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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Yosemi on October 23, 2002, at 4:29:23
In reply to Topomax-Should I or shouldn't I????, posted by LilyB on October 12, 2002, at 12:06:36
I have been taking Paxil (on and off) for about three years, and have gained more than 50lbs.
My doc prescribed Topamax to help me lose weight.
At the lower doses (25 mg to 100 mg), I experienced minor side effects such as lethargy, drowsiness, etc., for three to four days after each dose increase.
At 100 mg, I began having problems searching for words/names, and noticed some disorientation at night.
Other side effects included: thirst, swollen tongue, dry eyes, visual effects, dry mucous membranes, and lack of appetite.
I felt nonspecifically "ill", like I had been sitting in a cramped car on a long road trip: tired, not quite headachy, not quite nauseous, etc.
HOWEVER...When I increased to 150mg, I started to notice bleeding gums, morning "film" in my mouth, sore throat, watery diarrhea.
Eventually, I came down with a 10 day "cold".
The drug also seemed to, after time, counteract the antidepressant effects of the Paxil.
In addition, I started experiencing muscle/bone pain in one arm (extending down into palm of hand, thumb, and middle finger--and my shoulder has frozen up.
No significant weight loss either, despite lack of appetite (probably because I felt too lousy to do anything except sleep or read, watch videos, etc.)
Reduced dose to 75 mg but began having strange sensation in my foot--pulsating zap from heel to arch. Is this the tingling people mention, perhaps? I also experienced cold hand (one hand only), dry throat, and sinusitis.
Have since stopped Topamax entirely.
I felt "better" almost immediately, but still am feeling stupid/foggy, and I tire easily.
My shoulder is very painful and keeps me awake at night. The muscles in my arm tense up too. I can now lift my arm up and out to the side, but not behind me or across my chest. The foot symptoms are almost gone.
I feel like I have been poisoned, though. Maybe I will feel better in a week or so, if/when my head clears and my body heals.
I don't think Topamax is for me. Your mileage may vary. If you try it, take it slowly.
Posted by Bill1888 on October 24, 2002, at 2:39:39
In reply to Re: Topomax-I like it...But....., posted by ROO on October 17, 2002, at 8:24:50
> I like it....but I'm just discovering it has
> sexual side effects....anyone else have a problem
> with this? Weird...I thought this was only supposed
> to happen with the ssri's....disappointing...I have had the same experience. I have been taking Topamax for about a month 25mg in the AM and 50mg in the PM so far and have noticed this side effect - no others - but this one. I got off SSRI's and am also taking 150 mg of Welbutrin primarily for this reason. So yes I found it disappointing too.
I found these threads tonight while just looking for general information and started reading and found it riveting (I should be asleep but...) I just thought so little was being said on this subject I would atleast let you know that you are not the only one experiencing this.
Posted by ROO on October 24, 2002, at 8:15:29
In reply to Re: Topomax-I like it...But..... » ROO, posted by Bill1888 on October 24, 2002, at 2:39:39
Bill...
Hang in there...I think it may get a little better
with time...and it's STILL not as bad as with the
ssri's...and I think it may be a matter of timing too...
you've got to find the right time of day and it's not as bad...
you may have already figured all this out already...there are
always other mood stabilizers to try too, and I may do that...sticking
with this one for now though because I have just come off a 5 month trial of
trying about 4 different drugs in a row and my body and mind is worn out from
it...good luck...
Posted by livy on November 3, 2002, at 9:46:29
In reply to Re: Topomax-I like it...But.....Bill, posted by ROO on October 24, 2002, at 8:15:29
I just started Topamax a couple of days ago. I had been on Zyprexa for a few months and was pleased was everything except the weight gain. I next tried Seroquel but was very sleepy all the time. I am now trying Zyprexa with Topamax to counteract the hunger. Question: how long does it take for the sedated feeling to wear off with Topamax? I have a very demanding full-time job that requires me to be mentally sharp. Zyprexa by itself didn't seem to interfere with that but I was outgrowing my wardrobe.
Posted by Bill1888 on November 4, 2002, at 15:37:14
In reply to Re: Topomax-I like it...But.....Bill, posted by livy on November 3, 2002, at 9:46:29
I am a senior level computer programmer for a high profile software firm. I spend almost all my time at customer sites so I too have a very high pressure job that I have to be always "on" for but I have to say I did not feel much in the way of strong side effects.
I cannot say I noticed any pronounced feelings of drowsiness over the drug so I guess I cannot help much but then I am only taking 75mg/day. I have had a reduction in appetite or maybe the anxiety that drives my appetite but it seems to be helping me deal with a life long compulsive eating habit.
My emotions might be a little steadier but it is hard to tell. The sexual side effect is there and I will live wih it for now at least till I get to my weight goals. One of the things I felt the SSRI's did was rob me of the drive to (among other things) work out I do not have that problem with Wellbutrin and Topomax. I am working out regularly. This, in turn, helps with the energy level I expect.
Posted by art1 on November 16, 2002, at 11:48:21
In reply to Re: Topomax-I like it...But.....Bill, posted by livy on November 3, 2002, at 9:46:29
I have bipolar disorder, but funtion at a fairly high level. It's not easy for me, with difficulty concentrating, irritability, and confusion. Not features conducive (sp) to my job. I have just started taking topomax at a dose of 25 mg in the am and will be titering up to 200 mg a day over the course of 2 months. I'm on quite a cocktail: Zyprexa, neurontin, and lamictal. I recently discontinued lithium and wellbutrin due to drug interactions. I'm hoping the topomax will help with my voracious appetite once I get to the full dose. The only side effect I've noticed is a dry mouth. I have good and bad days and am a rapid cycler. Has anyone heard of adding ritilin to the mix? My shrink has eluded to adding this to my regiment as I have problems initiating activity, have mostly depressive symptoms, and am quite apathic about almost everything. Responses would be appreciated.
sincerely, art1
Posted by jellybean on November 16, 2002, at 17:36:18
In reply to oh, the combinations, posted by art1 on November 16, 2002, at 11:48:21
> I have bipolar disorder, but funtion at a fairly high level. It's not easy for me, with difficulty concentrating, irritability, and confusion. Not features conducive (sp) to my job. I have just started taking topomax at a dose of 25 mg in the am and will be titering up to 200 mg a day over the course of 2 months. I'm on quite a cocktail: Zyprexa, neurontin, and lamictal. I recently discontinued lithium and wellbutrin due to drug interactions. I'm hoping the topomax will help with my voracious appetite once I get to the full dose. The only side effect I've noticed is a dry mouth. I have good and bad days and am a rapid cycler. Has anyone heard of adding ritilin to the mix? My shrink has eluded to adding this to my regiment as I have problems initiating activity, have mostly depressive symptoms, and am quite apathic about almost everything. Responses would be appreciated.
> sincerely, art1Hi - I'm a (taking a professional break for now) counselor-with mostly forensic experience- so your post caught my eye! Well - if it helps, I had good luck with adding Adderall(same idea) to the mix - Ritalin didn't agree with me. Adderall brought me into focus. At that point in my drug journey I was taking topamax and celexa with adderall. A good combination at the time. Unfortunately, nothing seems to work "forever" for me - although topamax is still good. I now take topamax 150 mg (night to avoid drowsiness during day), lithium And- I am d/c-ing my anti-depressant (now it's paxil) for the first time in 10? years (I too lean HEAVILY towards the depressive) and I actually feel energized and happier than when I was on them. Not a side effect I expected. So, maybe they should not be taken 365 days a year? don't know. I was not able to curb my appetite or notice pounds slipping away with topamax and paxil in combo, but now that paxil is about out of the picture it's beginning to happen. I lost 50 pounds of drug weight(gained on depakote)while on topamax two years ago if that's any encouragement. Good luck to you. I know how hard it is to keep things going professionally when you're battling bipolar d/o symptoms as well as med side effects. I've been afraid to jump back on the horse professionally for the last 4 years. Just got sick of trying to deal with all the juggling of symptoms and side effects. But I am working and I'll do something professional again at some point soon I think. Take care and I hope Ritalin helps. -j
Posted by Jaycee on November 18, 2002, at 5:17:27
In reply to Re: Starting on Topomax for Migraines. Advice anyone?, posted by mendy on October 20, 2002, at 23:24:28
This is my third week on topamax for migraines, I have not had one since I started on it! The only side effect I noticed was alot of agitation/anxiety, that subsided within a week. I also started on lexapro about 2 months ago. Never felt better!!!
Posted by shar30906 on November 20, 2002, at 22:34:58
In reply to Re: Starting on Topomax for Migraines. Advice anyone?, posted by Jaycee on November 18, 2002, at 5:17:27
I suffered from debilating migranes from three car accidents for 6 years and had taken every mediaction out without much luck. the ony thing i had i has found that helped was chiropractic adjudustments, but their only as good as the dr. the dr. i had found had to move so i was left in the same boat, most of the meds i had taken left me with rebound headaches, that were worse then the migranes, so it didn't matter what i did. I had exactly the same prob with the agitation with the topamax as you did, i had to keep the dosage low at 100mg, and add depakote. they are treating migrane headaces with other anti seizure meds like neurotin, but I found the side effects of that med to be very severe, everey, med effect each of us differenty, so don't give up hope, and you might want to look into chiropractic a few shots, it is not pleasant at first but i was in so much pain at first that i coulndn't turn my head to the left for three years, and now i can, and i can't give credit for that to a med. good luck
shar309906
Posted by stampin_up_gal on November 24, 2002, at 18:24:50
In reply to Topamax Experiences?, posted by Kingfish on January 4, 2001, at 7:29:48
Hi, I just started taking Topamax two months ago for weight loss and migraines, I was having two a month. The first month was great, I was gradually upped to 100 mg and no migraines, with a 14 lb weight loss. The second month I was upped to 150 mg and I started getting severe headaches in the evening, every night. Now it has turned into one continuous migraine. I thought at first it was stress but since it didn't go away over the weekend I think it is related to Topamax. I have lowered the Topamax to 100 mg but it hasn't helped. Has anyone else had this problem? I am also on Synthroid and was wondering about an interaction causing the migraine. Can anyone help me?
Posted by beachblond on December 2, 2002, at 12:47:18
In reply to Re: Topomax-I like it...But.....Bill, posted by Bill1888 on November 4, 2002, at 15:37:14
I'm taking Topomax for bi-polar II and it definitely helps the mood swings (along with 500mg of Serazone). My issues with it are loss of concentration and ability to remember in short-term. I had to back off of 200mg a day to 100 mg and that got a little better. The worst problem now is tingling and numbness in my fingers, toes and lips. It's better at the lower dosage but still a bother. Anybody else?? P.S. I've had no weight loss. For all of this, I could at least drop a few pounds.
Posted by sjb on December 2, 2002, at 13:35:47
In reply to Topomax woes, posted by beachblond on December 2, 2002, at 12:47:18
You are not alone. The weight loss effects of Topomax, I believe, are overstated in the long run. Every time I see someone post about how they just started and are losing weight, I want to ask, hey, check back in 2-3 months. I lost weight when I went on it intially, but the weight returned after 3 months.
I did not have all the symptoms you described but I know others have. It definately is, "Dopamax" and dulls cognition. As an athlete, I found it made me noticably weaker, also.
Good Luck.
Posted by ROO on December 2, 2002, at 14:08:59
In reply to Re: Topomax woes, posted by sjb on December 2, 2002, at 13:35:47
Yeah, I have the tingly toes, fingers and lips too...
I also have sexual side effects from it....it makes me
numb "down there" too...
Posted by vagen on December 2, 2002, at 14:09:37
In reply to Re: Topomax woes, posted by sjb on December 2, 2002, at 13:35:47
I tried topomax at 12.5 mg a night for about 5 nights. I was freezing cold, exhausted, had huge shadows under my eyes, incredibile thirst, could not concentrate, could not focus, my vision was blurry, and I was very hungry.
But, I was stable.
:)I am a professional writer and I couldn't write for beans and my boss was even wondering if I took a trip to la-la land.
I think I am an oddball case though.
But, this is my experience.
I was itchy too.
Posted by JohnX2 on December 2, 2002, at 16:55:49
In reply to Topomax woes, posted by beachblond on December 2, 2002, at 12:47:18
I've take Top'a'max too. I don't think the
tingling and numbness will go away. A lot of
people get that and the majority seem to get
the confusion too. Good news on the mood clamp
though.I lost weight on Topamax because it reduced my
appetite and I ate less, not because it increased
my metabolism.J
> I'm taking Topomax for bi-polar II and it definitely helps the mood swings (along with 500mg of Serazone). My issues with it are loss of concentration and ability to remember in short-term. I had to back off of 200mg a day to 100 mg and that got a little better. The worst problem now is tingling and numbness in my fingers, toes and lips. It's better at the lower dosage but still a bother. Anybody else?? P.S. I've had no weight loss. For all of this, I could at least drop a few pounds.
Posted by whittba on December 2, 2002, at 17:24:29
In reply to Re: Topomax woes » beachblond, posted by JohnX2 on December 2, 2002, at 16:55:49
>I'm taking 200 mg a day and seem to be doing better, it was added to my 300 mg of Effexor which I had been on 4 ever. I've been a bit weepy lately but believe it's the holiday blues (my children live with their father). I noticed some tingling a while back but my Dr said that was from Neurontin which I take for neck pain.
>The only thing that I can link to Topomax is some foods taste weird and have a strange texture like I'm biting into cardboard, needless to say I do not desire to eat them. I have lost enough weight to brag about yet I still remain hopeful :DBest wishes
Posted by PAULAGAIL on December 4, 2002, at 22:29:29
In reply to oh, the combinations, posted by art1 on November 16, 2002, at 11:48:21
I AM BI-POLAR WITH SLEEP PROBLEMS, I TAKE A VARIED COMBINATION OF MEDICATIONS, 6400 MG OF NEURONTIN, 200MG OF TOPAMAX, 800MG OF SEROQUIL, 20 MG OF LEXAPRO, 15MG OF REMERON, XANAX (FOOTBALLS) ON AN AS NEEDED BASIS,AND 10MG OF AMBIEN AT BEDTIME. I HAVEN'T NOTICED ANY WEIGHT LOSS WITH THE TOPMAX BUT THE OTHER MEDICATIONS CAN CAUSE WEIGHT GAIN, GOOD LUCK WITH YOUR MEDICATIONS.
Posted by jamielynn on December 6, 2002, at 13:06:37
In reply to Re: oh, the combinations, posted by PAULAGAIL on December 4, 2002, at 22:29:29
I have run the gauntlet with all of you but I am curious-How many of us are running anywhere except to the Docs. I am a former runner and was very athletic. When life got to hectic I put the running on the shelf. I have read and talked to many people who are going the pill route and have not found anyone who can say they really give themself 45 minutes a day for themselves. Please don't get offended because of this question. I am serious. I have tried all of the usual pills and then decided to just get back to walking again. Its not as easy to workout as it would be to take a pill but I have found out the results are better. and safer. I have to know if it is just me or is everyone else exercise shy. Thanks. jamie
Posted by atlrunner2002 on December 6, 2002, at 18:36:35
In reply to How many of you posting are currently exercising?, posted by jamielynn on December 6, 2002, at 13:06:37
> I have run the gauntlet with all of you but I am curious-How many of us are running anywhere except to the Docs. I am a former runner and was very athletic. When life got to hectic I put the running on the shelf. I have read and talked to many people who are going the pill route and have not found anyone who can say they really give themself 45 minutes a day for themselves. Please don't get offended because of this question. I am serious. I have tried all of the usual pills and then decided to just get back to walking again. Its not as easy to workout as it would be to take a pill but I have found out the results are better. and safer. I have to know if it is just me or is everyone else exercise shy. Thanks. jamie
Hi Jamie,
I think I understand your point. I am on Lexapro for depression and Buspar and Xanax for anxiety. And yes, I run regularly! I just ran a half-marathon last Thursday (Thanksgiving Day), in fact.
Running used to alleviate so much of my depression and anxiety, and when it didn't help at all anymore, just as talking with friends/family, watching a funny movie or reading a good book, etc., no longer worked, I knew I was beyond anything I could do for myself, and I went to see my doctor.
Good for you for getting back to walking. I am a firm believer in exercise for the body and soul.
Atlrunner2002
Posted by vagen on December 7, 2002, at 1:35:06
In reply to Running/exercise » jamielynn, posted by atlrunner2002 on December 6, 2002, at 18:36:35
Without exercise/yoga I would really be in trouble.
I hit the gym three times a week for about an hour each. I try to take care of the whole body.
When I go like I am supposed to, I find that I have less s/e, have more energy, am not snappy, and find I am more focused. Perhaps it is taking that extra time just for me, not for the kids, the spouse, the boss, just me. That makes a pretty big statement, don't you think?
Posted by Ponder on December 7, 2002, at 9:13:17
In reply to Re: Running/exercise, posted by vagen on December 7, 2002, at 1:35:06
Another testimonial for the enormous benefits, yet limitations of exercise. There is a nature trail within walking distance of where I live. It takes an hour and a half to hike it and I do it EVERY DAY. If I skip a day, I feel agitated, anxious... you know, more than usual. Still, I need the meds, the meditation, the nutrition, the regular hours, the everything-else-necessary-to-control-bipolar. But exercise is a critical component of my treatment, no question.
Posted by Bill1888 on December 7, 2002, at 11:52:59
In reply to How many of you posting are currently exercising?, posted by jamielynn on December 6, 2002, at 13:06:37
Prior to starting drug therapy exersize and extreme sport were a religion. When I was on SSRI's I found it very hard to find the drive to exercise regularly and no help for a life long compulsize eating habit. Now on Welbutrin and 75 Mg of Topomax have less of the urge to eat compulsively and am eating much more healthy meals and have found the drive to exercise regularly. I have lost 45 pounds in the last three months. I would like to get another 50 odd pounds off and the proof will be in keeping it off but so far so good. Exercise certainly helps me deal with a highly stressful life and the ability to participate in sport (cycling, skiing, rock and ice climbing) brings its own rewards but those rewards only go so far unfortunately and after that we are left with some form of psycho or pharmo therapy. Personally I go in cycles but am rather down on psycho therapy at the moment. I am tired of talking about my depression and would rather live my life as best I can. The drugs and exercise are not a perfect answer but they seem to be helping this week.
Posted by Ponder on December 7, 2002, at 14:55:19
In reply to Re: How many of you posting are currently exercising?, posted by Bill1888 on December 7, 2002, at 11:52:59
Bill,
Are you experiencing any Topa side effects at 75 mg other than appetite suppression? What dose WB?Have to say I understand your feelings about psychotherapy. I have found it useful at times but last week my therapist, a licensed psychologist, asked me to explain to her why medical clinicians are so determined to prevent manic episodes. I asked her if she had heard of the kindling model in bipolar disorder and she had not. So I spent a fair amount of time explaining it to her, telling her what I knew of treatment algorhythms, and assuring her that hypomania is NOT just a matter of feeling extra good. I think it's important for her to know this, given that she has many bipolar patients and has just started a therapy group for bipolar women. I pay her $90 a hour for this? Oh, well. Thanks for letting me vent.
Posted by jamielynn on December 7, 2002, at 19:32:26
In reply to Running/exercise » jamielynn, posted by atlrunner2002 on December 6, 2002, at 18:36:35
Thanks for all of the responses. I thought it was just me. Although I am going back to regular exercise I was afraid the meds would make things worse. You have helped. Thanks. Jamie
Posted by jamielynn on December 8, 2002, at 0:17:12
In reply to Re: Topomax woes, posted by whittba on December 2, 2002, at 17:24:29
Just a brief history on myself - in case anyone wanted to know. Although I was having depressive days-sometimes longer than others. I had went to the doc for the depression & downright lousy moods! I am sure you know what I mean. I was a non smoker exercised regular but had put on aprox 70 lbs in 4 years. I had always been at 150 forever. Then I started smoking sometime in the mix.(now I really feel bad.)Now everyone says its age (42) After trying prozac, then wellbutin - none really helped
but on the other hand when I started getting side effects,i.e. slowing down, tiredness more that usual, which meant I didn't care if I did anything all day! I got off of them both. Finally I noticed my vision would go away in my left eye only and just for about 15 seconds at a time. After seeing a optometrist, several mri's and a couple doppler tests they found I had a psudo tumor. Now with psudo meaning "fake" guess what-no real tumor (good news) but no one -including my nuro. can tell me why this happens. When the nuro told me since she couldn't find out what it was she was going to call it MIGRAINE headaches and give me topamax for weight loss I did't put much trust in her. (Since I hadn't had a headache in several years!)
I decided to do my own research on the Topo and all the rest and you all have really helped me decide to just keep watching and see what goes on for me since the side effects are at the present worse than the depression (most days if ya know what I mean) I hope you all find the right combo for yourselves! I know the struggle you are going thru. !!! Good luck !! jamielynn
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