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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by karen_kay on November 2, 2003, at 17:21:07
In reply to Topamax and Severe Abdomin Pain, posted by DarcyP on November 1, 2003, at 3:46:00
Hmmm..... I have no idea. I hope that doesn't happen to me. I would check with the doctor first of course and get some advice. Karen
Posted by DharmaMama on November 2, 2003, at 21:52:53
In reply to Topamax and Severe Abdomin Pain, posted by DarcyP on November 1, 2003, at 3:46:00
Have you checked with a ob/gyn or midwife?
Posted by DharmaMama on November 2, 2003, at 21:58:17
In reply to Re: Topamax and Severe Abdomin Pain, posted by DarcyP on November 2, 2003, at 2:28:40
Sorry, saw this posted twice. Answered to it at another post. My other post would not apply.
Posted by DharmaMama on November 2, 2003, at 22:00:24
In reply to Topamax and Severe Abdomin Pain, posted by DarcyP on November 1, 2003, at 3:50:41
My only other suggestion would be to go see a chiropractor. Look for a good one. My family and I are into natural meds. I had to resort to Topamax. We use chiro for everything.
Posted by chik on November 3, 2003, at 12:22:32
In reply to Topamax Experiences?, posted by Kingfish on January 4, 2001, at 7:29:48
Hello everyone. I just started Topamax two days ago and I'm hoping I have as much success as you guys. I'm also on Celexa 20mg. In the last year my depression has gone more to the bipolar side and the Celexa isn't doing the job. When I was a kid I had Epilepsey and was on an antiseizure drug..just think it's interesting that I'm back on one for a mood disorder..thanx for all your imput..
Posted by TerryS on November 4, 2003, at 13:28:28
In reply to Re: Topamax and Severe Abdomin Pain, posted by DharmaMama on November 2, 2003, at 22:00:24
This condition may have nothing to do with the Topamax. I recommend modifying your diet with flax seed, oatmeal, - every day. Add fish oil. I used reglan for my stomach problems. Also dicyclomine works also.
Posted by msmelissa on November 5, 2003, at 12:54:22
In reply to Topamax Experiences?, posted by Kingfish on January 4, 2001, at 7:29:48
I will be starting Topamax Sunday night. I am taking 500 mg of Depakote-which has made me gain a lot of weight. Propanalol 40 mg for the tremors, Klonapan 1 mg at bedtime to sleep, and 75 mg of Lamactil--which has given me some bad side effects. My doc is taking me off the Lamactil slowly and that is why I start on the Topamax on Sunday...My depression has really messed me up since the Lamactil and the weight gain from the Depakote adds to the dep. I'm praying that the Topamax works for me.
Posted by PJ57 on November 5, 2003, at 23:58:56
In reply to Re: Topamax and Severe Abdomin Pain, posted by DharmaMama on November 2, 2003, at 22:00:24
I have tried topamax several times and have had problems with severe abdominal pain but it would go away, the most annoying problem was my feet would tingle has anyone experienced this? I can say this medication will make you lose weight. I just wondered what are the side effects of going on and off of this drug. I am also on effexor twice a day, valium 10mg three times a day or as needed and restarol sleeping pill. Please excuse the spelling it's been a long day I am so fatigued all the time and have no energy and wondering what could be causing this. Anyone have any info please email me, thanx chicap6@aol.com
Posted by msmelissa on November 6, 2003, at 11:57:39
In reply to Topamax Experiences?, posted by Kingfish on January 4, 2001, at 7:29:48
I am hoping for a great deal of relief with the bipolar issue but am desparate for help in the weight loss area as well. Since adulthood I have always been about 130 lbs. Even after having 3 children...with the depakote and other meds I've gained 30-40 lbs. since March of 2003. Just need to know if anyone else has had any luck with the medicine? I am willing to suffer some side effects to get somewhere with my disorder!
Posted by DarcyP on November 6, 2003, at 23:16:51
In reply to Re: Topamax-bipolar and weight loss?, posted by msmelissa on November 6, 2003, at 11:57:39
my doctor said to stop taking Topamax right away this was yesterday and my pain has decreased alittle not much but I will keep you posted on my results
Posted by headachequeen on November 7, 2003, at 11:35:55
In reply to Re: Topamax-bipolar and weight loss?, posted by msmelissa on November 6, 2003, at 11:57:39
> I am hoping for a great deal of relief with the bipolar issue but am desparate for help in the weight loss area as well. Since adulthood I have always been about 130 lbs. Even after having 3 children...with the depakote and other meds I've gained 30-40 lbs. since March of 2003. Just need to know if anyone else has had any luck with the medicine? I am willing to suffer some side effects to get somewhere with my disorder!
Optimsim beats pessimism any day ... and I guess I should be happy that I started Topomax before I decided I wanted information about it... as it has really helped me and without too many side effects...
so take heart <s>
As several others whose posts I have read, I found these boards in a search for information on Topomax... actually it began with a search for information on Tegretol, but somehow Topomax info came up and I was led here. A couple of years ago I was diagnosed with epilepsy, cause unknown, duration unknown.
I have an absurd sort of epilepsy, in that it is not the highly visible sort and only occurs when I am asleep, making it difficult at times to know whether or not I have had a seizure. The neurologists dealing with me are not sure if it may have been caused by injury or if I was born with it... life can be confusing indeed.
Originally I was put on Tegretol,but in January of this year (2003)when that was not eliminating the seizures, the neurologist decided to increase the dosage. When I asked him about my migraines (until I noticed the posters in his waiting room -- needed something to read while I waited -- it never occurred to me to ask him about them.) He immediately tore up the prescription and began to write out one for Topomax, at the same time telling me that I might want to consider the side effect, weight loss. Being overweight, I thought about it for a second and said I thought I could live with such a side effect. While I would admit it nowhere else, I was a couple of pounds over the 200 -- when I met my husband I was barely 95 pounds, the same height and the same bone structure, nothing else had changed. Other than overcoming anorexia to an extreme by putting on over one hundred pounds. I would struggle to take off weight but would regain it along with a few extra pounds -- life was so much fun...
Topomax apparently deals not only with migraine but with seizures and has the weight loss side effect -- my miracle drug it would seem.
However, I began at 25 mg with dinner for two weeks, then increased to 50 mg for two weeks, and so on until I reached 200 mg, then began the morning dosages, always with food -- for someone who never ate breakfast this was a challenge!!! <g> -- at 25 mg and increased at the same rate until I was taking 200 mg in the morning as well.
He told me that if I noticed any difficulty with the medication, I was to slow down the dosage increments and stay at the previous dosage until I was comfortable with it --- whatever that meant.
He told me about no other side effects and nor did my pharmacist who is notorious for listing all side effects in a leaflet and then sitting down and chatting about new meds with clients to be sure that each new med is understood totally.
Food lost its appeal within three days at the 25 mg once a day dosage... I was simply not interested in meals... taste didn't matter because I didn't want to eat anyway.
As for alcohol, my sister-in-law, who was prescribed Topomax for seizures related to head injuries and a broken back following a drastic accident, was warned that there would be serious side effects if she were to mix alcohol and Topomax -- one glass of wine at dinner and Topomax was a really vile combination she tells me. (In case anyone is wondering about the warning, apparently it is one you don't want to try for yourself)
I did not not know about the hair loss problem that has been mentioned here, but in recent weeks I find that my hair is extremely dry and hard to deal with. Related? I am not sure.
I read on these boards that some patients find nausea accompanies the use of Topomax. I can't say if it does or doesn't as I cannot say whether or not the occasional bouts of nausea are related to Topomax use or to other health problems that are being dealt with... or to other medications. My own physician has prescribed SERC to deal with the nausea. I do not have to take it all the time but those times when it does occur, it is most helpful. I had been using an over the counter product for motion sickness but he did not think this was really a good idea.
My neurologist did mention that pressure behind the eyes is sometimes associated with Topomax after I had been using the med for a couple of months, but it has not been a problem -- odd that it was not mentioned up front???
Other side effects mentioned here have not been mentioned by either of my neurologists, both of whom approve totally of the use of Topomax for the headaches and the seizures. (The other neurologist is dealing with a wretched condition known as myosthenia gravis -- not responsible for spelling)
Since January I have lost enough weight that I gone from size 15-16 to size 10, so in my case the weight loss side effect has been good...
my one concern about the weight loss side effect is wondering if it stops...
I have been without migraine, totally debilitating migraines that do not give any warning, since mid-January thanks to Topomax, and do not like to think of a return to that...
the only side effect that really is insurmountable from my point of view would be to continually lose weight...
it has to stop some time -- doesn't it???I have found that foods change taste with Topomax but was not sure if that were the Topomax or the Tegretol or perhaps another med that I have to take...
I also find that I am CONSTANTLY thirsty and that is only since starting the Topomax (have also been told by other users that it is a cause of kidney stones and to drink lots of water while taking it... not sure if this is accurate, but always thirsty so drink lots of water anyway)...
I have not found that it slowed down my thinking although sometimes I am unable to think of the exact word I want... of course that was sometimes a problem before Topomax too...
So far I have found more benefits than harm...
but I think from experience that I would be more inclined to start using it more slowly and cautiously...
Always take it with meals by the way... I know, hard to do when you do not feel like eating...
I have found that about 25 cents worth of cashews is enough to keep me going for the day... I eat a single serving of yoghurt in the morning with my meds and then have the handful of cashews that I get from a dispenser that raises funds for Child Find... hence the 25 cent measurement... it is a good handful... then in the evening for dinner I have some cashews again (something in the cashews seems to work with my system to really beat any nausea factor with the meds I am on) and then perhaps a bowl of soup and a light meal and I am fine... over time I have come to enjoy a bowl of home made soup at a restaurant near work...
something light and with real taste... and I notice the flavours... so the taste killing part must end...although I still find that there is no real interest in large meals or in snacking or in candy... used to enjoy potato chips and chocolate bars; no interest now... which of course is helping the weight factor -- no junk food leads to weight loss...
the one side effect that I have noticed is a repeated sleepiness or drowsiness.. I used to find that I could or would be awake late into the night and then awake again early into the day... now I am unable to stay awake in the afternoon and need to lie down for a short while in the early evening or the late afternoon.. but that is lessening as I become accustomed to the medication...
At the moment I am on the maximum dosage of 400 mg half in the morning and half in the evening btw...
You will hear of all sorts of side effects --
don't give up until you are sure...
katThey laugh at me because I am different;
I laugh at them because they are all the same.
Posted by msmelissa on November 7, 2003, at 12:26:36
In reply to Topamax Experiences?, posted by Kingfish on January 4, 2001, at 7:29:48
Thank-you for that message. It was very informative and helpful. I feel that I know a little more about what is to come.
msmelissa
Posted by galkeepinon on November 8, 2003, at 2:35:40
In reply to Re: Topamax-bipolar and weight loss?, posted by msmelissa on November 6, 2003, at 11:57:39
Hi, There is a binge-eating study in California USA currently to see if Topamax can possibly be approved for that disorder. I called to ask what medication was being used in this trial and low and behold, it was Topamax. I figured, but was curious. I lost 25 pounds while on Topamax, and the side effects were minimal for me. If you're interested in hearing about my experience, I would be happy to share it with you, if not, I still wish you all the best in getting relief for the bipolar issue as well as an added benefit of weight loss Topamax seems to have on a lot of people :-)
Best wishes,
Kristen
==============================================================================================> I am hoping for a great deal of relief with the bipolar issue but am desparate for help in the weight loss area as well. Since adulthood I have always been about 130 lbs. Even after having 3 children...with the depakote and other meds I've gained 30-40 lbs. since March of 2003. Just need to know if anyone else has had any luck with the medicine? I am willing to suffer some side effects to get somewhere with my disorder!
Posted by msmelissa on November 8, 2003, at 12:31:58
In reply to Re: Topamax-bipolar and weight loss? » msmelissa, posted by galkeepinon on November 8, 2003, at 2:35:40
I'm curious to how long it took you to lose the 25 lbs?
Posted by galkeepinon on November 8, 2003, at 13:13:51
In reply to Re: Topamax-bipolar and weight loss? Galkeepinon, posted by msmelissa on November 8, 2003, at 12:31:58
Sure :-)
At about 4 months at 200mg, I noticed I lost 25 pounds.
===================================================================================
> I'm curious to how long it took you to lose the 25 lbs?
Posted by locobill on November 9, 2003, at 8:31:47
In reply to The benefits of Topamax, posted by Kingfish on January 8, 2001, at 20:00:36
Posted by kka on November 9, 2003, at 13:23:03
In reply to Re: New Topamax Experiences?, posted by msmelissa on November 5, 2003, at 12:54:22
Are you going to stay on 500 mgs on Depakote while you are on Topamax if not are you going to stop taking Depakote cold turkey or taper down the does?
Posted by chik on November 9, 2003, at 15:56:34
In reply to Re: Topamax Experiences?, posted by Kingfish on January 22, 2001, at 8:31:49
Hey everyone I just upped my dose to 50 mg Topamax and am starting to feel the depression lifting but whenever I get around a lot of people I start getting really nervous and socially out of control...is this happening to anybody else? If you have experienced this, does this wear off? help..
Posted by locobill on November 10, 2003, at 6:37:34
In reply to The benefits of Topamax, posted by Kingfish on January 8, 2001, at 20:00:36
Has anyone had a really good experience with topamax and alcohol. the reason i ask is i have been trying to quit drinking for years and had no luck even cutting back especially lately. but thanks to topamax i drank a total of 5 beers this weekend. Not even an average day for me.
Posted by headachequeen on November 10, 2003, at 9:44:01
In reply to Re: The benefits of Topamax, posted by locobill on November 10, 2003, at 6:37:34
Did you not have an extreme reaction following the beer?
My sister-in-law was prescribed topomax and decided that she would rather have the beer and risk the seizures than give up drinking entirely after the one time she drank beer while taking the topomax.
One evening after she mentioned this, we were out for dinner and I had a glass of wine for dinner and a glass of a liqueur afterwards... the later effects were ghastly ... I didn't know that one could feel dizzy and have everything move from top to bottom instead of from left to right or right to left... and that is just part of it...
I don't think I have ever felt so awful... and I can't say I wasn't warned :(
I am surprised that you did not endure an extreme side effect such as we encountered....
Posted by helenag on November 10, 2003, at 10:17:08
In reply to Re: The benefits of Topamax, posted by locobill on November 10, 2003, at 6:37:34
Hello... Topamax, along with its mood stabilizing properties, has also been the subject of a big test for helping alcoholics overcome the urge to drink. The study was done in Texas. Here is the web site address: www.uthscsa.edu/STARTcenter/topiramate-french/pharm3.html
sorry I can't be more computer savvy and get you there pronto. You can also read more about it by going to the infinite mind (just use a web search) and find the program on alcoholism. One of their guests was the dude who did the study.My pdoc prescribed topamax for me for mood swings and for alcohol troubles. I haven't found it to be much help for the alcohol; however it sure has been a life saver for the mood swings and for weight loss. I am currently on 250mg a day. I don't drink very often at all and when I do, max is two drinks. It makes me a little more tired, maybe, but I am tired anyway all the time.
As I have a tremendous amount of anxiety, the couple of drinks I do have at times seem to take the edge off the craziness I feel. Benzos are not a possibility for me due to abuse issues. pdoc gave me some seroquel, but I am afraid to take the teeny weeny amount he prescribed because of the possible fatigue it may bring on--am tired already and have too much to do. It's all I need is to be knocked out and have more stress from being able to stay awake.
And if my own problems weren't tricky enough, all I have to do is read a darn newspaper... oh well.Aren't I a ray of sunshine today????\
Hope I helped. Helen
Posted by headachequeen on November 10, 2003, at 11:44:01
In reply to re: the benefits of topamax, posted by helenag on November 10, 2003, at 10:17:08
> Hello... Topamax, along with its mood stabilizing properties, has also been the subject of a big test for helping alcoholics overcome the urge to drink...
... sure has been a life saver for the mood swings and for weight loss. I am currently on 250mg a day. I don't drink very often at all and when I do, max is two drinks...
...
...IT MAKES ME A LITTLE MORE TIRED MAYBE... but I am tired anyway all the time.
>
> Hope I helped. HelenI seem to keep posting... sorry, but I am trying to figure out all these side bits and pieces... I have had such success with the headache aspect of the Topomax which was the primary (I think) intention of its prescription and since August 12th or thereabouts when the Tegretol was bumped up to 400 mg between it and the Topomax I have had only one seizure... and these weird seizures that sneak up when I am sleeping and leave their calling cards when and if they feel like it and are sometimes embarrasing and other times so confusing I am really happy to be without so I have to admit that I am mostly content with the effects of the two of them...
and the weight loss side effect of Topomax... I know it is nothing I did, because I have proved that I have no real will power... if the weight does not come off in a month then I am tired of the whole process and quit... well that is good too...
and I have not had any side effects that I would consider serious.. can't drink because it makes me seriously ill, well so what? the laryngwhatsis says if I want my vocal cords to be repaired can't drink and I don't like the stuff anyway and don't drink often or much anway so don't drink in the first place, seldom finish that glass of wine with dinner... no loss...
have not experienced many of the side effects mentioned here...
the thirst and dry mouth, yes but I am told they also go with Tegretol and went with the anti-depressants I was on... so that is no big deal.. drink lots of water...
for no headaches and loss of weight I can deal with it...
the dry hair I go to my hair stylist and get her to deal with it...
now you mention being tired...
I thought it was the change in time zones as I had noticed being tired of late... am on a course in another time zone... and a very energy-intense one at that... that had to be it...
but even with lots of sleep I am exhausted when I do nothing...no, not exhausted, just tired, drowsy... no get up and go sort of thing..
and, when I sit down and think about it, it has been going on for months and I have been here for a week ... instead of sitting up and writing into the night (I do my best work in the early hours) then getting up and running agility or atracking course, I drag around and wonder when I can lie down and sleep for a while...
I am particularly aware of it here, as people tend to sit around and disect the day and the exercises we have run here and I am thinking that I have to hold up my head and think and listen and absorb and I can't... it is an effort to keep my eyes open let alone absorb what is being said and the post mortem talk sessions are as much a part of the course as the instruction and the doing and the assessment sessions from the instructors... they are maybe more important as the other participants are often really helpful or more critical and aware.. and there I am dozing off..
at meal times as the others are discussing the runs we had and the mistakes we made or the great things someone did.. I am all but dozing...
me? or Topomax?
I have to force awareness or be forefully active to not be dragging ... and this is not me...
side effect?
I am on 400 mg and it is working for the needed things...
and I do believe in it...
now I want to know how to combat what may be its side effects..
other than curling up and sleeping for a year and buying a wig
I realise this may not be happening because of Topomax but why am I so drowsy all the time and have hair that was so healthy becoming straw when the only change in my life other than dumping the effexor, imovane and zyprexa was taking on the Topomax ---
I don't want to stop taking it and reverse the good it has done... the headaches were debilitating.. the seizures terrifying...
but I want to stop the side effects...
sign me looking for answers
Posted by TexasChic on November 10, 2003, at 15:40:08
In reply to re: the benefits of topamax » helenag, posted by headachequeen on November 10, 2003, at 11:44:01
Hi, this is my first post, but I've been lurking for a while. My doc currently has me on 75mg Topamax for: compulsive eating, as a mood stabilizer, and for some OCD tendencies; and 20mg Lexapro for depression and anxiety. I have a side effect from the Topamax I haven't heard anyone else mention. I began getting a feeling about it, and then I read in the accompanying literature that it can interfere with birth control pills. Anything else that does this (like antibiotics) messes up my whole cycle (sorry guys) causing much pain and a worse than ever wave of depression (this is because of female problems I've had since I was young). I was just wondering if anyone else has had this interruption in their BCP's and if stronger one's may be the answer. I was also wondering if anyone even knew about it since my doc didn't tell me!
I have also been experiencing extreme anxiety, and mounting depression ever since I've started my new regimen a month ago. I've been on the SSRI merry-go-round before, so I know it takes time, and things have been extremely crappy in my life lately, so I can't blame it all on the meds. I've definitely been through some rougher spells in the last few months than I have in years, which was why I changed my meds in the first place. But its gets really hard to tell sometimes if the pills are working like they're supposed to, or if you've waited long enough and its time to give up and try something else. I hate this wait and see part of it. Anyway, this is kind of half 'Psycho-Babble' and half 'Psychological Babble', so I didn't know where to put it. Hope it wasn't too long.
Posted by kka on November 10, 2003, at 17:28:28
In reply to re: the benefits of topamax, posted by TexasChic on November 10, 2003, at 15:40:08
Ironically I have read that the topamax does cause a depresssion in some people, maybe you need to talk to your dr. and adjust you anti-depressants (Lex). I am on Topamax for weight and binge eating. If you don't mind me asking what other meds were you on for you mild OCD, I think I keep getting treated for depression when I really just have some OCD tendencies. Thanks and good luck to you, hopefully your rough spells will pass soon!
Posted by TexasChic on November 11, 2003, at 8:34:13
In reply to re: the benefits of topamax, posted by kka on November 10, 2003, at 17:28:28
> Ironically I have read that the topamax does cause a depresssion in some people, maybe you need to talk to your dr. and adjust you anti-depressants (Lex). I am on Topamax for weight and binge eating. If you don't mind me asking what other meds were you on for you mild OCD, I think I keep getting treated for depression when I really just have some OCD tendencies. Thanks and good luck to you, hopefully your rough spells will pass soon!
The Topamax is what I'm on for the mild OCD, as well as for weight and binge eating. I never thought about it being the cause of the depression though. I just figured it was because I was coming off Prozac (what I was on, but which had become too agitating) and maybe the Lexapro hasn't started working yet. But everything I read says Prozac takes at least two months to get out of your system, so you may be on to something about the Topamax causing the depression. I'll talk to my doctor about it. Thanks for the heads up!
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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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