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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by PuraVida on February 5, 2003, at 16:57:43
In reply to Re: Topamax long term OCD bing eater, posted by Karmagirl on February 4, 2003, at 16:30:22
Is anyone taking Prozac with Topomax? And, I've heard that a mood stabilizer like Topomax should be taken along with an anti-depressant...? Also, at what time of the day do you take your dose(es)? I'm only on 50 mg, which I take at night, but it seems to make me so tired in the mornings. Thanks -
Posted by FloridaOT on February 5, 2003, at 18:01:19
In reply to Re: Topamax - other meds too? When? , posted by PuraVida on February 5, 2003, at 16:57:43
> Is anyone taking Prozac with Topomax? And, I've heard that a mood stabilizer like Topomax should be taken along with an anti-depressant...? Also, at what time of the day do you take your dose(es)? I'm only on 50 mg, which I take at night, but it seems to make me so tired in the mornings. Thanks -
>PuraVida, I 'm taking 100mg Topamax at bedtime, 20 mg Prozac in the a.m.,and 300mg Wellbutrin in the a.m and personally I'm having the opposite affect. I'm having insomnia with the Topamax, and have started taking 25mg of Amitriptyline at bedtime to sleep. (By the way, I know the insomnia is not from the wellbutrin or the prozac because I have been on the same dosage of both for several years.) So, obviously we react differently to Topamax :) But, I'm also solely taking it for the benefit of weight loss. My psch DXs are OCD and Major Depression. When my Dr. prescribed Topamax though, he said one of the side effects he had seen with his other patients was drowsiness, so I know you're not alone.
Posted by Karmagirl on February 6, 2003, at 9:15:52
In reply to Miss Diagnosed » Karmagirl, posted by PodWoman on February 5, 2003, at 13:47:49
GOOD FOR YOU PODWOMAN!!! Happy to hear about you getting rid of some of those meds. Is this the first crack in the Pod??? LOL!!! When you go tomorrow, GET THE TOPOMAX!! I read the article that Jaynee recommended and it was pretty interesting. I didn't realize that it helped with binge eating. Anyhooo-you asked about difficult pregnanices, well I don't know what you call "difficult", but I had 2 stillborn children. The difficulty about these pregnancies was that my water broke very early (23 & 26 wks) in both. In neither case were they ever fully able to explain why my water broke. I was put on bedrest in hopes that I wouldn't go into labor too soon but I did. Don't know if this helps but if it relates, please let me know.
Don't be nervous about the meds. It's a big step but you can do it. You said in an earlier post you prayed for guidance. So look to your Guide and Helper...WE WILL WIN!! Philippians 4:13
K
Posted by PodWoman on February 6, 2003, at 9:58:16
In reply to Re: Miss Diagnosed, posted by Karmagirl on February 6, 2003, at 9:15:52
Hi Karma,
Thank you. It's Thursday a.m. now & I had blood tests done and have to collect my pee for 24 hours. I have never done this for a doc and am not really sure what they're looking for. Anyone out there have this done, too?I feel a little clearer this morning. Part of it has to be that I took a full Ambien at 10pm when I returned from work and was out cold on the couch around 10:45pm My poor hubby didn't have the heart to wake me to head me toward our bedroom because he knows how little sleep I've been getting lately. Bottom line, I feel pretty good today.
My 2 difficult pregnancies... First one: hypertension, bed rest, breach, induced & w/forceps...I've blocked it all. The 2nd, non-stop vomiting, genetics counseling (possible Down's), amnio, gestational diabetes, induced...Basically everything (almost) that could go wrong, did. Except of course your experience tops mine by far. I am so sorry for what has happened to you. It's a devastating thing. This happened to 2 friends of mine, except they carried full term and it wasn't until the last days that it was discovered something was terribly wrong. Both had to deliver their babies anyway. It was AWEFUL. I'll pray for you, and hopefully you now have more children? Or no?
Got to run but I'll check back later.
--Podwoman
> GOOD FOR YOU PODWOMAN!!! Happy to hear about you getting rid of some of those meds. Is this the first crack in the Pod??? LOL!!! When you go tomorrow, GET THE TOPOMAX!! I read the article that Jaynee recommended and it was pretty interesting. I didn't realize that it helped with binge eating. Anyhooo-you asked about difficult pregnanices, well I don't know what you call "difficult", but I had 2 stillborn children. The difficulty about these pregnancies was that my water broke very early (23 & 26 wks) in both. In neither case were they ever fully able to explain why my water broke. I was put on bedrest in hopes that I wouldn't go into labor too soon but I did. Don't know if this helps but if it relates, please let me know.
>
> Don't be nervous about the meds. It's a big step but you can do it. You said in an earlier post you prayed for guidance. So look to your Guide and Helper...WE WILL WIN!! Philippians 4:13
>
> K
Posted by babs on February 6, 2003, at 18:58:21
In reply to Re: Topamax - other meds too? When? » PuraVida, posted by FloridaOT on February 5, 2003, at 18:01:19
Dear Florida- Your doc is prescribing topomax purely for weight loss? I'd like to know more! My doc and I talked about it because my current med regime has given me an extra 60 pounds. It's the risperdal and I tried to switch to geodon which made me sick as a dog. He wants me to try seroquel next but I like the riusperdal so much...if only it didn't make me gain so much weight. I think my doctor's hesitation is the cognitive dulling of topomax. I just started a PHD program so I really can't be dull.
Posted by JennieInnex on February 8, 2003, at 9:08:39
In reply to Re: topamax, posted by Georgia F on May 29, 1999, at 23:27:30
Posted by maaron71 on February 8, 2003, at 23:32:33
In reply to Re: Topamax long term OCD bing eater, posted by PodWoman on February 4, 2003, at 17:40:21
Oh my, PodWoman! I just read your message. I don't know what your doc ended up giving you, but I have been on my own list of meds and they finally put me on Lexapro, it's a new thread of Paxil and Celexa without all of the bad effects. I felt just like you did. My nickname many moons ago was hyper-spaz. I thought that person was gone, never to come back. I've been looking for her for years. (I can't believe I just starting crying out of happiness.) Since I started taking the combination of Lexapro and Topomax she's back.
The weight loss thing is slow going, at first it started flying off, then I got pnemonia and bronchitis and my gp put me on prednisone twice and it came back on. I'm working on going back down now.
Good Luck to you!
Posted by PodWoman on February 9, 2003, at 20:22:17
In reply to Re: Topamax long term OCD bing eater » PodWoman, posted by maaron71 on February 8, 2003, at 23:32:33
Yeah, I know. Scary, huh?
Actually, I just went off Lexapro (I wrote something else in that original list o' pills...my brain strain). My doc took me off all my meds except my minocycline (acne), synthroid (thyroid) and ambien (to sleep finally) and add the Topamax. That was two days ago. I've gained 2 lbs. but I also got my period Friday while at the pharmacy picking up my Topamax. How's that for timing?As far as the Topamax goes, my doc perscribed 25mg tabs to me and instructed me to boost myself 25mg at a time when I'm sure the current doage is not giving me side effects. So far I have not noticed any and will be at 50mg Monday. I do notice I am less hungery less frequently and more noticably (which I have not read about anywhere yet) when I do eat I seem to get full really fast. Like uncomfortably full to the point where I wouldnt eat out of just the thrill of eating (LOL)if you paid me. It's actually uncomfortable. Example: Special treat made by my chef (really is a chef by trade...dont get me started) hubby: chipwiches (freshly baked choc. chip cookies w/ice cream). I couldnt eat the whole thing easily. I actually did but it was a learning experience (I won't do it again...it was tooooo much. Whereas I would have eaten the whole thing before).
So now I await the monthly cycle to wheel its way away so this weight loss can commence. Any and all insight, thoughts, support or advice is welcomed.
I said to my doc on Friday "I really want to try the Topamax. I hate eating all the time." He said "No you don't. Eating's great. Everyone loves eating, food's great. You hate feeling hungry." How right he is.
> Oh my, PodWoman! I just read your message. I don't know what your doc ended up giving you, but I have been on my own list of meds and they finally put me on Lexapro, it's a new thread of Paxil and Celexa without all of the bad effects. I felt just like you did. My nickname many moons ago was hyper-spaz. I thought that person was gone, never to come back. I've been looking for her for years. (I can't believe I just starting crying out of happiness.) Since I started taking the combination of Lexapro and Topomax she's back.
>
> The weight loss thing is slow going, at first it started flying off, then I got pnemonia and bronchitis and my gp put me on prednisone twice and it came back on. I'm working on going back down now.
>
> Good Luck to you!
Posted by karmagirl on February 10, 2003, at 16:37:56
In reply to Re: Topamax long term OCD bing eater, posted by PodWoman on February 9, 2003, at 20:22:17
Hi Podwoman! Has cola started to taste flat yet? (LOL) It BLEW ME AWAY the first time I ever had cola after taking the topomax and it was as fizzy as water!!! Also, the tingling sensation in my hands and feet was BIGGER(?) than your typical tingling sensation. It was a nuisance but those were the only side effects I experienced when I started taking it. I did have some cognitive dullness but it was equivalent to my college days as a pothead so I wasn't bothered by it!! LOL It went away and wasn't really that noticeable, nor did it effect my work. I work in a very high tech environment and never missed a beat. Probably the dumbest thing I did was light a cigarette and put the match to my lips and tossed the cig in the ashtray instead of the other way around. At least I had sense enough to blow it out first. I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that I can't eat as much as I used to. I DO get full MUCH quicker than I used to. I've decided to use that to my advantage though. If I go out to eat, I ALWAYS get a salad first and I ALWAYS split my food in half BEFORE I eat. Before the Topomax, girlfriend I could go with the best of the Big Girl Posse! No buffet was safe....But now, I just can't hold as much without hurting myself. I don't even try. Why bother when I want to get rid of the weight anyway. I used to feel compelled to eat everything on my plate, that's why I automatically separate my food right down the middle and get a to-go box right up front. I don't have to look at food left on the plate and I'm not wasting it because it will be a meal later on. FYI, I'm down another 2.4 lbs. last week bringing me a little closer to my goal. THANK GOD!!! Weight Watchers is not for everyone but it has really been a blessing to me. I can clearly see through the eyes of faith that I am going to get there because I am who God says I am. And so are you. Do you know who God says you are? (Romans 8:37) Yes, you do. Believe what He says and ignore all the other voices. I think the One that made you would know more about you!!! LOL Be encouraged and expect GREAT things to happen...when you expect it to happen, it will.
karmagirl
Posted by PodWoman on February 11, 2003, at 12:10:15
In reply to Re: Topamax long term OCD bing eater, posted by karmagirl on February 10, 2003, at 16:37:56
Hi K-girl!
I haven't actually had any Coke or Pepsi yet but I'll let you know! LOL I have noticed a few brain farts where I get my thoughts and words mixed up (my hubby and kids think it's funny) and yes--it is just like the old pothead days...good fodder for a laugh or two!Also, my periods are a bit longer (5 days instead of my ususal 3-4) and more intense: heavier, achier). That could just be "normal" for me as one of the previous med I was taking "helped" with PMS and menstral symptoms (I forget which one).
I have tried WW and have failed at it, just like I have failed at every diet on the planet...and then some (LOL!). I actually have an online WW account which has remain unused for a while now...I was thinking I would scrap it for now. I am happy simply eating less because my body allows it...It's a beginning. And a blessing where all else has failed. As someone else in this thread once said, "I can see a light at the end of the tunnel...and it's not a train coming!"
--Podwoman
Posted by karmagirl on February 11, 2003, at 13:13:00
In reply to Re: Topamax long term OCD bing eater » karmagirl, posted by PodWoman on February 11, 2003, at 12:10:15
Hi PWOMAN!! I was having brain farts before the meds so it just blended right in!!! LOL!! Let me know how it works for you. Eating less is a great thing. I noticed that around that "time" of the month I didn't have to have MASSIVE amts. of chocolate or sweets so that has helped and the binge control has DEFINITELY worked in my favor. Keep me posted with your success cause I KNOW that's gonna be the outcome for you. Good luck to ya and keep your head up!!
Karmachickie----
Posted by PodWoman on February 11, 2003, at 14:36:05
In reply to Re: Topamax long term OCD bing eater, posted by karmagirl on February 11, 2003, at 13:13:00
Karmagirl, you ROCK!
I'm feeling SO hopeful today! I've got tunes on the radio going, my creative juices are flowing (I have an eBay store), I'm actually getting things DONE instead of eating all day long. What a nice feeling!
How long have you been on Topamax? Since June? By the way, way to go on that 2+ lbs!!! Fantastic! How much does that make for you now? Are you still at 150 mgs? I think my 2 dogs are wondering what's up and they'll probably get fatter as I lose weight due to the fewer trips back and forth to the kitchen from my office (they follow me every where---and I mean EVERYWHERE). LOL!! It's too darn cold to take them out right now anyway (5 F).
Did anyone watch Oprah yesterday with weightloss stories of HUNDREDS of pounds?? Jeepers...Now that's what I call a miracle! These poor souls were at their personal bottoms...been there, done that.
Anyway, thanks again for the note, KG...I have come to look forward to your cheerful support! It's nice to have a cyber-friend out there who understands!
---Podwoman
Posted by karmagirl on February 11, 2003, at 17:42:26
In reply to Re: Topamax long term OCD bing eater, posted by PodWoman on February 11, 2003, at 14:36:05
I'm SOOOOO excited for you Podwoman!! Glad to hear how well things are going for you. Love Dr. Bob's website but email me at myname1atyahoodotcom so we can chat more freely than posting. I'm still at 100 MG for the Topomax and that's as high as I will go. At least for now. My doc thinks that's high enough. I missed Oprah yesterday but I wanted to see it. I KNOW it was inspiring to see people who'd lost so much. I'm telling you girlfriend, just the smallest changes in your diet can make such a HUGE difference. For example the splitting of a meal in half like I mentioned in my post yesterday. Oh my goodness, I am so excited about life and the freedom that I feel. Wanna hear the funny part? I'm still almost 300 lbs!!! LOL But I'm 63 lbs. lighter than when I started back in June and I can see that I WILL get where I want to be...Not sure where that is but we can get there together. I just wanna feel better and not let EVERY move I make be a struggle. At 360 lbs. (June 02, to 297 (current) I'm telling you, it's like a whole world has opened up to me. Wanna hear the cutest thing?? I feel like SUCH a lady...because I CAN CROSS MY LEGS...WITHOUTH HOLDING THE OTHER ONE ON TOP!!!! LOL!! Call me crazy, but the first time I realized I was crossing my legs and I didn't HAVE to hold it, I almost cried. All I could think was how good God was for sparing my life to let me get to see that day. Yes, God is in even the smallest of miracles. And if my life would've been over at that moment, I would've passed on happy. It's a great journey, it's not easy, but it will change your life. The reward is like being let out of prison. I'm SO excited that I just want to tell every person I see that they can do it. If I can do it, ANYBODY can do it!! LOL I'm the BAG-O-BINGER..meaning i eat the whole BAG-O-ANYTHING when I would binge!! (lol) Any tips, recipes, ideas, common sense (not much of that left--hehe) but whatever resources I have, I'm willing to share. Email me and keep me posted!!!
karmagirl1
Posted by babs on February 13, 2003, at 19:29:59
In reply to Re: Topamax long term OCD bing eater, posted by karmagirl on February 11, 2003, at 17:42:26
Hi Ladies- What a great crew you are! My pdoc just prescribed Topamax to hopefully help me with the 60 pounds I've gained from my current meds. I am going to start at 25 mg and move up to 50. I haven't taken it yet and I'm a littl;e scared because I just had a horrible reaction to geodon. So, what do I need to know- irritability, insomnia, sedation, anxiety, its nickname as dopeamax because of cognitive dulling? Tell me everyhting! And what's this about coke suddenly tasting gross? I am positively addicted to diet Coke and drink too much so this might be a good thing! Thanks, babs
Posted by JennieInnex on February 13, 2003, at 19:48:23
In reply to joining the topamax club, posted by babs on February 13, 2003, at 19:29:59
Hello Everyone! I too just started taking Topamax. However, I am already up to 300mg a day. I have just started to notice quite a bit of depression. Is this normal? Maybe it is withdrawal from my depakote??? I have been on a VERY large dose of that and have been tapering down to none for weight loss. I have a seizure disorder due to head trauma.
Posted by FloridaOT on February 14, 2003, at 8:08:21
In reply to joining the topamax club, posted by babs on February 13, 2003, at 19:29:59
> Hi Ladies- What a great crew you are! My pdoc just prescribed Topamax to hopefully help me with the 60 pounds I've gained from my current meds. I am going to start at 25 mg and move up to 50. I haven't taken it yet and I'm a littl;e scared because I just had a horrible reaction to geodon. So, what do I need to know- irritability, insomnia, sedation, anxiety, its nickname as dopeamax because of cognitive dulling? Tell me everyhting! And what's this about coke suddenly tasting gross? I am positively addicted to diet Coke and drink too much so this might be a good thing! Thanks, babs
Hi Babs! Sorry I haven't responded sooner. I am currently at 100mg strictly for weightloss. Personally, I have not had the "soda tasting wierd" side effect(Thank goodness, because, I live on diet soda) or, the cognitive dulling(knock on wood). I am an Occupational Therapist in a fast paced rehab facility working 10 to 12 hour shifts. I've been on the Topamax for 1 month (started @ 25mg and increased dosage every week) and have lost 5 pounds without any effort on my behalf. The medication has decreased my appetite and cravings tremendously. I don't even feel like snacking between meals. I love this stuff!!! I know other people have had drowsiness but, as for me I've been given more energy and had to start taking my dosage in the a.m. because it was giving me insomnia taking it at night.
My response to this med is not the norm, I know. Just goes to show you how it can effect everyone differently. And how it can effect the person whom is taking it strictly for weight loss.
Oh, and one more thing to throw into the mix... Has anyone out there noticed increased libido? I am a newly wed and unfortunately for my new husband, the prozac and wellbutrin had greatly deminished my sexual desire, but since taking the Topamax it has gradually come back.
Everybody have a great day! FloridaOT
Posted by PodWoman on February 14, 2003, at 8:18:55
In reply to Re: joining the topamax club » babs, posted by FloridaOT on February 14, 2003, at 8:08:21
Hi--
I've only been on the Topamax one week (exactly). Lost 4.5 lbs and yes carbonated drinks taste a little tinny. Libido? What's that? LOL Just kidding. Mine came back, but that's because I'm 3 weeks off 4 meds that wiped mine off the face of the earth. Yea! Last night was an early Valentine's present.... :) As far as the "Dope-a-max" a name which I LOVE by the way, it's fodder for some amusement but I'm told it should go away. As for fatigue, yes, it makes me tired. But for me it's at odd times, and not all the time. It hits me mid day then late afternoon. I take my med at bedtime. My appetite is close to nil. I crave watery foods like celery, grapes...and salt for some reason. Weird. I also have forearm tingling and numbness, like they fell asleep. It's off and on about 12 hrs after I take the meds.
Good luck! Oh by the way---My shrink tells me 150-200g minimum are when you'll see (anyone will see) real results with this drug).
Posted by babs on February 14, 2003, at 9:59:54
In reply to Re: joining the topamax club, posted by PodWoman on February 14, 2003, at 8:18:55
So it seems like any weight loss won't happen until 150-200 mg. I think my pdoc is only planning on getting me up to 50 mg. I only need it for weight loss but it sounds like this won't be enough. What should I do?
Posted by PodWoman on February 14, 2003, at 13:07:17
In reply to Re: topamax dosage, posted by babs on February 14, 2003, at 9:59:54
<...it sounds like this won't be enough. What should I do?>
Find out why your doc is not planning to bring up the amt higher, is my suggestion. Maybe s/he doesn't have enough info about the drug to feel secure about doing so, or, maybe there are other medical reason why s/he is anable to do so (specifically related to you).
--Podwoman
Posted by babs on February 14, 2003, at 13:42:07
In reply to Re: topamax dosage, posted by PodWoman on February 14, 2003, at 13:07:17
Well- Day one on topamax and I can't focus at all (I'm trying to work on a PhD here!). I took 25 mg last night. Does this side effect diminish with time? I'm already on adderall to help with ADD and can't really afford anything that makes my concentration worse. I have a lot of work to get done! Woe is me.....
Posted by PodWoman on February 14, 2003, at 14:51:16
In reply to Re: started topamax and I can't focus!, posted by babs on February 14, 2003, at 13:42:07
Fear not....This is one of the Dope-a-max side effects that *Thankfully* diminishes with time. If it doesn't within a week or so, I think, you should probably speak to your doc.
good luck & hang in there,
---Podwoman
Posted by suji on February 14, 2003, at 15:41:00
In reply to Re: started topamax and I can't focus!, posted by babs on February 14, 2003, at 13:42:07
I have to say that this one of the major reasons I stopped taking Topamax--I am also a full-time student working on an M.Div and I also take meds for ADD (dexedrine)...I found it very difficult to think at the level I need to for scholarly work, and this side-effect did not go away over the 3+ months I took Topamax. Nor, unfortunately, did I lose any weight...(although the negative cognitive side-effects would certainly have trumped even losing a LOT of weight!) Clearly, we all react differently to all these meds, so this is just to let you know of my own experience. I am glad to hear that other people have had better results.
One reassuring note is that after stopping the Topamax, it wasn't more than a day or two before I was able to think again...
Best of luck to you--and everyone else!
suji
Posted by audrey on February 14, 2003, at 18:04:25
In reply to Re: started topamax and I can't focus!, posted by suji on February 14, 2003, at 15:41:00
I just picked up my prescription for Topamax, and there was a nice little note from the pharmacist informing me that I need to use a back up form of birth control to my bc pills. My doctor didn't mention anything about this!! But sure enough, after doing a little research it looks like this drug can reduce the efficacy of the pill. That sucks! My husband isn't so excited about it, either, but he said he'd rather I was happy, stable, etc. Has anyone NOT used another form of birth control and had "problems?" With my screwed up brain chemistry, I definitely should not be procreating!!
Posted by exys on February 15, 2003, at 22:46:33
In reply to starting topamax -- bc pills??, posted by audrey on February 14, 2003, at 18:04:25
I was on topomax for over a year, and I had no problems with my bc pills... but i'm not saying i'm everyone. There's a warning obviously for a reason... so if you choose to take the route I did you'll be thanking your lucky stars at the end of each month when you do finally get your period.
Topomax helped me lose about 30+ lbs in just a few months and I managed to keep it off until a few months ago when suddenly it seemed to stop working. My mood when down the drain and all the weight I lost just came back like it was nothing. It was very very depressing.
I just started zoloft because my mood was so down in the dumps... know anything about those side effects?
Posted by maaron71 on February 16, 2003, at 0:26:48
In reply to joining the topamax club, posted by babs on February 13, 2003, at 19:29:59
Yep, The cokes will taste absolutely so nasty for awhile. The taste comes back though. Dark colas are worse than lighter ones. I'm a Diet Dew junkie and just had to live through the nasty taste because I couldn't live with the headhaches caused by the caffiene withdrawal. Good Luck!
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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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