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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by rainy on October 13, 2003, at 23:19:59
In reply to Re: Topamax » rainy, posted by sarita0001 on October 13, 2003, at 9:46:33
Boy, these psych meds really mess with us. Sara, I think it is the Lamictal that is causing hair loss since it didn't start until I went up to 300 mgs of that stuff per day. That's also when the suicidal ideation began. The doctor took me off Topamax because I was disoriented and almost mute, but has kept me on 150 mgs of the road-map-on-the-head-making-damn-Lamictal. Unlike RedScarlets', my remaining hair has become so oily that I get to wash it down the drain every day. The guy who shapes it every now and then told me that rinsing with cool to cold water after each shampoo may slow hair loss. I can't tell but that's my Topamax/Lamictal Hint. Thanks, all of you, for your information. What about the problems dredging up words? How long does that go on after going off? Take all of this with a salt shaker Haley--I had no trouble until I went up to 350 mgs and then all hell broke loose, but I still think that for me the hair part is the Lamictal.
Posted by tug on October 21, 2003, at 19:22:05
In reply to Re: Topmax for Migraines » Sprgrvr, posted by Snoozy on June 24, 2003, at 14:46:05
I have had great results in reducing my migraines by taking 50mg of Nortriptylin every evening. I had gotten to the point where a trip to the emergency room and 2 shots of morphine would not even dull the pain. I have tried all of the usual medications (Imitrex, Maxalt, Relpax, plus every -cet you can imagine). The Nortriptylin is a godsend for me.
I also take 225mg of Effexor daily for PTSD and depression. That has resulted in a 20lb weight gain and am interested in adding Topomax to the mix. By reading some of the threads it sounds like I could replace the Effexor with the Topomax. Any thoughts on that?
Thanks!
Tug
Posted by Nitro on October 22, 2003, at 9:56:10
In reply to Effexor, Nortriptylin and Top-- Migraines, PTSD, posted by tug on October 21, 2003, at 19:22:05
> I have had great results in reducing my migraines by taking 50mg of Nortriptylin every evening. I had gotten to the point where a trip to the emergency room and 2 shots of morphine would not even dull the pain. I have tried all of the usual medications (Imitrex, Maxalt, Relpax, plus every -cet you can imagine). The Nortriptylin is a godsend for me.
>
> I also take 225mg of Effexor daily for PTSD and depression. That has resulted in a 20lb weight gain and am interested in adding Topomax to the mix. By reading some of the threads it sounds like I could replace the Effexor with the Topomax. Any thoughts on that?
>
> Thanks!
>
> TugI have been taking Topomax, 25 mg morning & night since 9/10 and have had great results, was having up to 5 migraines per week, just constant, and they have gone away. I am quite impressed with the results of the topomax with no side effects other than occassional slight tingling and slight loss of appetitie which i don't think is anything to complain about. Of course I am on low dosage and it is working for me so I am lucky. Good luck to you - I know how debilitating migraines are, have had them for more than 20 years and this is the first time I am free of them - 6 weeks today!!! Nitro
Posted by Liligoth on October 24, 2003, at 1:57:24
In reply to Effexor, Nortriptylin and Top-- Migraines, PTSD, posted by tug on October 21, 2003, at 19:22:05
hey Nortriptyline prevents my migraines too!! it's a miracle isnt it. I just love it & will hopefully stay on it for life for this effect. strangely this was an unforseen effect. did your doc know it would help with the migraines?
Posted by tug on October 24, 2003, at 17:32:29
In reply to Re: Effexor, Nortriptylin and Top-- Migraines, PTSD » tug, posted by Liligoth on October 24, 2003, at 1:57:24
> hey Nortriptyline prevents my migraines too!! it's a miracle isnt it. I just love it & will hopefully stay on it for life for this effect. strangely this was an unforseen effect. did your doc know it would help with the migraines?
>
Actually it was my neurologist who presecribed the nortriptylin. I thought I had MS because of the vertigo and some other symptoms. I went to see the local MS Specialist and he got rid of the vertigo and the migraines with the nortriptylin. If I do have a breakthrough migraine, (every once in a while) I take indomethiacin and that seems to knock them right out. It's like having a new life!! Glad to hear I'm not the only one having success with this.Cheers!
Posted by tug on October 27, 2003, at 21:40:30
In reply to Re: Effexor, Nortriptylin and Top-- Migraines, PTSD » tug, posted by Liligoth on October 24, 2003, at 1:57:24
> hey Nortriptyline prevents my migraines too!! it's a miracle isnt it. I just love it & will hopefully stay on it for life for this effect. strangely this was an unforseen effect. did your doc know it would help with the migraines?
> Yes, my neurologist presecribed it specifically to prevent migraines. A miracle drug from my perspective!! He's the best nuerologist I have seen.
Posted by Lyra on October 29, 2003, at 8:16:16
In reply to What worked for my hairloss, posted by Rainbowlight on September 18, 2003, at 18:26:13
I had hair loss on Depakote- doc said it was because it blocked absorbtion of zinc and selenium. I now take 200 mg. of selenium and 100 mg of zinc a day and hair came back.
Posted by redscarlet on October 29, 2003, at 8:55:47
In reply to Re: What worked for my hairloss, posted by Lyra on October 29, 2003, at 8:16:16
Thank You for this info on the vitamins. I just recently added the zinc and selenium to my vitamin regiment but I was only taking them at 100mgs each a day so I will increase to the 200mgs each a day. I hope I have the same effect and stop some of this massive hair loss !!!
Thanks again... :-)
Posted by redscarlet on October 29, 2003, at 9:02:16
In reply to Re: What worked for my hairloss } Rainbowlight, posted by redscarlet on October 29, 2003, at 8:55:47
I meant...200 mcg. of selenium & 100 mg of zinc !
Sorry !
Posted by Ramon Paz on October 29, 2003, at 22:30:44
In reply to Re: What worked for my hairloss, posted by Lyra on October 29, 2003, at 8:16:16
> I had hair loss on Depakote- doc said it was because it blocked absorbtion of zinc and selenium. I now take 200 mg. of selenium and 100 mg of zinc a day and hair came back.
Have anybody already tried thr suplement by "twinlab" Super hair factor (i think is this)?
(Dr. bob, do fon redicion this post, it is supplements but directly relationed with meds)
Posted by Nervz on November 3, 2003, at 13:13:47
In reply to Re: Topamax » sarita0001, posted by rainy on October 13, 2003, at 23:19:59
Hi. I just recently found this thread and have enjoyed all your comments. I am a 27 year old female with generalized anxiety disorder. It used to be severe, with panic attacks almost daily. I was well on my way to becoming agoraphobic (afraid to leave the house). Now my life is totally different because of 40mg of Prozac a day. I am happy to say that I haven't had a panic attack in almost 2 years. I have, however, gained about 35 pounds or so. I am up to a whopping 180, which is definetly noticeable on my 5'5 frame. My pdoc has prescribed 100mg of Topamax to take at bedtime. I am so scared to start taking it. I would appreciate any comments or advice. Thanks, Nervz
Posted by helenag on November 3, 2003, at 13:41:02
In reply to Re: Topamax, posted by Nervz on November 3, 2003, at 13:13:47
I do believe that topamax is a drug that needs to be titrated up to a needed dose. Usually, a patient begins on 25mg or so and goes up from there in order to lessen side effects. At least that is my understanding. Helen
Posted by Sabina on November 3, 2003, at 22:41:26
In reply to Re: Topamax, posted by Nervz on November 3, 2003, at 13:13:47
your best bet for a wealth of information would be to do a search of the archives and/or to follow this thread back. also, don't be afraid to ask specific questions if you get in a bind and can't find your answer. i started topamax about six weeks ago and it wasn't as bad as i was afraid it would be. take it slow. let it settle in before you make up your mind about it. good luck!
Posted by Nervz on November 4, 2003, at 12:06:50
In reply to Re: Topamax » Nervz, posted by Sabina on November 3, 2003, at 22:41:26
Thanks so much for you helpful advice. Well..... here I go. Nervz
Posted by sarita0001 on November 4, 2003, at 15:34:41
In reply to Re: Topamax, posted by Nervz on November 3, 2003, at 13:13:47
Hi Nervz-
I am one of the people that had a bad experience with Topamax but learned a lot from it. Like you, I gained about 25 lbs on lithium over 2 years and couldn't shake it off no matter what I did.
Topamax is one of those drugs that people react very uniquely to, meaning that from what I have read here, side effects can be common and some people can get very strange ones. A very important thing my new psychiatrist told me that is if you don't tolerate a drug's side effects well in the beginning, then you should discontinue it. After 3 weeks, I got side pains on Topamax and went to the doctor and he ruled out kidney stones. It did pass, but looking back it was a sign that maybe my body wasn't tolerating it well.
I know weight gain from meds is bad but if you have the time and energy to try and lose the weight another way then you can avoid the worry of side effects. At the same time, the medicine can work for you. Don't give up and good luck. Be happy to answer any questions.
Sara
Posted by Nervz on November 5, 2003, at 11:55:34
In reply to Re: Topamax, posted by sarita0001 on November 4, 2003, at 15:34:41
I've had this scrip for a month now and can't seem to get the courage to take it. I am pretty miserable being overweight, so I need some help with the weight loss. I've read all the stuff on here about Topamax, but I still don't feel like I have very many definite answers......
1.The pharmacist says "drink plenty of water" to avoid kidney stones. HOW MUCH IS PLENTY? and do sodas counteract the water. I love Diet Coke, do I need to drink even more water to combat those?
2.I'm of childbearing age and would like to start a family in about a year. HOW LONG DOES TOPAMAX STAY IN YOUR SYSTEM? Is there any withdrawal?
3.I've heard of people hearing voices in their heads. That sounds pretty damn crazy to me. HOW OFTEN IS THAT A SIDE EFFECT?
4.I am extremely near-sighted (-10.5). WILL THE TOPAMAX MAKE THAT WORSE?
5.DOES ANYONE KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT LONG TERM EFFECTS OF TOPAMAX?
I know these are all questions for my doctor, but I can't seem to get any straight answers from him or the info on the web. I really need some input from people who have used Topamax. If anyone would please share your experience. I'd be very thankful. And remember, I am DESPERATE to lose weight. --- Nervz
Posted by Nitro on November 5, 2003, at 13:10:23
In reply to Re: Topamax:HELP!!!!, posted by Nervz on November 5, 2003, at 11:55:34
> I've had this scrip for a month now and can't seem to get the courage to take it. I am pretty miserable being overweight, so I need some help with the weight loss. I've read all the stuff on here about Topamax, but I still don't feel like I have very many definite answers......
>
> 1.The pharmacist says "drink plenty of water" to avoid kidney stones. HOW MUCH IS PLENTY? and do sodas counteract the water. I love Diet Coke, do I need to drink even more water to combat those?
>
> 2.I'm of childbearing age and would like to start a family in about a year. HOW LONG DOES TOPAMAX STAY IN YOUR SYSTEM? Is there any withdrawal?
>
> 3.I've heard of people hearing voices in their heads. That sounds pretty damn crazy to me. HOW OFTEN IS THAT A SIDE EFFECT?
>
> 4.I am extremely near-sighted (-10.5). WILL THE TOPAMAX MAKE THAT WORSE?
>
> 5.DOES ANYONE KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT LONG TERM EFFECTS OF TOPAMAX?
>
> I know these are all questions for my doctor, but I can't seem to get any straight answers from him or the info on the web. I really need some input from people who have used Topamax. If anyone would please share your experience. I'd be very thankful. And remember, I am DESPERATE to lose weight. --- Nervz
>I drink at least 64 oz of water above any coffee or tea - my pharmacist & dr said that was more than sufficient to ward off kidney stones.
I have poor vision also, -9.5. It has not gotten worse after 2 months on topamax, but I am only at 50 mg - what amount are you prescribed?
I have had no ill side efffects, only a slight tingling in hands & feet which goes away after a few minutes when I get it. I get it randomly too. No absentmindedness, nothing! It has completely stopped my migraines for which I am grateful.
good luck! Nitro
Posted by Sabina on November 5, 2003, at 14:11:13
In reply to Re: Topamax:HELP!!!!, posted by Nervz on November 5, 2003, at 11:55:34
i feel that the first, best answer to all of your questions is that if you're this freaked out about it then maybe topamax isn't a good fit for you right now. don't get angry with me just yet, keep reading. i'm a nice person, really.
a lot of what i hear you saying is, what if i have X side effect, or what if i have Z side effect? i have a *strong* tendency to do that same thing, so i do know how you feel and am not making light of your predicament at all. i hate to have people tell me to relax (my answer is always, if i could relax then i wouldn't need the medicine!), but *try* not to focus so much on the "what if's" and start thinking more about the positive results you hope to see from this drug.
i would simply encourage you to start with the recommended beginning dose of 25mg and see how you go, day by day. you'll know soon enough if it's a good fit and worth the effort for you. i was nervous, too; and it wasn't nearly as bad as i had feared. i am now becoming more and more comfortable at 100mg. there have been many positive effects from this drug that have far outweighed the few rough patches. that has been my personal experience, anyway.
i also plan to become pregnant late next year. i haven't been able to find any documentation on the subject, but i plan to taper off over a period of three months prior to conception and to finish with a thorough detox program. i feel confident that will be sufficient for me.
drink your 6-8 8oz glasses of water, or more if you can, and hope for the best. good luck, keep us posted, and i really hope you're not too angry at me! i don't usually speak so candidly here.
Posted by Sabina on November 5, 2003, at 14:46:01
In reply to Re: Topamax:HELP!!!!, posted by Sabina on November 5, 2003, at 14:11:13
Posted by Nervz on November 5, 2003, at 15:26:17
In reply to Re: Topamax:HELP!!!!, posted by Nitro on November 5, 2003, at 13:10:23
Thanks Nitro and Sabina! Your comments were very helpful. My doctor prescribed 100mg to start out with. Has anyone out there started out at such a high dosage? The main reason (well, actually only reason) I'm going to take the Topamax is for weight loss because NOTHING else has helped my weight gain. Have either of you lost any weight and how long have you been on it? Thanks again guys --- Nervz
Posted by Nitro on November 5, 2003, at 15:42:00
In reply to Re: Topamax:HELP!!!!, posted by Nervz on November 5, 2003, at 15:26:17
> Thanks Nitro and Sabina! Your comments were very helpful. My doctor prescribed 100mg to start out with. Has anyone out there started out at such a high dosage? The main reason (well, actually only reason) I'm going to take the Topamax is for weight loss because NOTHING else has helped my weight gain. Have either of you lost any weight and how long have you been on it? Thanks again guys --- Nervz
>
Nervz -
I started out at 25 mg - the doc said it was really important to start low and work your way up to alleviate any side effects. I had loss of appetite, didn't really need to lose much weight but I did lose a few lbs.Nitro.
Posted by Sabina on November 5, 2003, at 15:53:22
In reply to Re: Topamax:HELP!!!!, posted by Nervz on November 5, 2003, at 15:26:17
oh dear god no i would *not* start out with 100mg!
of course, that is my totally non-professional opinion, but i have generally noticed posts on this site mentioning titrating up by weekly 25mg increments. when i made a comment about the dosing schedule the first time i picked it up, my pharmacist said the same kind of thing...something to the effect that it is a powerful drug and to just be patient and build up slowly.
i have been on it about seven weeks and i know i have lost some weight. i can tell from how my clothes fit. i don't know how much because i can't let myself get obsessed with weigh-ins.
if your scrip calls for 100mg tabs then try to see if your doc will change it to 25mg. if he won't then you can always use a pill splitter. a lot of people have posted about how they shouldn't be split, how bitter they taste, etc., but i found out that's just not so. my pdoc wrote my last scrip for 100mg pills because that's where i had titrated to, even though i only wanted to take 50mg at a time. i was worried after what i had read and bought some applesauce, pudding, etc. to hide the supposedly terribly bitter taste, but i just take the split pill with water, no problem at all.
please do write again with any questions. i'm taking topamax in addition to seroquel for my bipolar II. still, i was interested in the weight loss benefits as i had gained some weight on the seroquel and i am trying to lose weight so that i will be at a healthy weight before i get pregnant next year. also, i'm really glad you weren't offended by my other post!
Posted by Sabina on November 5, 2003, at 16:27:36
In reply to Re: Topamax:HELP!!!!, posted by Nervz on November 5, 2003, at 15:26:17
i also agree with nitro. i just kind of lost my appetite. i never really overate, but i did do some nervous carb eating for awhile on the seroquel when i would have problems with akathisia, which is why i broke my seroquel down into smaller doses throughout the day.
since starting topamax, some things just don't taste right, and that may be part of it. for instance, fizzy drinks don't seem as appealing and alcohol makes me ill just to smell it. that's a plus for me, since those things aren't good for me, anyway. if they've become unappealing, then it's no problem to give them up. hooray! i often just forget to eat, but i always keep a galss of ice water beside me to help keep up my fluid intake.
i'll probably just keep thinking of things and posting them...i really hope you have a positive experience. i know how hard it is to try and lose weight on some of these drugs, and i know people who won't take a drug that they know helps them just because they don't want to gain the weight again. if this one works for you then (hopefully) you won't have to make that decision.
Posted by sarita0001 on November 5, 2003, at 20:13:42
In reply to Re: Topamax:HELP!!!!, posted by Nervz on November 5, 2003, at 11:55:34
Hi Nervz-
If you are having all these worries about Topamax then I think maybe you shouldn't take it. Then when you are taking it you might worry more. If you can and have the means, maybe seeing a nutritionist can help. I am sure they see this problem often- weight gain b/c of meds and have more natural ways to combat it. I wish I had done that. Good luck with your decision.
Sara
Posted by karen_kay on November 6, 2003, at 7:16:16
In reply to Re: Topamax:HELP!!!!, posted by sarita0001 on November 5, 2003, at 20:13:42
I agree that maybe it is not a good idea to take Topamax with the sole purpose of trying to lose weight. But, if you begin taking it and the side effects are bothersome you can always discontinue, with the exception of the few rare but potentially serious side effects. Maybe you should make a list of pros and cons. And remember that the weight loss doesn't work for everyone eighter. Good luck in your decision. I know that Topamax has really changed my life, but not because I've lost a few pounds. However, that is a bonus as well. But, I have only lost maybe 15 lbs. Good luck. Karen
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