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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 10 to 34 of 57. Go back in thread:
Posted by roger moore on July 12, 2000, at 15:06:21
In reply to DOES ANYONE HERE TAKE TOPAMAX ????, posted by Terri on July 30, 1999, at 10:45:42
> I would like any info I can get on topamax, I am a new user of it. I begin taking it next week. Anyone who can tell me about personal experinces, please answer this plea for help !!
this is on behalf of my daughter charlene who has had epilepsy in many different forms unusually according to all her doctors.Started off with facial twitches Given epilem with no success;next up tegerotol made her have major fits;next up lamictol showed great improvement minus the tegretol ;but still had facial fits next up lamictol with topamax ;facial fits easing all the time;had discussion with doctor verity of addenbrooks hospital cambridge ;and we all decided to ween her off the lamictol adding more topamax at the same time and gradually her fits have all stopped except maybe absent seizures which are hard to confirm;she is soley on topamax now and hasnt had a fit for over 12 months thanks to topamax and who knows with luck it may help her to grow out of her epilepsy as she grows god willing. some of the side affects she complained of were the feeling of walking down a slope at the begining of her treatment but this has worn off in time;she also finds it hard to learn at school and has a statement and gets help at school ;but i am sure you would agree its better than having fits.all the best roger.
Posted by Terri on July 12, 2000, at 15:18:09
In reply to Re: DOES ANYONE HERE TAKE TOPAMAX ????, posted by roger moore on July 12, 2000, at 15:06:21
> > I would like any info I can get on topamax, I am a new user of it. I begin taking it next week. Anyone who can tell me about personal experinces, please answer this plea for help !!
> this is on behalf of my daughter charlene who has had epilepsy in many different forms unusually according to all her doctors.Started off with facial twitches Given epilem with no success;next up tegerotol made her have major fits;next up lamictol showed great improvement minus the tegretol ;but still had facial fits next up lamictol with topamax ;facial fits easing all the time;had discussion with doctor verity of addenbrooks hospital cambridge ;and we all decided to ween her off the lamictol adding more topamax at the same time and gradually her fits have all stopped except maybe absent seizures which are hard to confirm;she is soley on topamax now and hasnt had a fit for over 12 months thanks to topamax and who knows with luck it may help her to grow out of her epilepsy as she grows god willing. some of the side affects she complained of were the feeling of walking down a slope at the begining of her treatment but this has worn off in time;she also finds it hard to learn at school and has a statement and gets help at school ;but i am sure you would agree its better than having fits.all the best roger.Hi Roger,
I was on Topamax for a very short time, it seemed to help at first, but within a week or two, I got very Hostile. A complaint I have heard from many people, and it is true. Watch your daughters moods and if she becomes very aggressive or hostile, please let your doctor know right away.
Terri
Posted by roger moore on August 6, 2000, at 13:48:14
In reply to Re: DOES ANYONE HERE TAKE TOPAMAX ????, posted by Terri on July 12, 2000, at 15:18:09
but > > > I would like any info I can get on topamax, I am a new user of it. I begin taking it next week. Anyone who can tell me about personal experinces, please answer this plea for help !!
> > this is on behalf of my daughter charlene who has had epilepsy in many different forms unusually according to all her doctors.Started off with facial twitches Given epilem with no success;next up tegerotol made her have major fits;next up lamictol showed great improvement minus the tegretol ;but still had facial fits next up lamictol with topamax ;facial fits easing all the time;had discussion with doctor verity of addenbrooks hospital cambridge ;and we all decided to ween her off the lamictol adding more topamax at the same time and gradually her fits have all stopped except maybe absent seizures which are hard to confirm;she is soley on topamax now and hasnt had a fit for over 12 months thanks to topamax and who knows with luck it may help her to grow out of her epilepsy as she grows god willing. some of the side affects she complained of were the feeling of walking down a slope at the begining of her treatment but this has worn off in time;she also finds it hard to learn at school and has a statement and gets help at school ;but i am sure you would agree its better than having fits.all the best roger.
>
> Hi Roger,
> I was on Topamax for a very short time, it seemed to help at first, but within a week or two, I got very Hostile. A complaint I have heard from many people, and it is true. Watch your daughters moods and if she becomes very aggressive or hostile, please let your doctor know right away.
> Terri
hi terri we do find our daughter does have mood swings and can be quite ahandfull at times but how can we tell it is because she takes topamax and could you please be more specific on why we should let her doctor no ;because he allready knows she has mood swings but are not severe enough to take her off the drug ;if there is anybody out there who takes topamax ;could you please send any info on to this page so we can all build up abetter picture of any serious side effects;thankyou from roger uk.
Posted by Terri on August 6, 2000, at 13:59:53
In reply to Re: DOES ANYONE HERE TAKE TOPAMAX ????, posted by roger moore on August 6, 2000, at 13:48:14
> but > > > I would like any info I can get on topamax, I am a new user of it. I begin taking it next week. Anyone who can tell me about personal experinces, please answer this plea for help !!
> > > this is on behalf of my daughter charlene who has had epilepsy in many different forms unusually according to all her doctors.Started off with facial twitches Given epilem with no success;next up tegerotol made her have major fits;next up lamictol showed great improvement minus the tegretol ;but still had facial fits next up lamictol with topamax ;facial fits easing all the time;had discussion with doctor verity of addenbrooks hospital cambridge ;and we all decided to ween her off the lamictol adding more topamax at the same time and gradually her fits have all stopped except maybe absent seizures which are hard to confirm;she is soley on topamax now and hasnt had a fit for over 12 months thanks to topamax and who knows with luck it may help her to grow out of her epilepsy as she grows god willing. some of the side affects she complained of were the feeling of walking down a slope at the begining of her treatment but this has worn off in time;she also finds it hard to learn at school and has a statement and gets help at school ;but i am sure you would agree its better than having fits.all the best roger.
> >
> > Hi Roger,
> > I was on Topamax for a very short time, it seemed to help at first, but within a week or two, I got very Hostile. A complaint I have heard from many people, and it is true. Watch your daughters moods and if she becomes very aggressive or hostile, please let your doctor know right away.
> > Terri
> hi terri we do find our daughter does have mood swings and can be quite ahandfull at times but how can we tell it is because she takes topamax and could you please be more specific on why we should let her doctor no ;because he allready knows she has mood swings but are not severe enough to take her off the drug ;if there is anybody out there who takes topamax ;could you please send any info on to this page so we can all build up abetter picture of any serious side effects;thankyou from roger uk.Roger,
You will know if your daughters mood swings and hostility are from the topomax, she will be ALOT more aggressive than she was before the drug. No matter what you say to her, you will always be wrong in her eyes, she will fight you with Hosility ( words & Actions ). You can ask your phamacist for a printout on Topamax, I also have a website that has the most updated info on Mental Health drugs. It is at:
http://www.geocities.com/HotSprings/9001
It is called Sandollar1's Homepage, A link to finding peace.
Good Luck Roger, I will be watching this thread to see how your doing.
Terri
Posted by Sapan on August 9, 2000, at 16:10:39
In reply to Re: DOES ANYONE HERE TAKE TOPAMAX ????, posted by Terri on August 6, 2000, at 13:59:53
I take Depakote and have gained alot of weight. My doctor put me on Topamax 2 months ago to counter the affects of Depakote and hopefully take me off of it all together. I have been very pleased with it because I have lost 20 pounds.
Sapan
Posted by Robert Campbell on October 21, 2000, at 14:28:35
In reply to DOES ANYONE HERE TAKE TOPAMAX ????, posted by Terri on July 30, 1999, at 10:45:42
My wife had been suffering from migraines for several months and was prescribed Topamax. She took a 100mg dose on an empty stomach before bedtime on Oct.16th and never woke up. The autopsy results showed no abnormalities. Women who suffer from migraines want relief without weight gain and are being prescibed this drug. My wife of 36 years (56 years old and in exceptional health except for migraines) is gone....I NEED HELP!
Posted by Merolz on October 21, 2000, at 16:57:28
In reply to Re: DOES ANYONE HERE TAKE TOPAMAX ????, posted by Robert Campbell on October 21, 2000, at 14:28:35
> My wife had been suffering from migraines for several months and was prescribed Topamax. She took a 100mg dose on an empty stomach before bedtime on Oct.16th and never woke up. The autopsy results showed no abnormalities. Women who suffer from migraines want relief without weight gain and are being prescibed this drug. My wife of 36 years (56 years old and in exceptional health except for migraines) is gone....I NEED HELP!
Hi Robert
You really shocked me with this message, I'm very sorry for your loss. It seems as though you blame Topamax for causing your wife's death. I know a bit about Topamax, and there is no reason to think that this incident is due to the drug. Nearly half a million people over the world have been on Topamax, and while it certainly can cause side effects for some people, there is still no clinical evidence to suggest that it causes sudden unexpected death. It's much more likely that it's a coincidence that your wife died soon after she took the tablet. I wanted to post this message up because your message could cause other people taking Topamax to be very concerned for their own safety. I can't begin to put myself in your shoes for the loss that you feel, I'm very sorry.
Posted by Karla on October 21, 2000, at 19:48:59
In reply to Re: DOES ANYONE HERE TAKE TOPAMAX ???? » Robert Campbell, posted by Merolz on October 21, 2000, at 16:57:28
> > My wife had been suffering from migraines for several months and was prescribed Topamax. She took a 100mg dose on an empty stomach before bedtime on Oct.16th and never woke up. The autopsy results showed no abnormalities. Women who suffer from migraines want relief without weight gain and are being prescibed this drug. My wife of 36 years (56 years old and in exceptional health except for migraines) is gone....I NEED HELP!
>
> Hi Robert
> You really shocked me with this message, I'm very sorry for your loss. It seems as though you blame Topamax for causing your wife's death. I know a bit about Topamax, and there is no reason to think that this incident is due to the drug. Nearly half a million people over the world have been on Topamax, and while it certainly can cause side effects for some people, there is still no clinical evidence to suggest that it causes sudden unexpected death. It's much more likely that it's a coincidence that your wife died soon after she took the tablet. I wanted to post this message up because your message could cause other people taking Topamax to be very concerned for their own safety. I can't begin to put myself in your shoes for the loss that you feel, I'm very sorry.Dear Rober,
I am sorry to hear of your loss. My Husband can almost relate. I am 34 years old. I am also taking Topamax for migraine and cluster headache prevention. I am now up to 125 mg. I also take celexa and vepramil with it to prevent the headaches which still isn't working that well. I take zomig and percacet to abort them to try to stay out of the
ER. One night I had a bad headache and went to the ER. The Dr. in the ER gave me a shot of 6mg of dilaudid. I had been in the ER for an hour ok. I was home for a while ok. My husband was downstairs playing with the children while I slept upstairs. The office is right across the hall from our bedroom. He went in there to get a portable phone. When he left the office he saw me blue and not breathing. He dialed
911 and got the paramedics. The gave me narcan and pulled all the narcotics out of me. Game me an iv, oxygen, etc. They said another 15 min. and I would have been non recoverable. What I found out is that there has been no research between the interactions of narcotics and topamax. So now whenever I get a shot the hospital keeps me for 2 hours and my husband and kids rotate staying up with me.
So I know that Topamax does have some nasty interactions there. I am glad I was able to escape with my life. It did give me a different outlook and view on life. I did talk to the ER dr. to. Sorry again to hear of your loss. I will be praying for you.
Posted by TrishaH on November 3, 2000, at 21:19:56
In reply to Re: DOES ANYONE HERE TAKE TOPAMAX ???? » Robert Ca, posted by Karla on October 21, 2000, at 19:48:59
> > > My wife had been suffering from migraines for several months and was prescribed Topamax. She took a 100mg dose on an empty stomach before bedtime on Oct.16th and never woke up. The autopsy results showed no abnormalities. Women who suffer from migraines want relief without weight gain and are being prescibed this drug. My wife of 36 years (56 years old and in exceptional health except for migraines) is gone....I NEED HELP!
> >
> > Hi Robert
> > You really shocked me with this message, I'm very sorry for your loss. It seems as though you blame Topamax for causing your wife's death. I know a bit about Topamax, and there is no reason to think that this incident is due to the drug. Nearly half a million people over the world have been on Topamax, and while it certainly can cause side effects for some people, there is still no clinical evidence to suggest that it causes sudden unexpected death. It's much more likely that it's a coincidence that your wife died soon after she took the tablet. I wanted to post this message up because your message could cause other people taking Topamax to be very concerned for their own safety. I can't begin to put myself in your shoes for the loss that you feel, I'm very sorry.
>
> Dear Rober,
> I am sorry to hear of your loss. My Husband can almost relate. I am 34 years old. I am also taking Topamax for migraine and cluster headache prevention. I am now up to 125 mg. I also take celexa and vepramil with it to prevent the headaches which still isn't working that well. I take zomig and percacet to abort them to try to stay out of the
> ER. One night I had a bad headache and went to the ER. The Dr. in the ER gave me a shot of 6mg of dilaudid. I had been in the ER for an hour ok. I was home for a while ok. My husband was downstairs playing with the children while I slept upstairs. The office is right across the hall from our bedroom. He went in there to get a portable phone. When he left the office he saw me blue and not breathing. He dialed
> 911 and got the paramedics. The gave me narcan and pulled all the narcotics out of me. Game me an iv, oxygen, etc. They said another 15 min. and I would have been non recoverable. What I found out is that there has been no research between the interactions of narcotics and topamax. So now whenever I get a shot the hospital keeps me for 2 hours and my husband and kids rotate staying up with me.
> So I know that Topamax does have some nasty interactions there. I am glad I was able to escape with my life. It did give me a different outlook and view on life. I did talk to the ER dr. to. Sorry again to hear of your loss. I will be praying for you.
Robert, I am so sorry to hear about your wife passing away. I must say this concerns me a great deal as I have just started taking Topamax for basilar migraines. I was told it has no real side effects but have already noticed a feeling of being disconnected and am only starting out on 25 milligrams. Also have noticed liquids having a funny taste, especially soft drinks. Anybody out there taking this for migraines and having a good outcome ? Will these side effects lessen or get worse as I continue to up my dose ? Anyone out there with basilar migraines and has found a good treatment ???? Thanks.
Posted by Merolz on November 4, 2000, at 3:42:15
In reply to Re: DOES ANYONE HERE TAKE TOPAMAX ????, posted by TrishaH on November 3, 2000, at 21:19:56
> > > > My wife had been suffering from migraines for several months and was prescribed Topamax. She took a 100mg dose on an empty stomach before bedtime on Oct.16th and never woke up. The autopsy results showed no abnormalities. Women who suffer from migraines want relief without weight gain and are being prescibed this drug. My wife of 36 years (56 years old and in exceptional health except for migraines) is gone....I NEED HELP!
> > >
> > > Hi Robert
> > > You really shocked me with this message, I'm very sorry for your loss. It seems as though you blame Topamax for causing your wife's death. I know a bit about Topamax, and there is no reason to think that this incident is due to the drug. Nearly half a million people over the world have been on Topamax, and while it certainly can cause side effects for some people, there is still no clinical evidence to suggest that it causes sudden unexpected death. It's much more likely that it's a coincidence that your wife died soon after she took the tablet. I wanted to post this message up because your message could cause other people taking Topamax to be very concerned for their own safety. I can't begin to put myself in your shoes for the loss that you feel, I'm very sorry.
> >
> > Dear Rober,
> > I am sorry to hear of your loss. My Husband can almost relate. I am 34 years old. I am also taking Topamax for migraine and cluster headache prevention. I am now up to 125 mg. I also take celexa and vepramil with it to prevent the headaches which still isn't working that well. I take zomig and percacet to abort them to try to stay out of the
> > ER. One night I had a bad headache and went to the ER. The Dr. in the ER gave me a shot of 6mg of dilaudid. I had been in the ER for an hour ok. I was home for a while ok. My husband was downstairs playing with the children while I slept upstairs. The office is right across the hall from our bedroom. He went in there to get a portable phone. When he left the office he saw me blue and not breathing. He dialed
> > 911 and got the paramedics. The gave me narcan and pulled all the narcotics out of me. Game me an iv, oxygen, etc. They said another 15 min. and I would have been non recoverable. What I found out is that there has been no research between the interactions of narcotics and topamax. So now whenever I get a shot the hospital keeps me for 2 hours and my husband and kids rotate staying up with me.
> > So I know that Topamax does have some nasty interactions there. I am glad I was able to escape with my life. It did give me a different outlook and view on life. I did talk to the ER dr. to. Sorry again to hear of your loss. I will be praying for you.
>
>
> Robert, I am so sorry to hear about your wife passing away. I must say this concerns me a great deal as I have just started taking Topamax for basilar migraines. I was told it has no real side effects but have already noticed a feeling of being disconnected and am only starting out on 25 milligrams. Also have noticed liquids having a funny taste, especially soft drinks. Anybody out there taking this for migraines and having a good outcome ? Will these side effects lessen or get worse as I continue to up my dose ? Anyone out there with basilar migraines and has found a good treatment ???? Thanks.Hi Trisha
The sort of side effects that you're experiencing with Topamax are common and recognised side effects of Topamax. They might lessen OR get worse as you bump up the dose; the drug affects people differently. You may find that you have to discontinue Topamax because the side effects are affecting you too badly.
Karla above has another nasty story involving Topamax, and unfortunately it has the tendency of scaring people like you unnecessarilly. It is true that there has been no research between the interactions of topamax and narcotics. There also hasn't been any research to see if it interacts with Big Macs either, but that doesn't mean you have to worry when you go to McDonalds. Considering half a million patients have started Topamax there every reason to expect that if a reaction with narcotics existed it would been documented and researched long ago, and as it stands, there is no reason to expect it does.
Here is the website for Topamax. It includes Patient Information.http://www.ortho-mcneil.com/topamax/index.htm
It is common to become unnecessarilly concerned about drug misinformation. If you want the facts, the best place to go is to the people who know.
Best of luck with your migraines
David
Posted by mike on November 24, 2000, at 18:36:42
In reply to DOES ANYONE HERE TAKE TOPAMAX ????, posted by Terri on July 30, 1999, at 10:45:42
> I would like any info I can get on topamax, I am a new user of it. I begin taking it next week. Anyone who can tell me about personal experinces, please answer this plea for help !!
Hi! I have been taking Topamax gradually for almost four weeks now for migraines. I have tried everythig else in the drug store to get this nine month head ache under control with limited success.
I have been taking Stadol with it (a pain killer) and am slowly feeling better. But today I got a tremor down my left hand making my fingers shake and my vision is a little blurry.Has any one else had this happen with this drug?
Posted by Mary Schultz on June 11, 2001, at 4:00:47
In reply to Re: TOPAMAX different than expected!!!, posted by Anna P. on April 17, 2000, at 13:14:04
I was put on Topamax for MS to control pain. I had a near fatal allergic reaction to it only half an hour after taking.
Posted by Kookiecola on June 28, 2001, at 1:48:48
In reply to Re: DOES ANYONE HERE TAKE TOPAMAX ????, posted by roger moore on August 6, 2000, at 13:48:14
Hello Roger,
I have been taking 300mg of Topamax a day for the past 5 years now. Reading about your daughter brings back memories from when I started taking this medication. I was put on it for my Epilepsy, and it has helped me tremendously. I think I have been through every other medication out there! haha But finally, now, I am doing fine on Topamax and Lamictal. I had the mood swings you speak of.....I also would fall asleep almost in mid-sentence. If I were standing, I would sway from side to side or back and forth at times. I lost 30 lbs.! YAY! But not the way I was looking to lose it, but hey...I wasn't really arguing! haha But it took almost a year and a half for my body to adjust to this medication. It took so long because my doctors were experimenting with dosage. But, I have to tell you, if this is the medication that is right and works for your daughter, it is well worth that year. Be patient, and if after that year, if her moods haven't improved any, then I would discuss an alternate medication with her doctor. Everyone deserves to be happy in life, and no disorder should get in the way nor any medication for that disorder. I wish the very best for you and your daughter. If you ever want to talk or have any questions, I believe my email addy is attached to this....please don't hesitate.> but > > > I would like any info I can get on topamax, I am a new user of it. I begin taking it next week. Anyone who can tell me about personal experinces, please answer this plea for help !!
> > > this is on behalf of my daughter charlene who has had epilepsy in many different forms unusually according to all her doctors.Started off with facial twitches Given epilem with no success;next up tegerotol made her have major fits;next up lamictol showed great improvement minus the tegretol ;but still had facial fits next up lamictol with topamax ;facial fits easing all the time;had discussion with doctor verity of addenbrooks hospital cambridge ;and we all decided to ween her off the lamictol adding more topamax at the same time and gradually her fits have all stopped except maybe absent seizures which are hard to confirm;she is soley on topamax now and hasnt had a fit for over 12 months thanks to topamax and who knows with luck it may help her to grow out of her epilepsy as she grows god willing. some of the side affects she complained of were the feeling of walking down a slope at the begining of her treatment but this has worn off in time;she also finds it hard to learn at school and has a statement and gets help at school ;but i am sure you would agree its better than having fits.all the best roger.
> >
> > Hi Roger,
> > I was on Topamax for a very short time, it seemed to help at first, but within a week or two, I got very Hostile. A complaint I have heard from many people, and it is true. Watch your daughters moods and if she becomes very aggressive or hostile, please let your doctor know right away.
> > Terri
> hi terri we do find our daughter does have mood swings and can be quite ahandfull at times but how can we tell it is because she takes topamax and could you please be more specific on why we should let her doctor no ;because he allready knows she has mood swings but are not severe enough to take her off the drug ;if there is anybody out there who takes topamax ;could you please send any info on to this page so we can all build up abetter picture of any serious side effects;thankyou from roger uk.
Posted by bluecat on August 3, 2001, at 20:50:25
In reply to DOES ANYONE HERE TAKE TOPAMAX ????, posted by Terri on July 30, 1999, at 10:45:42
MY WIFE DIAGNOSED WITH HERNIATED DISC IN HER BACK WITH SCIATIA TOLD TO TAKE TOPAMAX WHAT DO YOU THINK. THERE SURE IS A LOT OF SCARY STUFF ON THIS DRUG.
BLUECAT
Posted by Johan on August 16, 2001, at 4:31:48
In reply to Re:TOPAMAX FOR PAIN, posted by bluecat on August 3, 2001, at 20:50:25
I've been on Topamax for the last 3 months, starting at 25mg, 2 times a day, for the first month, 50mg, 2 times a day, for the second month, and currently 100mg, 2 times a day, for the third month.I was diagnosed with petit mal epilepsy and I had migrine for up to 4 days a week. I've been free of the migrine for about two months now in for the first time since high scool so it's great, but the side effects is a bit worrying. I'm experiencing numbness, needles- and pinns feeling both hands hand feet, but more so on the right side. Some times weird tastes of soft drinks. A Shhhhhh sound in my ears. I have a very shorth attention span (which was'nt the case before) and trouble remembering things. Sometimes I have trouble finding the right words to express myself. I think the idea, but I cannot say what I want to. I also have a problem studying. Friends and family also complain that I am became agressive.
Are these side-effects here to stay or do they disappear after a while. I tried to see the doctor again, but I can only get an appointment in three months time. His assistant told me to hang in there until then. My job is depending on me being sharp and being able to think on my feet. Three months might be too long to wait.
Posted by Katee on August 16, 2001, at 8:44:34
In reply to Re:TOPAMAX , posted by Johan on August 16, 2001, at 4:31:48
I'm a 26 yr old bipolar female that's been taking Topomax for a year. I currently take 200 mg in the morning and another 200 mg just before bed. (I also take 300 mg of Wellbutrin and 150 mg of Zoloft.) It has been a lifesaver for me. Before I started taking the Topomax, I had been treated with Prozac, Paxil, Wellbutrin and Zoloft alone, Elavil, etc. all with miserable results. Last September, I was hospitalized after a suicide attempt (not my first) and *finally* correctly diagnosed as bipolar with traits of borderline personality disorder. My doctor originally also treated me with 1mg of Risperdal. He said it would help the other meds work more aggressively, but because it has some rather negative side effects he didn't want to use it long term so I am off that now (as of July). Now that I am on the 3 meds, including the Topomax, I feel better than I have in years...I have stable moods, can concentrate, actually finish things, don't act like a shrew 24-7 *smile*. Like I said it's been wonderful. However, the first month was awful. I encourage you all to hang in there. I experienced quite a few side effects the first few weeks--dry mouth, extreme drowsiness, trouble concentrating, trouble with word choice, general mental dullness, memory problems, tingling in my feet & hands, decrease in sex drive, poor sleep, poor appetite and frequent urination. They all faded rather quickly those first two weeks..and most were gone by the third week. The mental slowness lingered a little longer but got better a little bit at a time and was gone after a few months. The only one's that still bother me are the tingling in my feet & a poor sex drive. But considering how miserable I was before, those are tradeoffs I gladly make. And on the plus side...in the last year I have lost 53 pounds and feel marvelous. So Topomax is definitely an treatment option...keep it in mind. However, if you aren't experiencing a good tradeoff between positive results and side effects you can live with...there are other treatment options...talk to your doctor. Just don't give up hope on getting better.
Posted by chloe on August 16, 2001, at 20:58:36
In reply to Re:TOPAMAX , posted by Katee on August 16, 2001, at 8:44:34
I have been on 15 mgs top for 6 days, then I went up to 30 last night. What was marginally tolerable is now unbearable. I can't take the anxiety on this medication. All I do is worry, worry, worry on this med and I can't sleep. I am so miserable. And my scalp/skin is so sore. I think I am just going to panic. I get so scared, I just start crying for no reason. Nothing has happened. I don't know why I am so anxious on this med. But I just don't think I can swallow another pill. What started as mild AD effects, has turned into massive anxiety and I am not prone to this panic type feeling.
I am so miserable because I don't really have anything good to replace it with. I hate all the mood stabilizers and just wish I could survive without one. I have no idea what to do now...
Depakote makes my hair fall out in bunches and Li makes me shake like a tree. Tegretol gives me awful GI stuff. But I have heard you folks says the XR is more tolerable?
Is there a way out of this medication hell?
I have been looking for the "right mix" for months...
Am I baling too soon???
Chloe
Posted by Emme on August 18, 2001, at 19:51:04
In reply to Re:TOPAMAX-can't take it any more! , posted by chloe on August 16, 2001, at 20:58:36
Hi Chloe,
I'm really sorry to hear you are feeling so lousy on Topomax. It sounds like it's just not good for you. Call your doctor if you haven't already! Are you taking it alone, or with anything else? I can't recall - have you been on Neurontin, either alone or with one of the other anticonvulsants? Maybe that would calm some of your anxiety....My doctor has also briefly floated the name Gabitril as something to maybe consider, though we're not at that point yet. You said Li makes you shake. How was it otherwise for you? Maybe adding a beta blocker would kill the tremors from the Li. Just a few random, non-expert thoughts off the top of my head (and not knowing lots of details about how these drugs affected you). It constantly amazes me how just much patience and tenacity it takes for everyone on this board to struggle trying different meds and putting up with side effects.
Take care. My best wishes to you. I do hope something works that will make your mind and body feel comfortable.Emme
> I have been on 15 mgs top for 6 days, then I went up to 30 last night. What was marginally tolerable is now unbearable. I can't take the anxiety on this medication. All I do is worry, worry, worry on this med and I can't sleep. I am so miserable. And my scalp/skin is so sore. I think I am just going to panic. I get so scared, I just start crying for no reason. Nothing has happened. I don't know why I am so anxious on this med. But I just don't think I can swallow another pill. What started as mild AD effects, has turned into massive anxiety and I am not prone to this panic type feeling.
>
> I am so miserable because I don't really have anything good to replace it with. I hate all the mood stabilizers and just wish I could survive without one. I have no idea what to do now...
>
> Depakote makes my hair fall out in bunches and Li makes me shake like a tree. Tegretol gives me awful GI stuff. But I have heard you folks says the XR is more tolerable?
> Is there a way out of this medication hell?
> I have been looking for the "right mix" for months...
> Am I baling too soon???
> Chloe
Posted by chloe on August 19, 2001, at 16:59:31
In reply to Re:TOPAMAX-can't take it any more! » chloe, posted by Emme on August 18, 2001, at 19:51:04
Hi Emme
Thanks for responding.
Topamax definitely did not work for me and I am still reeling from it's effects. My skin and scalp are still unbearably sore and my hands still tingle. I will be so please when this is totally out of me. At least the awful anxiety has gone.I am currently taking
1.5 mgs Celexa
300 mgs Neurontin
7 or so mgs ValiumI am praying that this is going to be enough for me for a while. I need a good washout period to see where I am at emotionally, and let my body recover from these drying side effects.
Right now, emotional instability seems preferable to being beseiged with side effects or anxiety.It's my experience that all these new AC drugs with this "novel" AD bonus, is a real problem for me. Initially, I find the extra energy nice, but then that boost snowballs into anxiety and overactivation for me. NO THANKS!
Again thanks for your reply
Chloe
Posted by kid47 on August 20, 2001, at 10:52:16
In reply to Re:TOPAMAX-can't take it any more! » Emme, posted by chloe on August 19, 2001, at 16:59:31
Hi. Sorry for your hassle. Why are you taking Neurontin? 300mg/day is a pretty low dose. Neurontin worked very well for me but needs to be taken several times a day to work as a mood elevator & stabilizer. I had very few side fx with it & it had a very subtle calming stabilizing effect. At one point I was taking 800mgx4/day. What is your dx? I am Bipolar II & have had good success with Neurontin, Wellbutrin, & Klonopin. I was on Topamax 50mgx2/day for a while. I didn't have severe side fx while taking Topamax, but didn't really care for it. Good luck. Take Care.
kid
> Hi Emme
> Thanks for responding.
> Topamax definitely did not work for me and I am still reeling from it's effects. My skin and scalp are still unbearably sore and my hands still tingle. I will be so please when this is totally out of me. At least the awful anxiety has gone.
>
> I am currently taking
> 1.5 mgs Celexa
> 300 mgs Neurontin
> 7 or so mgs Valium
>
> I am praying that this is going to be enough for me for a while. I need a good washout period to see where I am at emotionally, and let my body recover from these drying side effects.
> Right now, emotional instability seems preferable to being beseiged with side effects or anxiety.
>
> It's my experience that all these new AC drugs with this "novel" AD bonus, is a real problem for me. Initially, I find the extra energy nice, but then that boost snowballs into anxiety and overactivation for me. NO THANKS!
> Again thanks for your reply
> Chloe
Posted by chloe on August 20, 2001, at 11:33:19
In reply to Re:TOPAMAX-can't take it any more! » chloe, posted by kid47 on August 20, 2001, at 10:52:16
I have some BP 2 or 3 and BPD. But my chief complaint is just trying to manage painful feelings! Without strong meds on board, I tend to get overwhelmed by feeling miserable, irritable and depressed.
I am only taking 100 mgs, three times a day, of neurontin because it is also drying me out or I might take more. I take it for an anti anxiety/stabilizer. But, I don't find neurontin highly effective for anger or irritability/short fuse.
As the topamax exits my body, I am thrust back on my painful feelings (less the topamax induced anxiety, thank god!) again. But I, and my pdoc just don't know what to do from here. I can't take AP's, that work the best for me, due to TD problems. AC's are giving horrible skin troubles (it's going to take months for my skin and hair to feel normal again I think. I still have intense scalp pain from the topamax and I have been off it for 3 days now.). Lamictal, topamax, and trileptal being the worst offenders to my skin. BTW, these ones are also too activating for me.
I think the only thing left is Lithium, which I really don't want to revisit. The tremor/restlessness are so awful. As well as the inability to feel anything, good or bad. I have never tried it with a beta blocker, but I don't want to take two meds! I get side effects from everything. I am sure propanolol carries it's own list of troubles.
I just so dearly wish there were some other med or way to deal with my baseline misery, irritability and inability to cope and communicate effectively. Three days without a mood stabilizer, and I feel so short fused and irritable, and it is almost impossible to control. AND I can't sleep anymore. Just a few hours at a time. Ugh.
Sorry for the long rant. Finding the right treatment for me is going to like finding the holy grail. Thanks for your post
Chloe
Posted by kid47 on August 20, 2001, at 12:43:39
In reply to Re:TOPAMAX-can't take it any more! » kid47, posted by chloe on August 20, 2001, at 11:33:19
Neurontin helped control my rage & angry outbursts. I think there is something you can take to counter the drying effect you are experiencing. Ask Cam, Elizabeth, Sunnely or one of the other med heads for info on that.You then might be able to increase Neurontin to a more theraputic dose. If that doesn't work out there are tons of other drugs & combos available so try not to get discouraged. We all know how frustrating pharmaclogical "darts" can be. But when you finally get the right meds it truly is worth it. Take care
kid
> I have some BP 2 or 3 and BPD. But my chief complaint is just trying to manage painful feelings! Without strong meds on board, I tend to get overwhelmed by feeling miserable, irritable and depressed.
>
> I am only taking 100 mgs, three times a day, of neurontin because it is also drying me out or I might take more. I take it for an anti anxiety/stabilizer. But, I don't find neurontin highly effective for anger or irritability/short fuse.
>
> As the topamax exits my body, I am thrust back on my painful feelings (less the topamax induced anxiety, thank god!) again. But I, and my pdoc just don't know what to do from here. I can't take AP's, that work the best for me, due to TD problems. AC's are giving horrible skin troubles (it's going to take months for my skin and hair to feel normal again I think. I still have intense scalp pain from the topamax and I have been off it for 3 days now.). Lamictal, topamax, and trileptal being the worst offenders to my skin. BTW, these ones are also too activating for me.
>
> I think the only thing left is Lithium, which I really don't want to revisit. The tremor/restlessness are so awful. As well as the inability to feel anything, good or bad. I have never tried it with a beta blocker, but I don't want to take two meds! I get side effects from everything. I am sure propanolol carries it's own list of troubles.
>
> I just so dearly wish there were some other med or way to deal with my baseline misery, irritability and inability to cope and communicate effectively. Three days without a mood stabilizer, and I feel so short fused and irritable, and it is almost impossible to control. AND I can't sleep anymore. Just a few hours at a time. Ugh.
>
> Sorry for the long rant. Finding the right treatment for me is going to like finding the holy grail. Thanks for your post
> Chloe
Posted by Zo on August 21, 2001, at 21:11:19
In reply to Re:TOPAMAX-can't take it any more! » chloe, posted by kid47 on August 20, 2001, at 10:52:16
> but needs to be taken several times a day to work as a mood elevator & stabilizer.
Um, not *necessarily*. .. . For some of us, once daily bedtime holds for 24 hrs, and sleeps off any sedation to boot.
Zo
Posted by Shannan on November 28, 2001, at 20:20:52
In reply to DOES ANYONE HERE TAKE TOPAMAX ????, posted by Terri on July 30, 1999, at 10:45:42
My ten yr old son was diangosed 3 yrs ago with Manic Bipolar (with psychosis), ADHD, and PTS (Post Tramatic Syndrome) He has since 2, been very aggressive, violent, moody and hard to raise, so imagine my relief when he was finally dianogsed. Over time, and over a long series of experimenting with different medications, he seemed to improve in the area of school. He went from nearly failing three years ago and now the past two years has been an Honor Roll student.
However, his behaviours at home and in other settings, are pretty much the same. He still has his extreme rages, though not to the point of hurting anyone for the past year. (Praise God) The problems I have with the medications, have been that once he has maintained on a combination of them for a time, the effects wear off and no longer seem to help him. In addition, he's managed to gain alot of excess weight. He went from a size 10 to 16 in pants in a little over one month!
Up to date he's taken, Adderall, Risperdal, Zyprexa, Remeron, Paxil, Depakote, Buspar, and Lithium just to name a few. His Dr. took him off the Depakote and the Buspar today due to the excessive weight gain and his still existent rages, and put him on the Topamax. I am a bit apprehesive after reading the above posts. I am worried that his wonderful grades will slide and he will become more depressed when he isn't able to keep up in his studies, as his self esteem greatly improved when he started to do so well in school. My question to you out there is, how do I help him continue with his study habits while on this drug, should it cause him to be 'loopy'. Any ideas would be great!
AT this point, I'll try any drug once if it will help him down the line. I'm so tired of living with a violent, moody and angry little boy on a daily basis. He has his troubles at school socially, but because he does so well with his academics, the school does not want to suspend him, much less drop him down a grade. As it is, he was tested last yr in grade 4, and they learned he was at a grade 9/10 level. Hence why they do not want to discipline him while he does so well. Will this drug make matters worse?
Posted by paxvox on November 30, 2001, at 7:45:43
In reply to I'll try just about anything once!, posted by Shannan on November 28, 2001, at 20:20:52
Hate to pry, but HOW could your young son have ALL those conditions, especially the PTS? I don't get it, sounds like garden varierty AHDD to me. I would look carefully at all the meds you mentioned, and perhaps look for a second or third Pdoc opinion. That's TOO many meds for that young a child, seems to me (but I don't really know his complete history).
PAX
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