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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by LBcats on July 14, 2003, at 21:45:17
In reply to effects of topamax, posted by cerodwen on July 14, 2003, at 18:06:04
>I think It works good with depakote but depakote can make you can weightat high doses. I take depakote now (a small dose)and with this small dose I have not gained weight (250 mg a day) and have not had any manic/mixed episodes. I've had these manic mixed episodes in the past.
My doc was surprised at how well the depakote and the topomax worked together but I insisted on getting off the depakote because of the weight gain. So far so good at 250 mg.
Try topomax 100 mg during the day. That works better for me then the other 100 at night.
later
Linda
i take 200 mg of topamax at night, before bed. I've been taking it for at least 2 years now, but i still think that i have effects of the "dopimax" syndrome thing. I have trouble remembering words and with focus and concentration. I also have problems with depression so that may be due to that as well. However topamax helped me to lose the 100+ lbs I gained while on Lithium (this drug does not work with my body chemistry) so that was a very helpful thing for me, and I like to take it because it helps to keep my weight down and so many of the mood stabilizer meds cause so much puffing up. Does anyone have a regular mood stabilizer they'd recommend to take in conjunction with Topamax? Right now I'm taking the 200mg of the Topamax at night as a mood stabilizer and 10mg of Lexapro in the morning to help with social anxiety and depression.
>
> I am looking for an all-around mood stabilizer, because i've heard topamax doesn't really work on its own and I had a manic/mixed episode in april when I was taking just topamax.
>
>
Posted by cerodwen on July 14, 2003, at 22:09:50
In reply to Re: effects of topamax, posted by LBcats on July 14, 2003, at 21:45:17
Thanks so much. Your message gives me hope. I want so much to be at a place where I can really rely on myself without fear and know that my medication and my therapy and my psychiatrist and the work that I do to keep my brain and mind and heart all in check all that work and thought is ENOUGH.
So I can breath freely and stop looking over my shoulder and so I can talk and laugh and not have my mom say, "stop laughing you're manic"
Anywyas thanks for the depakote advice, if anyone has waded through above rant, who else is taking depakote + topamax + (possibly) lexapro and has comments ?
I hate the blood tests, HATE needles, but if this is a reliable combo, I will take the plunge...
-Deirdre
Posted by ROO on July 15, 2003, at 9:13:02
In reply to Re: effects of topamax » LBcats, posted by cerodwen on July 14, 2003, at 22:09:50
I think topamax and lamictal would be a good combo for
you (and one I am thinking of trying if I _have_ to
go back on a mood stabilizer). The lamictal might help
with the depressive parts of the topamax and it's also more
high energy...might counteract the sleepiness thing.
I've heard of other people doing well on this combo. You're
not likely to gain weight on the lamictal either...especially
taking the topamax along with it.
Posted by Stacy Louisa Beus on July 15, 2003, at 23:23:18
In reply to effects of topamax, posted by cerodwen on July 14, 2003, at 18:06:04
oboy that dopimax part sounds like me. It tends to get worse when I am tired. I feel so stupid when I try to speak, that sometimes I just want to cry.
Posted by Stacy Louisa Beus on July 15, 2003, at 23:26:22
In reply to Re: Topomax-Should I or shouldn't I????, posted by LBcats on July 14, 2003, at 21:22:46
But when you seperate it like that are you sleepy in the morning? or grogy during the day?
Posted by galkeepinon on July 15, 2003, at 23:27:28
In reply to Re: effects of topamax, posted by Stacy Louisa Beus on July 15, 2003, at 23:23:18
hi Stacy, hang in there it should pass-it did with me.
> oboy that dopimax part sounds like me. It tends to get worse when I am tired. I feel so stupid when I try to speak, that sometimes I just want to cry.
Posted by cerodwen on July 16, 2003, at 0:24:07
In reply to Re: effects of topamax » Stacy Louisa Beus, posted by galkeepinon on July 15, 2003, at 23:27:28
i've been on the topamax for ages and lately i've been so out of it during the day... I just feel like I am sleep-walking, like my mind is absent or like I have a brain tumor. the other day I was going for a walk in an attempt to shake myself out of my groggy state and I had this thought, I wish I could unlatch my head, flip my skull open, take my brain out and wash it out, then put it back in, and close it up again. I guess therapy does that... I go tomorrow.
and with the right drug combo/cocktail the groggy feeling wouldn't be there.
Posted by Nycole on July 16, 2003, at 16:22:05
In reply to Re: effects of topamax, posted by LBcats on July 14, 2003, at 21:45:17
Hi everyone! In a lot of the past posts, people talk about the cognitive side effects, such as the "stupids", memory loss, blurry vision, etc, etc. Well, I have been on the Topamax for a month now and luckily I haven't had any of those side effects yet. BUT, I have not had any of the weight loss effects either, which, besdies my terrible depression is a huge reason I am on Topamax in the first place. I really want to increase my dosage to 200 mg. so that I can have the weight loss, but I don't want the cognitive effects. So, can anyone tell me what dose they were on when they started having the cognitive side effects and what dosage they were on when they had the weight loss effects? Thanks!!
Nycole
Posted by galkeepinon on July 16, 2003, at 16:41:08
In reply to Re: effects of topamax, posted by Nycole on July 16, 2003, at 16:22:05
Hi Nycole, If I can remember (cognitive side effect here..lol)the dosage I was on when I first started having cognitive side effects was in the beginning-around 100mg and I didn't get them too bad. As for the weight loss, like I said at around 150 mg-I really noticed the weight coming off and before I knew it-at 200mg I hit a total of a 25 pound weight loss. I have noticed more and more the blurry vision once in a while but it goes away quickly and I have noticed less and less the tingling in my feet-which is great-that's very annoying lol. What I am experiencing though is a lot of itching!!!! And this is totally new to me. I am on no other new med so I know it has to be the Topamax. I wonder if anyone has had itching while on 200mg? Who knows.
Keep us updated on you.
Take care
Gal
> Hi everyone! In a lot of the past posts, people talk about the cognitive side effects, such as the "stupids", memory loss, blurry vision, etc, etc. Well, I have been on the Topamax for a month now and luckily I haven't had any of those side effects yet. BUT, I have not had any of the weight loss effects either, which, besdies my terrible depression is a huge reason I am on Topamax in the first place. I really want to increase my dosage to 200 mg. so that I can have the weight loss, but I don't want the cognitive effects. So, can anyone tell me what dose they were on when they started having the cognitive side effects and what dosage they were on when they had the weight loss effects? Thanks!!
> Nycole
Posted by LBcats on July 16, 2003, at 20:55:51
In reply to Re: Topomax-Should I or shouldn't I????, posted by Stacy Louisa Beus on July 15, 2003, at 23:26:22
> I don't get sleepy or groggy. I must be different or something. I get sleepy at night about 6 p.m but then I get a second wind around 8p.m. and then I go to sleep around midnight. But I've never been much of a sleeper.
LindaBut when you seperate it like that are you sleepy in the morning? or grogy during the day?
Posted by galkeepinon on July 17, 2003, at 14:32:32
In reply to Re: Topamax Weight Loss Advice?????, posted by LBcats on July 11, 2003, at 22:06:28
Linda, hey-how are you doing??? Did you start taking flax seed oil again? I haven't started taking the omega oils yet-but want to give it a shot-but you're right-they're pretty expensive!
Let me know how your doc appt goes on the 11th:)
Take care!Gal
> >Hi Gal,
> That's funny you mentioned the omega 3 fatty acids. My doc told me to take flax oil that contains lots of omega 3. I took it for a while then kind of gave up on it since they are horse pills and cost as much as my RX's. Anyway, I eat the right foods.
> Haven't been doing well lately, just kind of depressed. Maybe I should start taking my flax oil, who knows. I'm scheduled to see my doc again on the 11th of Aug. But I've got lots of stress at work too. Anyway, hopefully it will pass. later
>
> Linda
> Linda, you sound like me! I went off the Depakote for the same reason but it wasn't helping at all either and I was misdiagnosed too.
> > My first AD was Prozac-worked well, but gained a lot of weight-stopped working, was on Ananfranil-gained weight-misdiagnosed with OCD, was on Luvox-misdiagnosed, was on Paxil had a bad reaction, was on Zoloft-didn't work, Celexa worked well for a while-great med for me, and tried a whole mess of many more also. I have seemed to find a pretty good combo (crossing fingers) with the Effexor, Topamax, and Klonopin-seems to work pretty good so far. I been through the run of the mill. I'm now concentrating on taking the nutrition path-eating more omega 3 fatty acids, supplements, drinking a lot of water, etc.
> >
> > Let me know how everything is holding up for you!
> > Gal
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > > > Hi Gal,
> > > I've been known to mess with my meds too. So don't knock yourself over that. It's just part of what we do. I want to get off the depakote because it think it keeps me from losing more weight. At least that how I rationalize it. I really don't need it anymore. It is such a small dose. (250 mg a day)
> > > I've been on many meds because they misdiagnosed me. They thought I was majorly depressed. they finally diagnosed me as bipolar and started getting the meds right. However, it wasn't until my second hospitalization that they got me on effexor and topomax.
> > > I've been on prozac, celexa, zeprexa, serequel, wellbutrin, depakote, zanax and others that I can't remember right now. Most of these stopped working for me.
> > > Well got to go. Tell me more about your meds and what happened with them. later.
> > > Linda
> > >
> > > Hi Linda, I haven't been online for a few days, feelin a little down, but better tonight. Hope you are doing well. Good for you!!! You lost 2 sizes too-wonderful. Feels good doesn't it? I still have a few I need to lose for sure. I went back to taking 100mg of the Topamax a few days ago and it was a mistake, so I started back at 200 mg a day again yesterday. I'm famous for playing with my meds (bad girl) LOL
> > > > You sound like you have a pretty reasonable doctor?
> > > > Right now I am taking 75mg of Effexor and hope to increase it next time I see my psychiatrist. I believe I need a higher dose to keep my depression at bay for sure. We do sound alike. I have been hospitalized a few times for major depression and now I'm just trying to get my mood stabilized more. I still get a little depressed sometimes-but I'm working on that. So, you like the combo of Topamax and Effexor? How long have you been on both? Have you had any success with any other meds on the past? Why are you going off the Depakote???
> > > >
> > > > Hope to hear from you soon, if I can be of any help to you let me know.
> > > >
> > > > Gal
> > > >
> >
>
>
Posted by Nycole on July 18, 2003, at 23:21:42
In reply to Re: Topamax Weight Loss Advice????? » LBcats, posted by galkeepinon on July 17, 2003, at 14:32:32
Ok Guys..I need your help. I am having a sort of relapse with my depression. It really started to improve with the Topamax on top of the Effexor, but this past week has been horrible! I have not left my house since last Sunday! I have terrible crying spells every day and I spend most of the day in bed. I was gettng better and now I am back to where began, and I am hitting rock bottom. My doc is going to increase the Topamax to 200 mg a day, but he's worried about the cognitive side effects and so am I. Please explain what the "stupids" are. What will happen and when will I know if I am having them?? Hopefully I won't. Does everyone have them? By the way, I weighed myself today and I haven't lost one single pound. OH, man, that just killed me right there. I really had my hopes up for that!! Any encouraging words there? I'm so sorry for rambling on, I just hit a really hard spot here and I need some help from you guys....PLEASE
Nycole
Posted by sapphire on July 19, 2003, at 8:47:02
In reply to Re: Topamax » galkeepinon, posted by Nycole on July 18, 2003, at 23:21:42
Hello,
I am a 50 year old professional. I have been struggling with some bouts of depression over the past couple of years. The doctor prescribed an antidepressant and it gave me a terrible headache so I stopped taking the medicine. I have also begun binge eating for the first time in my life and have gained 30 pounds over the past two years. When I visited the doctor the last time he prescribed a very low dosage of Topamax. I thought I'd surf the web before beginning the dosage and I am so glad I did.
The side effects I have read each of you describe scares the living day lights out of me. In my job, I am required to frequently make presentations in front of large groups of people and to very high visibility individuals in my company. I cannot afford a case of the "stupids" because one episode could cost me my job. I think I am managing the depression but I am struggling terribly with my weight and binge eating. I was encouraged when the doctor mentioned that the Topamax would help with the depression and my weight.
I intermittently have issues with sleeping and sometimes go on to work in the middle of the night because my heart and my mind are racing and I cannot go back to sleep. If the Topamax increases restlessness at night it will increase my exhaustion and I cannot afford that either. I have never been diagnosed with bipolar disease but do have secret concerns. I'd appreciate additional feedback from individuals who are taking the medication and/or Dr. Bob. I hate to second guess my doctor but it is my body and my career that will be impacted, not his.
I think I will continue my personal search and analysis before starting the medication. I am supposed to return to the doctor in three weeks to discuss the medication so I have some time to continue my research.
Thanks in advance for any advice and help.
Posted by galkeepinon on July 19, 2003, at 11:14:51
In reply to Re: Topamax » galkeepinon, posted by Nycole on July 18, 2003, at 23:21:42
Hi Nycole, well, I didn't get much of the "stupids" everyone seems to be talking about. I guess I was one of the lucky ones-I just haven't experienced them even on 200mg a day. I will tell you one thing though...I have been having bouts with the depression lately also and there's only one thing that has pulled me through..just one thing.......not a med..not exercise.....not a vitamin..not fish oil capsules....not a massage..not a friend....not sex...it was MY ATTITUDE! and it's not easy by any means. Today I'm just trying to keep my spirits up. I was hit HARD this week with some things and people who know how to push my buttons-and they did and I let them. Oh well, it's over, and now I'm moving on.
Anyway, how long have you been on the Topamax as of today? And how many mg of Effexor are you on? It could be, and this is a thought, that the Effexor may be counteracting your success of weight loss from the Topamax. Effexor doesn't always make people lose weight. I have read many posts here about Effexor actually causing weight gain for some. That may be the problem.
As far as encouraging words, all I can say to you is that the fact of the matter here is that I DO wish you the best, I hope that Topamax gives you the results you want. I hope you hang in there and continue to give it a chance, but please don't make yourself upset.
Get back to me and let me know about the Effexor and all ok?
Luv ya!!! and hang on.............you may be surprised;)Gal
> Ok Guys..I need your help. I am having a sort of relapse with my depression. It really started to improve with the Topamax on top of the Effexor, but this past week has been horrible! I have not left my house since last Sunday! I have terrible crying spells every day and I spend most of the day in bed. I was gettng better and now I am back to where began, and I am hitting rock bottom. My doc is going to increase the Topamax to 200 mg a day, but he's worried about the cognitive side effects and so am I. Please explain what the "stupids" are. What will happen and when will I know if I am having them?? Hopefully I won't. Does everyone have them? By the way, I weighed myself today and I haven't lost one single pound. OH, man, that just killed me right there. I really had my hopes up for that!! Any encouraging words there? I'm so sorry for rambling on, I just hit a really hard spot here and I need some help from you guys....PLEASE
> Nycole
Posted by Stacy Louisa Beus on July 20, 2003, at 11:20:12
In reply to Re: Topamax » galkeepinon, posted by Nycole on July 18, 2003, at 23:21:42
Please dont feel alone! You will know when the stupids hit LOL! Because things will happen to you that arent you so to speak. and you will feel stupid. I started stuttering again after years and years of not. I havent stutterd since I was 5 because I was scared of my step dad and I am 30 now. But it usaually only happens when I am really tired or really upset.
about the weight~ I have only lost around 5 pounds a month which is is very slow so please dont fret hang in there.
Stacy
Posted by Cerodwen on July 20, 2003, at 14:52:26
In reply to Re: effects of topamax--Cerodwen, posted by ROO on July 15, 2003, at 9:13:02
> I think topamax and lamictal would be a good combo for
> you (and one I am thinking of trying if I _have_ to
> go back on a mood stabilizer). The lamictal might help
> with the depressive parts of the topamax and it's also more
I am thinking about taking lamictal with the topamax for the reasons you addressed. However I am concerned about the Stevens-Johnson rash issue. My pdoc told me that people get rashes and even if they get treatment right away the rashes can still be fatal. What do you know about the rashes?
> high energy...might counteract the sleepiness thing.
> I've heard of other people doing well on this combo. You're
> not likely to gain weight on the lamictal either...especially
> taking the topamax along with it.
>
Posted by Nycole on July 20, 2003, at 16:13:28
In reply to Re: effects of topamax-(adding lamictal) » ROO, posted by Cerodwen on July 20, 2003, at 14:52:26
I was taking lamictal before I started taking the topamax. I thought they were for the same thing. My pdoc took my off the lamictal to put me on the topamax. I thought they were both mood stabilizers. Can they be taken at the same time??? By the way, I have heard all about the rash, and luckily I never got any type of rash on lamictal. That's kind of a scary thing though, huh?
Posted by shay52 on July 21, 2003, at 15:16:06
In reply to effects of topamax, posted by cerodwen on July 14, 2003, at 18:06:04
has anyone else had problems with heat ? My body doesn't seem to be able to adjust to the high temps that we are having...
Also what about the hair thing ? My hair has no body or curl..won't hold a curl after using curling iron or curlers and I can mousse it to within an inch of it's life and 10 minutes later...flat..
Posted by shay52 on July 21, 2003, at 15:23:19
In reply to Re: effects of topamax » Nycole, posted by galkeepinon on July 16, 2003, at 16:41:08
I started losing weight on 50mg of Topamax..I'm on it for nerve pain..and also have the Dopamax symptoms. So far I have lost 37 pounds...I was on Neurontinin before and gained over 70 lbs. I also had the itching, but only for about 3 days. My doc has uped me to 75mg now, so we'll see what happens. I'm also on Zoloft for panic disorder.
Posted by Nycole on July 21, 2003, at 15:59:14
In reply to Re: effects of topamax Nycole, posted by shay52 on July 21, 2003, at 15:23:19
How long were you on Topamax before you started losing weight??
Posted by shay52 on July 21, 2003, at 16:52:22
In reply to Re: effects of topamax Nycole, posted by Nycole on July 21, 2003, at 15:59:14
I started losing weight within the 1st 2 weeks. In the 1st month I lost 11lbs. I've kinda leveled off right now, but still have no appetite. If I was physically able to exercise, I imagine the loss would be dramatic.'Course, I still forget words in the middle of a sentence and feel like "dopey" but I look good...LOL
Posted by balto1 on July 23, 2003, at 4:28:19
In reply to Topamax Experiences?, posted by Kingfish on January 4, 2001, at 7:29:48
Hi I went to the doctor yesterday because I had recently been on Lexapro for bipolar. I had been on it along with wellbuttrin for a couple of months. The first month I felt a lot better. The last few weeks I had experienced some problems. I have been on the wellbuttrin for over a year now so I knew it was not it so I went off the Lexapr. My doctor put me on Topamax yesterday. I have suffered with mild depression probably most of my life. My whole family seems to. I am 34 years old. I had a total hysterectomy at 28 and suffered worst depression since. Over the last 2 years I have had a lot of family problems and them about a year ago lost my mom. She was a very important part of my life and I have had a terrible time getting over her lose. I felt myself slipping deeper and deeper into depression so I knew I had to do something. I have gained about 40 pounds since my surgery 6 years ago and been fighting with my weight since. Last year I lost about 16 pounds on weight watchers but gained 5 back. My doctor and me to are really hopping this medicine (topamax) will help me. We all know that being overweight sure dont help depression. I have really been struggling lately and would not have made it without my family but most of all God. But I would love to hear from anyone who has experienced similar stuff or could give me any advice about this medicine or if you are taking it along with wellbuttrin. Thanks
Posted by Nycole on July 26, 2003, at 1:24:43
In reply to Re: Topamax Weight Loss Advice?????, posted by Nycole on July 13, 2003, at 15:06:02
OK, BIG HUGE problem. I haven't written on here in quite a while with very good reason. My depression totally crashed and burned. I hit the absolute bottom of rock bottom. I have been on the Topamax for almost 6 weeks now in adition to my effexor that I have been on for 3 years. The combo helped for for about 2 weeks and BAM it was gone. Ya'll, I have never been so bad with the clinical depression in my whole life! My pdoc has been on vacation for a week and a half. Has anyone ever had a case that the topamax either didn't work at all or made you much much worse?? I don't now what to think of all this, and the pdoc on call just keeps on telling me to go to the hospital which I won't do. Help me out guys!!
Posted by Nycole on August 4, 2003, at 23:54:37
In reply to Re: Topamax Weight Loss Advice????? LBcats, posted by KRM123 on July 12, 2003, at 11:54:38
Hi Everyone!! Sorry It's been awhile. It's been awhile since I have heard from a lot of ya'll, too! I hope everyone is doing well! Well, I finally started losing weight on the Topamax! It wasn't until I got to the 200mg. that it started. That's when my appetite decreased. Now I lost 10 pounds in about a month. So, of course I am so excited about that! My question is for you seasoned weight loss people who have lost the weight and kept it off. Does the decrease in appetite go away?? I don't want it to ever go away!! I just wanna keep losing and losing! If it does go away, how long does it take? And did you gain all your weight back when your appetite came back?? I am so paranoid that is going to happen!!! I guess it's just becasue things are going so well, I am afraid to be overly happy about it, cuz I fear it will be taken away....ya know??? WEll, let me know!! Anyone who knows anything about this....please respond!! THanks!
Nycole
Posted by token on August 5, 2003, at 6:27:02
In reply to effects of topamax-heat, posted by shay52 on July 21, 2003, at 15:16:06
it's been a loooong time since i've been here but here goes...i was on 200mg bid topamax for about a year and the appetite went back to normal. then i stopped all my meds for 2 months and gained 12 pounds. now that i am back on, i am not eating as much but boy am i nauseaus with heartburn, etc...as far as the heat, this can be very dangerous. topamax is known to disrupt your body's ability to sweat and control your body temperature. last summer, doctors didn't know what was wrong with me and thought i had an endocrine problem and since i was a psych patient, they thought i was faking my collapsing in the heat. i also kept falling asleep while driving even though my doctor was only 2 miles down the road. i would quickly recover once i cooled off so it never looked genuine but now there is a medwatch warning on it.
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