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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 19 of 19. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by super on June 7, 2001, at 8:51:07
Anyone else on this board have binge eating disorder? I'm just starting to admit to myself that I have it. I definitely meet the diagnostic criteria. Most people would have trouble believing that I have an eating disorder because I'm relatively thin...but my girlfriend knows because she sees me eat (or hears about what I ate after she went to sleep, which is more often the case).
So what are you prescribed for it? Topamax would be a logical choice for me since I'm also bipolar, but it sounds like it has an awful effect on your thinking, which I don't think I could handle since I am a teacher and writer.
Posted by Sergios on June 7, 2001, at 17:32:04
In reply to binge eating disorder, posted by super on June 7, 2001, at 8:51:07
> Anyone else on this board have binge eating disorder? I'm just starting to admit to myself that I have it.
I have it too but only at night.
Doctor switched me to prozac (I was on paxil which triggered it). Now I'm on 40mg of prozac for more than two months and *just now* I am starting to feel some effect. I do not like prozac at all. It makes me very anxious.
Posted by super on June 8, 2001, at 8:51:59
In reply to Re: binge eating disorder, posted by Sergios on June 7, 2001, at 17:32:04
I would think Prozac would be the worst thing to give someone with binge eating disorder, since Prozac causes weight gain!
I ate all the time when I was on Paxil too. That drug made me HUNGRY! Actually Serzone made me hungry too.
> > Anyone else on this board have binge eating disorder? I'm just starting to admit to myself that I have it.
>
> I have it too but only at night.
> Doctor switched me to prozac (I was on paxil which triggered it). Now I'm on 40mg of prozac for more than two months and *just now* I am starting to feel some effect. I do not like prozac at all. It makes me very anxious.
Posted by SalArmy4me on June 8, 2001, at 9:57:04
In reply to binge eating disorder, posted by super on June 7, 2001, at 8:51:07
Markind, Jan E.. Topiramate: A new antiepileptic drug. American Journal of Health-System Pharmacy. 55(6):554-562, March 15, 1998:
"There have been concerns about topiramate's cognitive effects; topiramate may be similar to carbamazepine in that large doses are not well tolerated initially. Privitera assessed cognitive function during a long-term, open-label study of 15 patients who underwent cognitive testing at each clinic visit (monthly for six months and then quarterly). The following tests were administered: recall-memory for three items at three minutes, attention-counting backward from 100 by sevens, and word fluency-naming as many words beginning with the letter "h" as possible in 30 seconds. Baseline scores were compared with one-year scores or scores at the highest dosage of topiramate. Patients were followed for a mean of 14.9 months (range, 4-24 months). The mean dosage was 887 mg/day (range, 300-1600 mg/day). For the nine patients who remained in the study for a year or more, mean scores on all three tests improved. For the six patients completing less than a year of the study, mean scores on all three tests dipped slightly because of large declines in all test scores for two patients. In summary, in a long-term study, mean scores on brief tests of cognitive function did not decrease with time, although two patients demonstrated decreased scores at the highest topiramate dosage."
Posted by Sergios on June 8, 2001, at 10:07:07
In reply to Re: binge eating disorder, posted by super on June 8, 2001, at 8:51:59
> I would think Prozac would be the worst thing to give someone with binge eating disorder, since Prozac causes weight gain!
Not for me. It helps a lot. Now I only eat some more things at night, like a little bread with sugar, instead of the 8 ice creams and 2 cakes etc. I was able to eat a few months ago.
Posted by phillybob on June 8, 2001, at 12:18:53
In reply to binge eating disorder, posted by super on June 7, 2001, at 8:51:07
I think it's funny that relatively in-shape looking guys like us have this possession-obsession with food, at times.
When I am feeling well, I exercise a huge amount in order to keep somewhat fit.
On Topamax, any cognitive difficulties dissipated once plateuing at each level. I also added a B Stress Complex vitamin thingamapill which probably aided (it also helped eliminate the tingling sensation side-effect).
On Topamax, for the first time in my life, I might have a hamburger and fries and not eat all of the fries. I'd be able to stop eating when I was "full", an entirely new concept for me.
I had to discontinue Topamax due to a very rare side effect, receding gums.
Now, I am taking Remeron (45 mg/nite) which potentiates hunger, but am also now using Adderall (10mg/2-3X/day) which helps on the hunger front as well as the energy and concentration front.
I really thought I was a soft bi-polar for quite some time, but after learning about adult attention-deficit disorder, I am not so sure. (about.com has some good info). It may just be a symptom of ADD.
So far, so good on this combination. Started out at 30 mg/nite of Remeron about 4 weeks ago and moved up to 45 mg/nite about a week ago. Adderall has been one of those very difficult drugs to dose properly. I actually abandoned trials of Ritalin and Adderall so much in the past because I found they made me more depressed. Might have been just exagerating my depression and needed to get that under control with the increase in Remeron. Who knows. I do know that ADD-type problems cause much of my depression (depressed because I am not as I feel I should be).
Topamax would probably be a good trial for you. Good luck. Medscape.com has an article on Topamax and binge eating, I think.
Posted by Zannah on June 8, 2001, at 15:42:05
In reply to Re: binge eating disorder » super, posted by Sergios on June 8, 2001, at 10:07:07
Hi all~
Zoloft (and Prozac) have been found to help many w/treatment of binge eating disorder. Go to the search engine www.google.com and enter: zoloft + binge + eating, to see results of a fairly recent study done at McClean University, 1999, I think.I would drop in a link, but I can't seem to make it work. Sorry!
Zannah
> > I would think Prozac would be the worst thing to give someone with binge eating disorder, since Prozac causes weight gain!
>
> Not for me. It helps a lot. Now I only eat some more things at night, like a little bread with sugar, instead of the 8 ice creams and 2 cakes etc. I was able to eat a few months ago.
Posted by jodsteroo on June 8, 2001, at 19:14:25
In reply to Topamax and Cognition » super, posted by SalArmy4me on June 8, 2001, at 9:57:04
> Markind, Jan E.. Topiramate: A new antiepileptic drug. American Journal of Health-System Pharmacy. 55(6):554-562, March 15, 1998:
>
> "There have been concerns about topiramate's cognitive effects; topiramate may be similar to carbamazepine in that large doses are not well tolerated initially. Privitera assessed cognitive function during a long-term, open-label study of 15 patients who underwent cognitive testing at each clinic visit (monthly for six months and then quarterly). The following tests were administered: recall-memory for three items at three minutes, attention-counting backward from 100 by sevens, and word fluency-naming as many words beginning with the letter "h" as possible in 30 seconds. Baseline scores were compared with one-year scores or scores at the highest dosage of topiramate. Patients were followed for a mean of 14.9 months (range, 4-24 months). The mean dosage was 887 mg/day (range, 300-1600 mg/day). For the nine patients who remained in the study for a year or more, mean scores on all three tests improved. For the six patients completing less than a year of the study, mean scores on all three tests dipped slightly because of large declines in all test scores for two patients. In summary, in a long-term study, mean scores on brief tests of cognitive function did not decrease with time, although two patients demonstrated decreased scores at the highest topiramate dosage."Can you elaborate a little more on your topimax story...i cant seem to really understand the results?? did topimax's effect on cognition dissipate after time? or was it only seen at high doses?...sorry if i seem rude but i am really interested in this cause the reason i stopped topimax is because it made me feel retardrd..but if that goes away...i would start it again definatly! thanks for your help!...-jodi!
Posted by SalArmy4me on June 8, 2001, at 23:00:10
In reply to Re: QUESTION FOR SALARMY???, posted by jodsteroo on June 8, 2001, at 19:14:25
In the short-run Topamax will make you stupid. But after taking it for some time, one develops a tolerance to it and cognition improves.
Posted by phillybob on June 11, 2001, at 19:03:17
In reply to binge eating disorder, posted by super on June 7, 2001, at 8:51:07
Just read this distinction between compulsive over eating and binge eating (National ADDA or add.org):
"COMPULSIVE OVER EATING
Most of us overeat at times. We may eat for sheer enjoyment even if weÕre not hungry, or we may eat more than we intend at a dinner party or celebration. But for some, overeating becomes a compulsion they cannot stop. Compulsive overeaters lose control of their ability to stop eating. They use food to alter their feelings rather than satisfy hunger. Compulsive overeaters tend to crave foods high in carbohydrates, sugars, and salt.
BINGE EATING
Binge eating differs from compulsive overeating in that the binge eater enjoys the rush and stimulation of planning the binge. Buying the food and finding the time and place to binge in secret creates a level of risk and excitement that the ADD brain craves. Large amounts of foods high in carbohydrates and sugars are rapidly consumed in a short period of time. The binge itself may only last fifteen to twenty minutes. Proper levels of serotonin and dopamine aid in impulse control problems that contribute to binge eating and Bulimia."
Posted by super on June 12, 2001, at 15:15:38
In reply to Re: binge eating disorder, posted by phillybob on June 11, 2001, at 19:03:17
Interesting, I guess I'm more of a compulsive over-eater than a binge-eater. How does this change treatment?
Thanks,
Super> Just read this distinction between compulsive over eating and binge eating (National ADDA or add.org):
>
> "COMPULSIVE OVER EATING
>
> Most of us overeat at times. We may eat for sheer enjoyment even if weÕre not hungry, or we may eat more than we intend at a dinner party or celebration. But for some, overeating becomes a compulsion they cannot stop. Compulsive overeaters lose control of their ability to stop eating. They use food to alter their feelings rather than satisfy hunger. Compulsive overeaters tend to crave foods high in carbohydrates, sugars, and salt.
>
> BINGE EATING
>
> Binge eating differs from compulsive overeating in that the binge eater enjoys the rush and stimulation of planning the binge. Buying the food and finding the time and place to binge in secret creates a level of risk and excitement that the ADD brain craves. Large amounts of foods high in carbohydrates and sugars are rapidly consumed in a short period of time. The binge itself may only last fifteen to twenty minutes. Proper levels of serotonin and dopamine aid in impulse control problems that contribute to binge eating and Bulimia."
Posted by phillybob on June 18, 2001, at 13:05:13
In reply to Re: binge eating disorder, posted by super on June 12, 2001, at 15:15:38
> Interesting, I guess I'm more of a compulsive over-eater than a binge-eater. How does this change treatment?
> Thanks,
> SuperI'm not sure. Just presentin' a fellow with some info. Not sure if it really matters. Treatment would probably be the same, I'd presume. I still do think the Topamax would be a good trial. Since I got that from an ADD site that indicated that that could be a symptom of ADD, you might want to learn more about ADD, too, to see if perhaps ...
Posted by carey233 on October 13, 2003, at 19:52:04
In reply to binge eating disorder, posted by super on June 7, 2001, at 8:51:07
Hi I just started Topamax for binge eating and wanted to know if this helped anyone and if so after how long, on what doasage, and did you lose any weight? Thanks so much!
Posted by platinumbride on October 14, 2003, at 0:41:41
In reply to Topamax and Cognition » super, posted by SalArmy4me on June 8, 2001, at 9:57:04
salarmy..
I think it is kinda funny that you post such complicated articles (at least for those of us new to topamax) when we are dealing with the initial side effects which indeed do go away with time.....
but what about the binge eating, which I think is what the original thread was about?
I could be wrong because I am on topamax, and I forget easily ;)Please only take this as friendly ribbing...your info and compassion are always helpful
Diane
Posted by platinumbride on October 14, 2003, at 0:58:15
In reply to Re: binge eating disorder and topamax, posted by carey233 on October 13, 2003, at 19:52:04
Well, Carey,
I started eating smaller portions almost right away,,,,then I would have a binge (perhaps from too much neurontin, which may not be your problem anyway)I have been on the t-max for almost a month,yet not yet at max dose. I am quite sedentary :(
I need to get a good scale. Sometimes I feel I am losing weight slowly, but after a binge like today, I am not sure.
Just don;t take too much neurontin to sleep and maybe u will do well..
stay away from refined sugar too. Oh and I hear that green tea speeds the metabolism.Diane
Posted by carey233 on October 14, 2003, at 11:49:29
In reply to Re: binge eating disorder and topamax, posted by platinumbride on October 14, 2003, at 0:58:15
> Well, Carey,
> I started eating smaller portions almost right away,,,,then I would have a binge (perhaps from too much neurontin, which may not be your problem anyway)
>
> I have been on the t-max for almost a month,yet not yet at max dose. I am quite sedentary :(
>
> I need to get a good scale. Sometimes I feel I am losing weight slowly, but after a binge like today, I am not sure.
>
> Just don;t take too much neurontin to sleep and maybe u will do well..
> stay away from refined sugar too. Oh and I hear that green tea speeds the metabolism.
>
> Diane
Thanks Diane!
I need all the support and info I can get now- I am on 125 mgs a day now and have found a decrease in appetite but I still find that I kind of FORCE myself to eat even though I am not hungry almost to challenge the effects of the pill- crazy no? Its like the eating disorder WANTS to win. I am seeing my psychiatrist in a couple of weeks and im pretty sure she'll up the dose. Think this will help? What dose are you on? Thanks again! Hope this isnt too much of a bother :)
FYI- Ive been drinking green tea for all its benefits for years and do not take neurontin
Posted by platinumbride on October 15, 2003, at 11:26:59
In reply to Re: binge eating disorder and topamax » platinumbride, posted by carey233 on October 14, 2003, at 11:49:29
No, Carey....
Not too much of a bother at all :)
funny what our brains do to us, no? Spiting the binge eating!!!I am on 200 mgs. I kinda wonder if I wasn't doing better on a lower dose, personally, or if my brain is going screw this, I am not going to let this work you are just goign to be a fat pig, that's all, girl!
It is really probably best that you do eat something, Carey...
Are you overweight and bingeing or underweight and bingeing? I;m sorry if you answered this already....I am a bit on the downs, and haven't been sleeping.....
So much for my wanting to give up neurontin.....
Damn, but I am soooooooo hungry now!!!
Maybe tonite I will go back to a lower dose of topamax and up the lamictal. I am in a mood these days.....I feel as if I want to go into my shrink's office adn say screw you pal! I'm outta here and I don't want these meds or any more psychotherapy and then make a dramatic exit!
He is a good guy though, adn has been thoughtful in so many ways, including working very hard on drug cocktails.....I just hate it when things stop working. Maybe the lamictal raise will help..I don't know.....
Anyway, you can always lie to your shrink if you don't like being on the higher dose ;-)
God, I am evil today!!!!!Diane
Posted by carey233 on October 15, 2003, at 22:52:11
In reply to Re: binge eating disorder and topamax » carey233, posted by platinumbride on October 15, 2003, at 11:28:54
Diane,
Hi! Wow, it sounds like there is some (to say the least) of confusion over there about your meds! Hope you can work those things out with your psychiatrist- while the "dramatic exit" does sound like a scene out of a movie I wouldnt reccommend it :)In answer to you question I am actually a pretty healthy weight not under or over- I'd like to lose maybe 5 pounds or so from binging, but I manage to keep off weight by staying active but the damn topamax makes me really tired!! I'm seein my psychiatrist next week and she might raise the dose-- i'll keep you posted! Thanks for your support again. Its really appreciated.
Posted by carey233 on October 23, 2003, at 23:40:09
In reply to Re: binge eating disorder and topamax, posted by carey233 on October 15, 2003, at 22:52:11
Hi everyone, so I have been on 125 mg's of Topamax for about a month now and I felt a change after the first week in binge eating and addiction in general (smoking). But now in the 4th week my binging is has returned- not as bad but still.... I will be seeing my psychiatrist this week hoping she will raise the dose- think this will help? thanks!
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