Posted by rainy on November 11, 2004, at 7:18:25
In reply to Re: Topamax: weight loss/mild depression, posted by Sheley on November 10, 2004, at 21:00:11
Hi, Sheley. I don't know if Topamax is FDA approved for weight loss per se, but it seems to be prescribed off label for a number of maladies besides seizure control. It's possible for some people to lose SSRI weight without Topamax but it does take a long time, and changes in diet and exercise and all the painful stuff that eventually can become second nature. Topamax has helped me lose and keep off an aditional 10-15 pounds, maybe--but there are so many variables involved in the whole 45 pound weight loss that it's hard to say exactly how much is Topamax. No more than 15 pounds. (I think) Word here is that when you stop taking the stuff, all the weight comes right back, which I find very unfair.
That said, Let me ask you a couple of questions. Have you read the package insert that comes with Topamax? I mean the one for doctors, not consumers. This is a powerful drug that has a lot of unpleasant, to say the least, side effects. Cognitive impairment is one that I've had the most trouble with at doses over 250 mg which is where weight loss begins for most people. At 350-400, I was disoriented, couldn't remember names, nouns, lost my train of thought in the middle of a conversation at a party etc.
It has other neurological side effects including balance problems, tingling etc. Loss of eyesight is another biggy.
What dose are you on and how fast are you going up? Some members of this board will be very clear with you that slow is good, fast is bad as far as increasing your dose, in order to avoid side effects.
It tends to make me jittery, other people will tell you it's soothing to them.
I guess what I'm saying is, inform yourself about the drug, make sure you're drinking lots of water, fruit and vegtables blah blah blah,
exercise which will help with the depression--don't you hate that, the depression?--and then, armed with information, make up your mind.
This board is pretty supportive, so keep posting and keep asking. I'm only one voice, and it's still early.
rainy
poster:rainy
thread:5053
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20041108/msgs/414491.html