Posted by rainy on November 11, 2004, at 15:41:26
In reply to Re: Topamax: weight loss/mild depression » rainy, posted by headachequeen on November 11, 2004, at 13:38:34
And we are all different. I'm so weight obsessed I would be sorely tempted to take Topamax for weight loss only and am delighted that weight loss was one of its serendipitous side effects for me, so I don't have to compromise my values and make the decision that Sheley is facing. I'm remaining on it (if the insurance company obliges, we seem to be having a bit of a problem there) because it's controlling the stupid eating disorder and my maybe still extant tendency to self medicate with alcohol.
Also, I don't want to gain back whatever weight Topamax helped me lose. So it seems like I'm talking out of both sides of my mouth. I think the drug is more poisonous than other stuff I'm taking--maybe, maybe not. I don't want to stop it. It's a trade off I've decided to make.
And you're right, at least according to the neurologist I saw recently who had such bad things to say about the drug--all the adverse effects (except loss of eyesight, I think) are dose related and reversible.
But if it's used only for weight loss and the the happy loser stops and the weight returns, what then? That's why I haven't given away my "fat clothes", even though they're miles too big--I don't trust this skinny me.
I'm not sure Topamax is doing it's mood stabilizing job here in rainyville. Both therapist and pdoc think I'm in manic mode--not hypo but the big M. Point being insurance may not pay and this drug is not cheap. If I have to go back to work, and it may come to that, I will have to stop the medicine. It may be to my benefit.
Your cognive impairment sounds wild and wild, Kat. What a rich experience you are having and I'm not saying that in jest. I hope you're writing it down.
good luck here, Sheley--we've each had different experiences and have different opinions. I would also be tempted to use OTC diet pills but they are murder on our bodies, too. I'm going to shut up for awhile now.
rainy
poster:rainy
thread:5053
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20041108/msgs/414648.html