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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 24 of 24. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by sarahsundae on February 9, 2004, at 15:27:46
Is anyone currently taking it right now?
How often was the dose upped for you?
What side effects did you have?
Did you lose any weight?
TIA
Posted by helenag on February 9, 2004, at 22:15:29
In reply to another topamax question, posted by sarahsundae on February 9, 2004, at 15:27:46
Been on it for nine months, started at 25mg and titrated slowly up to 100mg, then titrated to 200mg and am now at 300mg.
Yes, I lost weight, 20 pounds so far from loss of appetite.
Side effects: numbness and tingling in hands and feet, cognitive difficulties (at the higher doses, didn't notice that until I was at 300mg)
Weight loss did not happen until 150mg.
Posted by Sooshi on February 9, 2004, at 22:23:43
In reply to another topamax question, posted by sarahsundae on February 9, 2004, at 15:27:46
>>Is anyone currently taking it right now?
Yes, 200mgs (mistakingly said 400 in another post!)
>>How often was the dose upped for you?
25mg per week, but might have gone slower if I knew better
>>What side effects did you have?
Extreme eye pain, which turned out to be dehydration (drink LOTS of water while taking this med); tingling face, lips, tongue, fingers & toes; extreme sleepiness/fatigue; cognitive problems - inability to remember what I was talking about, names, where I was going....; coordination problems and difficulty reading and writing
Almost all side effects have gone away except for tingling in feet, dry eyes and thirst, and some slight cognitive "slowness?".
>>Did you lose any weight?
16 pounds at first very easily, but has since stopped. I believe this side effect (loss of appetite), at least for some, is just another side effect your body eventually adjusts to, like all the other side effects, and you pretty much get back to normal (unfortunatly)!
Hope this helps!
Posted by aussie on February 10, 2004, at 0:49:39
In reply to another topamax question, posted by sarahsundae on February 9, 2004, at 15:27:46
I've been on it for 20 days, going up in 25mg jumps, am still at 75mg: 50mg at p.m., 25mg at a.m.
Tingly fingers. Can't always find the right word.
Love the loss of appetite. Too soon to look at weight loss, but I may have.Have you started it?
Posted by sarahsundae on February 10, 2004, at 6:46:17
In reply to Re: another topamax question » sarahsundae, posted by aussie on February 10, 2004, at 0:49:39
Thanks again for the input. I am just really curious that is all.
I started it on Friday and have noticed a few s/e so far. I'm on 25mg so far.
Thristy as all heck. My diet soda tastes pretty nasty. Loss of appetite, which I love and need anyway.
I've been very groggy first thing in the morning, but that goes away.
Last night I noticed the tingly/numbness in my toes at the supermarket but it went away after a few minutes.
I kept forgetting what I was doing at work for the first hour I was there yesterday, but that went away, too.
I'm just curious how other people react, that is all.
Does is cause acne? I noticed this morning I have a bit more then normal. Who knows.
Thanks!!
Posted by dazed on February 10, 2004, at 7:20:17
In reply to another topamax question, posted by sarahsundae on February 9, 2004, at 15:27:46
What are you guys taking Topomax for? ADD, migraines??
Posted by sarahsundae on February 10, 2004, at 8:37:11
In reply to Re: another topamax question, posted by dazed on February 10, 2004, at 7:20:17
I'm taking it as a mood stablizer for Bipolar disorder.
Posted by PoohBear on February 10, 2004, at 15:09:11
In reply to Re: another topamax question » dazed, posted by sarahsundae on February 10, 2004, at 8:37:11
I'm taking 50mg each night for sleep and mood stabilization. I have clinical depression and atypical bipolar. The Topamax helps to augment the Effexor I take. I have almost no side effects. Higher doseages meant sleepless nights, so I dropped the doseage back down.
No tingling, I don't drink soda anyway, no grogginess in the morning, no weird dreams. I DO get thristy and I DO try to drink plenty of water. I haven't noticed any real change in appetite.
Tony
Posted by Sooshi on February 10, 2004, at 17:26:32
In reply to Re: another topamax question-helenag,Sooshi,aussie, posted by sarahsundae on February 10, 2004, at 6:46:17
>>Does is cause acne? I noticed this morning I have a bit more then normal.
It sure has made my acne ALOT worse!
>>What do you take Topamax for?
Mood stabilization (BPII)
Posted by helenag on February 10, 2004, at 22:30:54
In reply to Re: another topamax question-helenag,Sooshi,aussie » sarahsundae, posted by Sooshi on February 10, 2004, at 17:26:32
Never noticed that it caused any trouble with acne. It does cause some dry mouth, though.
Take it for mood stabilization.
Posted by aussie on February 11, 2004, at 1:06:03
In reply to Re: another topamax question, posted by dazed on February 10, 2004, at 7:20:17
I take it for Anxiety/depression to augment my Effexor, yeah mood stabilisation.
Haven't noticed any acne effects but I'm an older babe!Has anyone noticed increased anxiety when ramping up their dose? This drug may not be good for me.
Posted by Sooshi on February 11, 2004, at 9:06:16
In reply to Re: another topamax question, posted by aussie on February 11, 2004, at 1:06:03
Hey, I'm an older babe, too! (40, and that ain't no teenager!) and it's REALLY made me break out, but I've always had bad/oily skin to begin with, so I think that has something to do with it. You would think that with the drying effect that Topa has, it would DRY up the oil, not make it worse!
I did not notice an increase in anxiety when I titrated up in dosage, just an intense desire to sleep like a log. I also take it with Effexor. Does your anxiety eventually go away?
I'm not exactly getting the desired "mood" stabilization I had hoped for with Topamax, and the doctor is now wanting to add a small amount of Lithium....I just can't seem to get rid of the mixed states I feel, i.e. all ramped up one day then depressed as heck the next.
Posted by sarahsundae on February 11, 2004, at 9:25:18
In reply to Re: another topamax question-helenag,Sooshi,aussie » sarahsundae, posted by Sooshi on February 10, 2004, at 17:26:32
I have very dry skin and I broke out a lot yesterday morning. I was trying to blame it on my monthly cycle, but I dont't think that is it.
I am hoping it does help with my BPII. I don't want to take anything that may cause weight gain (that is why I'm not on anything "bigger" at this time).
I don't have anymore anxiety then usual. LOL
Posted by KellyMSE on February 11, 2004, at 22:22:10
In reply to Re: another topamax question, posted by sarahsundae on February 11, 2004, at 9:25:18
Am supposed to start today, and therefore looking at other people's experience. Concerned about mental capability and not too thrilled to hear about hair loss! Kidney stones in my immediate family, so that is a biggy as well.
Hope this will work, I am pretty refractory it seems. Last year was hell, and I went through all kinds of different meds with nasty side effects.Kelly
Posted by jx on February 12, 2004, at 2:57:38
In reply to Re: another topamax question, posted by KellyMSE on February 11, 2004, at 22:22:10
I started Topamax (at 25mg/day) one week ago for
(1)To loose some weight from the rapid SSRI gain (15% of my body mass in a couple of months)
(2) A mood stabilizer
(3) chronic pain medMy questions about Topamax are:
(1) At what dose does the weight loss begin?
(2) How fast does the weight come off?
(3) Typically, at what dose do the cognitive side effects kick in?
(4) Might using a better pain agent (Neurontin) and going on Atkins be a better way to loose the weight?I am also on 200mg/day of provigil and
40 mg/day of celexa. My main problem right now is extreme fatigue. I am in a grueling rehab program to recover from some injuries and I cannot be this exhausted all the time. Not to mention that I drink about 4 liters of water a day and I am still thirsty all of the time. Also, I am constanting yawning.Thanks beforehand.
Posted by sarahsundae on February 13, 2004, at 12:26:58
In reply to Re: another topamax question, posted by KellyMSE on February 11, 2004, at 22:22:10
I started last Friday at 25mg and will up it to 50mg tomorrow per MD orders. I noticed a lot of dry mouth the first week, no hair loss, a little acne, and I was groggy the first few days. That is it so far.
Posted by KellyMSE on February 14, 2004, at 16:15:58
In reply to Re: another topamax question » KellyMSE, posted by sarahsundae on February 13, 2004, at 12:26:58
> I started last Friday at 25mg and will up it to 50mg tomorrow per MD orders. I noticed a lot of dry mouth the first week, no hair loss, a little acne, and I was groggy the first few days. That is it so far.
Thank you. I need to be more patient, which is difficult with the nightmares. I seem to be more sleepy, am very thirsty and get bad heacaches if I don't drink A LOT. Everything else could be what I would usually be dealing with anyway. Why did you get this one prescribed? Are you also difficult to treat?
Posted by Sooshi on February 14, 2004, at 18:41:21
In reply to Topamax question + Provigil + Celexa, posted by jx on February 12, 2004, at 2:57:38
Hi jx,
I will try to help answer some of your questions:My questions about Topamax are:
(1) At what dose does the weight loss begin?>>>The average seems to be around 100mgs. That's where it started for me.
(2) How fast does the weight come off?
>>>FAST. I was losing 3lbs a week, if not more. BUT, once my body adjusted to the medication, all weight loss came to an abrupt halt, and I haven't lost any more...I haven't gained any either, though.
(3) Typically, at what dose do the cognitive side effects kick in?
>>>For me, this started in pretty quickly. I started with the extreme sleepiness, which automatically made me slower, then as my dose got higher, driving got very difficult, as did writing and typing, and coming up with simple names and such. I'd say at about 75mgs it began.
(4) Might using a better pain agent (Neurontin) and going on Atkins be a better way to loose the weight?
>>>Topamax incidentally took away my sciatica pain and chronic tendonitis, which I hadn't even planned on, so it is good for pain! I definately would not plan on Topamax alone for weight loss. I guess some people are losing tons of weight, but I don't think it's in the majority. There is no magic bullet. (Others will have to chime in here if they are just melting away! It just ain't working out that way for me!)
Hope this helps a little,
Sooshi
Posted by bristol on February 15, 2004, at 16:17:59
In reply to another topamax question, posted by sarahsundae on February 9, 2004, at 15:27:46
Topomax- I went up gradually and yes, I lost the weight but I've since gained it back. I also got a lot more than I bargained for with Topomax - I ended up being really spacy and not saying my words right...like I'd say my jeans were too big instead of too loose and I'd say my dead dog's name in stead of my new dog's name and instead of getting a lot of lumber for the house, I'd say limber. I was confused all the time. I lost circulation in my hands and feet. I slept 18 hours a day - So - they put me on it as an adjunct for BP2 to lose the weight that I gained on depakote but I ended up being comatose and seeing my own funeral in my dreams. I didn't do well on this drug.
Posted by jx on February 15, 2004, at 17:45:38
In reply to Re: Topamax question + Provigil + Celexa » jx, posted by Sooshi on February 14, 2004, at 18:41:21
Thank you Sooshi for your help.
From your e-mail, it does not seem that you have any cognitive difficulties! You must be off of it now?I have been extremely sleepy for the last 2 weeks. In fact, every time I lie down on my exercise matt to start my rehab program, I simply want to sleep. Hmm, maybe I should talk to my Pdoc and start titrating off of it.
Although it may have some pain relieving qualities, the sleepiness combined with the headaches, which at this point I don't know are from the provigil or the topamax, I might be better off without Topamax.
As far as the weight loss/maybe I will try a strict diet instead of ramping up to 100mg/day and compromise other aspects of my life (my mental alertness).
All of this is so confusing at times.
Posted by Mags on February 15, 2004, at 18:10:53
In reply to Re: Topamax + provigil, posted by jx on February 15, 2004, at 17:45:38
jx, the headaches are probably from the Provigil....I got them from it.....a lot of people are put on Topamax to cure headaches..but of course YMMV.....
Mags
Posted by theo on February 15, 2004, at 22:55:23
In reply to Re: Topamax + provigil, posted by Mags on February 15, 2004, at 18:10:53
I never have headaches and was excited about taking Provigil. The first day I took 100mg I felt pretty great, went to bed and woke up about 3:00am with the worst hedache I'd ever had in my life and it took a couple of days for it to go away. Makes you wonder what it's doing to your brain. I think I'll wait a few years on Provigil till it's a little better established safety wise. They don't even know exactly what this drug does!
Posted by Sooshi on February 15, 2004, at 23:07:55
In reply to Re: Topamax + provigil, posted by jx on February 15, 2004, at 17:45:38
No, I'm not off of it...still taking 200mg every day! Most of my cognitive probs have died down alot. I still get goofy trying to come up with words/names a lot, but it has not affected my overall intellectual ability (which weren't much to begin wit!)
The sleepiness was a real major problem for me too, especially during the first month. It did eventually go away, at least for me. But I take Effexor, which is very stimulating (for me, anyway) so that helps me alot.
It IS very confusing...I don't know what to do at this point either. Topa seems to be working, but also feels like I might need an increase in dosage, and/or the pdoc wants to amp it up w/lithium..... Like you said, it's so confusing!!!
Posted by lorilu on April 20, 2004, at 1:49:49
In reply to Re: Topamax + provigil » jx, posted by Sooshi on February 15, 2004, at 23:07:55
> No, I'm not off of it...still taking 200mg every day! Most of my cognitive probs have died down alot. I still get goofy trying to come up with words/names a lot, but it has not affected my overall intellectual ability (which weren't much to begin wit!)
>
> The sleepiness was a real major problem for me too, especially during the first month. It did eventually go away, at least for me. But I take Effexor, which is very stimulating (for me, anyway) so that helps me alot.
>
> It IS very confusing...I don't know what to do at this point either. Topa seems to be working, but also feels like I might need an increase in dosage, and/or the pdoc wants to amp it up w/lithium..... Like you said, it's so confusing!!!Hi!
I've been taking 400 mg. of Topamax (200 in am and 200 in pm)+ 75 mg. of Effexor and just started 200 mg. Provigil. I have had great success with the 400mg of Stupidmax minus the fact that an hour after I take it you can't tell I have a Masters in Education, although I think Provigil has helped in that area. I am starting to get my headaches back and that definitely
must be from the Provigil. I did not know that could be a side effect but that has been the only change in meds.By the way, it doesn't seem that any of you take this combo of meds for anxiety disorders, cyclic mood disorders, OCD, overactive cingulate....any ideas???
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