Psycho-Babble Medication Thread 755079

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Started Topamax, any experiences?

Posted by Sandra62 on May 2, 2007, at 1:37:09

Well I'm done with antipsychotics, at least for now. After a year of blunting and a totally unacceptable 25 lb weight gain from Zyprexa (tried Geodon in there at one point which gave me anxiety, and then a short trial of Seroquel recently which knocked me out cold at night which I rather liked a bit too much addictive personality that I am - it made me feel stoned - but it gave me unbearable daytime anxiety and more weight gain) my PDOC has finally prescribed Topamax. I am really hoping that it works as a mood stabilizer and to help me lose that weight.

I'm Bipolar II and also take Lamictal, Rivotril, and Lexapro, the latter of which she is going to wean me off of next as it doesn't seem to be doing a thing for my depression so may raise the dose of Lamictal or try Effexor...

Has any one had any experience with Topamax to share?

 

sure enough... » Sandra62

Posted by karen_kay on May 2, 2007, at 7:15:14

In reply to Started Topamax, any experiences?, posted by Sandra62 on May 2, 2007, at 1:37:09

i'm on it now, for the second time.

it's the only mood stabilizer that's worked for me.

i take 200 mgs/2x daily. yeah, it takes away your appetite. it also makes your body parts go numb. i refer to it as stupidmax, dopamax, or the california drug, as it makes you skinny and stupid (but, you get over that after a while). i found it particularly overwhelming when i first started taking it, as i was a uni student and found myself driving past my own house several times, unable to find where i lived.

but, don't let that get you down. like i said, it's the only one that's worked for me and worked well. and, at 400 mgs, it certainly kills my appetite (geez, i don't know how much weight i've lost sicne being on it recently but i'd guess at least a good 30 lbs since december, but also part was pregnancy weight and anxiety had a bit to do with it.)

i was warned by a urologist to watch out for kidney stones though, i was jsut about to post about that actually, when i saw your post. if you have any more questions, feel free to ask.

what mg are you on? and jsut make sure you taper up slowly, as that helps with the 'feeling stupid' part. i was manic, so they went straight from 200 mgs to 400 and i started just completely blanking out in the middle of a conversation and saying odd thigns like 'cookie'.

 

Re: sure enough...

Posted by Sandra62 on May 2, 2007, at 11:39:37

In reply to sure enough... » Sandra62, posted by karen_kay on May 2, 2007, at 7:15:14

Thank for your response Karen! I saw your posts on a VERY long thread in the archives that I read from start to finish on Topamax experiences. I've got the low down on the many side-effects. I hope I don't get them. Except for the weight loss of course ;) I am on 25 mg for a week then maybe for another week then up to 50 mg. My PDOC thinks I may be able to stop there but we're not sure. I'm very sensitive to meds so we'll see. I've already lost 3 lbs in 4 days. Must be just water. I've been drinking tons of the stuff though. I'll be keeping a running log of how things go.

Any other experiences good or bad?

 

Re: sure enough... » Sandra62

Posted by Phillipa on May 2, 2007, at 11:42:16

In reply to Re: sure enough..., posted by Sandra62 on May 2, 2007, at 11:39:37

Sandra I did hear of the kidney stones wonder if less calcium would help? And lots of water. Love Phillipa

 

Re: sure enough...

Posted by Sandra62 on May 2, 2007, at 12:00:42

In reply to Re: sure enough... » Sandra62, posted by Phillipa on May 2, 2007, at 11:42:16

Hi Jan! Thanks for your response. How are things with you. I've been meaning to email you. I had a computer crash and just bought a new one. Will get around to it soon. I want to hear how you are doing. I don't take calcium supplements. The advice is to drink lots of water, and LOTS they say. Wish me luck that this is the med that will change things for me for the better. It's been so much trial and error lately it's wearing me down.

 

Re: sure enough... » Sandra62

Posted by Phillipa on May 2, 2007, at 20:01:13

In reply to Re: sure enough..., posted by Sandra62 on May 2, 2007, at 12:00:42

Sandra much luck coming your way. Love Phillipa

 

Re: sure enough...

Posted by elanor roosevelt on May 4, 2007, at 21:48:08

In reply to Re: sure enough... » Sandra62, posted by Phillipa on May 2, 2007, at 20:01:13

drinking distilled -- not not just filtered or "spring' water-- distilled water is the best method of flushing the kidneys because there is nothing that has to be processed.
also, watermelon is good for the kidneys.


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