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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by KimberlyL on January 4, 2002, at 3:02:10
In reply to Topamax Experiences?, posted by Kingfish on January 4, 2001, at 7:29:48
> Hi! I've posted a few times and wanted to check in and see if anyone else has had success with Topamax. I've taken it for about two months. At first the side effects were terrible but they've subsided and it seems to be helping tremendously. I'm up to 100 mg a day and 40 mg of Celexa.
>
> Thanks for any input!
>
> - KellyHi Kelly,
I too am curious. I am a new user to Topamax and on the same combo as you...Celexa + Topamax. My dosages are 20 mgs of Celexa and 25 mgs of Topamax. I've taken Celexa for about 9 months but just starting the Topamax.What were your early side effects?
Thanks,
Kim
Posted by Krazy Kat on January 4, 2002, at 11:30:20
In reply to Re: Topamax Experiences?}}Kingfish, posted by KimberlyL on January 4, 2002, at 3:02:10
Kim:
I've gonet hrough several other meds since this combo. I could never get over the sedation caused by Topamax. Alomost as soon as I stopped, the sedation went away. I also noticed the relief from cognitive side effects - I finally admitted it is called "Dopamax" for a reason. Also the Celexa jusst didn't seem strong enough in the long run.
If you can get by on a low dose of Topamax, I think it helps. I experienced tingling fingers, slow speech, and a strange taste in my mouth for about a month in a half.
- K.
Posted by JohnX2 on January 4, 2002, at 16:31:03
In reply to Re: Topamax Experiences: Long Term Use, posted by shersher on January 3, 2002, at 20:16:29
> it seems like so many of you have bailed out on topamax.... so how are all of you doing now????
> What are your doses now and what are the side effects?
> I am new to this site and relatively new to topamaxx
> I could use some advice
> sherI started topamax a number of weeks ago. I take 400 mg for
myofacial pain and bipolar II. I have almost no side
effects and it completely alleviates myofacial
pain that klonopin was the only med we could
find that worked. So for me it has been a total
success to date. I was able to bump the dose
extremely rapidly. I even tried 600 mg and it
didn't even phase me. I hope it doesn't poop
out.-john
Posted by Krazy Kat on January 5, 2002, at 11:03:36
In reply to Re: Topamax Experiences: Long Term Use » shersher, posted by JohnX2 on January 4, 2002, at 16:31:03
John:
I'm glad it's working for you. During my @6 month experience with it, it didn't phase out, so hopefully it will continue to provide you with relief.
- K.
Posted by djmmm on January 5, 2002, at 14:22:47
In reply to Re: Topamax Experiences: Long Term Use, posted by shersher on January 3, 2002, at 20:16:29
> it seems like so many of you have bailed out on topamax.... so how are all of you doing now????
> What are your doses now and what are the side effects?
> I am new to this site and relatively new to topamaxx
> I could use some advice
> sherI've been taking Topamax for about a year and 1/2 @ 200mg (along with 1800mg of Neurontin) for Epilepsy...as with most psychiatric drugs, the side effects become less pronounced over time...I never really had any problems with Topamax, or Neurontin for that matter.
Posted by shersher on January 6, 2002, at 7:34:48
In reply to Re: Topamax Experiences: Long Term Use » shersher, posted by JohnX2 on January 4, 2002, at 16:31:03
> > it seems like so many of you have bailed out on topamax.... so how are all of you doing now????
> > What are your doses now and what are the side effects?
> > I am new to this site and relatively new to topamaxx
> > I could use some advice
> > sher
>
> I started topamax a number of weeks ago. I take 400 mg for
> myofacial pain and bipolar II. I have almost no side
> effects and it completely alleviates myofacial
> pain that klonopin was the only med we could
> find that worked. So for me it has been a total
> success to date. I was able to bump the dose
> extremely rapidly. I even tried 600 mg and it
> didn't even phase me. I hope it doesn't poop
> out.
>
> -john
thanks for the message
that sounds like alot of topa for me... I can hardly tolerate 200mg but I am also takin lithium and zoloft. I have 5 kids so I have to stay really alert all the time and can't afford to be cloudy... but you sound great!!!
thanks again
sher
Posted by shersher on January 6, 2002, at 7:39:25
In reply to Re: Topamax Experiences: Long Term Use, posted by djmmm on January 5, 2002, at 14:22:47
> > it seems like so many of you have bailed out on topamax.... so how are all of you doing now????
> > What are your doses now and what are the side effects?
> > I am new to this site and relatively new to topamaxx
> > I could use some advice
> > sher
>
> I've been taking Topamax for about a year and 1/2 @ 200mg (along with 1800mg of Neurontin) for Epilepsy...as with most psychiatric drugs, the side effects become less pronounced over time...I never really had any problems with Topamax, or Neurontin for that matter.Thanks for your input
I have just started back on topamax with lithium and am having good results. I am also still on 100 mg of zoloft as well. I just never knew it would take so many different drugs to stabilze one disease!!! Its so hard sometimes!! But this website is so awesome for the support and to see everyone else's struggles. You don't feel so alone and maybe a little less crazy!!!
sher
Posted by shersher on January 6, 2002, at 7:52:17
In reply to Re: Topamax Experiences?}}Kingfish, posted by KimberlyL on January 4, 2002, at 3:02:10
> > Hi! I've posted a few times and wanted to check in and see if anyone else has had success with Topamax. I've taken it for about two months. At first the side effects were terrible but they've subsided and it seems to be helping tremendously. I'm up to 100 mg a day and 40 mg of Celexa.
> >
> > Thanks for any input!
> >
> > - Kelly
>
> Hi Kelly,
> I too am curious. I am a new user to Topamax and on the same combo as you...Celexa + Topamax. My dosages are 20 mgs of Celexa and 25 mgs of Topamax. I've taken Celexa for about 9 months but just starting the Topamax.
>
> What were your early side effects?
>
> Thanks,
> KimHi I'm Sher
I don't know if you've been reading any of my threads, but I have started taking topamax in the last couple of months as well. I have been bp all my life but not stable until the last 5 years until I was on lithium(900mg) and zoloft(100mg). I gained about 30 lbs however, and my pdoc switched me to topa and zoloft. I was working up to 200mg of topamax and had a pretty severe hypomanic almost manic phase and my husband said -NO WAY. We have 5 kids and he rather me fat than manic!!! So now I am on 450 of li, 200 topa and 25 of zol and I FEEL GREAT!!!!!
We will see how long thisa lasts!!! what is your story???
sher
Posted by Krazy Kat on January 6, 2002, at 15:40:15
In reply to Re: Topamax Experiences?}}Kingfish, posted by shersher on January 6, 2002, at 7:52:17
Sher:
Thanks for your info. I couldn't continue Topamax b/c, for some reason, it made me Really tired. Otherwise, it did help with the mania at @250 mg. But, once I stopped, I realized how bad the cognitive effects were - that may not happen to you, may not make a difference to you if it does, but I did much better on Depakote.
- K.
Posted by KimberlyL on January 6, 2002, at 20:42:19
In reply to Re: Topamax Experiences?}}Kingfish » shersher, posted by Krazy Kat on January 6, 2002, at 15:40:15
> Sher:
>
> Thanks for your info. I couldn't continue Topamax b/c, for some reason, it made me Really tired. Otherwise, it did help with the mania at @250 mg. But, once I stopped, I realized how bad the cognitive effects were - that may not happen to you, may not make a difference to you if it does, but I did much better on Depakote.
>
> - K.Sher: I don't know if yours was a general post or to someone in specific but I came to Topamax via 2 hypomanic phases presumably triggered by Celexa, which I need to mitigate depression & anxiety. (Prior to Celexa I had used Serzone and then Luvox. Luvox being the better of the two.)
Thanks for sharing your information!
Kim
Posted by shersher on January 7, 2002, at 7:01:49
In reply to Re: Topamax Experiences?}}Kingfish » shersher, posted by Krazy Kat on January 6, 2002, at 15:40:15
> Sher:
>
> Thanks for your info. I couldn't continue Topamax b/c, for some reason, it made me Really tired. Otherwise, it did help with the mania at @250 mg. But, once I stopped, I realized how bad the cognitive effects were - that may not happen to you, may not make a difference to you if it does, but I did much better on Depakote.
>
> - K.Thanks
its all so hard but thanks God there is meds
sher!!!!
Posted by Bette Powers on February 6, 2002, at 17:42:46
In reply to Re: Topamax Experiences?}}Kingfish, posted by shersher on January 6, 2002, at 7:52:17
Hi, My name is Bette and I am Bipolar.....have been for years and years but only diagnozed and treated for 3 years on lithium (lithobid)1200mg) and
zoloft(100mg). Have gained 70 lbs even with dieting and exercise program.....Now a new Dr. says I should take Topamax. I am almost never deprssed...it is always a manic state I am in....
How important is it to start with such a slow, low dose?
Does anyone really lose weight?
Do you get cold sores? What else can I expect?
Also, my Dr. says take the lithium AND the topamax....has anyone heard of that?
PLEASE, PLEASE help me by writing to me....EVERYONE....it would be an act of sincere kindness if you could/would encourage me and warn me what to expect......I have not been able to work for 2 years but my disability runs out in June.....
Posted by shersher on February 7, 2002, at 9:02:24
In reply to Re: Topamax Experiences, posted by Bette Powers on February 6, 2002, at 17:42:46
> Hi, My name is Bette and I am Bipolar.....have been for years and years but only diagnozed and treated for 3 years on lithium (lithobid)1200mg) and
> zoloft(100mg). Have gained 70 lbs even with dieting and exercise program.....Now a new Dr. says I should take Topamax. I am almost never deprssed...it is always a manic state I am in....
> How important is it to start with such a slow, low dose?
> Does anyone really lose weight?
> Do you get cold sores? What else can I expect?
> Also, my Dr. says take the lithium AND the topamax....has anyone heard of that?
> PLEASE, PLEASE help me by writing to me....EVERYONE....it would be an act of sincere kindness if you could/would encourage me and warn me what to expect......I have not been able to work for 2 years but my disability runs out in June.....Hi Bette
My name is Sher and I can relate to your problem. I am bipolar too and am on topamax, lithium and zoloft. I have lost 25 lbs. in 3 mos since starting the topamax. It was tough at first with alot of side effects like tingling fingers and toes and cloudy thoughts. But I stuck with it and have been able to adjust my lithium way down. I also have lowered my zoloft from 100 to 50mg a day. Its been a rough 3 mos but I am very stable and happy with where I am now.
Hang in there and god bless your efforts....
sher
Posted by Bette Powers on February 7, 2002, at 9:54:49
In reply to Re: Topamax Experiences, posted by shersher on February 7, 2002, at 9:02:24
Dear Sher: Thanks for writing....it meant a great deal to me. Today is day#1 taking the Topamax: 25mg morning and 25 mg night.....and Lithium cut back to 300 mg daily. Hey, everyone else, I need info and encouragement...... writing to me....AND I MEAN EVERYONE....would be an act of sincere kindness -if you could/would INFORM ME, encourage me and warn me what to expect......
I have a husband who is interested only in my disability check (which ends in June) so I have no support at home. Each day I pray for all of us who suffer this affliction......please let us all offer a special prayer for Sher who answered me immeditely.
Posted by Scheherizade on February 7, 2002, at 11:01:58
In reply to Re: Topamax Experiences, posted by Bette Powers on February 6, 2002, at 17:42:46
Greetings Betty,
I have only just begun taking Topomax. I also started a thread lower on this page and JohnX2 was kind enough to respond. I am taking it in hopes that I might find some small relief for my chronic headache. Lord please! I am experiencing side affects and also looking for encouragement to muddle through it. Though I will not claim that what I am taking it for comes close to your battle. Or most of you out here. My prayers are with you all.
The LORD bless you and keep you;
The LORD make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you;
The LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace.
Posted by shersher on February 7, 2002, at 13:38:32
In reply to Re: Topamax Experiences, posted by Bette Powers on February 7, 2002, at 9:54:49
> Dear Sher: Thanks for writing....it meant a great deal to me. Today is day#1 taking the Topamax: 25mg morning and 25 mg night.....and Lithium cut back to 300 mg daily. Hey, everyone else, I need info and encouragement...... writing to me....AND I MEAN EVERYONE....would be an act of sincere kindness -if you could/would INFORM ME, encourage me and warn me what to expect......
> I have a husband who is interested only in my disability check (which ends in June) so I have no support at home. Each day I pray for all of us who suffer this affliction......please let us all offer a special prayer for Sher who answered me immeditely.Do not lose heart you are not alone... I check this fairly frequently...you may be really tired at first and cloudy..just be patient and go slowly..we are in this with you...
sher
Posted by Chrissy on February 7, 2002, at 13:51:03
In reply to Re: Topamax Experiences, posted by Bette Powers on February 7, 2002, at 9:54:49
Hello, My name is Chrissy, I'm 26 and have been dealing with depression, and more recently correctly diagnosed with bipolar since I was 19. Been on many meds. SO TIRED OF THE UP AND DOWNS OF WEIGHT GAINING! Pretty much been my own detective looking up different meds. My Doctor is cool, she's letting me try Topamax. Been on it for a month now. (Am also still on 40mg of Prozac) I'm still only taking 50mg of topomax at bedtime, I'm afraid to taper up and take more because of the drowsy side effects. But from reading the posts, people say it goes away with more, so maybe I'll just go for it!! The thing is I'm a waitress and one night at work while at a table I fealt so woosie and in like a dream state! it scared me!, other than that, I absolutely Love that it helps with my appetite!! lost 8 lbs so far! I have NO anger fits, or major emotional episodes! I'm goin to stick with this! So BETTE we'll do it together!! Only other problem I'm having is about mid-day I start feeling dull anxiety, like a guilt feeling in my chest. I just want to go lay down. Wondering if Prozac combo is doing this, anyone know? Chrissy
Posted by shersher on February 7, 2002, at 15:01:52
In reply to Re: Topamax Experiences NEW POST, posted by Chrissy on February 7, 2002, at 13:51:03
> Hello, My name is Chrissy, I'm 26 and have been dealing with depression, and more recently correctly diagnosed with bipolar since I was 19. Been on many meds. SO TIRED OF THE UP AND DOWNS OF WEIGHT GAINING! Pretty much been my own detective looking up different meds. My Doctor is cool, she's letting me try Topamax. Been on it for a month now. (Am also still on 40mg of Prozac) I'm still only taking 50mg of topomax at bedtime, I'm afraid to taper up and take more because of the drowsy side effects. But from reading the posts, people say it goes away with more, so maybe I'll just go for it!! The thing is I'm a waitress and one night at work while at a table I fealt so woosie and in like a dream state! it scared me!, other than that, I absolutely Love that it helps with my appetite!! lost 8 lbs so far! I have NO anger fits, or major emotional episodes! I'm goin to stick with this! So BETTE we'll do it together!! Only other problem I'm having is about mid-day I start feeling dull anxiety, like a guilt feeling in my chest. I just want to go lay down. Wondering if Prozac combo is doing this, anyone know? Chrissy
Chrissy,
Its sher, a month is not very long to get stabilized. I worked up to 200 mg of topamax in about a month and a half but then had to add back in my lithium so I dropped my topa down to 150. I don't take prozac but I do take zoloft partly because it has an antianxiety effect also. But you have to go slowly switching from this as well. Why don't you try upping your topa dose at bedtime after work???? or on a day off ?? Don't be scared to get stabilized...bipolar is one of the most manageable mental diseases there is once you find the right med combo for you...its just HELL figuring it out...be persistent and pray.sher
Posted by Jet on February 9, 2002, at 0:34:23
In reply to Re: Topamax Experiences, posted by Bette Powers on February 6, 2002, at 17:42:46
> Hi, My name is Bette and I am Bipolar.....have been for years and years but only diagnozed and treated for 3 years on lithium (lithobid)1200mg) and
> zoloft(100mg). Have gained 70 lbs even with dieting and exercise program.....Now a new Dr. says I should take Topamax. I am almost never deprssed...it is always a manic state I am in....
> How important is it to start with such a slow, low dose?
> Does anyone really lose weight?
> Do you get cold sores? What else can I expect?
> Also, my Dr. says take the lithium AND the topamax....has anyone heard of that?
> PLEASE, PLEASE help me by writing to me....EVERYONE....it would be an act of sincere kindness if you could/would encourage me and warn me what to expect......I have not been able to work for 2 years but my disability runs out in June.....Hello Bette:
I can only tell you my experience with Topamax. I have been on it for amost 5 months now and have lost 25 pounds. I am not taking this medication to lose weight - although my pdoc said that it happens to be a side effect. I am taking it for Bi-Polar II. At first the side effects were strange and unpleasant. My hands, feet, face and chest had a pins and needle feeling. It was weird. But since I felt "better" for the first time in 12 years, I didn't much care - plus, the side effects have calmed down now and have almost gone away. As I upped each dose, I did notice the side effects for a few days, then they would slowly fade away. I still have them a little bit. But, I am feeling better, and I just figure that the trade off for now is just worth it. I would rather be up and moving with the living than in bed wishing I was dead on my "bad" days.
It is very important to up your dose very slowly. My pdoc told me to only increase my dose by 25 mg. every 10 days. I have read on these boards that some people have had some real problems by increasing too fast. So be very careful.
You see, for the past 15 years I have tried all of the AD's there are to try and none of them have worked, so when my pdoc said, why not try this drug called Topamax - I said why not? It is working well for me at 400 mg. Although it has only been 2 weeks since I upped it to 400 - I haven't dipped yet. I have my fingers crossed!
Side effects for me have been:
Weight loss
Blurry vision occasionally
Pins & Needles on hands, feet, face, hands & chest
Aggression (at low dose but went away)
More energy
From reading this board, I have seen where people have mixed Topamax and Lithium and done fine. Do a search by typing in both Topamax and Lithium and see what you come up with. This board is amazing in how it is setup.I don't know anything about cold sores. I don't have them and actually never have had one. I hope that my story has helped you in some way. I wish you the best. Jet
Posted by Chrissy on February 9, 2002, at 22:59:18
In reply to My Topamax Experience Has Been Positive » Bette Powers, posted by Jet on February 9, 2002, at 0:34:23
well this is my second post and to give a little udate, I've been taking 75mg now for a few days instead of 50. Also I stated that I noticed anxiety setting in a about midday. thought it might be from my morning dose of prozac. I started taking prozac at night. Haven't noticed anxiety. And actually only taking prozac every other day. Wondering how I'll do on just topamax. When I first started taking Topamax about a month ago, I notice my easily triggered raged feelings weren't so easily triggered anymore. I've been calm, and not much can get me worked up. But Today for some reason, I've been ready to duke it out with someone! Just Irritated.
And extra sensitive. Very wierd. Maybe from the dose change? Also ladies anyone notice their period being a little off? Like lasting for two weeks????!! (Sorry guys)
Posted by Bette Powers on February 10, 2002, at 23:58:47
In reply to Re: Topamax Experiences: Long Term Use, posted by shersher on January 6, 2002, at 7:34:48
First of all, I pray for all of us SO many times a day.....not always a formal prayer but often an almost unconscious "Oh, God, Please make this next hour easier on Sher, on John, On Kingfisher....etc...." I'll learn everyone's name.
It is day 5 of Topamax...25 mg morning, 25 mg evening.No effect, no side effects...plus 300mg lithium....I refuse to take more lithiuim....I have refused to take more than 300mg for the last 8 weeks because I am SO TIRED of the sleepiness and lethargy.
It took me 8 months to adjust to 900 mg of lithium....then a new Dr. promised me a sinecure with A NEW DRUG, trileptal...which is one of the 3 ingredients in depakote.....DEPAKOTE just went "out of patent" so the drug companies broke it down and decided trileptal was the operative chemical for bipolar treatment. When I took it I was NEVER SLEEPY, I lost weight.....I FELT things, I was happy! I was assertive vs. "Oh well".....and then I had a ministroke after 5 weeks and spent 7 days in the hospital....I could not see out of my right eye, could not talk, or move...all down the right side. After 200 tests they said the 1800 mg trileptal was the cause...and believe me, I had 3 neurologists....
so now I'm fat and on lithium again. I just heard about the topamax.....my Dr. suggested it because she says Zoloft is wrong for me....I am rarely depressed.....I am really manic 99% of the time....I have 1 mg Xanax for the times when the anxiety hits......and I become extremely functional and efficient when I take a Xanan.....I ran my own 14 person, 2 office law firm for 20 years on this manic bipolar energy, controlling it with the Xanax......it was only when I went to work for a corporation that the bipolar became a problem.....I think of you all, constantly.......if there's anything I can do.....please let's keep in touch....IS ANYONE SIMPLY ON TOPAMAX? DOES ANYONE HAVE PROBEMS FALLING ASLEEP OR TYING ASLEEP AT NIGHT? WHAT DO YOU DO FOR THAT? WHAT DOES THE DR. SAY ABOUT IT?
Posted by Annie Z. on February 12, 2002, at 21:29:36
In reply to Re: Topamax Experiences: Long Term Use, posted by Bette Powers on February 10, 2002, at 23:58:47
My doctor recommended Topamax to help with my low energy problem. After reading through quite a few messages in this thread, I am not seeing anything about an energy increase mentioned. In fact, sedation seems to be a problem.
Your comments, please.
Posted by IsoM on February 13, 2002, at 23:47:39
In reply to Re: Topamax Experiences: Long Term Use, posted by Bette Powers on February 10, 2002, at 23:58:47
There's so many diff postings on this forum it's impossible to read them all. If they don't apply to me or if the medicine is something I know nothing of, I generally don't read those posts.
But something caught my eye about your posting & I read it. I wish more could help you but I'm only familiar with bipolar from two friends who had it (still do but I moved across country & lost contact). I hope you find results with this new med but I know nothing about it. I do know about problems with lithium though from my friends' reactions to it. ...And my son's, when he was put on it for augmentation for his depression. It didn't help but did cause him to develop new problems. I wish the best for you, Bette.
Posted by jojomander on February 26, 2002, at 10:59:21
In reply to Re: Topamax Experiences NEW POST, posted by shersher on February 7, 2002, at 15:01:52
Chrissy,
I know you posted a while ago, but I also am on Prozac (similar dosage) and have just started on 25mg of Topomax. I was wondering what the effects of taking both would be. I have not tried topomax before and was hoping to have success. I will be increasing my dosage next week to 50 mg and hope it won't cause me to have any of the side effects. I am 31 with two young children, i work full time and cannot affort to loose concentration or start slurring words.. I am also feeling really good so far and think the topomax has something to do with it. Have you experieced any shooting pains or restlessnes?? How about weight loss? I am about 40 lbs. overweight. I am hoping the one side effect the topomax WILL have will be weight loss!! Good luck to you!!
Posted by Chrissy on March 2, 2002, at 10:03:51
In reply to Re: Topamax Experiences NEW POST, posted by jojomander on February 26, 2002, at 10:59:21
Got an email from a guy, thought my response to him might be interesting here.
Hi Chrissy. I was wondering if you started on the "anger medicine" and what
it's called and how is it working. Did not have success with prozac(sexual
side effects) or wellbrutin or serzone. Looking forward to your reply!Hello Peter,
Right now I am on Prozac and Topamax. Topamax Keeps the anger spurts away definately! but has it's own drowsey side effects that I'm hoping will go away. But I'm also losing weight on it! Peter hate to say it, but ALL of these medicines are going to give you those crappy sexual side effects. ALL of them. After a while sometimes a long while I think your body adjusts, and you find that you just get used to your new self, and you can have the same wonderful orgasms as usual! Well that's how it is for me anyway! I remember definately how it sucked! I remember saying I just can't come anymore!!! Or that it's sooo hard to! My husband still sometimes jokes that he needs to get a jack-hammer ...LOL But most of the time now I have pretty much no prob. and even have multiple. Just learn about your body a little more and give it a little more effort and patience. I've been on quite a few different meds, but always come back to prozac for depression. For people who really need it, it is amazing, with the least amount of side effects. What it comes down to, is what is more important? Your sanity? I think in the beginning the sexual numbness freaks everyone out so they want to abandon ship on these meds. But like I said, they're ALL pretty much like this and your cheating yourself on what could be a great thing for your depression. IT DOES GET BETTER! Your body will adjust.
Chrissy
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