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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 174 to 198 of 1085. Go back in thread:
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
Posted by Zo on March 6, 2002, at 0:09:14
In reply to Topamax for Energy?, posted by Annie Z. on February 12, 2002, at 21:29:36
No weight loss, and made me a painfully stoned idiot by week three. On 50 mg. What a weird med--I had to take it before bed. I only *wish* it made me wired. Good luck to those in whom it does cause weight loss and energy!Zo
Posted by Bette Powers on March 14, 2002, at 20:52:13
In reply to Topamax for Energy?, posted by Annie Z. on February 12, 2002, at 21:29:36
I have been on Topamax for 5 weeks now.....and have moved up from an initial does of 50mg (25 in morning and 25 in evening) to a daily dose of 150mg. About 4 hours after I take a dose I get a feeling of sleepiness. At first I had to give in to it...it was total exhaustion...but as the dosage increased and more time went by, I can shake it off.....I just make myself do something with my mind....something that takes intellectual
concentration...and it passes....also, the Dr. said I could take the doses when I want so I take 3 tabs (25mg each) at 5PM so I don't start to get sleepy until 9pm......and then take the other 3 tabs just before bed....about 11:30pm......I wake up about 6:30am on my own.....if I get right up, I am fine....if I stay in bed, I get sleepy.....the Dr. has me totaly weaned off of lithium.....and I now have a much higher energy level all around.......but she also weaned me off zoloft because I very rarely had "lows" in my bipolar cycle.....and I hit a series of days of real, real lows....so I am on 100mg. zoloft.....I used to be on 200mg.......I am hoping the 100mg. is OK. The Dr. and I are wondering if I will have to go all the way up to 250mg of topamax. When I was on 75mg and 100mg I was very, very irritable, but that has passed with the higher dose.....and it may have been related partly to feeling tired. It seems to be controlling the manic cycle pretty well.....I know I need a styronger dose, still......but I have no other side effects....haven't gone near the scale, yet.....nor started a diet....don't want to be disappointed because I am hoping to lose the 60lbs. I gained on lithium. Comments, please???
Posted by Chrissy on March 15, 2002, at 8:42:03
In reply to Re: Topamax Experiences NEW POST, posted by jojomander on February 26, 2002, at 10:59:21
This is wierd, I posted a follow up message to your's quite a while ago, and it never showed up. well let's try again! I am glad to have found someone who is also on the Topamax-Prozac combo.
Honestly for me I'm not sure the two are going to work together. Together they seem to cause me anxiey about mid-day. (guilty sick feeling in my chest for no reason, pacing, anxious feeling inside) I do however LOVE what each medicine does for me by themselves!
TOPAMAX-No OUT OF CONTROL anger episodes. When I get angry (example, your spouse dose something they know will anger you, whether it be right or wrong...In your bipolar mind the EMOTIONS RUSH IN FIRST! Anger! you physically shake etc.) With Topamax I'm clear headed about it, and it makes sense and doesn't just go straight to hurting me and making me feel overwhelmed with emotion.
NO WEIGHT GAIN SIDE EFFECTS! Lost at least 10 pounds in 2 months. maybe more. I'm used to gaining this much by now with a new medicine.
ALCOHOL-Personally alcohol has always been in my life, for fun, and I know before meds, for mood elevation, to get me out of the constant dull nothingness. After meds, and learning of Bipolar, stil kinda hard to break the habit, of social drinking, which is drinking to get drunk. why else drink? On Topamax, I don't drink. I turn it down, I don't want it, not only am I numb to anger spurts I'm numb to alcohol spurts or "binge drinking" The few times I have drank on Topamax, I don't drink to black out point, I feel more control, I'm more aware, maybe cause I'm not looking to down the next shot. I don't know. Maybe because I'm thinking more clearly of how those nasty medication/alcohol hangovers are!
PROZAC-always worked best for depression with no side effects, (meaning weight gain)Besides all of the above I'm on my 3rd month of the Top./proz/ combo.
For the last 2 weeks I've been at an all time low.
The last few days have been the worst. I hate how I feel. I'm depressed, but not, cause I feel numb, I feel incredibly lost, I'm crying, I just want to sleep, not because I'm tired but because I don't want to feel this way. I want it to pass.(NOT suicidal!)
I feel no one REALLY understands or cares in my family. Had a wonderful energized day yesteray morning, got things done, enjoyed the sun, then about mid-day I dropped for no reason. Writing this helps. Chrissy
Posted by Ginger67 on June 11, 2002, at 23:58:26
In reply to Re: Topamax Experiences: Long Term Use, posted by Bob on March 19, 2001, at 23:08:13
New to site, glad I found this. Began Topamax in 2000 at 75mg/day for depression, also developed a kidney stone. Med D/C due to $$. Was never warned of possible connection! Then beginning 12/1/01, had 2 unprovoked/unexplained seizures within 3 months, BAD allergies to Dilantin & Tegretol (very rare), went to Topamax 200mg/day. LOTS of constant pain/problems now with kidneys, only told about drinking water, STILL never warned about this, no one helping me. ANY IDEAS?? HELP??
Posted by Bob on June 12, 2002, at 0:32:29
In reply to Re: Topamax Experiences: Long Term Use, posted by Ginger67 on June 11, 2002, at 23:58:26
> New to site, glad I found this. Began Topamax in 2000 at 75mg/day for depression, also developed a kidney stone. Med D/C due to $$. Was never warned of possible connection! Then beginning 12/1/01, had 2 unprovoked/unexplained seizures within 3 months, BAD allergies to Dilantin & Tegretol (very rare), went to Topamax 200mg/day. LOTS of constant pain/problems now with kidneys, only told about drinking water, STILL never warned about this, no one helping me. ANY IDEAS?? HELP??
Are you still on Topomax? When I developed my Kidney stones I was immediately ordered to discontinue the med ASAP by my doctor. He took it VERY seriously, and I suppose for good reason. There have also been connections to glaucoma with Topomax, especially if you have vision changes (i.e. blurry vision) from it.
Posted by DebMac on June 25, 2002, at 11:17:06
In reply to Re: Topamax Experiences?}}Kingfish, posted by KimberlyL on January 4, 2002, at 3:02:10
My 17 year old daughter has recently been diagnosed as Bi-polar, and because she is already 50 lbs overweight, she is now on Zoloft with Topamax. Does anyone have any experience with this? This is all so new and scarey to me.
Posted by DENNIE on June 26, 2002, at 10:14:39
In reply to Re: Topamax for Energy? » Annie Z., posted by Bette Powers on March 14, 2002, at 20:52:13
any one with some info on this subject and effect of topamax dr says itmay make me sleepy but hasnt yet at all
Posted by DENNIE on June 26, 2002, at 20:22:06
In reply to Re: Topamax Experiences NEW POST, posted by jojomander on February 26, 2002, at 10:59:21
> hi this is in response to reading mostly allof the lastest post i am just staring on topamax 25mg for 3 days and increase to 50 next 3 dys and so on till 100 mg and still taking 75 mg exxflor and i am 43 yrs old single mom two children work in a school fulltime and pt in th summer care for my 12 yr old neice. i have been diagosed with clinical depression for some time now/ and just recently dr w/ bi-polar my dad past way 6 mths ago and things havebeen real tough. besides being 85 lbs over weight bewteen the meds and eating out i am hoping this med can help some so i so glas to find this site any advice and support is great take care dennie
Posted by anjo on July 2, 2002, at 15:30:54
In reply to My Topamax Experience Has Been Positive » Bette Powers, posted by Jet on February 9, 2002, at 0:34:23
Hi, I my name is Angela. I have just come across your board. I am delighted to find such a place. I am challenged by schizoaffective - bipolar type II. It has seemed like a battle does not ever end. I have been on countless meds...currently the Geodon, this has helped somewhat for the last year. Lithium(eskalith) which I have been on for awhile seems to do it's job but is not enough. And Ambien to sleep. I have moved to Arizona hoping the weather may help things a bit. because of my high emotionality, manic/depressed state combo with hallucinations, things really are going down hill fast as of recent. My doc wants to now drop the Geodon and add Topamax 25mg and Wellbutrin along with the lithium. I personally am so freaked out about side affects anymore I am scared to take anything. Reading what has been written on this board has not really tipped the scale in any one direction, but I am immensley glad that it is available. I am just so tired of being miserable and feeling like my spirit is being taken away from me. My family want to investigate what type of meds they have in Europe and Canada that may not be offered in the U.S. as of yet. My family is very supportive and loving but they get frustrated because they cannot magically fix this challenge of mine. Anyway sorry for all the babble...I appreciate you taking the time to read and/or comment. I work myself of the Geodon for this week and then start Topamax on next wednesday. Take care to all of you. thanks angela
Posted by Bob on July 2, 2002, at 16:20:40
In reply to New to Topamax, posted by anjo on July 2, 2002, at 15:30:54
Angela:
I am very sorry to hear what you are going through. Unfortunately, many of us on this board, and many more who are not, share your plight to greater or lesser degrees. This includes myself. As I read your description of your plight, I recognize the dilemmas I face. I, nor it seems anyone, can take away our suffering, but we always have commiseration. Hang in there.
Bob
Posted by DENNIE on July 5, 2002, at 10:14:29
In reply to New to Topamax, posted by anjo on July 2, 2002, at 15:30:54
message to anjo i know how scarey it is to be on 3 to 4 meds at on time and then change and then the side effects are the even scaryer so anytime you want to babble on feel feeek i'll listen i just started talking topamax jun 24th adnd the final dosage is 100mg and 175 mg of exxflor and 10 mg ambian to sleep when needed tke care and post again demnie
Posted by DanielleMarie on August 7, 2002, at 12:06:20
In reply to Re: Topamax Experiences?, posted by Bob on January 21, 2001, at 22:24:33
I am new to this but i just wanted to say i am on Topamax 100mg morning and night so 200mg a day and of course i had towork up to it slowley buti started having the tingling in my hands then my face and it get to where itstayed in my face for the whole day at a time. Last month when i went back to my doctor i told him about this because it was very anoying side affect to have he said he wanted toto give itone more month to see if things would smooth out but they did not i woke up 4 days ago now and half of my toung has been numb and yesterday i started loosing control of the left side of my face and i just thought you should know of this side affect incase you start to have it. i have alsohad the vison problems and i am not sure about the kindey stonesi thinkmabey but they are big enought that i fell them but small enough that they dont hurt yet.
Posted by Susanna on August 11, 2002, at 20:47:55
In reply to Topamax for Energy?, posted by Annie Z. on February 12, 2002, at 21:29:36
Hello everyone! I've been on Topomax for 11 days now. Currently, I'm at 75 mg. daily. Started off at 25mg. b.i.d. From what I've read so far, this change in dosage may be ocurring a bit quick. Side effects are that of the norm. I also take Wellbutrin 150 mg. b.i.d. & I am titrating down from Lithium, which I have been on for the last 5 years. Lithium really does the trick for me in terms of keeping me somewhat close to the grey zone, but, sadly, I have gained a considerable amount of weight, which doesn't seem to budge no matter what method I approach. So here I am. I am seeing a new shrink, who has prescribed Topomax & Wellbutrin, increasing the Topomax next week to 100mg., following week 150 mg.,...200mg., 300mg.,... 400mg. This concerns me greatly. Any comments?
Posted by jellybean on August 27, 2002, at 0:58:12
In reply to Topomax: an alternative to Lithium therapy, posted by Susanna on August 11, 2002, at 20:47:55
> Hello everyone! I've been on Topomax for 11 days now. Currently, I'm at 75 mg. daily. Started off at 25mg. b.i.d. From what I've read so far, this change in dosage may be ocurring a bit quick. Side effects are that of the norm. I also take Wellbutrin 150 mg. b.i.d. & I am titrating down from Lithium, which I have been on for the last 5 years. Lithium really does the trick for me in terms of keeping me somewhat close to the grey zone, but, sadly, I have gained a considerable amount of weight, which doesn't seem to budge no matter what method I approach. So here I am. I am seeing a new shrink, who has prescribed Topomax & Wellbutrin, increasing the Topomax next week to 100mg., following week 150 mg.,...200mg., 300mg.,... 400mg. This concerns me greatly. Any comments?
Hi- If I remember correctly, my doses of Topamax were raised in 1 week intervals as well. It was fine, but my memory may be off! I've been on a lot of different drug combos for bi-polar d/o over the past decade or so and what seems to work the best is topamax with an antidepressant. The antidepressants seem to fade in effectiveness after a couple of years however, so then I have to switch. I'm currently on lithium, gabitril, paxil and wellbutrin. NOT HAPPY - I've gained 20 lbs in 3 months as I did when on depakote (65 lbs total then). My Dr. took me off topamax because of the glaucoma warnings although I did not want to be taken off. I had been on it successfully for 2 years. From what I've read, vision problems would show up in the first month or so of treatment. On my current drug regimen my memory is a mess, I have to search for common words at times, and I'm becoming overweight and depressed. Anyone else experience the problem of being taken off topamax against their wishes - any luck convincing your Dr. to place you back on it? Any suggestions? I'd be interested in knowing how the Topamax and Wellbutrin combo does for you. Thanks, j
Posted by jellybean on August 30, 2002, at 20:13:21
In reply to Re: Topomax: an alternative to Lithium therapy, posted by jellybean on August 27, 2002, at 0:58:12
> > Hello everyone! I've been on Topomax for 11 days now. Currently, I'm at 75 mg. daily. Started off at 25mg. b.i.d. From what I've read so far, this change in dosage may be ocurring a bit quick. Side effects are that of the norm. I also take Wellbutrin 150 mg. b.i.d. & I am titrating down from Lithium, which I have been on for the last 5 years. Lithium really does the trick for me in terms of keeping me somewhat close to the grey zone, but, sadly, I have gained a considerable amount of weight, which doesn't seem to budge no matter what method I approach. So here I am. I am seeing a new shrink, who has prescribed Topomax & Wellbutrin, increasing the Topomax next week to 100mg., following week 150 mg.,...200mg., 300mg.,... 400mg. This concerns me greatly. Any comments?
>
>
> Hi- If I remember correctly, my doses of Topamax were raised in 1 week intervals as well. It was fine, but my memory may be off! I've been on a lot of different drug combos for bi-polar d/o over the past decade or so and what seems to work the best is topamax with an antidepressant. The antidepressants seem to fade in effectiveness after a couple of years however, so then I have to switch. I'm currently on lithium, gabitril, paxil and wellbutrin. NOT HAPPY - I've gained 20 lbs in 3 months as I did when on depakote (65 lbs total then). My Dr. took me off topamax because of the glaucoma warnings although I did not want to be taken off. I had been on it successfully for 2 years. From what I've read, vision problems would show up in the first month or so of treatment. On my current drug regimen my memory is a mess, I have to search for common words at times, and I'm becoming overweight and depressed. Anyone else experience the problem of being taken off topamax against their wishes - any luck convincing your Dr. to place you back on it? Any suggestions? I'd be interested in knowing how the Topamax and Wellbutrin combo does for you. Thanks, j
>
j again - well, success - i'm back on topamax! with lithium and paxil. the wellbutrin sent me off the deep end - agitated, irritable, not sleeping, headache for days. i signed an agreement with my doc stated i was aware of the warnings about topamax and i start back tonight - upping it 25 mg a week to a total of 150 before a re-check. so to the post at the top - my memory was 1/2 right. i increased every week, but only by 25 mg.
Posted by whittba on September 3, 2002, at 10:41:31
In reply to Re: Topamax Experiences: Long Term Use, posted by Ginger67 on June 11, 2002, at 23:58:26
Hello all! I've been on Effexor for depression 6 years. I've tried other anti-depressants without luck. I'm dx'd as borderline personality disorder. I have mood swings only which I can relate to in my eyes as a bi-polar might and asked the pdoc for something to level me out, impaticular, Topomax, for one reason I heard that one of the side effects were weight loss, something I have had a hard time achieving by myself for I'm one of those depressed ppl that overeat and not undereat. I'm very optimisitic about this and hope the two drugs work together well and will keep you posted. I'm on day four at 50 mgs and doing well. I've lost 4 lbs, but I think that is part psychological :) (isn't it all, lol). Best wishes to you!
Posted by Little-Bit on September 11, 2002, at 15:02:12
In reply to Re: Topamax , posted by whittba on September 3, 2002, at 10:41:31
Hey, I am taking topomax, I was on Neurotin and it made me gain about 30 lbs. I have always been a light person, never having to worry about my weight, so I immediatly started dieting, my doctor told me I did not have to the pounds would come off after I stop taking the neurotin. Now I am on topomax with dieting and exercising, I have lost 15lbs. so I am wondering now that I am on topomax can I eat normally now, I eat no breakfast a slimfast for lunch and a light dinner. thanks
Posted by mcmud on September 25, 2002, at 16:09:30
In reply to Re: Topamax Experiences re: nerve pain, posted by mcmud on August 9, 2001, at 11:20:33
Long time, no write, gang. Still on low dose
of Topamax, still an amp. For the second summer
in a row, I started forming urinary stones, so gave up the drug for the summer. Wearing a prosthesis is hot work, and I simply sweat too much to tolerate the drug. Now that it is cooler, I am back to a low dose. It reduces some of the lancinating pain, but my real mainstays are amitriptyline and an opioid.
Posted by LilyB on October 12, 2002, at 12:06:36
In reply to Re: Topamax Experiences: Long Term Use, posted by shersher on January 6, 2002, at 7:39:25
Hi!
I'm brand new to this board so I'll give a little background. Actually I'm looking for some advice which I'll ask for at the end.I'm 45 and have had panic attacks since my early twenties when they didn't know what they were. I just recently was diagnosed with tachycardia (constant rapid heartbeat) and when I asked if this is what could be triggering the panic attacks my GP said "who knows....which came first, the chicken or the egg?"
I am also bipolar with large swings from depression and crying ALL the time to severe mania. My mania normally manifests in extreme spending sprees to the point of near bankruptcy. During these manic episodes sometimes I feel wonderful and am able to achieve extraordinary things and sometimes I am extremely irritable and aggresive.
I have been a high achiever all my life and am constantly putting pressure on myself not to fail.
NOW HERE'S MY BIGGEST PROBLEM: I am deathly afraid of medication. It took several doctors over five years to convince me to try Prozac. When I finally did go on it, it did help my panic attacks tremendously but did nothing for my mania. I was on it for about five years. A couple of months ago my husband said that it seemed like I didn't care about anything and he wanted me off the Prozac so I complied.
Since then, my mood swings have been severe!!! My doctor really, really wants me to try Topomax but my wild imagination kicks in when I hear the words "anti-seizure". I don't have seizures now and have never had them before. Like I said, I'm irrationally afraid of medication and I keep thinking that if I take Topomax that, if and when I ever try to stop, I will GET seizures!!
I know I need some sort of pharmeceutical help but I just need to convince myself that it is not going to hurt me to take these medications.
Topomax is the first one that I am very seriously considering. In fact I have filled the prescription and have the bottle in front of me.
Has anyone else had fears like mine?? Everyone I know just pops pills at the drop of a hat and that's just not me, obviously.
If anyone else has had these feelings, please let me know if you overcame them and how.
I welcome and appreciate any and all comments and help!!!
Thanks so much!
Lily
Posted by joy on October 14, 2002, at 9:43:44
In reply to Topomax-Should I or shouldn't I????, posted by LilyB on October 12, 2002, at 12:06:36
Lily,
You will never know unless you try it. Topamax has a lot of side effects [including weight loss, which is not too bad] but this med, though it's anti-seizure, is used much more for migraine headache prevention, mood normalcy, etc. Don't let the anti-seizure label get to you. I don't know if this is the right med for you, but I'd at least give it a 4 to 6 week try. Always start low and take your time raising the dose, especially since you are not that pro-med. Good luck.
Joy
Posted by jellybean on October 14, 2002, at 10:26:54
In reply to Re: Topomax-Should I or shouldn't I????, posted by joy on October 14, 2002, at 9:43:44
I am VERY cautious about medications. I don't like putting chemicals into my body and I am also very medication sensitive. However, it's important to try things within reason that can help you get on track and stay there. Topomax has worked wonders for me - maybe it can for you - Give it a try. It has not had bad side effects for me - Helps me sleep (I take it all at bedtime, no day time doses to cut down on daytime drowsiness) I get some mental slowness, but just a little fuzzy around the edges, nothing major like I got with some of the other meds I've been on. The benfits have been terrific - even mood, good sleep, no aggressiveness, on track. I hope it helps you - give it a try.-j
Posted by Ponder on October 14, 2002, at 14:00:44
In reply to Topomax-Should I or shouldn't I????, posted by LilyB on October 12, 2002, at 12:06:36
As others have commented, the bulk of posts on P-babble about Topa give one pause. People on this board are pretty tough and courageous about tolerating side-effects, if necessary, in order to get efficacy. Still, many have not been able to stick with Topa.
I have a bottle of Topa 25 mg sitting in front of me now and have not yet worked up the resolve to get started. Clinical studies with Topa had a 28% discontinuation rate due to side effects. This compares to 10% with Lamictal. Still, the percentages listed in the prescribing info for Topa suggest that the majority of patients did NOT have these side effects. You wouldn't know that by reading this board.
I think the continued sharing of information and experiences with Topamax is critical here. The benefits, for those who benefit, are substantial. That's why it's hard to dismiss Topa as a dirty drug to be avoided.
Cognitive problems caused by bipolar depression, ECT, and other psych drugs have been so awful, the thought of having them aggravated by Topa is pretty scarey.
Don't know quite what I'm asking for here. Guess I'd like to hear more from people who have had success with Topa, especially those who were able to escape significant side effects by starting very low, increasing very slowly, or by whatever means.
Also...is anyone else frustrated by the difficulty in evaluating the relative contribution of each component of treatment? Seems whenever I run into problems, the p-doc wants to add something. Pretty soon I'm on multiple drugs and wondering why, if they aren't working anymore, I should continue taking all this stuff.
I feel a rant coming on regarding the dismal state of psychiatry, the enormous burden of diagnosis and treatment decisions that fall on the shoulders of the patient at times when that patient is least able to deal with such decisions, etc. Do you ever feel that p-docs just sit at a desk with a prescription pad, prescribe whatever you tell them to, then bill your insurance for a bundle of money? Sometimes I feel so alone and unsupported in dealing with this illness. Always an enormous let-down when I leave the doctor's office wondering if I provided sufficiently accurate info to result in the best treatment decisions.
Thanks in advance to anyone who may provide response to this rambling post.
I am bipolar II, take Wellbutrin SR 400 mg, Lamictal 150 mg (reluctant to increase dose due to hair loss), Ambien 10 mg at night, Ativan as needed, HRT, fish oils, vitamin and mineral supplements including zinc, selenium, and biotin to attenuate the medication-induced hair loss (no luck). Also VNS which seems to help, but with all the meds, and the cyclical nature of the illness itself, who can say what's working and what's not? Oh, yeah, psychotherapy, too, even though I have never found it to be much help beyond having another person to help monitor my state.
Posted by LilyB on October 14, 2002, at 14:59:15
In reply to Topaphobic, posted by Ponder on October 14, 2002, at 14:00:44
I agree......I would like to hear from some people who have had positive results with Topomax. I would also like to hear about anyone who has had trouble getting OFF of Topomax.
With regard to your comment on your pd. My insurance doesn't cover my treatment so I really want my money's worth!! Sometimes, when I express my anxiety about taking medication, my pd will say "Don't you trust me?" To me, that's like saying "Trust me, you'll feel better if you jump off this bridge."
Here is what I need:
Someone to say to me:
Lily, you may experience some side effects with Topomax but if they are too severe you can stop taking the drug and they will go away without leaving any permanent damage. (I know one can't say this with 100% certainty but 90% would be ok for me)
Lily, you do not have seizures now so you will not experience seizures if and when you stop taking Topomax.
Lily, you will not "lose your edge", become stupid or start drooling if you take Topomax.
Can anyone say this stuff to me??? No one has yet.
Boy am I ever a whack job!!
Love,
Lily> As others have commented, the bulk of posts on P-babble about Topa give one pause. People on this board are pretty tough and courageous about tolerating side-effects, if necessary, in order to get efficacy. Still, many have not been able to stick with Topa.
>
> I have a bottle of Topa 25 mg sitting in front of me now and have not yet worked up the resolve to get started. Clinical studies with Topa had a 28% discontinuation rate due to side effects. This compares to 10% with Lamictal. Still, the percentages listed in the prescribing info for Topa suggest that the majority of patients did NOT have these side effects. You wouldn't know that by reading this board.
>
> I think the continued sharing of information and experiences with Topamax is critical here. The benefits, for those who benefit, are substantial. That's why it's hard to dismiss Topa as a dirty drug to be avoided.
>
> Cognitive problems caused by bipolar depression, ECT, and other psych drugs have been so awful, the thought of having them aggravated by Topa is pretty scarey.
>
> Don't know quite what I'm asking for here. Guess I'd like to hear more from people who have had success with Topa, especially those who were able to escape significant side effects by starting very low, increasing very slowly, or by whatever means.
>
> Also...is anyone else frustrated by the difficulty in evaluating the relative contribution of each component of treatment? Seems whenever I run into problems, the p-doc wants to add something. Pretty soon I'm on multiple drugs and wondering why, if they aren't working anymore, I should continue taking all this stuff.
>
> I feel a rant coming on regarding the dismal state of psychiatry, the enormous burden of diagnosis and treatment decisions that fall on the shoulders of the patient at times when that patient is least able to deal with such decisions, etc. Do you ever feel that p-docs just sit at a desk with a prescription pad, prescribe whatever you tell them to, then bill your insurance for a bundle of money? Sometimes I feel so alone and unsupported in dealing with this illness. Always an enormous let-down when I leave the doctor's office wondering if I provided sufficiently accurate info to result in the best treatment decisions.
>
> Thanks in advance to anyone who may provide response to this rambling post.
>
> I am bipolar II, take Wellbutrin SR 400 mg, Lamictal 150 mg (reluctant to increase dose due to hair loss), Ambien 10 mg at night, Ativan as needed, HRT, fish oils, vitamin and mineral supplements including zinc, selenium, and biotin to attenuate the medication-induced hair loss (no luck). Also VNS which seems to help, but with all the meds, and the cyclical nature of the illness itself, who can say what's working and what's not? Oh, yeah, psychotherapy, too, even though I have never found it to be much help beyond having another person to help monitor my state.
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