Posted by storm rider on March 17, 2006, at 11:07:35
In reply to TOPAMAX and Hypothermia, posted by SandyWeb on March 17, 2006, at 8:03:56
> Hi all,
>
> I've been on Topamax for almost 1.5 months now, and it is great! My doctor and I have worked me up to 100mg at night and 100mg in the morning so far, and we'll probably keep going up to 400mg unless I start having difficulties. I take it mainly for two reasons: to combat the massive weight I've gained from Remeron (over 50 pounds, and I'm prone to diabetes since I had gestational diabetes with both my babies), and for mood stabilization (which gabapentin was doing until it pooped out about 6 months ago).
>
> I find Topamax to be a very clean, clear-headed, non-dopey, alert, "brings back the old Sandy"-type med. I really like it. Very few side effects, which mainly only occurred within the first few days and then went away.
>
> That being said......I do have one side affect that is NOT going away and is bothering me A LOT. I AM FREEZING....ALL THE TIME. My whole body. My hands, my nose, my legs, my face, my feet, EVERYTHING. I'm constantly drinking hot coffee, and that helps for the time. I have the heater blasting, but that doesn't seem to help matters because I'm sweating my family!!!! I'm bundled in winter clothes, and even wear a hat inside the house at times. I mean, I'M COLD!
>
> I'm almost scared to take my temperature. If it's too low, I may have to stop the Topamax, right? But this med is almost like a lifesaver. Even my sister says that she sees the old Sandra that she used to know. I feel me too! Argh!
>
> Has anyone had this happen? Is this just a side effect that takes quite some time to adjust to? Or do I need to live inside my quilt from now on??
>
> I'd greatly appreciate hearing from any of you. I really love this medication! I've read about hyPERthermia, but not hyPOthermia. Any words of wisdom? Should I become the crazy cat lady and surround myself with a bunch of warm purring kitty cats?? *smile*
>
> Hugs,
>
> Sandy
>Sandy, a couple of things come to mind...
first of all, there is a tingling effect that comes with taking topomax... pins and needles in the extremities...
and if you are prone to diabetes there may be a circulation problem...
has anyone looked into that?that said, the sense of being cold may be adjustment to the weight loss and the loss of insulation
I hate warm weather, always have said I would happy spending winters in this Northern Ontario climate then heading to the Arctic about the first of April...
however, I do find that I feel the cold more now that I have lost so much weight...
the only advice I can give...and I am diabetic by the way, with the accompanying circulation problems... not much left to go wrong, although I still have my tonsils and appendix LOL...
is to follow the recommendations I have been given...
for one thing don't use bath oil... that is really not a great idea apparently...
if your feet are cold, take a good penetrating foot cream and massage the entire foot with it
then wear a sock that is not ribbed with nylon or elastic, a warm one.. cosy type <s>
layered cosy clothing helps too...
clothing that lets your body breathe and feel comfortable...I find that I am more comfortable in soft knit sweaters ... I have to dress for work... the goldfish bowl routine... but I try to choose dress fabrics that are soft and comfortable and feel warm to the skin...
well I know what I mean LOLand it does get better...
I keep sheepskin type throws on the couch so I can snuggle into them to read or script my shows...
they look rather attractive against the neutral couch and they are practical too...
it is a matter of comfort and success for you...
the success in achieving stabilisation is vital and the comfort is a vital part of it...you will beat it, I promise...
kat
poster:storm rider
thread:5053
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20060315/msgs/621280.html