Posted by Yosemi on October 23, 2002, at 4:29:23
In reply to Topomax-Should I or shouldn't I????, posted by LilyB on October 12, 2002, at 12:06:36
I have been taking Paxil (on and off) for about three years, and have gained more than 50lbs.
My doc prescribed Topamax to help me lose weight.
At the lower doses (25 mg to 100 mg), I experienced minor side effects such as lethargy, drowsiness, etc., for three to four days after each dose increase.
At 100 mg, I began having problems searching for words/names, and noticed some disorientation at night.
Other side effects included: thirst, swollen tongue, dry eyes, visual effects, dry mucous membranes, and lack of appetite.
I felt nonspecifically "ill", like I had been sitting in a cramped car on a long road trip: tired, not quite headachy, not quite nauseous, etc.
HOWEVER...When I increased to 150mg, I started to notice bleeding gums, morning "film" in my mouth, sore throat, watery diarrhea.
Eventually, I came down with a 10 day "cold".
The drug also seemed to, after time, counteract the antidepressant effects of the Paxil.
In addition, I started experiencing muscle/bone pain in one arm (extending down into palm of hand, thumb, and middle finger--and my shoulder has frozen up.
No significant weight loss either, despite lack of appetite (probably because I felt too lousy to do anything except sleep or read, watch videos, etc.)
Reduced dose to 75 mg but began having strange sensation in my foot--pulsating zap from heel to arch. Is this the tingling people mention, perhaps? I also experienced cold hand (one hand only), dry throat, and sinusitis.
Have since stopped Topamax entirely.
I felt "better" almost immediately, but still am feeling stupid/foggy, and I tire easily.
My shoulder is very painful and keeps me awake at night. The muscles in my arm tense up too. I can now lift my arm up and out to the side, but not behind me or across my chest. The foot symptoms are almost gone.
I feel like I have been poisoned, though. Maybe I will feel better in a week or so, if/when my head clears and my body heals.
I don't think Topamax is for me. Your mileage may vary. If you try it, take it slowly.
poster:Yosemi
thread:50878
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20021019/msgs/124819.html