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Posted by Wrain on September 27, 2003, at 1:29:21
In reply to Re: Topamax Weight Loss Advice?????, posted by California_Princess on September 26, 2003, at 12:43:56
LOL, I typed www.topamax.com and got the topamax page, but I read that this drug is used for epileptic seizures so now I am wondering why I am on it for Bipolar...does anyone know why they would prescribe it to us for Bipolar disorder, I am very interested now.
Posted by platinumbride on September 27, 2003, at 19:03:08
In reply to Re: Sinus problem anyone?, posted by sarita0001 on September 23, 2003, at 14:32:39
Just to add a little spice to the sinus issue, (no sinus puns intended) when I was on remeron (which did nothing for me except help me to sleep) my sinuses were an absolute mess and I felt as if I had taken about 10 benadryl. Then I started my first weight ascent...a lovely experience...but hey, it works for some, and that is what counts.
PB
Posted by platinumbride on September 27, 2003, at 19:18:18
In reply to Re: Topamax Weight Loss Advice?????, posted by Wrain on September 27, 2003, at 1:29:21
Actually, a lot of anti-convulsants are used for Bipolar Disorder as "mood stablizers". Some people don't respond to lithium, some people don't want to take lithium because over long periods of time it causes some nasty things like Parkinsonian tremors. Lithium is no longer the first line of treatment...at least not as I understand it, and at least not for people who do not display extreme cases of mania (like with psychosis--but I could be wrong about this).
Lamictal, which people are talking about a lot on this board is an anticonvulsant, as is neurontin...I am not sure about depakote...
Even anti-psychotics, which are really just "major tranquilizers" (yes, even the dread THORAZINE is technically a major tranqulizer) are given in small doses as part of treatment for some people with Bipolar Disorder. So Topamax is really nothing new.I dont' mean to sound like a snob....
I have a lot of nutty friends and a few family members, and we all compare notes!!!
PB
Posted by Wrain on September 27, 2003, at 19:46:27
In reply to Re: Topamax Weight Loss Advice????? » Wrain, posted by platinumbride on September 27, 2003, at 19:18:18
LOL, you didn't come across as a snob, I was just a little shocked to see Topamax being used for Bipolar when it was for eplipsy. The only side effects that see that I now can say I have that could be due to topamax are the memory loss and the loss of concentration and those are horrible. Yesterday my doctor uped my doses of Topamax to 400 mgs a day, I only wish I had seen this before I went to him so I could have asked him, but I will be making a call Monday.
Take care all
Love Wrain
Posted by Bear on October 1, 2003, at 12:14:56
In reply to Re: Topamax side effects » Bear, posted by galkeepinon on September 20, 2003, at 0:50:06
Hi everyone-
I started the 200mgs on or about 9/19. I said I wasnt gonna weigh myself till the end of Sept. to give it all a fair shot at working. Well, I changed my mind. Im not gonna weigh myself. I can tell Im not losing. You know when you are, right? I know I will go into a catastrophic depression if I do, because when I see I havent lost an ounce or maybe gained, I will cascade down, crawl into bed or God knows what.
Im not seeing my dr. till Oct. 13, so I have no one to ask but you seasoned vets. How long does it take to kick in at 200mgs a day? Im only at barely 2 weeks. Am I asking too much? I am the QUEEN of instant gratification, so maybe, eh? EVERYONE is asking "are the pills working?" which is driving me NUTS, Im eating about 2 meals a day, hardly any snacking, maybe 1-2 snacks a week, lots of water, but I dont feel like Im losing anything.
I see some people on here say they lost 20-25 lbs in 2 months. 2 months from WHEN? From when they started Topamax? From when they started 200mgs? 300mgs? Do I sound like a LUNATIC? ;o)
Thanks...
Bear
Posted by Lily83 on October 1, 2003, at 12:27:07
In reply to Re: Topamax Weight Loss- I dont think I am.., posted by Bear on October 1, 2003, at 12:14:56
Although I saw pretty quick results in weight loss from the time I started even low doses of Topamax, I don't think that you should compare. Not everyone has the weight loss side effect and even those who do, not everyone has the same amount in the same time period. Give it time. Topamax is about our overall health so don't worry if you are reacting a little differently to it. Never know, maybe you'll lose weight at a higher dose or maybe topamax just isn't the weight loss "quick fix" that you've want it to be...just gotta wait and see sometimes
Posted by platinumbride on October 1, 2003, at 13:17:17
In reply to Re: Sinus problem anyone?, posted by sarita0001 on September 23, 2003, at 14:32:39
I feel so foolish!!!
I thought that the headaches I was getting from pushing myself like a maniac to the max dose of 400 mgs in 3 weeks of topamax were from too fast a titration! But then it occured to me that I should stand in the shower for a while because they seemed a lot like sinus headaches to me and steam is good for sinuses. I was about to post this to the board as if I had come up with some great idea. (I forgot that I had seen it the other day and even posted about it....duh!)So I guess I will get on the bandwagon for the sinus headache experience...
But I will also say that steam does help, even if you stand over a pot of hot water with a towel over your head (careful not to burn your face)
I think the med dries a person out and that makes the headaches come on.
Posted by Bear on October 1, 2003, at 14:43:16
In reply to Re: Topamax Weight Loss- I dont think I am.. » Bear, posted by Lily83 on October 1, 2003, at 12:27:07
> Although I saw pretty quick results in weight loss from the time I started even low doses of Topamax, I don't think that you should compare. Not everyone has the weight loss side effect and even those who do, not everyone has the same amount in the same time period. Give it time. Topamax is about our overall health so don't worry if you are reacting a little differently to it. Never know, maybe you'll lose weight at a higher dose or maybe topamax just isn't the weight loss "quick fix" that you've want it to be...just gotta wait and see sometimes
The thing is my dr. gave it to me mainly for the weight loss side effect. Prob a little for depression but mainly for weight loss. Now I dont know I may step on the scale and see some weight loss and I just dont feel it. I was on one plan and lost 10 lbs and I would have swore I lost nothing. See, Ive been on every plan known to man and I loss in the beginning and then it all stops. And I dont know why. Im 3/4 disabled and I gained all this since becoming disabled and cant lose it no matter how little I eat. If this doesnt work, I swear I dont know what Im going to do.
Thanks for the reply.
Bear
Posted by platinumbride on October 2, 2003, at 17:01:51
In reply to Re: Topamax Weight Loss- I dont think I am.. » Bear, posted by Bear on October 1, 2003, at 14:43:16
Dear Bear,
I know you are kind of a veteran of this board, so I feel kinda silly giving you my two cents, but I am weight loss obsessed myself here, at 5'1'' and 240 (geez, I just said how much I weigh)
I think that the best I am going to get out of topamax is getting full with smaller portions, but still needing to eat every three hours or so. My shrink said to avoid refined sugar and simple carbs....they just make you want more and more.
Maybe this way of eating is just like some kind of "plan" but at 240, and being completely sedentary (though not disabled) it is pretty hard to feel full without a bit of help. Perhaps topamax will help you in this way too. I don't know if I am even losing weight either! I was told that green tea speeds the metabolism...I am drinking it quite a bit. I just have a phobia from my over achieving days about getting on an exercise plan.....
Good Luck......PB
Posted by Bear on October 4, 2003, at 10:46:52
In reply to Re: Topamax Weight Loss- I dont think I am.. » Bear, posted by platinumbride on October 2, 2003, at 17:01:51
> Dear Bear,
>
> I know you are kind of a veteran of this board, so I feel kinda silly giving you my two cents, but I am weight loss obsessed myself here, at 5'1'' and 240 (geez, I just said how much I weigh)
>
> I think that the best I am going to get out of topamax is getting full with smaller portions, but still needing to eat every three hours or so. My shrink said to avoid refined sugar and simple carbs....
they just make you want more and more. >I dont eat sugar really. Never had a sweet tooth, so that's not my problem. Im off potatoes, I only have half a cup of rice if I even have it, I use low carb bread (10 carbs a slice), Im on a low carb diet, I dont eat red meat at ALL, turkey everything, lol, Empire turkey bologna is so unbelievably good, only 3 carbs for 3 slices...etc, you get the point.
> Maybe this way of eating is just like some kind of "plan" but at 240, and being completely sedentary (though not disabled) it is pretty hard to feel full without a bit of help. Perhaps topamax will help you in this way too. >
It certainly has cut my appetite. I only eat 1-2 meals a day, tons of water, but I just dont feel like Im getting anywhere. I see people dropping 20-25 and more without really trying. Without repeating myself ad infinitum Ive been everywhere, man. On every plan in the WORLD, it all works initially, but BAM, I hit that wall and it all stops, and I dont know why. I dont know what the next step will be. I see my dr. Oct. 13 and I guess he'll up the dosage.
< I don't know if I am even losing weight either! I was told that green tea speeds the metabolism...I am drinking it quite a bit. I just have a phobia from my over achieving days about getting on an exercise plan.....>
I WISH I could exercise. Dont think I havent tried, but it hurts like holy hell and I cant do it. I have to stop. I can only do it for like less than 5 minutes and I know Im doing myself a damage and I have to stop. My neighbors must think Im being tortured or murdered in here, lol. It gets to the point where you start loathing people who lose weight. ;) I swear if I ate any less, I just dont know....
< Good Luck......>
Thanks, I feel the depression creeping in heavier, talking to me in my sleep....something better pop soon or I just dont know......
Bear.
Posted by platinumbride on October 5, 2003, at 8:18:15
In reply to Re: Topamax Weight Loss- I dont think I am.., posted by Bear on October 4, 2003, at 10:46:52
Dear Bear,
I hear you...My appetite is now at practically zero. I don't feel particularly lighter though...
I did a dumb thing and upped my own dose to 400gs. I do'nt advise that.....It didn't even help.I really, really hope that you get relief. When I think of 240 at my height I want to cry....
Diane
Posted by Nycole on October 6, 2003, at 1:04:35
In reply to Re: Topamax Weight Loss- I dont think I am.., posted by platinumbride on October 5, 2003, at 8:18:15
I was on Topamax all summer. I used to post on this board all the time about how happy I was to be losing weight on it once I hit the 200 MGs. I lost over 15 pounds and I was happy about that. THEN the cognitive side effects hit me hard and I really felt it started to hinder my progress of getting better with my depression, so my doc took me off. WEll, I am gaining weight like MAD now!! I have gained all the weight I lost plus more!!! I want to eat like crazy all the time. I am soooooo hungry all the time and I crave Coke and Pepsi like it is going out of style!! I have been off it for like 3 weeks now, but now that I am gaining all this weight, I wonder if I should go back because I am desperate. The only thing is, I still wonder if it hindered my depression. Anyone with any insight on this PLEASE help me!! Also, does anyone know of any prescriptions that curb appatite like Topamax??????? THanks!!!!
Nycole
Posted by LoriCA on October 6, 2003, at 1:26:33
In reply to WEnt off Topamax - I am gaining all the 15 pounds , posted by Nycole on October 6, 2003, at 1:04:35
i was on topamax, i posted to this board becasue it permanently damged my eyes- not the glaucoma, but blurriness up close. i found it did nothing for my depression,. the doctor now has me on neurontin for anxiety, wellbutrin for depression, along with dextroamphet for about 4 weeks. i know it is an "upper" but i needed energy and to lose the weight i gained. he said it will help with the depression.. efficacy has lessened a bit, but it still helps, 3 a day. i guess..i have become a slug, don't take care of myself. i used to be "put together" looks wise and upstairs. again, i will wait and see...but i would tell anyone to stay off the topamax, it gave me the loss of sight after 9 days.
lori
Posted by LoriCA on October 6, 2003, at 1:37:52
In reply to Re: Topamax Weight Loss Advice?????, posted by Wrain on September 27, 2003, at 1:29:21
hey, i am new to this board, so i am just learning how to post these things. i am on trileptal for the bi-polar, have been for a while, even whole taking the topamax. i was on 3 or 4 of other anti-seizure stuff for this. the trileptal has no measurable effect except it did seem to eliminate my migraines. i will never take the topamax again, and i did not experience any loss of appetite, but was only on it 9 days.
lori
Posted by platinumbride on October 6, 2003, at 1:40:28
In reply to WEnt off Topamax - I am gaining all the 15 pounds , posted by Nycole on October 6, 2003, at 1:03:04
Nycole,
I am so sorry that you are going through this.
Can I trouble you with dumb questions like are you on
any other ADs? Is there a way to keep your depression
under control and still use topamax?I, too, am fearing the possibility of worsening depression
with topamax, so my heart goes out to you for various reasons.Some say that appetite is supressed on Wellbutrin.
Is this an option for you?I hope you have luck.
Diane
Posted by platinumbride on October 6, 2003, at 1:47:17
In reply to Re: Topamax Weight Loss Advice?????, posted by LoriCA on October 6, 2003, at 1:37:52
CAn you say why you wouldn't take topamx again?
I didn't notice that trilipteral was topamax anywhere,
but , then again, I am on topamax, so I miss a lot
of things :)Diane
Posted by LoriCA on October 6, 2003, at 2:27:19
In reply to Re: Topamax Weight Loss Advice????? » LoriCA, posted by platinumbride on October 6, 2003, at 1:47:17
> CAn you say why you wouldn't take topamx again?
> I didn't notice that trilipteral was topamax anywhere,
> but , then again, I am on topamax, so I miss a lot
> of things :)
>
> DianeHi Diane,
Yes, and I’ve tried to add this couple of place. Topamax can cause glaucoma, but it also can cause permanent decreased vision. I was searching everywhere on the net for others…I read an article published in the New England journal of ophthalmology which acknowledges this. Rare, but I took it for 9 days and I have permanent far sightedness. I am 45, so one is to expect that at some point, but it happened overnight, I woke up and could not see at all up close. My doctor told me to go off it and the vision would go back to normal, but it never did. I wear those stupid one dollar reading glasses, 2X for vision, it did improve about 25%, but that’s it, it is gone. I have little luck finding other who experienced this because as I said, it is rare, but it did happen top me. Most people love it, especially for weight loss. It is being prescribed “off label’ for EVERYTHING. Ok, I am exaggerating, but for a lot of other thighs. Be careful.Lori
Posted by Bear on October 6, 2003, at 15:41:00
In reply to Re: WEnt off Topamax - I am gaining all the 15 pounds , posted by LoriCA on October 6, 2003, at 1:26:33
> i was on topamax, i posted to this board becasue it permanently damged my eyes- not the glaucoma, but blurriness up close. i found it did nothing for my depression,. the doctor now has me on neurontin for anxiety,>
neurontin makes you GAIN weight, be CAREFUL!!!!!! I was on it for a LONG time and it makes you gain.....
wellbutrin for depression,>
wellbutrin also raises your blood pressure to ALARMING heights, again, be CAREFUL, have your BP checked OFTEN!!!
Bear
Posted by Bear on October 6, 2003, at 15:49:32
In reply to Re: Topamax Weight Loss Advice????? » platinumbride, posted by LoriCA on October 6, 2003, at 2:27:19
>It is being prescribed “off label’ for EVERYTHING. Ok, I am exaggerating, but for a lot of other thighs. Be careful.>
Im very sorry for the trouble you're experiencing. Im around your age and I have horrendous eyesight anyway, always have, but Im not experiencing any of the other "side effects" I was told to look out for. I took Neurontin for PAIN, not anxiety at all. Im disabled from an accident and have nerve damage in my legs and back and that's what I took Neurontin for, so I am CLUELESS as to why you're taking it for anxiety. My father also takes it for a neurology problem in his legs. And as I said it DOES make you gain weight. And the Wellbutrin, YIKES, I got off that in literally days, crashing, intolerable, unbearable headaches, scary blood pressure, be careful with that one.Bear
Posted by LoriCA on October 6, 2003, at 16:14:07
In reply to Re: WEnt off Topamax - I am gaining all the 15 pounds , posted by Bear on October 6, 2003, at 15:41:00
> > i was on topamax, i posted to this board becasue it permanently damged my eyes- not the glaucoma, but blurriness up close. i found it did nothing for my depression,. the doctor now has me on neurontin for anxiety,>
>
> neurontin makes you GAIN weight, be CAREFUL!!!!!! I was on it for a LONG time and it makes you gain.....
>
> wellbutrin for depression,>
>
> wellbutrin also raises your blood pressure to ALARMING heights, again, be CAREFUL, have your BP checked OFTEN!!!
>
> Bearjeez, and my dr. has an MD in pharmacology.... i will have to check my blood pressure. about the neurontin, does it make you gain weight by increased appetite, or just by doing somehing to your system regardless if what you eat? that's the last side effect i need, used to weigh in the 120's, not i'd say in the 160s or 170. i just hate myself and my body, done little to corrent it, it really affects my self worth and i don't want to leave the house becasue i am such a cow. boyfried call me load ass, fat ass, wide load...i have to wear his shorts because nothing i have fits - is there a support thread for the weight proble??
thanks,
lori
Posted by Bear on October 6, 2003, at 16:28:43
In reply to Re: WEnt off Topamax - I am gaining all the 15 pounds , posted by LoriCA on October 6, 2003, at 16:14:07
> jeez, and my dr. has an MD in pharmacology.... i will have to check my blood pressure. about the neurontin, does it make you gain weight by increased appetite, or just by doing somehing to your system regardless if what you eat? that's the last side effect i need, used to weigh in the 120's, not i'd say in the 160s or 170. i just hate myself and my body, done little to corrent it, it really affects my self worth and i don't want to leave the house becasue i am such a cow. boyfried call me load ass, fat ass, wide load...i have to wear his shorts because nothing i have fits - is there a support thread for the weight proble??
>I hear ya Lori. Since my accident I turned into a flippin BLIMP. Dr. had me on Neurontin for 3 years and I turned into a football field. I eat like a BIRD, salad, no sugar, hardly any carbs, lots of water, you name it, nothing. So my NEW dr. gave me Topamax, took me off Neurontin and we'll see how it goes. Try this thread...
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20031004/msgs/265504.html
it's about weight loss.
We'll all mostly in the same Titanic here, Lori... ;o)
Posted by California_Princess on October 6, 2003, at 17:07:57
In reply to Re: Topamax Weight Loss- I dont think I am.., posted by platinumbride on October 5, 2003, at 8:18:15
Has anyone been having trouble sleeping while on Topamax?
I started on Topamax about three weeks about on only 25 mgs a day, (12.5 in am and 12.5 in pm). Last Monday I increased my dosage to 75 mgs a day (37.5 in am and 37.5 in pm) and since then I have not been able to fall asleep until about 12 or 1 am, (which is not normal for me). I need about 10 hrs of sleep to function and I’m getting about 6 to 8 on a good night so I’m exhausted, but can not sleep. Last night I did not take my nightly dose of Topamax desperate to get some sleep, but still couldn’t fall asleep until about 12:30.
I need to increase my dosage of Topamax this week to 100 mgs a day, but this not being able to sleep is literally killing me.
Have any of you experienced any of these problems? Have you had to take a sleeping pill at night? I do not want to get used to taking a pill to fall asleep. How about something natural like Valerian Root? Have any of you tried that before with Topamax? I know there are some things, (like antacids that you aren’t supposed to take while on Topamax).
Also, some of my other side affects are kind of weird. I really didn’t have any side affects until last week when I increased my dose to 75 mgs. I’ve had sore lungs for almost a week. Also I get a sore throat and runny nose, alternately, and my eyes are drying out. I also get headaches. Weird! I’m drinking about 150oz of water a day since I’m afraid of the possibility of kidney stones. But right now the thing that is bothering me the most is not being able to sleep. I’m a very light sleeper any way and my sleep patterns get disrupted easily.
I find my thoughts are racing and as I’m trying to sleep, my mind is holding it’s own conversation with it’s self! Weird!!!
I haven’t had any weight loss with the Topamax yet, but I have been less compulsive and my appetite hasn’t been as big, so maybe it’s working? I have cycled I think maybe three times since I’ve been on the drug which is good for me! :O)
Melissa
Posted by platinumbride on October 7, 2003, at 13:47:47
In reply to Topamax Side Affects!, posted by California_Princess on October 6, 2003, at 17:07:57
Hi,
I have the opposite problem...
T-max makes metired, so I taked the whole dose at nite. Maybe you can do the whole thing in the am withi you doc's approval? The appetite is still improving for me....Just a thought,
Diane
Posted by Nitro on October 7, 2003, at 17:50:43
In reply to Topamax Side Affects!, posted by California_Princess on October 6, 2003, at 17:07:57
> Has anyone been having trouble sleeping while on Topamax?
>
> I started on Topamax about three weeks about on only 25 mgs a day, (12.5 in am and 12.5 in pm). Last Monday I increased my dosage to 75 mgs a day (37.5 in am and 37.5 in pm) and since then I have not been able to fall asleep until about 12 or 1 am, (which is not normal for me). I need about 10 hrs of sleep to function and I’m getting about 6 to 8 on a good night so I’m exhausted, but can not sleep. Last night I did not take my nightly dose of Topamax desperate to get some sleep, but still couldn’t fall asleep until about 12:30.
>
> I need to increase my dosage of Topamax this week to 100 mgs a day, but this not being able to sleep is literally killing me.
>
> Have any of you experienced any of these problems? Have you had to take a sleeping pill at night? I do not want to get used to taking a pill to fall asleep. How about something natural like Valerian Root? Have any of you tried that before with Topamax? I know there are some things, (like antacids that you aren’t supposed to take while on Topamax).
>
> Also, some of my other side affects are kind of weird. I really didn’t have any side affects until last week when I increased my dose to 75 mgs. I’ve had sore lungs for almost a week. Also I get a sore throat and runny nose, alternately, and my eyes are drying out. I also get headaches. Weird! I’m drinking about 150oz of water a day since I’m afraid of the possibility of kidney stones. But right now the thing that is bothering me the most is not being able to sleep. I’m a very light sleeper any way and my sleep patterns get disrupted easily.
>
> I find my thoughts are racing and as I’m trying to sleep, my mind is holding it’s own conversation with it’s self! Weird!!!
>
> I haven’t had any weight loss with the Topamax yet, but I have been less compulsive and my appetite hasn’t been as big, so maybe it’s working? I have cycled I think maybe three times since I’ve been on the drug which is good for me! :O)
> Melissa
>
Wow, I just thought about the sleep aspects - have been on Topamax a month, only 25 mg morning and night. I have been sleeping 6 hours straight, more than I have slept in years and feeling great. I have had a little bit of dry eyes but keep eye drops handy for it. They have gotten better, it was mostly the first couple of weeks they felt the dryest and now I don't even use the eye drops every day. It depends on how much I use the computer at work. Good luck to you! NItro
Posted by Yogini on October 7, 2003, at 18:23:06
In reply to Re: WEnt off Topamax - I am gaining all the 15 pounds , posted by LoriCA on October 6, 2003, at 1:26:33
Hi Lori,
Wow, Could you please elaborate on what happened to you with your eyes? I have been on Topamax for about 45 days now. I am at a very low dose of 30 mg in the AM & 30 mg in the PM.
I have noticed a change in my vision. I've noticed that I have to take my glasses off in order to see things up close now or they are blurry... whereas prior to the Topamax, I did not have that problem.Thanks for your help :)
- Dee
> i was on topamax, i posted to this board becasue it permanently damged my eyes- not the glaucoma, but blurriness up close. i found it did nothing for my depression,. the doctor now has me on neurontin for anxiety, wellbutrin for depression, along with dextroamphet for about 4 weeks. i know it is an "upper" but i needed energy and to lose the weight i gained. he said it will help with the depression.. efficacy has lessened a bit, but it still helps, 3 a day. i guess..i have become a slug, don't take care of myself. i used to be "put together" looks wise and upstairs. again, i will wait and see...but i would tell anyone to stay off the topamax, it gave me the loss of sight after 9 days.
>
> lori
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