 caps a day. Finally, it quit working, and I regained all the weight within a few months. I continued to take Prozac for depression for several years, but quit a year ago.
Recently, I lost 70 lb. over 8 months by cutting out all sugar and refined flours. I no longer wanted to binge and thought I had discovered the answer at last. I gave away all my size 22-28 clothes and looked forward to continuing to lose and some day soon wearing the size 8s still hanging in my closet from years ago. Suddenly, it quit working, and I started bingeing again. I am up 20 lb. in 2 months and desperate. The urge to binge hits at about 3 PM and goes on until about 8 PM, when it ends. During that time, I will eat almost non-stop, even things like shortening mixed with sugar if nothing better is available. It's not something I can control--God knows, I've tried.
I also took dexfenfluramine when it was popular and Meridia. Both worked for just a few weeks. My body develops a tolerance for these serotonin-type drugs very quickly. I am interested in reading about anyone else's experiences with binge eating and this or other drugs which might work.
It is terrible to be obese--people blame you for your condition and think it is due to moral weakness. Total strangers will mock you in public places. I have suffered with social anxiety disorder since childhood, and being obese makes it even worse because you KNOW people are judging you. I've taken Serax prior to any social functions that I am forced to attend and it works well, but I mainly just stay home and avoid people.
Posted by SalArmy4me on June 1, 2001, at 20:05:51
In reply to Topamax and Obesity, posted by Made-up Name on June 1, 2001, at 12:58:13
Author
Biton, V. MD et al
Neurology. 52(7):1330-1337, April 22, 1999:
Background and Objective: Topiramate is effective as adjunctive treatment of partial-onset seizures in adults. The efficacy and safety of topiramate as adjunctive therapy for the treatment of primary generalized tonic-clonic (PGTC) seizures were investigated in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.Methods: Eighty patients, 3 to 59 years old, who experienced three or more PGTC seizures during an 8-week baseline phase were randomly assigned to treatment with either topiramate (n = 39) or placebo (n = 41). Topiramate was titrated to target doses of approximately 6 mg/kg/day over 8 weeks and maintained for another 12 weeks.
Results: The median percentage reduction from baseline in PGTC seizure rate was 56.7% for topiramate patients and 9.0% for placebo patients (p = 0.019). The proportion of patients with 50% or higher reduction in PGTC seizure rate was 22/39 (56%) and 8/40 (20%) for the topiramate and placebo groups, respectively (p = 0.001). The median percentage reduction in the rate of all generalized seizures was 42.1% for topiramate patients and 0.9% for placebo patients (p = 0.003). The proportions of patients with 50% or higher reductions in generalized seizure rate were 18/39 (46%) and 7/41 (17%) for the topiramate and placebo groups, respectively (p = 0.003). The most common adverse events were somnolence, fatigue, weight _loss_, difficulty with memory, and nervousness. Treatment-limiting adverse events occurred in one patient in the topiramate group (anorexia and weight loss) and one in the placebo group (granulocytopenia and thrombocytopenia).
Conclusion: Topiramate is well-tolerated and effective for the adjunctive treatment of PGTC seizures.Devlin, Michael J. M.D. et al. Obesity: What Mental Health Professionals Need to Know. American Journal of Psychiatry. 157(6):854-866, June 2000:
"Among mood stabilizers that have come into use more recently, gabapentin appears to be associated with weight gain in a substantial minority of patients, lamotrigine is not typically associated with weight change, and topiramate is associated with mild, dose-related weight loss."(also}
GORDON, ALAN MD et al. PRICE, LAWRENCE H. MD. Mood Stabilization and Weight Loss With Topiramate. American Journal of Psychiatry. 156(6):968-969, June 1999.
Posted by Elizabeth on June 2, 2001, at 14:12:13
In reply to Topamax and Obesity, posted by Made-up Name on June 1, 2001, at 12:58:13
Hi. I know what you mean about feeling judged all the time -- although I don't have weight problems, my best friend from grade school and high school was overweight and had a very hard time. It's terrible the way people treat you if you're overweight, especially if you're female.
Have you ever heard of "binge-eating disorder?" It's a relatively new concept (it's in the "research diagnostic criteria sets" appendix to DSM-IV). It's basically what it sounds like (sort of like bulimia nervosa only without compensatory behaviours like vomiting, laxative abuse, etc.). Topamax is being used a lot for this and also for increased appetite as a result of other psychoactive drugs like antipsychotics, some antidepressants, etc.
Another pharmacological approach you might look into is Wellbutrin. It's a close chemical relative of Tenuate, an older appetite-suppressant drug that has fallen out of favour. When I tried Wellbutrin (for depression), I found it was almost impossible to eat. (I wasn't eating much without the Wellbutrin, though.) Wellbutrin doesn't usually help with anxiety and often makes it worse, but social anxiety is a little different.
I know a lot of people who have tried carbohydrate-restricted diets and had amazing results. There is actually a good reason why these diets work; it's not just a fad, and it's not necessarily unhealthy, although I think it requires that you take vitamins and other supplements.
Can you clarify what you mean when you say: "Suddenly, it quit working..." ? Do you mean that you stopped losing weight from your diet, or that you started having carbohydrate cravings again, or something else? Also, are there any triggers that you can identify for your binge episodes?
-elizabeth
Posted by Made-up Name on June 2, 2001, at 17:58:49
In reply to Re: Topamax and Obesity » Made-up Name, posted by Elizabeth on June 2, 2001, at 14:12:13
Elizabeth, I mean that I started having carbohydrate cravings again and being hungry. What sets me off is the time of day--I know that it is 3 PM without even looking at a clock because that is when I get the overwhelming desire to binge. I never binge except between 3 and about 7 or 8 PM. When I was younger, I used to try to vomit and
"undo" the damage, but as I got fatter and fatter, it seemed hopeless and I gave that up.My old cat developed diabetes and renal failure at the time the diet quit working on my appetite. I am sure the stress of having to deal with the daily shots and knowing he will die within a year is what set me off. I have never tried Wellbutrin. Maybe that would help. Probably Topamax is being hyped for binge eating disorder by Johnson & Johnson when it is really not that effective.
Posted by KarenK on June 3, 2001, at 20:24:16
In reply to Re: Topamax and Obesity, posted by Made-up Name on June 2, 2001, at 17:58:49
I had the same blood sugar problems. I lost a ton of weight by cutting out sugar, carbs, alcohol, and caffeine. Then I got depressed and had a little chocolate. Nuff said. Okay so now I'm on topamax and I finally got to the dose where you get anorexic and I had to cut back because I couldn't eat, I got stomach spasms, and had to take librax to start eating again. It really does work and now I can eat like a normal human being. The weight is coming off and I dropped a size. There's light at the end of the tunnel and it's not a train.
KarenK
Posted by Elizabeth on June 3, 2001, at 20:47:41
In reply to Re: Topamax and Obesity, posted by Made-up Name on June 2, 2001, at 17:58:49
> Elizabeth, I mean that I started having carbohydrate cravings again and being hungry. What sets me off is the time of day--I know that it is 3 PM without even looking at a clock because that is when I get the overwhelming desire to binge.
OK. I gather that a lot of people have carb cravings at a particular time of day. Had you been eating breakfast?
I'm glad you stopped purging; that does no good (as you discovered) and can be dangerous.
> My old cat developed diabetes and renal failure at the time the diet quit working on my appetite. I am sure the stress of having to deal with the daily shots and knowing he will die within a year is what set me off.
You mean diabetic cats can't get effective treatment? That is sad. I hope that both of you will be able to give each other comfort.
> I have never tried Wellbutrin. Maybe that would help. Probably Topamax is being hyped for binge eating disorder by Johnson & Johnson when it is really not that effective.
Topamax really does cause weight loss for a lot of people. Wellbutrin is another option (although I don't know if either of these would continue working over time, any more than the stimulants do).
One other thing occurred to me. This is just a hunch...have you ever tried melatonin?
best wishes,
-elizabeth
Posted by Made-up Name on June 4, 2001, at 8:25:11
In reply to Re: Topamax and Obesity, posted by KarenK on June 3, 2001, at 20:24:16
Karen, I am really interested in hearing about the dose of Topamax which you found to be effective for appetite control. How long did it take you to reach that dose? Did your doctor prescribe it for weight loss or for something else?
Elizabeth, I do eat breakfast and take melatonin. I give insulin to my cat and he is as well-regulated as cats can be as far as the diabetes goes. But he is old and has kidney disease. I have to give him subcutaneous fluids every other day with a big needle, and that is very stressful to both of us because it hurts him.
I was told by a relative who works at a residential psychiatric facility that Topamax didn't work for the fat girls in treatment there. I guess it does work for some people like Karen, though, so I am going to try it.
Posted by Elizabeth on June 4, 2001, at 15:36:14
In reply to To Karen and Elizabeth, posted by Made-up Name on June 4, 2001, at 8:25:11
> Elizabeth, I do eat breakfast and take melatonin. I give insulin to my cat and he is as well-regulated as cats can be as far as the diabetes goes. But he is old and has kidney disease. I have to give him subcutaneous fluids every other day with a big needle, and that is very stressful to both of us because it hurts him.
Ouch! I know how he feels (I had sub-Q heparin every morning when I was in the hospital a couple months ago). You must love each other very much.
> I was told by a relative who works at a residential psychiatric facility that Topamax didn't work for the fat girls in treatment there. I guess it does work for some people like Karen, though, so I am going to try it.
I think that carb cravings are a distinct phenomenon which most people experience at some point, and some people have a persistent problem with them. My guess would be that you are most likely to be helped by antiobesity treatments which generally help people lose weight gained as a result of carb cravings.
Best wishes to you and your cat.
-elizabeth
Posted by KarenK on June 4, 2001, at 20:32:04
In reply to To Karen and Elizabeth, posted by Made-up Name on June 4, 2001, at 8:25:11
> Karen, I am really interested in hearing about the dose of Topamax which you found to be effective for appetite control. How long did it take you to reach that dose? Did your doctor prescribe it for weight loss or for something else?
>**My doctor prescribed it for anxiety and as a mood stabilizer and to lose weight. I found some benefits at 150mg and 200mg but it really kicked in at 250mg. It took me a lonnnnggg time to get there. I started at 25mg last October.
KarenK
> Elizabeth, I do eat breakfast and take melatonin. I give insulin to my cat and he is as well-regulated as cats can be as far as the diabetes goes. But he is old and has kidney disease. I have to give him subcutaneous fluids every other day with a big needle, and that is very stressful to both of us because it hurts him.
>
> I was told by a relative who works at a residential psychiatric facility that Topamax didn't work for the fat girls in treatment there. I guess it does work for some people like Karen, though, so I am going to try it.
Posted by Montana50 on June 5, 2001, at 1:24:49
In reply to carb cravings, etc. » Made-up Name, posted by Elizabeth on June 4, 2001, at 15:36:14
> >To all those of you have questions about
Topamax, I would like to share my experiences.
First,I am a middle aged woman who has Bipolar II
mixed with rapid cycling. I am unable to tolerate anti-
depressants and for various reasons am unable to
take the standard mood stablizers or any of the
new atypical antipsychotics. The last 2 years of
of my life have been hell and I've lost those years
of my life. Bad docs and bad meds. Fortunately,
this spring I found a good Doc and hospital. He
started me on Topamax but at 50 mg increments/wk.
I also was on 2mg. 2x/day Klonopin, 1mg x4/day
Ativan, Catapres,Hormone replacement therapy,
thyroid 3(levothyroxine),thyroid 4 (Cytomel),&
Sonata for sleep. He also started me on 10 mg in
a.m. of dexidrine and 7.5 mg at noon. The T-3,T-4,
and dexidrine were to help with the depression but
not to set off the rapid cycling or hypomania.
As I increased my Topamax, on the 3rd day, I would
get my "Topamax drunk", I staggered when I walked,
my voice was slurred, and I was drowsy and slept
for 14 hrs. However, the next day these sx would
be almost all gone. In the meantime, my mood was
stablizing, but it seemed like I couldn't feel any
joy, or satisfaction. Life seemed very dreary.
Finally, my husband insisted that I be rehospiti-
lized. Oh by the way, during this time, I wasn't
eating very much, very little appetite. When I got
to the hospital, I was able to go through the last
2 steps of my Topamax increases. My Doc changed mu
Dexidrine to 15 mg. spansules in the a.m. and 10mg
at noon. This seemed to help. I was able to get
stablized and be discharged in 8 days.
I take 400 mg. Topamax & it really has changed my
life. I know that different drugs work differently
for each individual but all the drugs I take every
day seem worth it because now " I am glad I am
alive and am going to see tomorrow." I urge folks
to ask questions, educate themselves, and if your
health provider is not meeting your needs, check
around to try and find one who will. With know-
ledge I have empowered myself so that I keep
learning how I can manage my life and not let my
disease control it. So when I fall down, I see
it just as a lesson,not a defeat, to learn from
the experience, not to blame or beat up on myself,
and it makes getting back up that much easier.
Something not so easily done.
In short: My Doc told me that if he didn't start
me slowly on Topamax it would be like giving me
instant Alzheimer's,I lost my appetite & 17 lbs
in 9 weeks, I experienced depression but I was
free for the first time in several years of rapid
cycling, dysphoric hypomania and with the change
in meds I am functional and fairly happy and busy
working.
Know this is long, but I hope it helps and gives
hope where hope is needed, and answers some of the
questions about Topamax.
Good Luck
Kathryn1
Elizabeth, I do eat breakfast and take melatonin. I give insulin to my cat and he is as well-regulated as cats can be as far as the diabetes goes. But he is old and has kidney disease. I have to give him subcutaneous fluids every other day with a big needle, and that is very stressful to both of us because it hurts him.
>
> Ouch! I know how he feels (I had sub-Q heparin every morning when I was in the hospital a couple months ago). You must love each other very much.
>
> > I was told by a relative who works at a residential psychiatric facility that Topamax didn't work for the fat girls in treatment there. I guess it does work for some people like Karen, though, so I am going to try it.
>
> I think that carb cravings are a distinct phenomenon which most people experience at some point, and some people have a persistent problem with them. My guess would be that you are most likely to be helped by antiobesity treatments which generally help people lose weight gained as a result of carb cravings.
>
> Best wishes to you and your cat.
>
> -elizabeth
Posted by Lynne on June 5, 2001, at 8:46:19
In reply to Re:Topamax, posted by Montana50 on June 5, 2001, at 1:24:49
Kathryn and All,
Thanks for sharing your stories on Topamax. Is Topamax sedating or stimulating for most people? Is it taken am or pm? Can anyone compare it to Lamictal? I did like Lamictal but I looked like I had a bad sunburn on one side of my face so I quit taking it.
thanks,
Lynne
Posted by AMenz on June 5, 2001, at 11:29:07
In reply to Re:Topamax, posted by Montana50 on June 5, 2001, at 1:24:49
You're the first person here to mention hormone replacement and rapid cylcing.
Have you had an experience of the cycling increasing with hormone replacement (estrogen therapy)?
Did you experience menopause and have the cycling decrease but the depression increase?
I can't find anyone down here knowledgeable in the interaction of menopausal changes in hormone levels and rapid cycling.
I've been through a horrible two year period. Finally have had to take control over my medication myself. BTW are you on Topomax alone or as and adjunct to Lithium or Divalproex?
> > >To all those of you have questions about
> Topamax, I would like to share my experiences.
> First,I am a middle aged woman who has Bipolar II
> mixed with rapid cycling. I am unable to tolerate anti-
> depressants and for various reasons am unable to
> take the standard mood stablizers or any of the
> new atypical antipsychotics. The last 2 years of
> of my life have been hell and I've lost those years
> of my life. Bad docs and bad meds. Fortunately,
> this spring I found a good Doc and hospital. He
> started me on Topamax but at 50 mg increments/wk.
> I also was on 2mg. 2x/day Klonopin, 1mg x4/day
> Ativan, Catapres,Hormone replacement therapy,
> thyroid 3(levothyroxine),thyroid 4 (Cytomel),&
> Sonata for sleep. He also started me on 10 mg in
> a.m. of dexidrine and 7.5 mg at noon. The T-3,T-4,
> and dexidrine were to help with the depression but
> not to set off the rapid cycling or hypomania.
> As I increased my Topamax, on the 3rd day, I would
> get my "Topamax drunk", I staggered when I walked,
> my voice was slurred, and I was drowsy and slept
> for 14 hrs. However, the next day these sx would
> be almost all gone. In the meantime, my mood was
> stablizing, but it seemed like I couldn't feel any
> joy, or satisfaction. Life seemed very dreary.
> Finally, my husband insisted that I be rehospiti-
> lized. Oh by the way, during this time, I wasn't
> eating very much, very little appetite. When I got
> to the hospital, I was able to go through the last
> 2 steps of my Topamax increases. My Doc changed mu
> Dexidrine to 15 mg. spansules in the a.m. and 10mg
> at noon. This seemed to help. I was able to get
> stablized and be discharged in 8 days.
> I take 400 mg. Topamax & it really has changed my
> life. I know that different drugs work differently
> for each individual but all the drugs I take every
> day seem worth it because now " I am glad I am
> alive and am going to see tomorrow." I urge folks
> to ask questions, educate themselves, and if your
> health provider is not meeting your needs, check
> around to try and find one who will. With know-
> ledge I have empowered myself so that I keep
> learning how I can manage my life and not let my
> disease control it. So when I fall down, I see
> it just as a lesson,not a defeat, to learn from
> the experience, not to blame or beat up on myself,
> and it makes getting back up that much easier.
> Something not so easily done.
> In short: My Doc told me that if he didn't start
> me slowly on Topamax it would be like giving me
> instant Alzheimer's,I lost my appetite & 17 lbs
> in 9 weeks, I experienced depression but I was
> free for the first time in several years of rapid
> cycling, dysphoric hypomania and with the change
> in meds I am functional and fairly happy and busy
> working.
> Know this is long, but I hope it helps and gives
> hope where hope is needed, and answers some of the
> questions about Topamax.
> Good Luck
> Kathryn1
>
>
>
> Elizabeth, I do eat breakfast and take melatonin. I give insulin to my cat and he is as well-regulated as cats can be as far as the diabetes goes. But he is old and has kidney disease. I have to give him subcutaneous fluids every other day with a big needle, and that is very stressful to both of us because it hurts him.
> >
> > Ouch! I know how he feels (I had sub-Q heparin every morning when I was in the hospital a couple months ago). You must love each other very much.
> >
> > > I was told by a relative who works at a residential psychiatric facility that Topamax didn't work for the fat girls in treatment there. I guess it does work for some people like Karen, though, so I am going to try it.
> >
> > I think that carb cravings are a distinct phenomenon which most people experience at some point, and some people have a persistent problem with them. My guess would be that you are most likely to be helped by antiobesity treatments which generally help people lose weight gained as a result of carb cravings.
> >
> > Best wishes to you and your cat.
> >
> > -elizabeth
Posted by krissi on June 5, 2001, at 14:04:52
In reply to Re:Topamax, posted by Lynne on June 5, 2001, at 8:46:19
> Lynne
My doc has me taking 100 mg of the Topamax in the A.M. and 100 mg before bed. It is not sedating to me at all though. I do not feel any drowsiness from it. Although I had a little less energy than normal for awhile, it seems to be coming back now. The stomach "yucks" and lack of appetite have been the primary side effects for me. Hope this helps -
Krissi
Posted by roo on June 5, 2001, at 15:28:44
In reply to Re:Topamax, posted by krissi on June 5, 2001, at 14:04:52
How are people finding topomax for anxiety?
Posted by SalArmy4me on June 5, 2001, at 16:37:40
In reply to Re:Topamax, posted by Lynne on June 5, 2001, at 8:46:19
A patient I heard of was taking Topamax. At first, she got tired, confused, and the cycling speeded up! After two weeks though, the cycling ceased and she was generally euthymic.
Posted by KarenK on June 5, 2001, at 22:11:43
In reply to Re:Topamax-How is it for Anxiety?, posted by roo on June 5, 2001, at 15:28:44
> How are people finding topomax for anxiety?
It keeps me balanced for day to day anxiety but for life altering stuff it does nothing.
KarenK
Posted by krissi on June 6, 2001, at 9:39:31
In reply to Re: topamax, posted by Mitch on May 25, 2001, at 10:37:34
> Mitch -
Went to my pdoc yesterday and she did back me down on my Effexor from 300 mg to 225 daily. But she also increased the Topamax to 250 mg. As you know, I've been really nauseous, but I have also been experiencing high anxiety and she thinks maybe the high dose of the Effexor was causing that as well.
She also upped my Trazodone to 150 mg in the p.m. We'll see what happens. I'm starting to feel like a lab rat - ha, ha!
Thanks for the advice -
Krissi
Posted by Mitch on June 6, 2001, at 10:26:03
In reply to Re: topamax, posted by krissi on June 6, 2001, at 9:39:31
Hi, Krissi
Effexor did make me quite nauseous. I am a little surprised she tweaked all three things at once! Usually pdocs are very conservative with changes-she must be pretty confident and know you well.
good luck with your "reformulation"!
Mitch> > Mitch -
> Went to my pdoc yesterday and she did back me down on my Effexor from 300 mg to 225 daily. But she also increased the Topamax to 250 mg. As you know, I've been really nauseous, but I have also been experiencing high anxiety and she thinks maybe the high dose of the Effexor was causing that as well.
> She also upped my Trazodone to 150 mg in the p.m. We'll see what happens. I'm starting to feel like a lab rat - ha, ha!
> Thanks for the advice -
> Krissi
Posted by limey on June 6, 2001, at 15:04:32
In reply to To Karen and Elizabeth, posted by Made-up Name on June 4, 2001, at 8:25:11
To Made-Up-Name,
I just logged in and saw your initial entry sent a few days ago. I hope you are still reading this thread, because just yesterday my pdoc started me on Topamax. I have been on Paxil for 5 years for severe depression and panic disorder, and although it has done wonders for my emotional well-being - it has done nothing for my shape! Actaully, it has done something - added 70lbs. Finally, in desparation I asked my pdoc to put me on anything else!! So, two months ago I slowly stopped Paxil and slowly started Effexor (the emphasis being on SLOWLY) - now I feel terrific! Yesterday, he started me on Topamax to help me lose the weight. I will be building it up slowly - 25mg every night this week - 50mg the following week and so on, until in 4 weeks I reach 100 mg each night. We are going to continue at that strength and see if it helps. I know our weight comes from different reasons - but, hopefully, your doctor will put you on topamax and give it a try! Maybe, we'll both lose weight!! Good luck to you - let me know how you get on. - limey
Posted by Elizashae on June 6, 2001, at 19:01:46
In reply to Topamax and Obesity, posted by limey on June 6, 2001, at 15:04:32
I too have put on weight with all SSRI's. I am coming off of zoloft and adding serzone. On monday, my therapist will start me on topomax. After she read about, she said she wanted to go on it. LOL. I really hope it will work for me, extra weight just adds to my depression!! A closet full of clothes just hanging there that can't be worn:(
Heather~
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