Psycho-Babble Medication Thread 5053

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Re:topamax » sunsplashinwaves

Posted by headachequeen on August 20, 2005, at 21:09:13

In reply to Re:topamax » Anne Marie, posted by sunsplashinwaves on August 20, 2005, at 17:43:31

> > Hello All!
> >
> > I was diagnosed about six months ago with Bipolar Disorder. Have had it for many years but really didn't have any truly challenging problems until after the birth of my second child...I completely went bonkers! Have been on every medication I can think of trying to get it under control but have really not had much success to note but have managed to add 55 lbs...which as we all know can do really bad things for the psychie! I recently went off of Zoloft...my most recent poison...because it did nothing but make me irritable and weepy...my doctor has agreed to let me try Topamax in conjuntion with Adderall ( did I mention I also have ADHD?) thinking the Adderall might help ward off the "brainfog" that is sometimes associated with Topomax. Has anyone tried this combination? First, did it help with the fogginess and second, were you able to lose any weight?
>
> ***** OMG!!! My Dr just added Topamax to my daily meds. I have been on it before but was taken off of it b/c it made me so very mean. So, now I have been on Adderall & Adderall XR for about a year and Xanax (for emergencies he says **smiles**) and Percocet (for disc pain in my back) and newly added back Topamax... I was just thinking the same thing... He said that I am the only patient he had prescribed these together for. He says I just have to loose this weight. I lost 2 lbs between my last 2 visits and he was rather happy with it considering the time before I had gained weight. I was on Zoloft during my last pregnancy b/c it was safe to take and I don't really feel like it did anything. The Xanax really "saves" me when I feel overwhelmed and know I need to keep it under control or keep my mouth shut. So, as for side effects... I have been on all of these for about the past week... Starting slow on the Topamax at 25mg at bedtime and I feel like a truck has hit me... How about you?

I don't know about this combination of meds...
I do know about ADD and ADHD... oh yes indeed I do sigh

one of the first things I am going to suggest is that you stop panicking and worrying about past reactions and anyone else's reactions...
our thoughts create our realities... that is not quite the way I want to phrase it, but it is the gist of what I want to say...
oh but I hope that makes sense...
it is one of those days when I am so exhausted that I have not enough energy to sleep...
but I feel this is important and I am going to try and write it...
so try to read what I mean please :)

too often we read other people's reactions and worries and allow them to frame our responses and realities... and it gets us nowhere...

you are starting now at a low dose and starting in the evening. That is good. That is a great way to start. The people who have done serious studies on this med recommend this... and they have good reasons for it...

as for feeling as if a truck has hit you, of course you do. Your body and system have been through so much -- you have disc problems, you have gained weight which does not help those discs nor does it help the rest of your body adjust to the problems or the pain, need I catalogue the rest?
Your body feels the need to have a rest and is saying that it needs a break, it feels as if it were hit by a truck...
when I started topomax I started taking it in the morning.. somehow got the schedule mixed up and I felt as if I had swallowed a cement mixer... my fault... always read the destructions!!!
My body was trying to tell me something that I needed to know...

The neurologist told me to take at least two weeks before moving on to the next dosage... because I messed up the time table, I waited an extra week... at least I got that part right...
and it worked...
and I began to lose weight almost at once.. in the first week or so I lost three pounds...
no great landmark, but a beginning and it was encouraging, although the main reason was to control epileptic activity and migraine...

at this point I have lost track of the weight loss but topomax is controlling the epilepsy all by itself...
at first it was a support med for tegretol and later I was given a third med as well...
I quit taking tegretol and with the information I now have about tegretol I think the neurologists need to take some refresher courses on pharmaceuticals. That is a truly DANGEROUS medication... I knew it had side effects but I had no idea how deadly it was...
I have also quit using the holy batman stuff and am doing wonderfully with just topomax...
no migraine and no seizures, despite a recent hurricane level of stress in my life...

The early information I received about topomax had me wondering if I should simply abandon it and stick to tegretol alone, put up with the migraines and hope that increased doses of tegretol would eventually deal with my seizure activity...

well I know now that it would not have worked; the tegretol was exacerbating the problem and would have caused irreversible liver damage and heaven alone knows what else...
Topomax has given me a great deal of freedom...
it does not affect my mood, it has not caused my hair to fall out, and it has not affected my memory...
as long as I follow the directions, drink lots of water and don't forget to take the meds at the proper intervals... forgetting to take the pills at the right times means a seizure is likely to occur...
I am going to be fine...

you have to give it a chance to work for you...
positive energy and positive thoughts about your future will shape your reality...
don't look for the negative things that happened to someone else or that happened in the past...
see what happens this time

Stay on the low dose for two or three weeks or longer if your system requires it, before you move up to the next level...
give your body a chance...
and lots of good luck and energy
kat

 

Re:topamax

Posted by DonnieW on August 30, 2005, at 3:02:49

In reply to Re:topamax » Anne Marie, posted by sunsplashinwaves on August 20, 2005, at 17:43:31

I am a 37 yo male that was diagnosed bi-polar in Feb 05 . After being put on prozac, then lexapro and having no luck My doc put me on Depakote er in April. I currently take 2000 mg of Depakote ER ,200 mg Trazadone for sleep, 1 mg risperdal for paranoia and 22.5 mg tranxene for anxiety. Since going on Depakote I have went from 215 lbs. in April to 250 now . My Dr. just put me on Topamax today 50 mg a day for week 1 then 100 mg a day week 2. Can I expect any weight loss ? I am already cloudy at times from the drug cocktail He has me on and worry about more side effects from Topamax

 

Re:topamax » DonnieW

Posted by headachequeen on August 30, 2005, at 8:35:57

In reply to Re:topamax, posted by DonnieW on August 30, 2005, at 3:02:49

> I am a 37 yo male that was diagnosed bi-polar in Feb 05 . After being put on prozac, then lexapro and having no luck My doc put me on Depakote er in April. I currently take 2000 mg of Depakote ER ,200 mg Trazadone for sleep, 1 mg risperdal for paranoia and 22.5 mg tranxene for anxiety. Since going on Depakote I have went from 215 lbs. in April to 250 now . My Dr. just put me on Topamax today 50 mg a day for week 1 then 100 mg a day week 2. Can I expect any weight loss ? I am already cloudy at times from the drug cocktail He has me on and worry about more side effects from Topamax


Donnie W, good morning, at least it is morning here,
you can certainly expect side effects in the beginning if you start at such a high dose and move up so quickly.

it is fat better and safer to start at 25 mg and stay on it for two weeks then move up to 50 and stay there for at least two weeks and so on...

and take it in the evening if you are prescribed only one dose a day...

many doctors who are conversant with the med prescribe it in half doses, part in the evening and part in the morning...

good luck
kat

 

Re:topamax

Posted by DonnieW on August 30, 2005, at 15:15:34

In reply to Re:topamax » DonnieW, posted by headachequeen on August 30, 2005, at 8:35:57

Thanks Kat, My Dr. did say to take 25 mg. twice a day but I will start at 25 mg a day Thanks again , Donnie

 

Re:topamax » DonnieW

Posted by headachequeen on August 30, 2005, at 16:02:43

In reply to Re:topamax, posted by DonnieW on August 30, 2005, at 15:15:34

> Thanks Kat, My Dr. did say to take 25 mg. twice a day but I will start at 25 mg a day Thanks again , Donnie

That is a good idea...
the side effects start when people take too much too soon...

and be sure not to titer up too fast...
stay on the 25 for at least two weeks
you can give your system longer at that dosage too if it seems the right thing to do...

let your body be the guide... it knows best some times....

another good idea is to take it in the evening...
for some reason starting in the morning is really not the best idea...
trust me, I've been there, done that, and did not want the t-shirt
kat

 

Re: topomax

Posted by headache pain on October 14, 2005, at 10:28:41

In reply to Re: topomax, posted by jelly on July 18, 2005, at 11:59:21

Hi Jelly, I am so glad to hear that topomax is working for your migraines. I am just starting today on 25 mg. I am worried about side effects but am at the point with my migraines im desperate to get them at the very least minimized. I have them for about 12 days a month, its no way to live, it affects not only my life but my families too. I had been on ametriptiline for about 2 years and it worked great for preventing migraines I quit having them altogether but I gained 30 pounds, and with a family histroy of weight related diabetis I was scared so I quit taking it about 10 months ago and am now having frequent and severe migraines again. I have a little bussy feeling since taking the Topomax this moring, would it be better to take it at bedtime for the first week? Thanks, headache pain

 

Re: topomax

Posted by bridgey1128 on December 23, 2005, at 12:58:18

In reply to Re: topomax, posted by headache pain on October 14, 2005, at 10:28:41

I just started back on it again. I gained all 30lbs back after I stopped taking it!!! AAAAAHHH!!! Very frustrating. I have started again hoping just to stay on 50mg for a while. I have learned to deal with my moods. I just need some help with the weight.

 

Re: topomax » bridgey1128

Posted by headachequeen on December 26, 2005, at 20:34:12

In reply to Re: topomax, posted by bridgey1128 on December 23, 2005, at 12:58:18

> I just started back on it again. I gained all 30lbs back after I stopped taking it!!! AAAAAHHH!!! Very frustrating. I have started again hoping just to stay on 50mg for a while. I have learned to deal with my moods. I just need some help with the weight.

Hi Bridgey! The first time I went for that intensive eeg telemetry etc ad infinitum test the tech doing the test was the one who had been involved in the work involving topomax and weight loss. The neurologist she worked with was the one who linked topomax and its side effect with weight loss and did the studies that followed up on the side effect...
she warned me that when one stopped taking topomax the weight would flood back in a hurry...
and it seems to be the case...

I just noticed a post .. have not been getting the posts for a while... from someone wondering if it is better to start taking topomax in the evening...
when one starts on this stuff, it is always better to start on low doses and to start with evening doses until one attains half the planned total dosage... then add morning dosages working up to the other half over a slow period of time...

Bridgey, I hope that you can work out the moods and the weight...
I am still working on a migraine-free life and using topomax to manage a seizure-free life without the dread topomax...
but discovered that the neurologist using me and the fact that the variation of epilepsy that I am blessed with as a source of information for his next publication...
so have been postponing appointments.. the tests he orders cause seizures so they can study them and their effects and that sets off a new series of seizures until the topomax gets them under control, including daytime ones...
so I hate to be a wet blanket but he can find another guinea pig...
have had several massive seizures since the last intensive etc and it is following the pattern that led up to that hospital stay after the statis episode... don't really feel like repeating history

my regular doctor has increased the topomax to control the seizures and will slowly reduce it when things are under control....

and so far no side effects other than to the tests... arrgghhh

kat

 

Re: topamax

Posted by RA Girl on January 20, 2006, at 22:27:06

In reply to Re: topamax, posted by mj on May 10, 2000, at 15:09:33

I currently take 200 MG of Topamax daily for migraines. It works great, but I'm losing my hair. Anyone else experiencing that side effect? I have been on it for about 8 months. Food still tastes the same, haven't lost a pound. Felt a lot of confusion and fogginess at first...now just forgetful, and nearly bald!!!

 

Re: topamax » RA Girl

Posted by sunsplashinwaves on January 20, 2006, at 22:37:48

In reply to Re: topamax, posted by RA Girl on January 20, 2006, at 22:27:06

I am on Topamax and I have been on it twice - this time for about 10 mnths this time. I lost my hair a little bit in the begining. As I started to loose weight my hair got healthier. I have been on Adderall also and have had sucess with the combo of the 2 meds together. I wish you luck. Let me know if you have any questions.

> I currently take 200 MG of Topamax daily for migraines. It works great, but I'm losing my hair. Anyone else experiencing that side effect? I have been on it for about 8 months. Food still tastes the same, haven't lost a pound. Felt a lot of confusion and fogginess at first...now just forgetful, and nearly bald!!!

 

Re: topamax

Posted by RA Girl on January 20, 2006, at 22:51:34

In reply to Re: topamax » RA Girl, posted by sunsplashinwaves on January 20, 2006, at 22:37:48

Thanks for your response! I'm not just losing a little hair though. This is serious. I will be needing a wig soon! I lose a big clump every time I wash it, and dry it. It falls out all over my clothes during the day. I take a lot of other drugs, but this is the only new one. I think I want to get off of it.

 

Re: topamax » RA Girl

Posted by sunsplashinwaves on January 20, 2006, at 22:56:35

In reply to Re: topamax, posted by RA Girl on January 20, 2006, at 22:51:34

I think I would get off of it too... that is pretty scary... I knew that was a side effect but I didn't think it actuaklt happened... I wish you the vert best - email me if you need me on AOL.

 

Re: topamax

Posted by stresser on January 22, 2006, at 9:03:22

In reply to Re: topamax » RA Girl, posted by sunsplashinwaves on January 20, 2006, at 22:56:35

Have you tried lowering your dosage? My daughter had some troube with her hair falling out at 400mg, but by lowering it to 300mg she is doing much better. She is still losing some hair, but not as much. She also takes Adderall, and is having great luck with that combination.
L

 

Re: topamax

Posted by rainy on January 22, 2006, at 10:49:09

In reply to Re: topamax, posted by stresser on January 22, 2006, at 9:03:22

I haven't had trouble with Topamax causing my heair to fall out, but Lamictal surely did. I found that 180 mcg of zinc in one doze and 1000 mcg of biotin three times a day slowed the process immediately. Then I stopped taking Lamictal and felt better all over right away, which sort of begs the question of Topamax, which I'm still on. (400 mgs.) But my hair isn't falling out with the biotin and zinc, which I sometimes forget to take.

I buy the supplements at Target, where they seem to be least expensive. There may be more suggestions on the alternative meds board where I'll bet this gets switched.

Best of luck to you.

Rainy.

 

Re: topamax » RA Girl

Posted by headachequeen on January 23, 2006, at 18:14:05

In reply to Re: topamax, posted by RA Girl on January 20, 2006, at 22:51:34

> Thanks for your response! I'm not just losing a little hair though. This is serious. I will be needing a wig soon! I lose a big clump every time I wash it, and dry it. It falls out all over my clothes during the day. I take a lot of other drugs, but this is the only new one. I think I want to get off of it.

How long have you been taking Topomax and what dose did you start at? When people start at high doses and titre up too quickly the side effects are horrendous...

too often doctors prescribe it without full cognizance of the proper protocol.
I have been fortunate in that the doctors I am seeing are the ones who were involved in early testing of the medication...
the neurologist I see at the moment is the one who discovered its propensity to help with weight loss and did the tests regarding that particular side effect...
the one who actually prescribed it for me is a head ache specialist... knew precious little about epilepsy but I have not had a migraine since I started using the stuff... and as he started me on a low dose and insisted that I increase it at two week intervals, and then only if my body had adjusted to the first dose, I have had few problems with side effects...

the protocol is to reach half the dose - in low increments at two week or longer intervals - in evening doses, then start at the same low dose in morning doses, again two week or longer intervals
until the full dose needed is attained

so a 200 mg dose would be taken half in the evening and half in the morning... 12 hours apart to achieve maximum effect
starting with 25 mg in the evening then increasing by 25 mg at two week intervals until the 100 is reached, then starting in the mornings at 25 and so on...

the side effects do not have to be a problem...

I have been down to 400 as the head aches and seizures seemed to be under control, but then the neurologist wanted to try some further testing to get some more info and the pattern changed thanks to the tests... he has his information on this rarer form of epilepsy and I have to work things through until I achieve the former balance, so now we are working back to 600 mg a day to see if that balances things again...
such fun... club Med takes on new meaning when it means time in hospital to overcome the effects of these tests...
oh well, fool me once, shame on you.. fool me twice shame on me.. I shall not agree to any further of their intensive etc EEGs...
once the topomax has my wiring balanced I shall simply keep re-sheduling my appointments and let the topomax do its thing ...

it does wonders with migraines and wonders with seizures...

as for weight... well, that is another matter...
not sure if it is topomax or what, but I have lost so much weight that is now an issue...
at first it was great to lose the weight the wrong meds caused me to gain, now it is becoming a concern.

anyone with extra, I could use it...

kat

 

Re: topamax

Posted by headachequeen on January 23, 2006, at 18:16:20

In reply to Re: topamax, posted by stresser on January 22, 2006, at 9:03:22

> Have you tried lowering your dosage? My daughter had some troube with her hair falling out at 400mg, but by lowering it to 300mg she is doing much better. She is still losing some hair, but not as much. She also takes Adderall, and is having great luck with that combination.
> L

Oh but it is good to see that you and M are still here <G>
I have missed you...
how is she doing? and how are you doing?
Is she managing to get things back on track?
E-mail if this is not topical...

kat

 

Re: topamax

Posted by rainy on January 23, 2006, at 18:47:34

In reply to Re: topamax, posted by headachequeen on January 23, 2006, at 18:16:20

Yeah, L, I second Kats's message--I've forgotten how to babble or I would you since your e-mail comes back to me. How are you and M doing? Please say a little more about allderal, even though this is a topamax board.

I've done well, even through the throes of surgery since the weather turned appropriate and the leaves finally fell off. It needs to be colder but as long as it's below 45 my mood is stable. We could use some snow. I'm sure I have the opposite of SADD.

Write to me if you can.

Rainy

 

Re: topamax

Posted by stresser on January 25, 2006, at 20:38:39

In reply to Re: topamax, posted by rainy on January 22, 2006, at 10:49:09

Adderall is for ADD, but sometimes with Bipolar (even if you aren't ADD) it does help with depression. In my daughter's case, it has been the "key" to the puzzle. I mean that as in getting her grades and mind to focus like she used to be able to do around two years ago, when she developed the symptoms to BPII. Within two weeks of starting the adderall, things started to change for the better. It was really hard for me to persuade the doctor to let her try the combination, because she doesn't have ADD. I did convince him that I have read studies, and know that BPII patients can benefit from it. He then decided after two visits of nagging (and I can nag) that he would go ahead and give it a try. Soooo, there you go. The story of Topomax, Adderall, Welbutrin, and Trileptal for BPII. So far...this one is working.
How are things working for everyone else? -L

 

Re: topamax

Posted by fierycelt on January 25, 2006, at 20:50:23

In reply to Re: topamax, posted by rainy on January 23, 2006, at 18:47:34

...today i was diagnosed with Bi-Polar disorder...a relief to know what was "wrong" with me all these years...I'm 39. However, this board has me COMPLETELY FREAKED OUT!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hair loss? Loss of Balance? Loss of Cognitive Skills? Excessive Tiredness?(is this a word?) I have read the last 50 posts or so and just sat here and CRIED!!! I have gained 50 lbs on Lexapro, so I stopped that!! (was going to lose my job)
Regained my energy and started back at the gym...HELLO... NEED MY BALANCE & ENERGY. I have a job that requires me to NOT LOSE HAIR and maintain my ability to walk/dance on very HIGH HEELS...YUP I'm a "dancer"...
My cognitive skills have to be intact to "talk" to customers. At this point it is only my SHARP MIND that is making me any money at all!! I also have to be alert enough to drive 1.5 hours to work!! SEVERE weight gain hurt my money...fat & unhappy doesn't make money!!!
My doctor also prescribed Cymbalta for depression and we haven't even begun to address my ADDHD...HHHMMM my life goal...to be a pill-head *sarcasm*...
I am thinking I am better off staying "CRAZY"...at this point my life is completely in the cr*pper and this drug doesn't sound like it is going to improve it...AT ALL!!
Although I am slightly amused by the visual of me fat, bald, stupid and falling over on stage!!!
I truly admire any of you who have sucked it up and just taken Topomax...although I recognize epilepsy is far more serious than being Bi-Polar...I am sure someone out there disagrees with me...I guess it is all relative/subjective.
Anyone have any words of encouragement...tell me I have read "worst-case senarios"...and that I am completely over-reacting(typical bi-polar stuff)
I liked the advice of one individual who cautioned against the weekly increases and suggested bi-weekly increases...SLOWLY...OK works for me...sorry I don't remember your name...you should get credit...maybe Kat?!
THANK YOU...in advance
S

 

Re: topamax

Posted by stresser on January 25, 2006, at 21:11:01

In reply to Re: topamax, posted by fierycelt on January 25, 2006, at 20:50:23

Thank goodness I am still on here....don't freak out! I didn't tell you that I am BPII also, and I am fine!!! You will be also in a few weeks or so! You just have to get your meds right, and once you do that, things will start to even out. BELIEVE ME, ask Kat, Rainy, etc. I was on here EVERY DAY!!! No joke! Whinning, because it takes time, and they told me that. Over, and over, and over... I'm not making too much sense right now, because I'm tired and in a hurry, so please excuse me. You will know when a medication isn't right for you, and when you do, don't be afraid to stand up for yourself and tell your doctor that you want something else. Research in the internet, and go into the office with the information on the sheet of paper. You will have the reasons right there why you want the medication, and you will be answering his questions before he begins to ask you. Be one step ahead. You won't always get hair loss on Topomas...I did not. Welbutrin won't make you gain weight...my daughter loves it and she hasn't gained a pound..in fact, she has lost about 20lbs on topomax, Adderall and Welbutrin together. I take Adderall, and Topomax along with Zolof, and havan't had any weight gain at all. My memory is fine for a 44 year old? (I think) I will take it, because the adderall has helped with motivation, and my personal business has taken off like I thought it never could! Kudos for Adderall and BPII. To think I was walking around for 43 years without Topomax and Adderall, while everyone else was living like I am now. (with Topomax and Adderall. I asked my DR if that is what it's like, and she said yes, for some people) what a waste of 40 some years.
Good luck to you. What I am saying is don't be let down, be happy you found OUT, and can get going on the door that had been opened for you! Life can change for the better, unlike you don't even know yet. Consider youself LUCKY. Some people never find out, and suffer for years. Let me know how you are doing. Now get going, and make something happen. -L

 

Re: thread vs. board

Posted by Dr. Bob on January 25, 2006, at 23:19:21

In reply to Re: topamax, posted by rainy on January 23, 2006, at 18:47:34

> this is a topamax board.

Just to be clear, this is a Topamax thread on a board:

http://www.dr-bob.org/babble

that covers a whole lot more. In case anyone just follows this particular discussion...

Bob

 

Re: thread vs. board

Posted by rainy on January 26, 2006, at 9:17:41

In reply to Re: thread vs. board, posted by Dr. Bob on January 25, 2006, at 23:19:21

Ooops. Sorry. I tend toward sloppy syntax when I'm feeling gulity and I completely forgot about the thread part anyway. I'll try not to let it happen again.

Rainy

 

Re: topamax

Posted by fierycelt on January 26, 2006, at 18:06:19

In reply to Re: topamax, posted by stresser on January 25, 2006, at 21:11:01

to "stressor/L"....Thank You!! I appreciate your words of encouragement. I am also very glad to hear of someone having great sucess in life!! After all, it is quality not quantity that matters!! Good for you!!!
I'm ok with my diagnosis, almost relieved, it is just the side effects of the meds that worry me!!! Like I said, it is important that I'm not stupid, bald or falling over...it will interfer with my job!! I also am taking Cymbalta and maybe my Dr. will eventually add Adderall to the "mixture". My goal is to have the successful life that has eluded me thus far. It is weird, all my life I have felt like I was moving "counter-clock-wise" while the rest of the world has been moving the "normal clock-wise"!! Hopefully Topamax will be tha answer to my extreme moods and help me move "clock-wise"!! Only "TIME" will tell...lol a terrible pun, couldn't help myself!! Thnak you again!!
S

 

Re: thread vs. board

Posted by Dr. Bob on January 27, 2006, at 1:50:08

In reply to Re: thread vs. board, posted by rainy on January 26, 2006, at 9:17:41

> Ooops. Sorry. I tend toward sloppy syntax when I'm feeling gulity and I completely forgot about the thread part anyway. I'll try not to let it happen again.

I didn't mean to jump on you or anything! I do think sometimes people Google into a thread and think that's the whole board...

Bob

 

Re: topamax » fierycelt

Posted by headachequeen on January 27, 2006, at 19:15:16

In reply to Re: topamax, posted by fierycelt on January 26, 2006, at 18:06:19

> to "stressor/L"....Thank You!! I appreciate your words of encouragement. I am also very glad to hear of someone having great sucess in life!! After all, it is quality not quantity that matters!! Good for you!!!
> I'm ok with my diagnosis, almost relieved, it is just the side effects of the meds that worry me!!! Like I said, it is important that I'm not stupid, bald or falling over...it will interfer with my job!! I also am taking Cymbalta and maybe my Dr. will eventually add Adderall to the "mixture". My goal is to have the successful life that has eluded me thus far. It is weird, all my life I have felt like I was moving "counter-clock-wise" while the rest of the world has been moving the "normal clock-wise"!! Hopefully Topamax will be tha answer to my extreme moods and help me move "clock-wise"!! Only "TIME" will tell...lol a terrible pun, couldn't help myself!! Thnak you again!!
> S

I love the nom de plume.. wish I had thought of it... headache queen does not have quite the ring of fierycelt... <g> besides, I have not had a headache in so long that the name is a total lie...

and being a redhead and a Celt, well, anyway, back on topic...

I need to have my cognitive skills firmly in hand...
I make my living thinking on my feet and thinking quickly at that. I am a journalist -- television news and information shows, interviewing people for hour-long live programs and doing news segments for magazine formats, mostly political stuff. that and my photography support my habits, training dogs, my own and other people's, as well as showing and competing with them (the dogs I mean)
I have to have my wits about me and other than the days immediately after a temporal lobe triggered seizure I have not experienced problems with the thinking bits...
Now, when there is a seizure in the wind I have memory problems... I am also a singer and when I find myself forgetting the lyrics to songs I have worked with for centuries then I start to brace myself for trouble... my cat also warns me...
he actually responds to something that tells him I am about to have a seizure.. he is amazing...

But the topomax has not caused any drastic memory problems...
and I have thick hair with no bald patches...
the only time I had hair loss issues was during the tegretol devastation... but I also read that tegretol has been known to have side effects topomax has not begun to think of, including death...
I have serious vision problems caused by the tegretol... problems my initial neurologist knew could happen and prescribed it anyway... easier than trying something new and innovative... tegretol was around when Noah built the ark and they have found a few medicications since...

The only real issue I have with topomax is the thirst... but then one is supposed to drink lots of water with it... well, that is not difficult if one is always thirsty...
of course, the constant thirst could also be attached to the other meds I have to take as each of them is apparently known to cause excessive thirst, so maybe I am unfairly blaming the topomax????

anyone else find it makes them thirsty???

if taken in slowly increasing doses, one's system has time to adjust and then the side effects that can be problems do not have the same dangerous build up effects...

it is like so many other things, moderation and caution...

aspirin if it were discovered today would never be available over the counter... it would be a prescription drug with so many warnings...

we have to use common sense and doctors who prescribe the meds have to learn more about them...
some doctors prescribe without ever learning what patients are already taking and in this age of specialisation that is a very real risk...

I don't know about the rest of you, but I see ten doctors, one of whom is treating me on two fronts as it were, another of whom is my primary care physician. These people seldom have a face-to-face discussion with any of the others...


I was unaware that the one was using me as a lab rat because he could learn about a rare condition by testing me... foolishly I believed that his tests were diagnostic, intended to improve the level of treatment for me, not the level of knowledge for his next treatise...
He left me on tegretol even though he knew the effects it could have because he was able to study the effects of the seizures and the patterns or whatever, as well as the effects of different meds on these seizures...
more publication!!!

This thread and some of the people who provided me with information about topomax and the fact that it is used alone in the UK to treat epilepsy, along with other information, meant that I had the ammunition I needed to demand to be given other treatment options.
I stopped using tegretol and then stopped using the tertiary medication.
Within a day or so of stopping the tegretol the seizure activity diminished. When I went solely to using the topomax it diminished even more until the recent testing when the seizures increased and the patterns changed, with the addition of absence seizures, deja vu and daytime tonic clonic seizures and lovely excursions to hospital by ambulance. It is such an adventure to come to in the hospital and have no idea where you are or who you are or why you are there in the first place, not to mention the incredible pain from the muscle wear and tear ...
at this point the topomax with the increased dosage -which is being done in slow increments <s> -
is managing the epilepsy for me...
the changes the emergency doctor and my doctor recommended have been pushing the changes out and life is returning to what passes for normal.

my hair is not falling out and I have not encountered any cognitive problems connected with the topomax and that is vital for the work I do, can't trip over ideas or words or my tongue when I am on deadline or when the camera is on. I can do enough damage that way without the help of any side effects LOL

it is all a matter of giving the medication time to work and finding the dosage that works for you but doing it all in slow steady increments...
the problem didn't occur overnight and the solution won't be reached overnight either...

end of sermon

kat


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[dr. bob] Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD, bob@dr-bob.org

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