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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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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
Posted by Boonie on November 13, 2003, at 10:48:46
In reply to Re: Topamax:HELP!!!!, posted by sarita0001 on November 5, 2003, at 20:13:42
Hi,
I went on Topomax because I was diagnosed as cyclothymic (bi-polar). I tried a couple of other meds and they did make me gain weight even when eating a very well balanced diet and exercising. This, of course, led to depression, which was cancelling out the positive effects that I was supposed to be getting from the meds in the first place. I am cursed with a slow metabolism without meds, being on those meds sent my metabolism on an extended vacation. I was very nervous to try topomax (like every med I've tried), and started at 50 mg. That was too much for me to start with, and I was having some manic episodes. I cut back to 25 mg and stayed there for a while and then slowly went to 50 mg. I've been on 50 mg. for 9 or 10 months now. In the first 6 months I lost 30 lbs. Was it the topomax? Was it being off the other meds? Or, was it just bad nerves? I seem to have levelled off now. But, I've had a major change of situations (living/working) which may have affected my appetite. I thought topomax for weight loss was supposed to be at a much higher dosage.
Posted by jtevers on November 25, 2003, at 16:12:39
In reply to Re: Topamax:HELP!!!!, posted by Boonie on November 13, 2003, at 10:48:46
i have been on medication treatment ( seroquel and neurontin ) for bipolar, diagnosed in 2000.
since then i have gained 60 lbs. ... devestating for a previous marathon runner. this weight gain has been entirely unresponsive to diet and exercise!
so... i am getting ready to try topamax and have learned i must titrate it slowly ... very slowly and that i can look forward to experiencing some harsh side effects.
i am prepared for the fatigue and the change in taste, but to combat the hair loss i've heard of using 200 mcg. of selenium and 100 mg. of zinc .... perhaps also adding biotin ... i have become very fat and do not want also to be balding, can anyone confirm this advice or help with any additional????
i know to drink plenty of water to avoid kidney stones and watch my protein intake , but have been advised to use a B-complex vitamin ( or an anti stress B of some sort ) to combat the tingling sensation i will probably experience in my extremities.... can anyone confirm this advice or help with any additional????
finally, i wonder, from those who have experienced weight loss, whether you had simultaneously dropped the weight-adding medication or whether the weight came off while you had still been on the offending med. (for expample, lithium, depakote or an antipsychotic)? you see, i cannot change my medication regimen, but want to add topamax to it temporarily.... help!
your help is sooo greatly appreciated and i look forward to your advice. wish me luck.
Posted by browneyez on November 25, 2003, at 21:35:33
In reply to topomax, posted by Ellen Brodie on April 19, 1999, at 15:58:40
My doctor has given me topomax for my weight gain.I was on Paxil for my panic attacks, but i gained weight. I'm and occasional drinker, and with the holidays coming up, I just wanted to know if anyone drinks while taking this medication?
Posted by Sabina on November 26, 2003, at 3:24:30
In reply to Re: topomax, posted by browneyez on November 25, 2003, at 21:35:33
drinking any alcohol on topamax makes me exceedingly sick and dizzy. i would not advise it, but everyone is different, of course.
Posted by TexasChic on November 26, 2003, at 15:10:00
In reply to Re: topomax, posted by browneyez on November 25, 2003, at 21:35:33
> My doctor has given me topomax for my weight gain.I was on Paxil for my panic attacks, but i gained weight. I'm and occasional drinker, and with the holidays coming up, I just wanted to know if anyone drinks while taking this medication?
You didn't say the amount you are taking. I think that may make a difference. I was on 75mg and was able to have a few social drinks with no problem (except maybe I got tipsy a little easier). I have read of others that had horrendous problems though, so I would take baby steps and see how it effects you. If you're on 200-300mg, you may not even want to consider it (that seems to be the amount I hear the horror stories about). You can always get a juice spritzer and it will look like a mixed drink. I do that sometimes to fend off the nosy people who want to know why I'm not drinking. (Aren't people weird?)
Posted by chloe44 on November 26, 2003, at 18:13:15
In reply to Re: topomax, posted by TexasChic on November 26, 2003, at 15:10:00
Hi, I have been on several anti-depressants with severe weight gain. My therapist has suggested I speak with my Dr. about Topomax to counter-act the weight gain. I mean I have never been over 130 lbs. in my life (I am 44 and 5'4") I am now 200 lbs plus. I started the anti-depressants after my oldest child drown and a divorce quickly folowed. The weight gain has me severely depressed. Any one has a comment?
Posted by haleyr on November 26, 2003, at 19:06:53
In reply to Re: topomax » TexasChic, posted by chloe44 on November 26, 2003, at 18:13:15
> Hi, I have been on several anti-depressants with severe weight gain. My therapist has suggested I speak with my Dr. about Topomax to counter-act the weight gain. I mean I have never been over 130 lbs. in my life (I am 44 and 5'4") I am now 200 lbs plus. I started the anti-depressants after my oldest child drown and a divorce quickly folowed. The weight gain has me severely depressed. Any one has a comment?
Hi - I have been on topomax for three months after putting some weight on after being on lexapro for depression since my brother died on 9/11. I am up to 200 mgs. now - i did start slowly 25 mgs , 50 mgs, etc. I've had a few side effects - but nothing terrible that hasnt gone away - but i really havent seen much of a weight loss yet. In the beginning i noticed my appetite diminish a bit but now when I am depressed I can still eat a lot. I dont know if I should maybe have the dr. increase the med. - he seems pretty cool in doing so - i am just afraid with some of the horror stories I hear of the hair loss and all - i could use some advice, too. haley
Posted by headachequeen on November 28, 2003, at 13:55:24
In reply to Re: topomax, posted by browneyez on November 25, 2003, at 21:35:33
> My doctor has given me topomax for my weight gain.I was on Paxil for my panic attacks, but i gained weight. I'm and occasional drinker, and with the holidays coming up, I just wanted to know if anyone drinks while taking this medication?
Oh brother... this is one of the few side effects of which I was warned... and by someone who had been given a list of warnings but tried it anyway. Last evening I was at a working session, trying to get back into the swing of things now that I am home. We were doing so well that someone decided a bottle of wine was a good idea... I had one small glass... and only half of it at that... and about three this morning I woke up and was not sure if I were going to live or die...
I did not feel hung over: that feels good in comparison. I know I have been there twice in my life, being like you an occasional drinker... don't really like the stuff, especially wine and beer, to be honest... I was sorely tempted to call 911 because I was afraid that something was seriously wrong, more than the effects of a bit of alcohol and the topomax... could my epilepsy be doing something really weird? I have had a drink with the Topo before and the aftershock was not pleasant but this was worse and it the aftershocks continue now...
It would not be as bad if I did not know better... but I simply didn't stop to think... I was too proud of what I had accomplished to stop and do such a simple thing as think and here I am...
I know there are others who have no problems with it...
but one of the warnings is not to drink when using Topomax and if my day from early morning is any example, I would suggest you stick to mineral water or soda water or something of that nature...
learn from the mistakes of others, you don't have time to make them all yourself LOL
Posted by chloe44 on November 28, 2003, at 14:10:10
In reply to Re: topomax » chloe44, posted by haleyr on November 26, 2003, at 19:06:53
Hi, thanks for the reply to my concerns with Topomax. I too have been on Prozac for about a year before starting Lexapro a month ago. It seems that nothing I do will allow the weight to come off. I have never had a weight problem and have always exercised daily. Dr. do not seem to believe that I am not binge eating but I am not. This weight gain has caused me severe depression. Everyone has just suggested Topomoax but if I don't see dramatic results I am hesitant to try more meds. I really do not have a large appetite. I have always eaten as I have over the years. What to do, anybody? I am seriously considering a surgical procedure to reduce my stomach size.
Posted by Boonie on November 28, 2003, at 15:01:49
In reply to Re: topomax » browneyez, posted by headachequeen on November 28, 2003, at 13:55:24
Reading the posts, I think we're talking about two separate things. Someone taking topomax for epilepsy and someone taking it for weight gain. I'd be a lot more cautious drinking with meds for epilepsy. I'm on 50 mg. of topomax as a mood stabilizer and if I'm going to drink, I don't take my meds that evening. The warning on my bottle says alcohol may intensify the effects, but topomax doesn't make me sleepy, it makes me a tad tense. As for the weight loss, like I said before, I lost 30ish pounds, but I don't know if that is because I'm not taking Paxil or other meds that helped me gain weight, or if it's the topomax. I do take clonazepam at night to help me sleep cuz the topomax keeps me awake and I still lost weight. I'm shrugging.
Posted by headachequeen on November 28, 2003, at 16:03:24
In reply to Re: topomax » chloe44, posted by haleyr on November 26, 2003, at 19:06:53
> Hi - I have been on topomax for three months after putting some weight on after being on lexapro for depression since my brother died on 9/11. I am up to 200 mgs. now - i did start slowly 25 mgs , 50 mgs, etc. I've had a few side effects - but nothing terrible that hasnt gone away - but i really havent seen much of a weight loss yet. In the beginning i noticed my appetite diminish a bit but now when I am depressed I can still eat a lot. I dont know if I should maybe have the dr. increase the med. - he seems pretty cool in doing so - i am just afraid with some of the horror stories I hear of the hair loss and all - i could use some advice, too. haley
>
>
maybe this time I can get it right... I can blame it on the SEs of Topomax maybe??? that bit of wine last evening??
Simply accept the experiences of side effects as experiences, or warnings, if you will. They may not happen to you and remember that you are prepared to meet them and deal with them because this group is here to help you handle them with advice built from experience and advice from their own practictioners.
Worried about hair loss? then start taking biotin, about 2400 mg was the amount mentioned here, it works. I have not lost any hair and believe me I would be sobbing my heart out on your shoulders if I had. My hair was drying out but since the biotin (and I started daily supplements about a month ago)there is an improvement. I saw my stylist day before yesterday and she told me she was amazed at the change and wanted to know what I was using on it... not 'on' it.
There is support here as well as a lot of enquiring minds... lean on all of it and take what you need.
I take 400 mg a day and have been seizure free for the longest time I can remember as well as migraine free for eleven months... as for the weight... well, when the neurologist mentioned it as a side effect, I figured oh, a few pounds, but I would take it any way I could get it, Tomorrow morning I am going out to buy a scale...
one of those things a person stands on and reads a number that says how much the person weighs... never thought I would want one of the things in MY house...
if I can't have a glass of wine with dinner or in celebration, have to drink tons of water, have to whatever, have watch for side effects, it is worth it for me...
I never thought I'd see the other side of 150 again
kat
Brothers and sisters I bid you beware
Of giving your heart to a dog to tear
Posted by jtevers on November 28, 2003, at 17:00:38
In reply to Re: topomax, posted by headachequeen on November 28, 2003, at 16:03:24
i have been on seroquel ( antipsychotic ) and neurontin ( mood stabilizer ) several years since being diagnosed in 2000 with bipolar...and have gained 60 lbs. during the course of my treatment.
i would like to introduce topamax to my current treatment regimen and while prepared for the side effects, look forward to the possibility of losing my weight ... it so far has not responded to either exercise or diet, hence, topamax!
i have read both satisfied and disgruntled posts concerning this approach, but must see for myself ... many of the advocates, those who have lost weight, have also quit the offending ( weight-adding ) med. ( ie. lithium, depakote, or an antipsychotic ), can i still lose the weight while maintaining my current treatment regimen?
has anyone lost weight by adding topamax to their current medications?
Posted by headachequeen on November 28, 2003, at 18:23:15
In reply to Re: topa to counter psych. med. wt. gain, posted by jtevers on November 28, 2003, at 17:00:38
> i have been on seroquel ( antipsychotic ) and neurontin ( mood stabilizer ) several years since being diagnosed in 2000 with bipolar...and have gained 60 lbs. during the course of my treatment.
>
> i would like to introduce topamax to my current treatment regimen and while prepared for the side effects, look forward to the possibility of losing my weight ... it so far has not responded to either exercise or diet, hence, topamax!
>
> i have read both satisfied and disgruntled posts concerning this approach, but must see for myself ... many of the advocates, those who have lost weight, have also quit the offending ( weight-adding ) med. ( ie. lithium, depakote, or an antipsychotic ), can i still lose the weight while maintaining my current treatment regimen?
>
> has anyone lost weight by adding topamax to their current medications?Topomax was added to a long list of existing medications one or two of which are known to increase weight... just what I needed (I gain weight when I am under stress... why worry when you can eat? it is not a case of hunger and often was not a case of even wanting or being truly aware of the food, it was just a reaction for lack of better explanation... I would discover that I was eating something and might as well finish it, waste not want not. Other times I would eat from boredom; I have to be doing something and cannot be still, so when there is nothing happening, when I cannot achieve that creative high my GP thought meant I was bi-polar, I would eat something, the more chocolate and high carb, the better.) To this they added a couple of meds that caused weight gain and I was really in trouble...
Topomax was added to the list and nothing was changed other than my decision to quit taking three of the meds that I thought were not helpful... if I am not depressed, then why take anti-depressants? so I quit... but the others stayed the same and I have had no difficulties and I still am using the weight-offenders..
for that matter Tuesday I was put on a med guaranteed to put on the pounds but the only med that could help me breathe... and my doctor apologised over and over and said he would make it as short a term and as low a dose as he could while still making it work...
I may be really losing my mind, or have moved to fantasy-world, but I have had even less appetite since starting the med... and so far I notice no increase in weight(the reason for buying the scale tomorrow -- colour me paranoid... I do not want to gain any of it back EVER even if it is a side effect) So I am wondering if the topomax somehow reacts to the changes and increases the anti-appetite reaction? After all it is a long time since I have been known to be disinterested in food :-(
kat
Brothers and sisters, I bid you beware
Of giving your heart to a dog to tear
Posted by KLCH on December 8, 2003, at 15:10:11
In reply to topomax, posted by Ellen Brodie on April 19, 1999, at 15:58:40
Hi. I am posting my 1st message. First of all, I was diagnosed with epilepsy 7 years ago while pregnant with my twins. I was put on tegretol. To deal with breakthrough seizures, my doctor periodically increased my dosage until I was eventually taking 1200 mg per day! The side effects were debilitating! I was unable to function in everyday life, let alone care for 18 month old twins. So I decided to slowly decrease my dosage until I was completely off the medication. My doctor was against this, but he was also against trying any other medication.
For the last five years I lived medication free, but certainly not seizure free. I have an average of 3 seizures per month (usually just before my menstral cycle). Unfortunately, for the last 8 weeks the frequency and intensity of the seizures has increased. I think it is time to consider medication again. It is my understanding that topomax carries far fewer side effects than tegretol and could be very beneficial. Any thoughts?
Posted by headachequeen on December 8, 2003, at 19:11:02
In reply to Re: topomax, posted by KLCH on December 8, 2003, at 15:10:11
> Hi. I am posting my 1st message. First of all, I was diagnosed with epilepsy 7 years ago while pregnant with my twins. I was put on tegretol. To deal with breakthrough seizures, my doctor periodically increased my dosage until I was eventually taking 1200 mg per day! The side effects were debilitating! I was unable to function in everyday life, let alone care for 18 month old twins. So I decided to slowly decrease my dosage until I was completely off the medication. My doctor was against this, but he was also against trying any other medication.
>
> For the last five years I lived medication free, but certainly not seizure free. I have an average of 3 seizures per month (usually just before my menstral cycle). Unfortunately, for the last 8 weeks the frequency and intensity of the seizures has increased. I think it is time to consider medication again. It is my understanding that topomax carries far fewer side effects than tegretol and could be very beneficial. Any thoughts?Oh I know there are going to be those who argue with me... and some with good reason I am sure...
but I am taking both meds...
so I sort of stand in the middle of the debate...
I was first diagnosed with epilepsy when I was expecting my second child... however my doctor at the time did not like the stigma that accompanied the ailment (interestingly enough my younger daughter has just been diagnosed with epilepsy, the same type as I, about six months after the birth of her second child... same GP who still does not like the diagnosis because of the stigma and still reacts the same way to it... she was taken to emergency and my GP happened to be in the emerg at the time and made the diagnosis and ordered the necessary tests but her GP is ignoring the results... talk about ostrisch syndrome.. we are trying to get the change of doctors arranged sigh)
My doctor at the time refused to accept the diagnosis even though he was the first to suspect it so for years it was a case of ignoring the whole thing until, following a change of doctors, the situation was recognised and I was put on Tegretol following a confirming diagnosis...
the initial dosage did not meet the seizures, so the dosage was increased... and increased...
when I mentioned migraines, at a time when the neuro was about to increase it again, he tore up the prescription and put me on Topomax on a slowly increasing dosage that I controlled following a prescribed increment...
there have been side effects to both I acknowledge...
and no one warned me of side effects to either other than that I would probably gain weight taking tegretol and that there was a weight loss potential for topomax... and the migraine control side effect for topomax too ( and it has done both... I have lost a lot of weight and had no migraines since January of this year when I began to take it...)
there have been side effects... dry mouth, dry hair and some others... some times I find it hard to be the articulate person I like to be and flatter myself that I am... however that is not limited to Topomax -- Tegretol is another villain there too...
drink lots of water with Topomax and it is not going to cause kidney stones...
take biotin in mega doses (2400 -2500 mg a day and your hair will not dry out or fall out...
take vitamin supplements and it will replenish the vitamins that Topomax eats up on you...recently the neuro made a mistake in rewriting the tegritol for me and doubled my prescription. I am at fault; I did not notice... the results were amazing and I blamed the topomax because it was convenient... the tegritol had never been cited as having side effects and had been around longer so it had to be safer, right? then I found a site with information on tegritol and I was stunned... even before I discovered the over prescription...
Under normal conditions if epilepsy can be said to be normal conditions, I take 400 mg a day of tegretol and 400 a day of topomax... for six weeks or so I was taking 800 of tegretol and I was unable to function... and blaming the topomax as I said...
I have spent the last couple of weeks weaning myself back to my 400 mg a day and experiencing symptoms again... so far no seizures as far as I know.. sounds silly I suppose, but my seizures happen when I am asleep and unless my husband happens to be awake when they occur or I happen to waken totally exhausted with the post-episodic reactions, then I cannot be sure that they happen... although some times I relive the same day for days at a time until someone tells me what day it actually is, then I know that I have had a seizure... and feel soooo stupid as a result...
however I am again experiencing the tingling in hands and feet and face that should be totally controlled and were totally controlled when the meds were working and I am really annoyed to put it mildly...
when I was on tegretol alone these often occurred as a side effect... and now they are back in full swing...The side effects of Tegretol are wonderful and amazing and at times frightening and totally annoying...
the pharmacist warned me of the weight gain potential as I said.. great... I was already overweight... just what I needed... more weight...
she also told me that I had to avoid exposure to direct sunlight as well as artificial sunlight, as Tegretol would increase skin sensitivity to the rays of the sun... wonderful ! I am a redhead and my skin is already ultra sensitive but we do what we have to and I wear long sleeves in the summer time and hope for the best...
The Tegretol made me even more clumsy than I already am and somewhat unsteady on my feet and made me somewhat dizzy when it wasn't making me drowsy lightheaded. Then there was the nausea, so my doctor prescribed something to stop the nausea and stomach pain as well as something to stop the dizziness...
Occasionally it caused diarrhea;
We can't overlook the dry mouth that came with it, so there was always a bottle of water in my jacket pocket or in my back pack... and then along came Topomax with the same dryness... more water... and Tegretol causes loss of hair I learned recently, not just the Topomax which got the blame when it is sort of a shared villain...There was a constant dry cough and shortnees of breath that came with the Tegretol and I found it actually painful to breathe at times... great for a person who is already an asthmatic, let's add to the pain of breathing.. which is more important? breathing or controlling the seizures???
Enter swollen or painful glands and a wheezing in my chest... began to sound like an old traction engine... wonderful...My vision blurred at times and other times I had double vision to deal with... then there was the difficulty in speaking or slurred speech -- for a person who prides herself on her speech patterns and articulation this was not good...
I mentioned the numbness, and tingling in my hands and face,then sometimes there would be actual pain in my hands and feet; at others my hands would not be able to do the things I thought they should.. I could not make my right hand hold a book or I would try to write my name.. a simple thing I have done all my life but the pen would not follow my commands...
and the weight gain oh the weight gain...
and the uncontrolled body movements, again the right arm would develop these tics that were all its own doing... and the
ringing and buzzing in my ears
... many of these things still occur...
some of them have lessened with the split dose of Topomax and Tegretol...
some were out of control with the 800 mg of Tegretol and I hope will diminish now that we are back at 400 of Tegretol daily...
I suppose the alternative, a return to seizures and all that means, is not a great one and certainly not one that I choose to take at this point, but I have to confess that given the choice between the side effects I have experienced so far on Topomax, I am considering asking my doctor to switch me to it exclusively or perhaps a higher dosage of Topomax and lower of Tegretol...
or maybe there is something out there that can replace the Tegretol entirely??? and work with the Topomax...
amazing isn't it? a little information about side effects and I decide that I know it all and want to prescribe my own course of treatment..
but if I could get rid of these tics and quirks and the buzzing and the tingling...
oh and I forgot to mention that at one point they looked into MS as a possibility as a cause for some of the Tegretol side effects... couldn't be good ol' Tegretol... had to be the neuro muscular something or other...
kat
Posted by KLCH on December 9, 2003, at 16:16:34
In reply to Re: topomax, posted by KLCH on December 8, 2003, at 15:10:11
Thanks for the response Headachequeen. I want to absorb all the information my brain can hold before I even begin taking Topomax. P.S. I only wish I had done some research before my tubal - But I digress, that's a different board all together!
1)Does topomax interfere with heberal medications?
i.e. progesterone cream2)Is it possible and/or advisable to get topomax over the internet w/out seeing a neurologist?
3)Is it possible and/or advisable to continue my exercise regime? i.e. aerobic classes/resistance training 4 days/wk
Any thoughts?
Posted by headachequeen on December 9, 2003, at 16:22:28
In reply to Re: topomax, posted by KLCH on December 9, 2003, at 16:16:34
> Thanks for the response Headachequeen. I want to absorb all the information my brain can hold before I even begin taking Topomax. P.S. I only wish I had done some research before my tubal - But I digress, that's a different board all together!
>
> 1)Does topomax interfere with heberal medications?
> i.e. progesterone cream
>
> 2)Is it possible and/or advisable to get topomax over the internet w/out seeing a neurologist?
>
> 3)Is it possible and/or advisable to continue my exercise regime? i.e. aerobic classes/resistance training 4 days/wk
>
> Any thoughts?
>
I use herbal preaparations like evening primrose oil and vitamins and biotin....
and exercise regimens are not a problem... I feel more like exercising since I started the Topomax especially since I lost all the weight...I for one am not inclined to go with the idea of getting meds over the internet... I am a firm believer in taking nothing unless it is prescribed because after all we see the side effects and if we take stuff just at will heaven knows what results we have to deal with....
scary enough when the doctor knows what we are up against... but your gp might prescribe it...
kat
Posted by katia on December 10, 2003, at 0:05:04
In reply to Re: topa to counter psych. med. wt. gain, posted by jtevers on November 28, 2003, at 17:00:38
> i have been on seroquel ( antipsychotic ) and neurontin ( mood stabilizer ) several years since being diagnosed in 2000 with bipolar...and have gained 60 lbs. during the course of my treatment.
Hi,
I'm currently on Lamictal at 175mg. I also take 600-900mg of Neurontin and 7mg of Seroquel both for sleep. I seem to be gaining weight. I wonder if it's this Neuron. and Seroquel mix like you or the Lamictal. How much are you on?
thanks.
katia
Posted by jtevers on December 10, 2003, at 16:41:55
In reply to Lamictal weight gain? » jtevers, posted by katia on December 10, 2003, at 0:05:04
> I'm currently on Lamictal at 175mg. I also take 600-900mg of Neurontin and 7mg of Seroquel both for sleep. I seem to be gaining weight. I wonder if it's this Neuron. and Seroquel mix like you or the Lamictal. How much are you on?
> thanks.
> katiakatia, it's funny to see the parallels our treatment has taken... both having been prescribed seroquel and neurontin and currently struggling with weight gain.
i wonder if perhaps you are confused about one of your meds... i have never heard of anybody taking only 7 mgs. of seroquel ... i take 600 mgs in divided doses throughout the day, it makes me terribly sleepy so i take a majority at nite.
i take 1800 mgs of neurontin in three divided doses of 600 each throughout the day and while taking neurontin has become to feel really benign, i still question whether it , or the seroquel, is the root of my weight gain.
i seem to have gained an additional amount when my dose of neurontin was increased last winter. since many professionals have told me that weight gain by neurontin is dose-related... i continue to research alternatives to, not only my antipsychotic (seroquel), which is almost definitely a contributing factor to the weight gain, but also to my mood stabilizer (neurontin).
very soon i will attempt to exchange gabatril for neurontin and abilify for seroquel ... both of which have less propensity to cause weight gain and may additionally normalize my sleep ( i sleep nearly 10 hours on seroquel treatment ).i, too, am currently on a trial of topamax. i have just started, though, and am only on 25 mg. at nite this week... it is my understanding that the mechanism of weight loss induced by topamax is more complicated than simply appetite reduction and has been studied for some time as a counterbalance to the weight gain caused by antipsychotic treatment ... weight gain that often, otherwise, does not respond to diet or exercise?
i will start slowly, on the topamax, and am well versed in all the gnarly side effects i will probably encounter and hope to reach 200 mgs. in 2-3 months ... i hope, along with stupification, to see some weight loss.
katia, et. al.
sorry i can't tell you which of your meds is responsible for the weight gain... we seem to have the same questions and share similar odds in our treatment.ironically, i know that my future will also see some experimentation with lamictal as, currently, my neurontin seems to work well at quelling manic bouts, but has historically done very little for depressive bouts i experience nearly monthly ... my doctor says the lamictal has both mood-stabilizing and mood-enhancing (antidepressive) qualities ... i'd appreciate knowing your experience with it . the lamictal, by the way, is almost certainly not responsible for the weight gain you've seen ... very rarely is this a side effect to lamictal treatment.
Posted by shesupsidedown on December 11, 2003, at 12:21:05
In reply to Re: neuroleptic weight gain and response., posted by jtevers on December 10, 2003, at 16:41:55
I am most definately considering switching from Topamax to Lamactil....
I was concerned about the weight gain factor and the rash...?
As far as I know it is not supposed to make you gain large amounts of weight...any experiences?
What about this nasty rash?
Does it cause vitamin deficiencies like the Topamax?As for Topamax in my experience losing weight is a side effect of the medication...I dropped down to a unhealthy 95 lbs last summer and for someone with body image problems like previous issues with anorexia NOT GOOD! I warn against this med. if you have self image issues....even if you do need to lose weight...
First and foremost because the weight loss as I said is a side effect that will eventually (atleast in my case) taper off and you will return to your normal body weight...Sorry to rant...
M
Posted by jerseydevil on December 11, 2003, at 14:59:52
In reply to Lamictal weight gain? » jtevers, posted by katia on December 10, 2003, at 0:05:04
My understanding of Lamictal is that weight LOSS, not weight gain, is the typical side effect. Altough I've never been on it. I've used neurotin at 1200-2400 mg over the past year and gained weight, but the timing coincides with quiting smoking. 600-900 just doesn't seem like enough of a dose to cause any significant side effects. But, everyone is different.
Posted by katia on December 11, 2003, at 15:06:53
In reply to Re: neuroleptic weight gain and response., posted by jtevers on December 10, 2003, at 16:41:55
Hi Gals (and guys?)
Those dosages that I said are correct. i only take Seroquel for sleep and I find that a 1/4 or less of a 25mg pill does it for me; mostly in conjunction with 600-900mg of Neurontin. AND THEN I sleep unreasonable amounts - 10-12 hrs. a night. It's ridiculous, I'm sleeping the days away esp. with the winter days. I'm thinking about lower this and eliminating one. For me, it's falling asleep that's an issue - once I"m out I sleep. I used to the be the opposite and I used to not be able to fall asleep OR stay asleep. I'm definitely turning into one of those strange cases that sleeps best in the early morning hours 'til the early afternoon. I work nights so I can do this. It's odd. I'd prefer it the other way - not being able to keep my eyes open at 9-10 and wake up at 6-7ish. Even when I'm exhausted, I still can't sleep 'til 12ish.Just today, I started the Atkin's diet. It's pretty strict during the "induction" phase which is two weeks. The one thing I'm not willing to give up is my one cup of coffee per day - it ain't happening. But apart from that - I'm only allowed 20gs of carbs per day! That's hard - one piece of bread is like 30-40gs! Basically I can have about three veggies a day and then meat, cheese, oils - no nuts, no beans, no fruits, no starchy veggies. It's suppose to work - he goes into the mechanics of it in his book.
So i'll give my own weight loss regime a good go before I start the Topamax simply for the weight loss properties. I only need to lose 10-15lbs. anyway. But I've gained 20lbs in the past 8-9 months and it just keeps creeping upward. I'm as heavy as I've ever been. it doesn't feel good.I'm on 200mg of Lamictal as of yesterday. Apart from twinges of sadness and lower energy and minimal tolerance for social activity (being around people), I'm not that severely depressed anymore. However, I know I could feel better. I still have those dark hours that come out of nowhere and scare the *hit out of me. I might augment with lithium in a couple of weeks, if being at 200mg of Lam. (theuraptic dose) doesn't do me 100% right. Has anyone here tried Lithium Orotate in combo with another med to augment?
I'm apparently BPII/Mixed/rapid cycler.
So those are my experiences.
Katia
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