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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by California_Princess on September 12, 2003, at 1:15:04
In reply to Re: Topamax Weight Loss Advice????? » LBcats, posted by galkeepinon on July 17, 2003, at 14:32:32
Hello All,
I've just spent about two hrs reading through old posts about Topomax.I was just diagnosed with Bi-Polar Disorder so I've been doing research on the different kinds of meds the psychiatrist might put me on. The only two that I’ve found that I will THINK about taking are Topomax (Topiramate) or Lamictal since the others have such horrible side affects.
Do to my compulsive eating during manic phases I am about 130 pounds over weight, so naturally the Topomax caught my attention.
However it seems that the weight loss only comes while taking doses at 200mgs or higher a day and there are some substantial side effects, like memory and thinking ability being impaired, kidney stones, mouth and gum problems and tingling.
I am currently not on any drugs but have been bi-polar all my life. I’ve just tried to deal with it since I am sooo afraid of taking drugs. I was on Zoloft for a while because of deep depressions, but even the Zoloft stopped working after a while.
What is the overall feeling about Topomax’s effect on depression? Taking one med is bad enough, (for me) but if I have to take two or a cocktail of meds I think that will be too much.
Has anyone had any success with taking Topomax and Lamictal together? I know Lamictal can cause a rash and in some cases a VERY bad rash that can be fatal. Has anyone had any bad experiences with that?
Thank you for your help. I’m so confused and want to get all the information I can before I see my psychiatrist on the 22nd.
Melissa
California_Princess
Posted by galkeepinon on September 12, 2003, at 1:34:41
In reply to Re: Topamax Weight Loss Advice?????, posted by California_Princess on September 12, 2003, at 1:15:04
>>>What is the overall feeling about Topomax’s effect on depression?
I think it made my depression worse.
>>>Has anyone had any success with taking Topomax and Lamictal together?
I'm on Lamictal now, but discontinued the Topamax, so I never had a chance to see any, if any success taking them together.
>>>I know Lamictal can cause a rash and in some cases a VERY bad rash that can be fatal. Has anyone had any bad experiences with that?
Nope never got the *fatal rash*
Best of luck with your psychiatrist appt:-)
Posted by merryann on September 12, 2003, at 3:59:55
In reply to Re: The benefits of Topamax (more), posted by Wrain on September 8, 2003, at 8:54:04
I have just started taking Topamax in a small dose to be built up gradually. I will also be taking wellbutrin in the am as well as celexa with the topamax in the pm. I have had depression that is resistant to treatment. I have had depression all of my life. It is believed to be a chemical imbalance brought about in my case from long term highly stress inducing childhood abuses. It is thought that in some children while your brain is growing that things can really get out of wack when dealing with over the top stuff that even adults wouldn't be able to handle. I am hopeful that this will help me. I am also a binge eater and have had manic episodes that have caused me to really pack on the weight and my medications in the past have worked against me. At present I am off the scale at the doctors. (350+) And It has been my experience in the past with wellbutrin to be able to lose weight almost without effort. So I am really hoping with the wellburtin and the topamax on board I will have sucess both in my emotions and in my body. God willing. I hope he is.
I will keep others updated if they are interested. Any questions please ask. I need to talk and I need to listen.
Posted by California_Princess on September 12, 2003, at 12:49:49
In reply to Re: The benefits of Topamax (more), posted by merryann on September 12, 2003, at 3:59:55
Posted by Wrain on September 12, 2003, at 20:07:14
In reply to Re: The benefits of Topamax (more) » Wrain, posted by galkeepinon on September 8, 2003, at 23:53:52
Thank you very much, I am going to look into that.
Kym
Posted by Wrain on September 12, 2003, at 20:14:04
In reply to Re: The benefits of Topamax (more), posted by merryann on September 12, 2003, at 3:59:55
MerryAnn,
I am here for you..I know how bad this depression can be and when we have it there is no situation we can be in that will make us feel any better. We could be married to the richest person in the world and have everything our hearts desire and if the chemicals in our brain are out of balance we will still be depressed. Then, if we are carrying added weight on top of that the depression is worse and keeps us from doing any physical activity because we are to depressed, how crazy is that?
It is all just a matter of being focused on the two most important things right now....YOU and getting your Meds straight. There is a combination out there for you, you and your doctor just have to be willing to work towards finding the perfect combination.
Hang in there girl...I will keep you in my prayers.
Wrain
> I have just started taking Topamax in a small dose to be built up gradually. I will also be taking wellbutrin in the am as well as celexa with the topamax in the pm. I have had depression that is resistant to treatment. I have had depression all of my life. It is believed to be a chemical imbalance brought about in my case from long term highly stress inducing childhood abuses. It is thought that in some children while your brain is growing that things can really get out of wack when dealing with over the top stuff that even adults wouldn't be able to handle. I am hopeful that this will help me. I am also a binge eater and have had manic episodes that have caused me to really pack on the weight and my medications in the past have worked against me. At present I am off the scale at the doctors. (350+) And It has been my experience in the past with wellbutrin to be able to lose weight almost without effort. So I am really hoping with the wellburtin and the topamax on board I will have sucess both in my emotions and in my body. God willing. I hope he is.
> I will keep others updated if they are interested. Any questions please ask. I need to talk and I need to listen.
Posted by Wrain on September 12, 2003, at 20:17:52
In reply to Re: Topamax Weight Loss Advice????? » California_Princess, posted by galkeepinon on September 12, 2003, at 1:34:41
> >>>What is the overall feeling about Topomax’s effect on depression?
>
> I think it made my depression worse.
>
> >>>Has anyone had any success with taking Topomax and Lamictal together?
>
> I'm on Lamictal now, but discontinued the Topamax, so I never had a chance to see any, if any success taking them together.
>
> >>>I know Lamictal can cause a rash and in some cases a VERY bad rash that can be fatal. Has anyone had any bad experiences with that?
>
> Nope never got the *fatal rash*
>
> Best of luck with your psychiatrist appt:-)
>
I have never heard of Lamictal. I think the one thing that we, the patient, and the doctors need to realize is that people in our situation need the doctors to work closly with us, we need our bloodwork drawn alot and our meds watched very closly. They are to expensive and we don't want to spend alot unnecessary time trying to find the "right" combination.I would love to hear how everyone's relationship is with their psychiatrist.
Wrain
Posted by galkeepinon on September 13, 2003, at 1:36:53
In reply to Re: Topamax Weight Loss Advice?????, posted by Wrain on September 12, 2003, at 20:17:52
>>>>>I would love to hear how everyone's relationship is with their psychiatrist.
I am very blessed with a not only a good psychiatrist, but he is also a good man!
I respect him and I hope he respects me, which I believe he does, I think he really wants to see me get back on my feet. From what he has shown, he is a very, very, very patient doctor!!!!!I am blessed.
How about your relationship with your psychiatrist, may I ask?:-)
Posted by California_Princess on September 13, 2003, at 12:56:06
In reply to Re: Topamax Weight Loss Advice????? » Wrain, posted by galkeepinon on September 13, 2003, at 1:36:53
Hello All! I hope you are all having a great weekend so far.
I certainly understand about working closely with the Dr.s regarding meds and blood work. You are right about being expensive, especially if you’re low-income and have crappy insurance, like me. :O)
As far as my relationship with my psychiatrist, the 22nd is the first time that I will meet him. I don't even know if it's a man or a woman yet. I am really hoping that he/she is good and will really help me. I've seen my therapist once and she seems to be a nice lady. Talkative, but mostly about herself.... I'm new to this sort of stuff so I don't know if other therapists are that way. I really hope I can get some help and finally feel normal and LOSE THIS WEIGHT!!!
Melissa
Posted by Bear on September 13, 2003, at 13:09:52
In reply to Re: Topamax Weight Loss Advice?????, posted by California_Princess on September 12, 2003, at 1:15:04
> However it seems that the weight loss only comes while taking doses at 200mgs or higher a day>I think you're right there. Im on 100mgs a day and it's not really going anywhere. My hunger is diminished but not anywhere where there's dramatic weight loss. Nowhere near it. MAYBE 5 lbs. MAYBE. I understand that it takes 5-6 weeks to take effect? Is that true? Im seeing the dr. Monday so Im going to aks him to up it. I have only 25 mg pills and Im running out quickly because he told me to take 50mg in the am and 50 mg in the pm and I keep running out. I think the pharmacy is suspicious! ha. ANyway, DOES it take like 5-6 weeks to kick in? I dont get hungry till about 4-5 in the afternoon, then i feel guilty eating! ugh. help!
Bear
Posted by Wrain on September 13, 2003, at 17:44:47
In reply to Re: Topamax Weight Loss Advice?????, posted by California_Princess on September 13, 2003, at 12:56:06
Hi Melissa,
First off, the thing to remember with the Dr. is that it is YOUR care so ask him to do the bloodwork to keep your levels checked, if you don't feel right or better on the meds, tell him. To begin, I would have my blood work done at the start, then again in a month if the starting meds seem to do ok, even if he does not order it, ask him to order it, usually they will.
As far as the therapist....if she keeps talking about herself...send her a bill for YOUR time..not suppose to work that way.
Keep us posted.
Wrain
Posted by LBcats on September 14, 2003, at 9:09:23
In reply to Re: Topamax Weight Loss Advice?????, posted by Wrain on September 13, 2003, at 17:44:47
Well guys I've been taking Topomax now for seven months along with effexor (150mg) and although I lost about 20 lbs and I feel good, people tell me I act very differently. I am very irritable and want to be very much in control of everything. I don't know how to relax and also I've can't articulate and organize myself anymore and it progressively got worse. I came very close to losing my job. I will be asking my doc to take me off of topomax as much as I loved the weight loss, it's not worth it to me. I just thought I'd let some of you know that for me it worked for awhile and now it's time to change. I'll probably switch back to depakote.
LB
Posted by Wrain on September 14, 2003, at 12:06:32
In reply to Topomax made me manic, posted by LBcats on September 14, 2003, at 9:09:23
> Well guys I've been taking Topomax now for seven months along with effexor (150mg) and although I lost about 20 lbs and I feel good, people tell me I act very differently. I am very irritable and want to be very much in control of everything. I don't know how to relax and also I've can't articulate and organize myself anymore and it progressively got worse. I came very close to losing my job. I will be asking my doc to take me off of topomax as much as I loved the weight loss, it's not worth it to me. I just thought I'd let some of you know that for me it worked for awhile and now it's time to change. I'll probably switch back to depakote.
> LBI hear you, Relax, what does that mean?? Organized, I forgot that word even existed but I never really thought that it was the Topamax, guess I need to read up more on it. I am taking Depakote, Topamax and Paxil...To me it seems that one of those should not be there but I am not sure. Another thing I seem to have alot of problems with is making a decision, I can't even trust my own decisions anymore. I don't know guys...I just don't know what to do anymore.
Posted by Wrain on September 14, 2003, at 12:17:18
In reply to Re: Topamax Weight Loss Advice?????, posted by Bear on September 13, 2003, at 13:09:52
>
> > However it seems that the weight loss only comes while taking doses at 200mgs or higher a day>
>
> I think you're right there. Im on 100mgs a day and it's not really going anywhere. My hunger is diminished but not anywhere where there's dramatic weight loss. Nowhere near it. MAYBE 5 lbs. MAYBE. I understand that it takes 5-6 weeks to take effect? Is that true? Im seeing the dr. Monday so Im going to aks him to up it. I have only 25 mg pills and Im running out quickly because he told me to take 50mg in the am and 50 mg in the pm and I keep running out. I think the pharmacy is suspicious! ha. ANyway, DOES it take like 5-6 weeks to kick in? I dont get hungry till about 4-5 in the afternoon, then i feel guilty eating! ugh. help!
>
> Bear
>Bear,
Like I said in a previous post, I have been taking Topamax, 300mg a day for a year now and I have not noticed any weight loss due to the Topamax. I changed the way I ate about 3 years ago because my husband was on a scale from 1-10 a 9 for a heart attack and the doctor told us that he had to cut out the white bread, rice, corn products, potatoes, etc...I do a slim fast in the morning and wheat bread, brown rice, sweet potatoes diet drinks and lots of water for 3 years. In the last year I have not seen my weight loss go up any while on the Topamax. Actually if anything, for the past year my weight has been holding steady and going up and down. I was in the hospital last September for the BiPolar and one of the counselors told us about the importance of breakfast. We have always heard that breakfast was the most important meal of the day, but up until that counselor I never really understood why. He said
Within the first (3 THREE) hours after you wake it is VERY important to get some kind of food in your system. If you DO NOT get food in your system withing the first THREE hours, your body thinks you are going to STARVE it and therefore EVERYTHING you eat the rest of the day, it will store it as fat so that it won't STARVE. If you DO eat within the first THREE hours, your body will not be afraid it will STARVE and will then process the food you eat throughout the day normally and not store as much of it as fat.
So, I have just made it a habit to wake every morning and take my morning meds with a slimfast. It works for me as far as the breakfast thing because I am NOT a breakfast person.
I hope this helps.
Please keep us informed.
Wrain
Posted by tees on September 14, 2003, at 18:21:40
In reply to Re: Topamax Experiences?, posted by Lexie on January 22, 2001, at 19:57:02
I am new to this forum so i hope my comments on topomax is not out of line. I have just recently been taken off of Topomax (400mg) at night along with (Nardil 60mg)day. I suffer from Social Axniety Disorder. While i was on Topomax i suffered from low blood pressure, shortness of breath, numbness in hands and feet, sensitivity to light, sexual dysfunction, depression, blurred vision, memory loss, body shakes and uncontrollable thoughts running in my head. It was a nightmare for me being on this drug. I have been off of it for about a week and all these symptoms have dissapeared, maybe it just reacts differently for each idividual. I know i was on Effexor a few years back and had results similar to this, in fact when i came off of the effexor it made me very violent. Again being new to the forum, i apreciate the chance to contribute and have enjoyed the posts very much.
Posted by LBcats on September 14, 2003, at 20:27:54
In reply to Re: Topamax Experiences? » Lexie, posted by tees on September 14, 2003, at 18:21:40
>I'm wondering what you are taking now and if it is working for you. I ask this because I don't necesarily like the topomax any more myself and I'm wondering what has been helpful to you?
LBI am new to this forum so i hope my comments on topomax is not out of line. I have just recently been taken off of Topomax (400mg) at night along with (Nardil 60mg)day. I suffer from Social Axniety Disorder. While i was on Topomax i suffered from low blood pressure, shortness of breath, numbness in hands and feet, sensitivity to light, sexual dysfunction, depression, blurred vision, memory loss, body shakes and uncontrollable thoughts running in my head. It was a nightmare for me being on this drug. I have been off of it for about a week and all these symptoms have dissapeared, maybe it just reacts differently for each idividual. I know i was on Effexor a few years back and had results similar to this, in fact when i came off of the effexor it made me very violent. Again being new to the forum, i apreciate the chance to contribute and have enjoyed the posts very much.
Posted by California_Princess on September 15, 2003, at 14:57:17
In reply to Re: Topamax Weight Loss Advice?????, posted by Bear on September 13, 2003, at 13:09:52
Bear,
From what I've read for weight loss to start occuring your dosage needs to be up around 200mg daily. However, I've read that it might takes months to get up that high. If you increase it slower you get less side affects.Of course I only know what I read.
Melissa
Posted by California_Princess on September 15, 2003, at 14:59:31
In reply to Topomax made me manic, posted by LBcats on September 14, 2003, at 9:09:23
LBCats,
I've heard that also about Topomax. It seems to work well for some and other not at all. Very strange. It's almost 50/50.
Melissa
Posted by California_Princess on September 15, 2003, at 15:06:21
In reply to Re: Topamax Experiences? » Lexie, posted by tees on September 14, 2003, at 18:21:40
Tees,
thank you for your your experience with the drug. I've heard a lot of BAD about the drug. More bad than good. At first I was very excited that I found a drug that I might be willing to take WITH THE ADDED SIDE AFFECT OF LOSING WEIGHT. But now I think I will add Topomax to the list of drugs I will not take. :O(I only have until the 22nd to come up with something. I'm trying to read all that I can on different drugs so that I will have a small list of what I will take when I go to the Dr.s.
Back to the internet....
Melissa
Posted by Ethel Basset on September 15, 2003, at 23:36:03
In reply to Re: Topamax Weight Loss Advice?????, posted by California_Princess on September 15, 2003, at 15:06:21
Hi
I also thank you, Tees, for your input. I have taken Topamax twice and quit. My endocrinologist started me on it for weight loss and I was very encouraged, too. She went to a diabetes convention where they all raved about Topamax's positive benefits. It was also supposed to have cognitive benefits, too. Not for me. I had many of your related side effects, plus more. The most uncomfortable side effect was the memory loss. I hated that, plus the feeling of being depersonalized.
California_Princess, if you find anything that is good for depression and weight loss, let us know. I am getting discouraged. Wellbutrin, Meridia, Topamax, Xenical...none of these have worked. The ADs relieve the depression but they make me gain weight which is even more depressing. I hear they are doing alot of great research on new weight loss meds, so let's hope they find something.
Posted by Lily83 on September 16, 2003, at 12:29:58
In reply to Re: Topamax Weight Loss Advice?????, posted by Ethel Basset on September 15, 2003, at 23:36:03
My doctor started me on Topamax about 3 months ago to supplement a new migraine medicine i was trying out. He told me that the bonus to using Topamax would be that I would find myself losing "a great deal of weight" (his exact words). Obviously I was excited even though I am only about 30 lbs overweight (my doctor is obsessed with me losing at least 50 lbs which I think is just too much...but anyhow...)
So I started the topamax and right away he began increasing my dosage even though I was unsure about the side effects that I noticed right away (tingling in my feet, fingers and face mostly) When I got up to 300 mg a day, I noticed the migraines were MUCH less frequent and I had already lost 20 lbs (in about 2 months time). The only problem was that my concentration and memory were shot and my vision was getting increasing blurry or doubled at times. I also noticed that where I had once had tingling I complained more of a numbness and weakness. My doctor now wants me to increase to 400 mg a day and I'm not sure if I should. He thinks that my "side effects" are simply part of my migraines even though I don't have a migraine at the time I have the side effects.
Do any of you out there have similar complaints? What do you guys think out there? Anything would help me out :)
Posted by California_Princess on September 16, 2003, at 13:35:15
In reply to Re: Topamax Weight Loss Advice?????, posted by Ethel Basset on September 15, 2003, at 23:36:03
I certainly will let everyone know it I find something good for weight loss AND depression/moon swings. My problem is not a diet problem but a mental problem that has caused me to gain and gain. I’ve fought that admission for years thinking it’s better to hate myself for being a will-less, out of control fatty. I guess it was better to find fault for not having self control then to admit the REAL problem, compulsive binge eating during my manic cycles.
Over this last week since I finally got the confirming diagnosis as having Bi-Polar Disorder I’ve had that “ah ha moment” that Oprah is always talking about. It’s been a break though for me. I remember a show she did with Dr. Phil that she said you will not be able to lose weight for good until you find, or come to terms with WHY you’re overweight in the first place. Then once you have found the reason, work on that new found reason.
I have always been thinking, “Ah uh, sure…. I am fat because I’m an out of control, big, fat, looser.” But now, since I have been really looking back at my life, I can CLEARLY see distinctive patterns woven through my whole life. When I’m manic I either binge like crazy, (not only on food, but spending too) or join a new gym and start a new diet. These two “mini cycles” compete with one another the whole time I’m manic. Needless to say, the relatively short binging cycles cause me to gain more weight than I loose during the relatively short “diet & exercise” cycles. So I gain… and gain… and gain.
I don’t understand why I haven’t seen it before now! I’m 35 years old and it’s like I’ve just now “grown up” enough to see me for who I am and to inspect my life for what it is!
For the most part, I LOVE my manic cycles because I can get so much more done. It’s like I’m really living! I’m more creative and have the focus and energy to spend writing or painting and the possibilities are endless for me. And the best part, I’m HAPPY! Unfortunately, that creative energy and happiness comes with a heavy price: compulsion.
If I can just learn how to control that compulsion and lessen my depressed cycles I will be almost “normal”! :O)
But I don’t know if that’s even possible…
Melissa
Posted by California_Princess on September 16, 2003, at 13:42:16
In reply to Topamax side effects, posted by Lily83 on September 16, 2003, at 12:29:58
Lily,
FIND ANOTHER DR!!!The symptoms you are describing are classic side affects of Topomax. Have you had any problems with Kidney Stones? Your Dr. should know the difference between migraines and the side affects of the drug he has you on.
Do a search on the name "Topomax", (www.google.com) and you will come up with a plethora of info on Topomax. That's where I'm doing my research on different drugs.
Many here on this board have been on, or are on now, Topomax and they can tell you about the side affects also.
Be careful, Lily. And start looking around for another Dr.!
Melissa
Posted by LBcats on September 16, 2003, at 19:27:58
In reply to Re: Topamax Weight Loss Advice?????, posted by California_Princess on September 16, 2003, at 13:42:16
>Lily,
I agree with Melissa. The side effects aren't worth it. I'm seeing my doc tomorrow and I plan on asking her to take me off of it. I'm tired of not remembering stuff and not being able to articulate, period. I believe that maybe this drug is for some but you seem to have the classic side effects.
LindaLily,
> FIND ANOTHER DR!!!
>
> The symptoms you are describing are classic side affects of Topomax. Have you had any problems with Kidney Stones? Your Dr. should know the difference between migraines and the side affects of the drug he has you on.
>
> Do a search on the name "Topomax", (www.google.com) and you will come up with a plethora of info on Topomax. That's where I'm doing my research on different drugs.
>
> Many here on this board have been on, or are on now, Topomax and they can tell you about the side affects also.
>
> Be careful, Lily. And start looking around for another Dr.!
>
> Melissa
>
Posted by Bear on September 16, 2003, at 20:42:34
In reply to Topamax side effects, posted by Lily83 on September 16, 2003, at 12:29:58
> My doctor started me on Topamax about 3 months ago to supplement a new migraine medicine i was trying out. He told me that the bonus to using Topamax would be that I would find myself losing "a great deal of weight" (his exact words). Obviously I was excited even though I am only about 30 lbs overweight (my doctor is obsessed with me losing at least 50 lbs which I think is just too much...but anyhow...)
>
> So I started the topamax and right away he began increasing my dosage even though I was unsure about the side effects that I noticed right away (tingling in my feet, fingers and face mostly) When I got up to 300 mg a day, I noticed the migraines were MUCH less frequent and I had already lost 20 lbs (in about 2 months time). The only problem was that my concentration and memory were shot and my vision was getting increasing blurry or doubled at times. I also noticed that where I had once had tingling I complained more of a numbness and weakness. My doctor now wants me to increase to 400 mg a day and I'm not sure if I should. He thinks that my "side effects" are simply part of my migraines even though I don't have a migraine at the time I have the side effects.
>
> Do any of you out there have similar complaints? What do you guys think out there? Anything would help me out :)I have some tingling in my feet and fingers and sometimes around my mouth and I JUST started at 200mgs a day. I dont know how much I lost. I dont think it's much. I promised myself I wouldnt weigh in till end of Sept. But it's becoming less. My dosage has been raised slowly. In three weeks time Ill be up to 300mgs. Ill keep you posted. I hope like HELL I can lose 50 lbs!!! Ill live with the tingling! ;)
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