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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 14 of 14. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Jet on April 16, 2002, at 15:00:42
I would appreciate some advice and help from on this issue. On 400 mg of Topamax, I have the positive results below:
* Elevated, even, energy that lasts all day
* My weight stays at off and I do not crave carbs
* I can focus on tasks and get things done
* My head does not hurt in the mornings like before
* Moods have stabilized at this dosageThe negative side effects on 400 mg have been:
* More intense and aggressive behavior than usual
* Joints are dryer and arthritis has gotten worse
* Low libido
* More Anxiety at this dosage
* Eyes get dryed out and blurry vision at times - have been checked out by eye doc and eyes are OK though :)The last visit to my pdoc, I told him about my anxiety and instense behavior and that I wanted to try Buspar to help to curb the anxiety I was experiencing, since I did not want to give up the higher dose of Topa. He agreed and put me on 15 mg. I have been on that for 3 weeks now and have now noticed nothing, but knew that it may take months to notice the benefits of this medication. He also dropped me down to 350 of the Topa, which makes me feel like a Zombe. From what I have read on these boards, Buspar is only affective at 45 to 60 mg dosage for anxiety. I am wondering how long does it take to climb up to that dose with Buspar?
You see, my pdoc wanted to see me back in a month, so he is going to do a wait and see thing with me, but if I go to him and ask about upping the Buspar dose more quickly, I don't think he would have a problem with that.I want to go back up to the 400 of Topa, since that is the dose where I feel the best at. I also have a question about other meds to help balance out this anxiety with the Topa. I am thinking of asking him for something to help me through the really bad days. Some days are fine and I need nothing. Some days are not so good and I feel anxious, nervous and tense. Any suggestions? I don't know if he will be open to it, but I can always ask.
Thanks so much for the suggestions.
Jet
The only other meds I take daily are:
10 mg of Ambien at night
Posted by JohnX2 on April 17, 2002, at 1:25:32
In reply to Adding Buspar to help with Topa Anxiety?, posted by Jet on April 16, 2002, at 15:00:42
Hi Jet,I have some of the same trade-offs with the high dose Topamax. It helps a lot with myofacial pain and mood elevation, but tends to aggravate me and cause insomnia. I also recently am getting some pins and needles. I pulled the dose back recently and the problems subsided but I need other medicines to address the problems Topamax was helping.
Buspar's antianxiety effect from what I understand is usually around the 30 mg range? Anyone can correct me if I am wrong. It's my understanding that the medicine may also help with depression if the dose is bumped higher to 45-60 mg (but I haven't seen that it helps more with anxiety?). Anyone chime in on this one.
Anyways, you can bump to 30 mg in short order, no problem.John
> I would appreciate some advice and help from on this issue. On 400 mg of Topamax, I have the positive results below:
>
> * Elevated, even, energy that lasts all day
> * My weight stays at off and I do not crave carbs
> * I can focus on tasks and get things done
> * My head does not hurt in the mornings like before
> * Moods have stabilized at this dosage
>
> The negative side effects on 400 mg have been:
>
> * More intense and aggressive behavior than usual
> * Joints are dryer and arthritis has gotten worse
> * Low libido
> * More Anxiety at this dosage
> * Eyes get dryed out and blurry vision at times - have been checked out by eye doc and eyes are OK though :)
>
> The last visit to my pdoc, I told him about my anxiety and instense behavior and that I wanted to try Buspar to help to curb the anxiety I was experiencing, since I did not want to give up the higher dose of Topa. He agreed and put me on 15 mg. I have been on that for 3 weeks now and have now noticed nothing, but knew that it may take months to notice the benefits of this medication. He also dropped me down to 350 of the Topa, which makes me feel like a Zombe. From what I have read on these boards, Buspar is only affective at 45 to 60 mg dosage for anxiety. I am wondering how long does it take to climb up to that dose with Buspar?
>
>
>
>
> You see, my pdoc wanted to see me back in a month, so he is going to do a wait and see thing with me, but if I go to him and ask about upping the Buspar dose more quickly, I don't think he would have a problem with that.
>
> I want to go back up to the 400 of Topa, since that is the dose where I feel the best at. I also have a question about other meds to help balance out this anxiety with the Topa. I am thinking of asking him for something to help me through the really bad days. Some days are fine and I need nothing. Some days are not so good and I feel anxious, nervous and tense. Any suggestions? I don't know if he will be open to it, but I can always ask.
>
> Thanks so much for the suggestions.
>
> Jet
>
> The only other meds I take daily are:
>
> 10 mg of Ambien at night
Posted by BarbaraCat on April 18, 2002, at 1:29:34
In reply to Adding Buspar to help with Topa Anxiety?, posted by Jet on April 16, 2002, at 15:00:42
I've been taking only 75 mg topamax to counteract lithium and remeron weight gain and have noticed alot more tension, anxiety and tendency to worry than when off it. Haven't noticed much of the supposed good effects either -- probably not taking enough. I'm hesitant now to up it any further since your posts have confirmed my suspicion that the top is reponsible for my increased agitation. Regarding the Buspar, I was on it a few years back at around 30 mg and noticed absolutely nothing except a dulled grogginess. Why not take Klonopin? It's the best antianxiety I've found that still lets me function.
Posted by Jet on April 18, 2002, at 9:28:46
In reply to Re: Adding Buspar to help with Topa Anxiety? » Jet, posted by BarbaraCat on April 18, 2002, at 1:29:34
When I asked my pdoc about adding Klonopin, he said fine, if you want to gain back all the weight that you just lost on the Topamax. See my dilema? I do not want to put the weight back on and feel like I am living my life again. I just need something to calm me down on those "bad" days, which are not every day. I do not want to have to take something every day that dulls me either. Oh what a mess I am times with this brain of mine. It gets very tiresome.
Thanks for the help.
Posted by BarbaraCat on April 18, 2002, at 11:23:47
In reply to Re: Adding Buspar to help with Topa Anxiety?, posted by Jet on April 18, 2002, at 9:28:46
Well, shoot, maybe that explains why I'm not losing any weight on the Topomax! What a bind. The Top gives me anxiety which I try to quell with the klonopin which causes weight gain. Jeez. The only thing that has a chance of working for me is getting mentally healthy enough so that I can sustain a regular exercise program. I also have fibromyalgia so any kind of 'working out' makes me feel just awful for the next few days. But I'm slowly working up to walking more, yoga, finding ways to get more in shape and it has a good effect on my mental and vice versa. I'm hoping for the day when physical/mental fitness will also relieve my anxiety to the point where I won't need the Klonopin (figure I'll always need the antidepressants, however).
> When I asked my pdoc about adding Klonopin, he said fine, if you want to gain back all the weight that you just lost on the Topamax. See my dilema? I do not want to put the weight back on and feel like I am living my life again. I just need something to calm me down on those "bad" days, which are not every day. I do not want to have to take something every day that dulls me either. Oh what a mess I am times with this brain of mine. It gets very tiresome.
>
> Thanks for the help.
Posted by Jet on April 18, 2002, at 20:32:46
In reply to Re: Adding Buspar to help with Topa Anxiety? » Jet, posted by BarbaraCat on April 18, 2002, at 11:23:47
BarbaraCat:
I was talking with someone yesterday and they told me that they have been helped with their fibromyalgia pain by taking a small dose of OTC Robotussin every day. They don't know why it works, but it does. Just thought that I would pass it on.
Jet
Posted by BarbaraCat on April 19, 2002, at 12:43:31
In reply to Re: Adding Buspar to help with Topa Anxiety?, posted by Jet on April 18, 2002, at 20:32:46
There's a theory that guaifenesin, which is an ingredient in alot of expectorant (as opposed to cough suppresant) cough syrups like Robitussin helps fibro. You have to avoid all kinds of other things while taking it for it to work and it takes a long time, usually with an initial big time worsening of symptoms, but there have been reports that people have been cured.
I was taking Robitussin, then guaifenesin pills for awhile and it knocked me for a loop in that it made my symptoms much worse, but then for awhile things did improve. I'd forgotten about that, so thanks for the reminder. Now that I'm not able to work and can devote more time to such things I think I 'll give it another try. - Barbara
> BarbaraCat:
>
> I was talking with someone yesterday and they told me that they have been helped with their fibromyalgia pain by taking a small dose of OTC Robotussin every day. They don't know why it works, but it does. Just thought that I would pass it on.
>
> Jet
Posted by IsoM on April 19, 2002, at 13:28:44
In reply to Re: Guaifenesin » Jet, posted by BarbaraCat on April 19, 2002, at 12:43:31
The guaifenesin connection isn't real. It's been shown to be pure pseudo-science. Other's opinions mat not be the same & if they feel it helps - why not? But any benefits felt are placebo effect - the "science" behind the theory is *seriously* flawed & very inaccurate. If anyone wants confirmation, ask & I'll give the links.
Posted by BarbaraCat on April 19, 2002, at 13:58:11
In reply to Re: Guaifenesin, posted by IsoM on April 19, 2002, at 13:28:44
Hi Iso,
I'm of mixed opinion on this. The science as it's presented in Paul Amand's work doesn't appear to be entirely accurate, but no explanation for fibro is satisfactory either. I can only go on my own experience which is how plug awful I felt after being on it 3 weeks (600 mg day). I perservered for another 3 weeks but felt physically like I couldn't continue - it was interfering too much with work. After titrating off I felt very much better for a while and this wasn't just the 'feels so good when it stops' variety. I felt cleaned out, lighter and less toxic, as though lymph was able to circulate better and clear out whatever was seizing up the muscle/fascia. I remember thinking that if I ever had a few months without major obligations, like work, to devote to this I would definitely give it another go.I'd also be interested in your websites. Again, all this stuff, especially when it comes to something so inexact as fibro, is bound to be full of anecdotal evidence that must be weighed with discernment. - Barbara
> The guaifenesin connection isn't real. It's been shown to be pure pseudo-science. Other's opinions mat not be the same & if they feel it helps - why not? But any benefits felt are placebo effect - the "science" behind the theory is *seriously* flawed & very inaccurate. If anyone wants confirmation, ask & I'll give the links.
Posted by IsoM on April 19, 2002, at 21:30:21
In reply to Re: Guaifenesin, posted by BarbaraCat on April 19, 2002, at 13:58:11
Barbara, I remember your past posts as a very reasonable person, so I'm asking that you be patient with me for a while, please. I'm having a rough time, & my moods are quite weird lately, mostly bleak. I know the web-sites are there, but not sure just where now. And then when I'm like I am, my brain & memory seem out to lunch. If you wish, e-mail me & I'll put your address aside for later when I find the sites to send you. If you'd rather not, wait & I will find them eventually. Lost & misplaced like half the things in my life right now.
Posted by BarbaraCat on April 20, 2002, at 2:24:05
In reply to Re: Guaifenesin » BarbaraCat, posted by IsoM on April 19, 2002, at 21:30:21
Awwww, that's OK, don't worry about the web sites. I've seen alot of pros and cons for guiafenesin and I'm on the ain't convinced side. What's going on? Has anything triggered the bleakness or is this part of the cycle for you? I just got through a rough time myself, was feeling very off balance, worrying alot, feeling awful, overwhelmed, disorganized, like what's the f'ing use. For me, stopping the Topomax helped. At least that's the only thing I can attribute it to since my edginess came on when I started the Top. I'm still reeling a little and not sleeping well but coming up out of it for sure.
You'll get through this, you know that. In the midst of the weirds, that knowledge doesn't quite filter in, but somehow things smooth over and neurons start firing as they should once again. I'm going to a meditation retreat this weekend given by someone very special, and will set an intention for your blessings and healing, if that would be OK with you. Hey, a little extra help can't hurt, eh? - Barbara
> Barbara, I remember your past posts as a very reasonable person, so I'm asking that you be patient with me for a while, please. I'm having a rough time, & my moods are quite weird lately, mostly bleak. I know the web-sites are there, but not sure just where now. And then when I'm like I am, my brain & memory seem out to lunch. If you wish, e-mail me & I'll put your address aside for later when I find the sites to send you. If you'd rather not, wait & I will find them eventually. Lost & misplaced like half the things in my life right now.
Posted by IsoM on April 20, 2002, at 11:46:09
In reply to Re: Guaifenesin » IsoM, posted by BarbaraCat on April 20, 2002, at 2:24:05
Thanks Barbara. You see, I gave the expectorant a trial too & noticed nothing. No worsening of symptoms, no improvement - nothing.
The way I'm feeling is what my depression is like when I'm not treated (except would be much worse as I'm still taking Celexa). The adrafinil, that I take, ran out due to ordering problems with one online company. Their supply ran out as it's become popular. So I had to order from another company but it takes MUCH longer to ship from their site. I've been without over a month now - crap!
Yeah, I know it passes & I bide my time. Push the logical side of my brain to get going, to do neeeded things, to find a reason for being as the emotional side is blah - nothing. But my logical side says 'go with the ebb & flow - the rest will return with the adrafinil'. And experience always show it to be correct so that's how I'm handling it for now, trying my best to ignore the empty feeling & to use the inner tension & frustration to spring clean. I'm throwing out stuff left & right, but don't worry, it's the logical side throwing out stuff - nothing that I'll regret later.
Posted by BarbaraCat on April 20, 2002, at 12:15:43
In reply to My cause » BarbaraCat, posted by IsoM on April 20, 2002, at 11:46:09
Have you tried Sam-e? It might be a good alternative while you're waiting. Usually 600 mg is enough to kick in a dopamine/NE effect for me. Wish I could give you my supply of adrafinil. It didn't work for me and I have a surplus. Three boxes languishing in my cupboard without a good home.
> Thanks Barbara. You see, I gave the expectorant a trial too & noticed nothing. No worsening of symptoms, no improvement - nothing.
>
> The way I'm feeling is what my depression is like when I'm not treated (except would be much worse as I'm still taking Celexa). The adrafinil, that I take, ran out due to ordering problems with one online company. Their supply ran out as it's become popular. So I had to order from another company but it takes MUCH longer to ship from their site. I've been without over a month now - crap!
>
> Yeah, I know it passes & I bide my time. Push the logical side of my brain to get going, to do neeeded things, to find a reason for being as the emotional side is blah - nothing. But my logical side says 'go with the ebb & flow - the rest will return with the adrafinil'. And experience always show it to be correct so that's how I'm handling it for now, trying my best to ignore the empty feeling & to use the inner tension & frustration to spring clean. I'm throwing out stuff left & right, but don't worry, it's the logical side throwing out stuff - nothing that I'll regret later.
Posted by Dr. Bob on April 21, 2002, at 14:35:52
In reply to Re: My cause » IsoM, posted by BarbaraCat on April 20, 2002, at 12:15:43
> Wish I could give you my supply of adrafinil.
Wishing is one thing, but let me take this opportunity to remind everyone not to ask for medication directly from or offer medication directly to others here:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/faq.html#illegal
Thanks,
Bob
This is the end of the thread.
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