Psycho-Babble Medication Thread 5053

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Re: topamax » dixie

Posted by dddiane on July 1, 2003, at 7:45:48

In reply to topamax, posted by dixie on June 30, 2003, at 3:26:48

Dixie,


I am current taking Topamax and have been taking it for 7 months now, Two months ago I added Lamictal, to improve my stability and give me more energy. This combination has been wonderful for me. The Topamax was an adjustment, the first two months I did have some stupids, but after that my main complaint was dry mouth, followed by a lack of motivation.

But because my stability wasn't where it needed to be, my pdoc suggested we start "trading out" the Topamax for the Lamictal. So I have gone from 175mg of Topamax to 75 Topamax and 112.5mg Lamictal. I am adding the Lamictal in slowly 12.5mg a week, because of the rash issue. I am going to speak to my pdoc about keeping some Topamax in my "cocktail" because I think I would be too hyper on the Lamictal alone. I also take 600mg of Neurontin and .25 Klonopin in the pm for sleep. Nothing else.

An early side effect of Topamax (at 25 -75mg) was terrible anxiety and sleeplessness. I had to up my Klonopin. After 3 weeks an odd thing happened, the anxiety was replaced with calm, my sleep returned, and for a period of about a month I didn't need any Klonopin at all!

I like Topamax because it makes me calm, and I tend to have some stormy moods, on both ends of the scale. It just levels me out. The Lamictal has cut through the motivation problem, and seems to be keeping me out of depression.

I would say the most important thing about starting Topamax is to go extremely slow. If you give yourself time to adjust to it, the side effects will not slam you. Docs are not always wise to this.

Well, we have a board that is all about Topamax, if you are interested:

http://pub123.ezboard.com/btopamaxtalk

Hope to see you there. Best of luck with your Topamax adventure. It has been a beneficial med for me.

Diane

> I have been reading all the posts about topamax and i just started taking it two days ago...im currently on lamictal 150mg once a day in two doses...seraquel 100-400mg at nite....trazodone 100-400mg at nite...lorazepam 1mg at nite...currently im on 50mg of the topamax which i will increase up too 200mg...i was givin this RX to help in my quest to lose weight which i gained heavily after i was on effexor XR for so long...ive read it can disrupte sleep and leave you sluggish...i suffer from both insomnina and hypersomnina it just depends on weather im depressed or manic...i guess im just looking for sum thoughts on this drug combo i feel like a walking medicine cabinet as im also on allegra D for allergies and am supposed to try Restorl 30mg to help me sleep as well...sometimes i go for 3 or 4 days without sleep...then sometimes i could sleep for that long...anyway im just looking for some imput...not sure if i could deal with the side effects if i happen to experience any...some good info from previous posts tho...thanx dixie

 

Re: topomax

Posted by Jane Jones on July 7, 2003, at 18:36:54

In reply to topomax, posted by Ellen Brodie on April 19, 1999, at 15:58:40

I began taking lithium briefly, then switched to topamax. I have had diarrhea for 13 months now. When I tell my psychiatrist, he laughs and says, "What, do you have malaria?" For about 3 days now I have stopped taking the topamax to see if it would stop, but it hasn't. Maybe I need more time, I don't know. Has anyone else had this problem?

 

Re: topomax (for everyone chatting 6-24) Snoozy

Posted by jgoree on July 10, 2003, at 21:35:17

In reply to Re: topomax (for everyone chatting 6-24) Snoozy, posted by jasperwasper on June 25, 2003, at 20:20:16

my 29 yr old daughter is hospitalized. She was taken off topamax before for not eating but they put her back on it. Siezures are controlled but she is nauseous/and or throws up after eating. Is in the hosp since monday. Had a breakdown I think mostly physical but came across as mental. They are running all kinds of tests to figure out why she cant eat and why now it has started to hurt if she does. It has to be the topamax but no one will listen. she is also on Dilantin and adavan (and weighs 100lbs

 

Re: topomax (for everyone chatting 6-24) Snoozy » jgoree

Posted by Podwoman on July 11, 2003, at 0:02:35

In reply to Re: topomax (for everyone chatting 6-24) Snoozy, posted by jgoree on July 10, 2003, at 21:35:17

Sorry to hear about your daughter. I recently was taken off Topamax (monday) due to extreme allergic reaction (rash covering 1/2 my body) after bing on 600mg daily.

This is a tricky drug. I this is is being touted as the (relatively) new great thing on the market but it has some side effects that are more severe than maybe previously known to some people. Don't back down with your convictions!

Good luck with everything--My prayers are with you.

--Podwoman

 

Re: topomax (for everyone chatting 6-24) Snoozy

Posted by karmagirl on July 15, 2003, at 10:53:57

In reply to Re: topomax (for everyone chatting 6-24) Snoozy » jgoree, posted by Podwoman on July 11, 2003, at 0:02:35

Hi Podwoman! 600 MG?? Wow, how did you get to such a high dosage and did it serve it's purpose? As you know, (Podwoman) I've been on Topomax about 14 months and haven't experienced any of these problems, but I'm also still at 200 MG for papilledema. Is it at the higher dosages that people are experiencing these problems or does that matter? Jgoree, I too am praying for your daughter.

karmagirl

 

Re: topomax (for everyone chatting 6-24) Snoozy

Posted by Podwoman on July 15, 2003, at 12:31:03

In reply to Re: topomax (for everyone chatting 6-24) Snoozy, posted by karmagirl on July 15, 2003, at 10:53:57

Hi Karma! Where ya been?? Email me!

Well, I've lost ~28 lbs since february...So, not as great as I would have liked to see results. But, gettin' there! You?

--->Podwoman

> Hi Podwoman! 600 MG?? Wow, how did you get to such a high dosage and did it serve it's purpose? As you know, (Podwoman) I've been on Topomax about 14 months and haven't experienced any of these problems, but I'm also still at 200 MG for papilledema. Is it at the higher dosages that people are experiencing these problems or does that matter? Jgoree, I too am praying for your daughter.
>
> karmagirl

 

Re: topomax (for everyone chatting 6-24) Snoozy

Posted by Nissy on July 15, 2003, at 12:56:47

In reply to Re: topomax (for everyone chatting 6-24) Snoozy, posted by Podwoman on July 15, 2003, at 12:31:03


>
> Well, I've lost ~28 lbs since february
**************
Does anyone know why there is weight loss with Topamax? Is it because you just desire to eat less? No appitite? My P Doc said if I still continue to binge eat with a higher dose of Effexor he will try topamax with it. But quit honestly I'm a bit afraid to go on it after reading some of the stuff here. See sometimes reading things here can be a bad thing :( But I certainly like the idea of losing weight !!
Nissy

 

Re: topomax (for everyone chatting 6-24) Snoozy

Posted by Podwoman on July 15, 2003, at 20:47:39

In reply to Re: topomax (for everyone chatting 6-24) Snoozy, posted by Nissy on July 15, 2003, at 12:56:47

Weight loss happens on Topamax because of several things it does: it makes certain foods (high fat foods)taste disgusting, it makes you thirsty as hell, it kills your appetite...Basically you7 eat less and end up staying away from greasy/fattening stuff and you drink a lot of water. All good things and all hard for some people, especially binge eaters.
--->Podwoman

 

Re: topomax (for everyone chatting 6-24) Snoozy

Posted by LKA on July 15, 2003, at 21:04:50

In reply to Re: topomax (for everyone chatting 6-24) Snoozy, posted by Podwoman on July 15, 2003, at 20:47:39

Why do we have the hair loss. I cut my dose because I was losing hair and it worried me so.

 

Re: topomax (for everyone chatting 6-24) Snoozy

Posted by Podwoman on July 15, 2003, at 21:12:37

In reply to Re: topomax (for everyone chatting 6-24) Snoozy, posted by LKA on July 15, 2003, at 21:04:50

Hair loss is one side effect I was lucky enough to not get. Probably the ONLY side effect I didn't get! LOL So sorry, can't speak to that.

---->Podwoman

 

Re: topomax-diarrhea » Jane Jones

Posted by Chuck Lehmann on July 18, 2003, at 14:58:21

In reply to Re: topomax, posted by Jane Jones on July 7, 2003, at 18:36:54

Yes topamax causes some diarrhea following the consumption of food with high fat or a carbohydrate with a high glycemic index. The diarrhea starts hardly before the meal is done....but just once or twice and your done. If I just eat a steak and salad I have no diarrhea. Topamax does not effect the desire to eat. Topamax effects the digestion of food differently than your nomal matabolism and stays in your body for several days after you stop taking the medication. Topamax liberates fat stores and metabolizes the fat into carbohydrates, almost like in ketosis. But advoid the adkins diet while taking topamax...or you may get kidney stones because of the high purines. Most of the bad side effects of topamax can be avoided if you understand how it works and how your body works. Best advice...take it before bed and drink plenty of water and drink water throughout the night. It is most potent two hours after you take the drug.

 

Re: topomax-diarrhea

Posted by LKA on July 18, 2003, at 15:10:21

In reply to Re: topomax-diarrhea » Jane Jones, posted by Chuck Lehmann on July 18, 2003, at 14:58:21

Wow that is interesting. I also had the diarrhea when I upped my dose of topomax but I went back down simply because of the hair loss. I am still losing but it is slowing down. My doctor wanted me to take one pill at night and one pill in the morning. Will my body eventually get used to it if I give it another go? I wondered about cutting the pill in half and trying 1-1/2 pills. I take it for migraines.

 

Re: topomax-diarrhea

Posted by Podwoman on July 18, 2003, at 15:28:53

In reply to Re: topomax-diarrhea » Jane Jones, posted by Chuck Lehmann on July 18, 2003, at 14:58:21

I don't know where you are getting your information, but you are WAY off about how Topamax performs! It operates on an area of your brain which is associated with siezures and migraines. It does NOT have any effect on your stomach contents! Check your sources! If you are experiencing diarrhea, you should talk to your doctor. You may be having an adverse reation to the medication. Diarrhea is listed as one of those reactions as a BAD reaction to the medicine. You sound more like you're describing Xenical!

----Podwoman

 

Re: topomax-diarrhea

Posted by Podwoman on July 18, 2003, at 15:30:49

In reply to Re: topomax-diarrhea, posted by LKA on July 18, 2003, at 15:10:21

DONT cut your pills: they are designed to dissolve at a certain rate and DONT self-medicate! THIS IS BRAIN MEDICATION. Treat it respect! If you are unhappy with the side effects TALK TO YOUR DOCTOR!

--->Podwoman

 

Re: topomax-diarrhea » Podwoman

Posted by galkeepinon on July 19, 2003, at 14:25:43

In reply to Re: topomax-diarrhea, posted by Podwoman on July 18, 2003, at 15:28:53

I had diarrhea really bad when I first started on Topamax and it went away. My doctor said it was a side effect and wasn't too worried. It eventually went away-he must have been right.
No problemo now-works great.


> I don't know where you are getting your information, but you are WAY off about how Topamax performs! It operates on an area of your brain which is associated with siezures and migraines. It does NOT have any effect on your stomach contents! Check your sources! If you are experiencing diarrhea, you should talk to your doctor. You may be having an adverse reation to the medication. Diarrhea is listed as one of those reactions as a BAD reaction to the medicine. You sound more like you're describing Xenical!
>
> ----Podwoman

 

Re: topomax-diarrhea

Posted by Tracilla on July 28, 2003, at 13:41:40

In reply to Re: topomax-diarrhea » Jane Jones, posted by Chuck Lehmann on July 18, 2003, at 14:58:21

> Yes topamax causes some diarrhea following the consumption of food with high fat or a carbohydrate with a high glycemic index. The diarrhea starts hardly before the meal is done....but just once or twice and your done. If I just eat a steak and salad I have no diarrhea. Topamax does not effect the desire to eat. Topamax effects the digestion of food differently than your nomal matabolism and stays in your body for several days after you stop taking the medication. Topamax liberates fat stores and metabolizes the fat into carbohydrates, almost like in ketosis. But advoid the adkins diet while taking topamax...or you may get kidney stones because of the high purines. Most of the bad side effects of topamax can be avoided if you understand how it works and how your body works. Best advice...take it before bed and drink plenty of water and drink water throughout the night. It is most potent two hours after you take the drug.

i am going off topamax mostly b/c of no desire to eat and terrible diarrhea....i have lost 20 pounds in less than 3 months and can't lost anymore....i was not overweight to begin with.
my doc wants to try elavil and other antidepressants. i have tried everything for migraines and am sick of drugs. i think i will just try B2 (400 mg) a day for awhile until i can get into the headache clinic and maybe try botox. anyone tried botox ??

 

Re: topomax-diarrhea

Posted by WynterW on August 4, 2003, at 23:39:22

In reply to Re: topomax-diarrhea, posted by Podwoman on July 18, 2003, at 15:28:53

I have recently started Topomax. I am not experiencing side effects as you have mentioned. Mine seem to be somewhat opposite. At what dosage have you normally experienced weight loss? Wynter

 

Re: topomax-diarrhea/weight loss

Posted by Podwoman on August 5, 2003, at 21:59:27

In reply to Re: topomax-diarrhea, posted by WynterW on August 4, 2003, at 23:39:22

Around 150 mg is what I've experienced and have heard of others starting to lose. I actually went off it due to rash. Am on Zonisamide (Zonagran) now for weight loss. Good luck!

Anyone else out there on Zonisamide for weight loss?

--->Podwoman

 

Podwoman

Posted by WynterW on August 5, 2003, at 23:19:12

In reply to Re: topomax-diarrhea/weight loss, posted by Podwoman on August 5, 2003, at 21:59:27

Thanks. I have only recently heard about this rash and dermatitis thing. I already had a rash before the Topomax! Hope your new med works out!
Wynter

 

Topamax and Effexor XR

Posted by Vivienne on August 7, 2003, at 20:23:18

In reply to Podwoman, posted by WynterW on August 5, 2003, at 23:19:12

'Allo all, new here - found this actually, by googling side effects for Topamax and lo and behold, here I am.

Have been taking Effexor XR since March 2000, and yesterday I informed my dr. that I wasn't sure if it was working anymore - I'm constantly exhausted and lethargic, uninterested in things, yet not blue or sad - and eating anything and everything that isn't nailed down! He asked me if he'd ever talked to me about Topamax, and I said no, so we talked about it and agreed that I would start it.

So I started today - 25 mg. this morning, and 25 mg. this afternoon - I'm on an 8 am and 4 pm schedule so far. Next week I'll go up to two 25 mg. pills in the am and two in the afternoon and so on each week until I'm up to 200 mg/day.

Has anyone else been taking it with Effexor XR? If so, with what kind of results?

I have to admit, the thing about the weight loss was a hook - just 4 years ago I was 127 lbs.; I've since ratcheted up to <sigh> 170 lbs. I did read about it helping with binge eating, which seems to be what I do - I eat and eat and eat - well beyond being full, and it's usually junk when I do eat like that. Bahh.

Alrighty, I'm finished bending your ear(s). :) Lovely to meet you all!

'Til we meet again...

Vivienne

 

Re: Topamax and Effexor XR

Posted by KimberlyDi on August 9, 2003, at 13:21:49

In reply to Topamax and Effexor XR, posted by Vivienne on August 7, 2003, at 20:23:18

Welcome Viv,
This is a great board. Effexor hasn't pooped out on me yet. I've only been on it 3 months. But, my insurance company will only cover it up to a certain amount and my p-doc has prescribed over that amount. I need to find something else that works well with Effexor.

I've heard that Topamax is great for weight loss. Good luck in finding the info you need.

KDi in Texas

> 'Allo all, new here - found this actually, by googling side effects for Topamax and lo and behold, here I am.
>
> Have been taking Effexor XR since March 2000, and yesterday I informed my dr. that I wasn't sure if it was working anymore - I'm constantly exhausted and lethargic, uninterested in things, yet not blue or sad - and eating anything and everything that isn't nailed down! He asked me if he'd ever talked to me about Topamax, and I said no, so we talked about it and agreed that I would start it.
>
> So I started today - 25 mg. this morning, and 25 mg. this afternoon - I'm on an 8 am and 4 pm schedule so far. Next week I'll go up to two 25 mg. pills in the am and two in the afternoon and so on each week until I'm up to 200 mg/day.
>
> Has anyone else been taking it with Effexor XR? If so, with what kind of results?
>
> I have to admit, the thing about the weight loss was a hook - just 4 years ago I was 127 lbs.; I've since ratcheted up to <sigh> 170 lbs. I did read about it helping with binge eating, which seems to be what I do - I eat and eat and eat - well beyond being full, and it's usually junk when I do eat like that. Bahh.
>
> Alrighty, I'm finished bending your ear(s). :) Lovely to meet you all!
>
> 'Til we meet again...
>
> Vivienne

 

Re: topomax

Posted by loopie on August 27, 2003, at 1:06:26

In reply to topomax, posted by Ellen Brodie on April 19, 1999, at 15:58:40

> I have recently been diagnosed with manic depression. I refused to be put on lithium or depakote. Because of the weight gain side effects I believe that would increase my depression. I also struggle with an eating diisorder. My doctor has me on topomax and klonopin. Has anyone had any luck with these drugs. The klonopin seems to give me an instant calm from the depression, but this is such an evil disease. Topomax is suppose to do the opposite from depakote in terms of instead of weight gain it has weight loss side effects. Has anyone had any experience with these? Ellen


Ellen,
I haven't seen anything from you on the thread as of late. I noticed that you were put on klonopin and topomax. Can you tell me what the results were for you? I am taking my 1st dose of topomax tonight. I am on klonopin as well. Have been for 7 years. Been on tons of anti depressents for years as well. The anti depressents have fizzeled out on me. I am discouraged. My doc and I are trying something different. The mild bi-polar thing. I am over weight but that is not my main concern for this med. I just want to be calm. Not lash out at others like a wacko! Don't even wish to be happy any more. Just content. Lessen the anger and anxioty. I have read lots of messages about tingleing feet, hands, and aching legs. What if all of that stuff is occurring BEFORE topomax? Are you on the same meds since 99 or have you changed? Curious.

 

Re: topomax » loopie

Posted by rainy on September 5, 2003, at 6:36:30

In reply to Re: topomax, posted by loopie on August 27, 2003, at 1:06:26

I've been on Topamx 300 mgs, buproprion 400 mgs and lamictal 200 since 8/14--the lamictal 200 mgs for about three weeks. Bipolar II, replacing major depressive disorder. During this time I've been almost completely anorexic, not a disorder--just can't eat. Recent move, horrible heat, etc. I'm losing my hair hand over fist and have begun to decrease the lamictal on my own--I see my brand new pdoc on 8/8. Suggestions? Help!

 

Re: topomax

Posted by Podwoman on September 5, 2003, at 6:46:28

In reply to Re: topomax » loopie, posted by rainy on September 5, 2003, at 6:36:30

The hairloss is a side effect of the Topamax, no doubt. And possibly the loss of appetite. From my experience w/it, it kills it completely. If I had hair loss, however, I would go off it. Not everyone gets hairloss...I didnt on higher doses than you. Do you take it for migraines? Seizures?
Good luck and don't alter your medication until you talk to your doctor. Topamax needs to be tapered, or so I'm told.
---Podwoman

 

Re: Topmax for Migraines » starlight

Posted by Nitro on September 12, 2003, at 12:49:27

In reply to Re: Topmax for Migraines, posted by starlight on June 24, 2003, at 11:21:08

I was just prescribed Topomax yesterday by the neurologist for migraines. I have been using Imitrex sucessfully for years to relieve my migraines, but the last six months have seen an increase to about 5 per week some weeks and so the doc is trying to see if the Topomax approach would help. After seeing some of the side effects he didn't mentioned it kind of freaked me out! He did start me at 25 mg for the first 4 days, then gradually increasing, so that the side effects are minimized. He told me the only side effects he has seen are tingling in extremeties and nausea. I am a pretty healthy sturdy woman of 48 and don't usually react badly to drugs. I have never had diarrhea in my life, and I certainly don't want to start losing my hair! I will stop if that occurrs, and just stick wit treating the migraine once I have it! I don't take a lot of drugs for anything, just Inderol for high blood pressure (low dosage) and Estradiol HRT, migraines are my only real complaint in life. The imitrex has become longer to take effect lately, and so he gave me some Relpax to try next time I get a migraine. I am almost hesitant to try it because I know the imitrex will work I just need to give it time. This thread has been very helpful to me, I was researching topomax and came up with it. Thanks to all that have written on it.


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