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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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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
Posted by Sabina on October 7, 2003, at 21:18:38
In reply to Re: Topamax Weight Loss- I dont think I am.., posted by Bear on October 4, 2003, at 10:46:52
I just started Topamax. I'm *terrified* by the range of SE's I've read about here, but I'm trying to stay positive and give it a good chance. I'm on it for Bipolar II in augmentation to Seroquel. I do hope to lose weight on it as well. Anyway, pertaining to the inability to exercise you mentioned: my heart went out to you in your dilemma (though I can't tell from the thread which one of you guys I'm talking to). I wanted to know if you read my not-too-long-ago post from the Social Board regarding weight loss challenges and a very pleasant solution I've found? I even met one man at the pool who has lost 170 pounds, down from 530lbs, by exercising in the water. Mind you, at first he needed help getting back out of the pool and he could really only kind of walk around in it, but it really worked for him. I hope you don't mind me butting in here. I was just spending the evening on Topamax research and wanted to share this with you...everyone...whoever. Please wish me luck and keep me in your thoughts, everyone. I am very nervous about starting the Topamax. Cheers.
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20030913/msgs/262093.html
Posted by Nycole on October 8, 2003, at 0:50:38
In reply to Re: WEnt off Topamax - I am gaining all the 15 pounds » Nycole, posted by platinumbride on October 6, 2003, at 1:40:28
> 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.
> DianeDiane,
Thanks for replying to my post! AS far as other AD's I was on Effexor XR for over 3 years, but about 3 months ago it just stopped working for me and I was really really bad with depression and anxiety. So, my pdoc decided I have to wein off off of it (which was one of the hardest thing I ever had to do). Then I started Prozac. I took Prozac like 8 years ago and it worked awesome for me but it burned out after 2 years. But my pdoc said it would work for me again and it is starting to work for me. I am on 40 mg. of that and I am also taking seroquel.
I have tried taking Wellbutrin twice and it did nothing for me :(
Do you think Topamax is making your depression worse or you are just afraid it will?
I am thinking about asking my pdoc to go back on Topamax, but I did have all the bad side effects, too, like delayed speech, loss of memory, tingling in extremities. I have to decide if it is worth it. Have you heard of any other appetite suppressants like Topamax??
Thanks for your help!!!
Nycole
Posted by platinumbride on October 8, 2003, at 10:10:34
In reply to Re: WEnt off Topamax - I am gaining all the 15 pounds, posted by Nycole on October 8, 2003, at 0:50:38
Hi Nycole,
There was a post not long ago which brought in a link from the Washington Post....I think it was something lile Tpopamax Hits the Big Time". The Article mentioned an anticonvulsant called Zonegran (pretty sure of the name). It seems to have some of those "not eating like a pig" side effects".
I have not been a great one for ADs, although celexa seemed to have helped for a while.....
Lamictal, they say, has anti-depressant properties. I don't feel them, but my shrink says he sees improvment in me. have you had the old thyroid checked?
Oh, and sorry for this, but a lot of people gain weight on seroquel. I didn't, but I couldn't handle that drug for other reasons.
As for my own depression, I just don't know....sometimes I think it is the air I breathe that does that...I hope you find what clicks.......
Diane
Posted by Nissy on October 8, 2003, at 10:38:11
In reply to Re: WEnt off Topamax - I am gaining all the 15 pounds , posted by Yogini on October 7, 2003, at 18:23:06
>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.
>
> - Dee
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Hi Dee,
I am so curious about this. How do you take 30 mg.'s of this when it only come in 25, 100 and 200 mg.'s? Am I missing something here?
Nissy :)
Posted by Yogini on October 8, 2003, at 10:41:58
In reply to Re: WEnt off Topamax - I am gaining all the 15 pounds » Yogini, posted by Nissy on October 8, 2003, at 10:38:11
So sorry....
I am new to this medication. After my post I went & checked my bottle. I was confused about the dosage. I'm on 25 in the AM & 25 in the PM. The 30 mg dose is my Phenobarbital.
- Dee
> >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.
> >
> > - Dee
> ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
> Hi Dee,
> I am so curious about this. How do you take 30 mg.'s of this when it only come in 25, 100 and 200 mg.'s? Am I missing something here?
> Nissy :)
Posted by California_Princess on October 8, 2003, at 19:14:37
In reply to Re: Topamax Weight Issues, posted by Sabina on October 7, 2003, at 21:18:38
Sabina,
I WILL keep you in my thoughts!! :O) I cut my dosage back down to 37gms a day (1 1/2 pill) in the am and I feel much better today! I can think and count today and I am hoping I will be able to sleep tonight. My lungs still hurt a little but not as much. I think I much have just upped the dosage too fast.I started out with 25 mgs a day, (I cut a pill in half and took one half in the am and one half in the pm) for a week. The next three days I took one full one in the am and one full one in the pm (50 mgs daily). Then after only three days I increased it to one and a half in the am and one and a half in the pm, (75 mgs daily) hoping to rush up to 200 mgs by my next pdoc visit.
I'm going to stay at 25 until my next pdoc visit and talk with him about the side affects because I can't be losing my car in a parking structure and getting lost on the freeway because I can't think with this drug! It made it so I was almost so unable to count my change!
I was really hoping that this was going to be the drug that was going to help me get well... I'm not so sure now.... :O(
I have 140 pounds to lose and I desperately need a job and need to get control of this Bi-Polar so I need to find something that will work!
Melissa
Posted by platinumbride on October 9, 2003, at 9:55:48
In reply to Topamax Side Affects!, posted by California_Princess on October 8, 2003, at 19:14:37
I'm so sorry for the horrendous side effects some are experiencing...
I hope you all get respite soon.
I am also confused. There is a big warning not to split these pills. Was anyone told that it was really OK to do so? I am spending a mint in separate scripts as I titrate. What REALLY happens if you split the pills any old way?
Best,
Diane
Posted by Nissy on October 9, 2003, at 11:06:10
In reply to Re: Topamax Side Affects!, posted by platinumbride on October 9, 2003, at 9:55:48
There is a big warning not to split these pills. Was anyone told that it was really OK to do so? I am spending a mint in separate scripts as I titrate. What REALLY happens if you split the pills any old way?
>
Diane,
It's funny you mention this because my Doctor gave me a sample until my script came in from the mail-in pharmacy and he only had 100 mgs and I needed the 25 mgs so I could take 2 at a time. So he told me to cut them in half. Having thought I seen it somewhere myself not to split them I double checked with him about cutting them and he said it would be fine. I did it and I didn't see or feel any different. I have heard of other drugs that you must not do this with, but I'm still alive so Topamax must not be one of them, However, do not hold me to this.
Nissy :)
Posted by platinumbride on October 9, 2003, at 11:43:43
In reply to Re: Topamax Side Affects! » platinumbride, posted by Nissy on October 9, 2003, at 11:06:10
Nissy...
I kinda wondered if this no cutting thing was not some kind of paahrmaceutical company ploy to keep us from saving a few bucks, but my doctor just went along with the directions, especially now that I finally have insurance, albeit with very high copays...
I guess we all have to keep guessing. I thought it might be some mysterious metabolisation thing.....
DianePS: I think there is hope for all of the dumbness of the drug. I just went up to 125 mgs and I don't feel as stupid anymore. I have been on the med for a month. I'm not running around with my jeans falling off yet like on an LA weight loss commercial, but I do feel a bit lighter and am eating less....it is slow, but i think it is less...
Posted by DharmaMama on October 10, 2003, at 12:59:44
In reply to Re: Topamax Experiences: Long Term Use, posted by phillybob on March 26, 2001, at 6:42:49
I was placed on Topamax yesterday. Doing the 25mg one week, then 50 next, 75 next and so on. Diagnoses, they have not diagnosed me. I have read many threads. My worries: 1) Forgetting things! As it is my mind is racing 24/7 which leads to forgetting things, losing things, memory loss and having a hard time getting to sleep. How common is this, does it subside? 2) The idea of weight loss is great. In the past 9 months I have gained 20 lbs, I use to average around 100. When stopping Top. (and not starting anything else), how many gained weight? 3) I have read on Top. website, "Do not take if you plan on becoming pregnant." Does anyone know if this med. causes damage to rep. system in females? Should one take precaution like those who take Accutane? There is a possibility we may want more kids. Sorry for the lengthy post, TIA.
Posted by Larry Hoover on October 10, 2003, at 13:26:29
In reply to Don't Cut Your Pills in half children...... » Nissy, posted by platinumbride on October 9, 2003, at 11:43:43
> Nissy...
>
> I kinda wondered if this no cutting thing was not some kind of paahrmaceutical company ploy to keep us from saving a few bucks, but my doctor just went along with the directions, especially now that I finally have insurance, albeit with very high copays...I checked the detailed drug monograph, and the only reference to not splitting the pills has to do with the flavour.....the drug is quite bitter.
According to the information I just read, there is no pharmacological reason to not split pills, unless you find the broken pill to be too bitter to swallow. The other issue is that it is hard to get the dose just right.
Lar
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