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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 22 of 22. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by DharmaMama on October 22, 2003, at 8:33:21
Well, here I am since my first post of trying to get info on Topamax a couple of weeks ago. I am into my 6th day after going up to 50mg. Tomorrow I will go up to 75mg.
I have been feeling relatively great. Abundance of energy. I keep my house tidy throughout the week since I work fulltime. I clean every weekend. Before Topamax I was having a hard time getting around to it. This past weekend I cleaned base boards, ceiling fans, outside windows, worked in my garden, washed the dog, washed all four bathrooms, ran errands, took my two year old out to lunch in between running errands, and never felt the need to take a nap.
As far as getting to sleep, it has been a bit hard off and on. I have always had a hard time since I was young. I am a night person. So is my two year old. Ugh! I am addicted to Benadryl. That gets me to sleep without SE and helps with my allergies.
Edginess, irritability, anxiety: I have heard people say this increases it, I am all this with or without Topamax. I suffer from social anxiety. I have not seen an increase in irritability, maybe in time. I hope not.
Most important! Drum roll please . . . Libido! I think it has increased. This may have to do with increase in energy and lack of depression or stablization of my mood.
My hair has thinned a bit. This seems a little too soon. I am thinking it is just the time of the year as it normally thins this time. Which is a good thing for me. I have very thick hair. I have never liked it. It is kind of like that straight hair/curly hair thing. I deal with it with my 7 year old who has curly blonde hair. She does not like it and everyone wants it.
I woke up this morning with two areas on each side of my face that were numb. By the time I got to the parking garage, the palms of my hands were numb. I thought i was having a stroke. Then I remembered, the medicine.
Oh, and I have been forgetting thing here and there. Not too frequently.
Posted by Sabina on October 22, 2003, at 15:12:44
In reply to Topamax - Update, posted by DharmaMama on October 22, 2003, at 8:33:21
thanks for your update. i must have missed your other post, or maybe i responded to it and my short term memory is so gone i don't even remember talking to you. ack! i am currently on 75mg topamax, due for a check-up with pdoc in a week. i am also noticing some hair loss, but it's not extreme. i do seem to be able to get more done throughout the day than before the topamax, although my level of activity is nowhere near yours! i am dealing with a chronic illness, though, so that is understandable. i have experienced intermittent problems with insomnia, but that was already present with the fibromyalgia as well. my irritability is not a problem since i have been taking seroquel for the anxiety part of my bipolar II. my depression has decreased considerably and i am less weepy in general. i hope you continue to do well on it. Sooshi is about to start it too, so maybe we can all cross paths again here as an ongoing support system with questions and comments?
sabina
Posted by karen_kay on October 22, 2003, at 15:41:47
In reply to Re: Topamax - Update, posted by Sabina on October 22, 2003, at 15:12:44
I too am on Topamx, yet I am up to 300 mgs. So, maybe I can kinda help you out a bit. The numbing in the face and neck goes away. It will get worse if you increase your dose, but it will go away. I still have it in my appendages occassionally, but it is not bothersome. My libido is up too!! At first I was a bit concerned, but it seems to have dropped to a more "normal" level for me. I found that the weight loss begins at 200 mgs. I have lost a little over 15 lbs. My mood is great though!! House hold chores are easier to tackle now!! I have seen a comple turn around since I began taking Topamax! I just hope it stays that way, as I am running out of options. My hair hasn't thinned out though (thank God, as I have thin hair anyway!!). If you have any questions feel free to ask!! Karen
Posted by craig allen on October 22, 2003, at 20:28:26
In reply to Re: Topamax - Update, posted by karen_kay on October 22, 2003, at 15:41:47
wow, that's encouraging to hear you are all doing well on topamax. i haven't read too many posts on it, but the ones i have were clearly negative. maybe i should give it a try. i could sure use the energy boost you all seem to be getting. i've been unsuccessful with lithium, depakote, trileptal as anti-depressant augmentors so i was assuming that these "mood stabalizers" don't do anything for me. maybe i'll give this one a shot. keep us posted.
Posted by DharmaMama on October 23, 2003, at 9:48:24
In reply to Re: Topamax - Update, posted by Sabina on October 22, 2003, at 15:12:44
Here is my previous post: "I was placed on Topamax yesterday. Doing the 25mg one week, then 50 next, 75 next and so on. Diagnoses, they have not diagnosed me. I have read many threads. My worries: 1) Forgetting things! As it is my mind is racing 24/7 which leads to forgetting things, losing things, memory loss and having a hard time getting to sleep. How common is this, does it subside? 2) The idea of weight loss is great. In the past 9 months I have gained 20 lbs, I use to average around 100. When stopping Top. (and not starting anything else), how many gained weight? 3) I have read on Top. website, "Do not take if you plan on becoming pregnant." Does anyone know if this med. causes damage to rep. system in females? Should one take precaution like those who take Accutane? There is a possibility we may want more kids. Sorry for the lengthy post, TIA."
As I said, I have not been diagnosed. A doc placed me on Topamax as a mood stabilizer. I am 26. I have social anxiety, bad temper, I have been depressed for as long as I can remember. I do exceptionally well at covering it up, even to myself. I have been in and out of therapy since 12. I have only been diagnosed with depression. On and off meds. I do not like taking meds. I was adopted at birth. Recently found out my mother died in '95 from apparent suicide heroin overdose. She was always depressed as well. I constantly think of suicide and have visions of the act in my mind. I self-mutilate. I often think to myself and find myself speaking my thoughts out loud. Embarassing. I think negatively of my looks.
Overall, this has been a frustrating part of life. I am sure we all know and experience this. So far, Topamax has been good. Yes it is early. We are all different. Topamax may be for some and may not be for others. We just need to find out what is right for each of us.
Posted by galkeepinon on October 24, 2003, at 1:54:26
In reply to Topamax - Update, posted by DharmaMama on October 22, 2003, at 8:33:21
Posted by DharmaMama on October 25, 2003, at 23:34:46
In reply to Topamax - Update, posted by DharmaMama on October 22, 2003, at 8:33:21
I have also had this feeling of having spiderwebs on the tip of my nose. Creepy feeling, just in time for Halloween.
Posted by Sabina on October 27, 2003, at 1:08:36
In reply to Re: Topamax - Update (Sabina), posted by DharmaMama on October 23, 2003, at 9:48:24
1) Forgetting things! As it is my mind is racing 24/7 which leads to forgetting things, losing things, memory loss and having a hard time getting to sleep. How common is this, does it subside?
>>>>I have experienced racing thoughts since I was very young, which has been greatly helped by Seroquel at 100mg a day. However, both short term memory loss and confusion were already problems for me due to Fibromyalgia/Chronic Fatigue Symdrome. So I'm sorry I can't give you any hope as to those symptoma abating over time.
2) The idea of weight loss is great. In the past 9 months I have gained 20 lbs, I use to average around 100. When stopping Top. (and not starting anything else), how many gained weight?
>>>>I have only been on Topmax for a month, but I already tell I have lost some weight from the way my clothes fit. I can't let myself get hung up on scales and numbers or I'll drive myself nuts, but I've been pleased so far. My appetite is just greatly reduced, and I have absolutely no tolerance for alcohol. I can barely stand to smell it now, and I was largely self medicating before I found Seroquel and Topamax.
3) I have read on Top. website, "Do not take if you plan on becoming pregnant." Does anyone know if this med. causes damage to rep. system in females? Should one take precaution like those who take Accutane? There is a possibility we may want more kids. Sorry for the lengthy post, TIA."
>>>>From what I've read and what I understand, the only danger is to the developing fetus itself and not to the female reproductive system. In fact, I plan to wean off of the drug late next year to become pregnant myself.
I was only recently diagnosed with Bipolar II. Even though I am far from the picture of emotional well being, I am *so* much better than I was six months ago. SSRI's made me actively suicidal on a dialy basis. I have noticed that I already am very aware of a missed dose with Topamax, which gives me concerns for coming off of it next year. As far as other side effects, I have had a few headaches, some eye pain/pressure, dry/itchy nose and ears, intermittent insomnia, loss of appetite. I hate feeling like a slave to these meds, too, but I don't have much of a choice right now. I've reduced the stressors in my life as much as I can, but I can only do so much about my physical issues. Thanks for re-posting your original post. Please keep in touch with us about your progress. Good luck!
> As I said, I have not been diagnosed. A doc placed me on Topamax as a mood stabilizer. I am 26. I have social anxiety, bad temper, I have been depressed for as long as I can remember. I do exceptionally well at covering it up, even to myself. I have been in and out of therapy since 12. I have only been diagnosed with depression. On and off meds. I do not like taking meds. I was adopted at birth. Recently found out my mother died in '95 from apparent suicide heroin overdose. She was always depressed as well. I constantly think of suicide and have visions of the act in my mind. I self-mutilate. I often think to myself and find myself speaking my thoughts out loud. Embarassing. I think negatively of my looks.
>
> Overall, this has been a frustrating part of life. I am sure we all know and experience this. So far, Topamax has been good. Yes it is early. We are all different. Topamax may be for some and may not be for others. We just need to find out what is right for each of us.
>
Posted by DharmaMama on October 27, 2003, at 12:27:13
In reply to Re: Topamax - Update (Sabina) » DharmaMama, posted by Sabina on October 27, 2003, at 1:08:36
Hey, thanks for the reply. My appetite has dwindled a bit this past couple of weeks. I am such a foodie and I love good food. I love to cook different foods. Lately it has just been slop here, quiche here, stew there, etc. Nothing exciting, lol.
Alcohol, I normally enjoy a glass of wine or two. Even that is in the past. We drink socially about every three-four months (if that) with friends and I doubt that will happen.
I say I will taper off this within the next year so we can start TTC. During that time of trying I will not need it. I generally envelope myself with good thoughts, then let the hormones do the rest. Then of course while nursing I am always in a good mood. :)
Thanks again.
Posted by Sabina on October 29, 2003, at 11:46:24
In reply to Re: Topamax - Update (Sabina) Again!, posted by DharmaMama on October 27, 2003, at 12:27:13
I am now up to 100mg a day. I feel really out of sorts. That's no clinical description, I know. I'm not sad, irritable, depersonalized, agitated, or depressed...just "out of sorts" and hoping it will pass soon. My husband is just some guy is this house with me and why am I here anyway kind of feeling. Sleep isn't much better and I wake up from bad dreams with no idea where I am. Then again, I have a lot on my mind. Still, something is right about this drug for me because for the first time in my adult life, things that caused feelings of stress or nervousness in the past seem to dissipate. I no longer have any desire to reach for alcohol to self medicate my imbalance...balance is being chemically attained. I think it will be worth it if I can just get through the rough patches. I was really hoping to have weight *loss* as a side effect for a change (I've already gained on Seroquel). This has been the worst part so far, and it's not nearly as bad as what I experienced on Lexapro. Xanax is helping the situation until I feel better.
Posted by Sooshi on October 29, 2003, at 13:42:55
In reply to Re: Topamax - Update Again!, posted by Sabina on October 29, 2003, at 11:46:24
Hi all Topa users,
I'm on day 4 of 25mg once in eve, and haven't experienced too many side effects. I can really relate to Sabina's "out of sorts" feeling. Hard to describe...sort of being feverish without the fever? I'll have bouts of extreme tiredness on and off throughout the day, and can drop right off to sleep, but then I'll have periods of real "up" feelings, and I get a lot of stuff done. So far I'm really happy with my response to T...not nearly as bad as I anticipated, so I'm hoping I'll have the same type of responses as I go up on the dosages.Sounds like most have titrated up 25mg every 7 days? Would anyone recommend going any quicker if the se's aren't bothersome?
Posted by DharmaMama on October 29, 2003, at 14:29:48
In reply to Re: Topamax - Update , posted by Sooshi on October 29, 2003, at 13:42:55
I was wondering, tomorrow I go up to 100mg. I forget what the doc said, do I take two in morn and two at night? Right now on the 75mg I take two at night and 1 in morn. I forget. Ironic I guess, lol.
I have been wondering the same as you Sooshi, can I up sooner if the SE is not bad? I seem to level out or more (like begin to drop emotionally) soon after about 5-6 days. Like I get immune to the dose. I wonder if this will happend when the doc. maxes me out.
I think the "out of sorts" feeling has really helped me with the typical office drama here at work. I basically have that I don't give a s*** attitude.
Posted by Sabina on October 29, 2003, at 14:47:09
In reply to Re: Topamax - Update , posted by Sooshi on October 29, 2003, at 13:42:55
I titrated up to 100mg by 25's every seven days and there were times during those weeks when I also felt great for short spells and thought about increasing more rapidly. I have also had brief periods of feeling inexplicably uncomfortable. I would not recommend increasing your dosage any more rapidly than your current schedule for fear that you might regret it. I'm glad your experience with Topamax hasn't been as bad as you had anticipated so far. I hope you will continue to let your body adjust to it slowly. In retrospect, I am glad that I have done it that way. Good luck.
Posted by Sooshi on October 29, 2003, at 20:59:12
In reply to Re: Topamax - Update » Sooshi, posted by Sabina on October 29, 2003, at 14:47:09
Good advice, Sabina. I think I will take it easy and wait the 7 days, because I REALLY want this stuff to work. I've been on SO MANY drugs, and I'm tired, tired, tired.....I just want one to work! Thanks again!
Posted by Sooshi on October 29, 2003, at 21:07:30
In reply to Re: Topamax - Update (Sooshi Sabina), posted by DharmaMama on October 29, 2003, at 14:29:48
That's so funny about the attitude at work!! I think I'm going to take Sabina's advice and titrate up slowly, 25mg's a week, just to be on the safe side, since I really want this drug to work. As for when to take your doses, I don't really know...I'll need to contact my pdoc soon, because I don't even know when to take my 50mg next week! You would think you'd take all of this stuff at night since it makes you so sleepy (me, anyway). My pdoc wants me to reach a minimum goal of 200mg, so that's what I'm shooting for right now, but he didn't say how I would be taking it (100 in a.m., 100 in p.m. or 200 in p.m.?). Anyway, sorry I couldn't help you with your answer!
Posted by Sabina on October 29, 2003, at 22:27:15
In reply to Re: Topamax - Update (Sooshi Sabina) » DharmaMama, posted by Sooshi on October 29, 2003, at 21:07:30
When to take it: I asked my pdoc this same question about my 100mg of Topamax as well as my 100mg of Seroquel. He told me that it was entirely at my discretion from a therapeutic standpoint. The Topamax doesn't seem to knock me out like it does you, so I've been taking 50mg in the morning and then 50mg again at night, just to avoid any potential se's or that "out of sorts" feeling I've been having. (It's a different story with the Seroquel as I don't like the feeling I get when I take more than 25mg at any one time; but spaced doses are great.) What I'm getting at (obviously) is to do what suits you best. If it helps you sleep at night without having to add a benzo (like I sometimes/often need) then even better for you!
Posted by DharmaMama on November 1, 2003, at 21:06:43
In reply to Re: Topamax - Update II, posted by DharmaMama on October 25, 2003, at 23:34:46
Okay guys, I feel like I am on an acid trip. Seriously, not bragging here. However, I am a bit worried at times. There is not a label on the side of my bottle of meds warning me of being drowsey or anything. You know, some meds have that. Therefore, if you take yr meds and you drive, get in a wreck and are cited, you can get a DUI or DWI. I have had a DWI. It is not fun.
Here is a recent update on my 100mg:
I started on the 100mg on Thursday. I am taking 3 25mg at night and 1 25 in the morn. I took my three about 8:00 pm that night. Went to bed about 9:45. I co-sleep with my 2 yr old. Laughed hysterically when we went to sleep that night. Had to get up to go pee and felt drunk. I drove into work the next. I took my 7 year old into work with me (she was out of school). I have no idea how I made it in. I was blitzed. I felt like I was on acid. I have taken acid several times. I honestly felt unsafe.
Still had the spider web on the nose feeling. Had to go in. I am completely out of sick time and vacation time. I think I am in the red. I would feel okay at home, you know?? I feel okay right now. Have numbness in lower extremities. Loss of appetite. Overall, complete sense of calm. I do have that sense of "out of sorts".
I am enjoying a glass of wine.
I truly recommend, if you work, upping your dose on a Friday evening when a spouse/partner/relative is home. Especially when you have never tripped before.
Posted by karen_kay on November 2, 2003, at 11:30:53
In reply to Topamax - Update III, posted by DharmaMama on November 1, 2003, at 21:06:43
Hmmm.. I didn't get the acid trip feeling or the drunkeness feeling but I did get the spiderweb and "stupid" (sorry for saying it!!) feeling. It is up to you and how you feel you can take it. It will go away eventually. I am up to 300 mgs now and the stupidness is almost gone completely. The spidewebs come back occassionally but it doesn't really bother me. The piece of mind I have knowing that my mood swings are in check far out weigh the side effects associated with the medication. I know that I used to forget how to get home a lot. That was rather embarrassing and I still have problems spelling rather common words, which is frustrating as I am expected to write at a college level for classes. Thank goodness for spell check. I still have some problems learning new concepts as fast as I used to. New concepts used to just click. But, now I can appreciate that people learn at different paces. It is your decision as to whether you can stick it out. If the symptoms persist for an extreme amount of time without upping the dosage or get worse, to the point that they actually endanger you or your chil(ren), as they(the symptoms) are not mearly an inconvienience, I would strongly suggest you discontinue. But, the choice is yours to make. Good luck with that choice. Karen
Posted by DharmaMama on November 3, 2003, at 10:05:42
In reply to Re: Topamax - Update III, posted by karen_kay on November 2, 2003, at 11:30:53
I think I am going to stick it out. The acid trip feeling only last a couple of days. I find if I force myself to eat a good meal, I can stick it out. This also means get out doors and move about. Stimulate the mind and don't drive. I suggest walking around outside your home, working in the garden, going to the park, etc.
I was a total vegetable yesterday. I was craving a variety of different foods. I did not want to cook. So unlike me. However, I did not feel safe to drive with the kids. I felt I needed someone to drive me. I laid up in bed with the baby watching movies on the laptop. Took a three hour nap. My husband did manage to drag us out to eat.
I am normally very active and hardly at home type of person. Maybe this is what I need.
Still so early in the game.
Thanks so much, it is truly appreciated.
Posted by minty fresh on November 3, 2003, at 13:05:27
In reply to Re: Topamax - Update III - Karen, posted by DharmaMama on November 3, 2003, at 10:05:42
> Hi! I just started taking the stuff last week..today, actually tonight I up the dose to 50 mg. so far i have been sorta zombieish as well ..like you discribed! so i'm a bit nervous about it! So now what!? I have to drive every afternoon ! Usually I'm o.k then...the dr. has me take it at nighttime...but all the time I feel a bit "stupid" and usually I'm a witty, sharp verbose thing! Does the feeling of being doped ever go away....maybe putting up with the bad is worth it to keep the good creative juices going??? what do ya think? I mean I just started the stuff..so who knows! the other stuff we tried made me crazy speedy! I wish I had a garden!! LOL!!!
I think I am going to stick it out. The acid trip feeling only last a couple of days. I find if I force myself to eat a good meal, I can stick it out. This also means get out doors and move about. Stimulate the mind and don't drive. I suggest walking around outside your home, working in the garden, going to the park, etc.
>
> I was a total vegetable yesterday. I was craving a variety of different foods. I did not want to cook. So unlike me. However, I did not feel safe to drive with the kids. I felt I needed someone to drive me. I laid up in bed with the baby watching movies on the laptop. Took a three hour nap. My husband did manage to drag us out to eat.
>
> I am normally very active and hardly at home type of person. Maybe this is what I need.
>
> Still so early in the game.
>
> Thanks so much, it is truly appreciated.
Posted by karen_kay on November 3, 2003, at 16:05:59
In reply to Re: Topamax - Update III - Karen, posted by minty fresh on November 3, 2003, at 13:05:27
I have been on Topamax since the beginning of the summer and the stupid feeling is gone now. For a while, I was getting the letter I confused with the letter E but that is over with now. Also, new concepts took forever to learn. Now, I am happy to report my grades are back to normal (I'm a college student). I promise, the side effects do go away, if you can stick with them long enough. Karen
Oh, that acid trip thing happened to me, only with lithium.. my walls were bending for a while, but my levels were not toxic or anything... weird!!!
Posted by minty fresh on November 4, 2003, at 11:27:59
In reply to The stupid feeling goes away, posted by karen_kay on November 3, 2003, at 16:05:59
well thank god for that!! I have deadlines to meet..and I am worried about stuff!! mostly I am getting sorta squirrley and uncomfortable when im sittind down and im constantly readjusting myself...hmmm....I did my 50 mg. last night...
I do that I don't seem to be wanting to read anything deaper than magazines and comics though!! I guess Sarte and Genet' will have to wait!!! HA HA HA!!!
This is the end of the thread.
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