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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Murphia on November 11, 2003, at 15:07:29
In reply to re: the benefits of topamax » Murphia, posted by kka on November 11, 2003, at 14:50:05
Why are you and your husband taking topamax? What is it being prescribed for?
Yes, topamax and depakote get along pretty well together and are frequently prescribed together. However, depakote and topamax work on different parts of the brain, so depending on why he is taking these, it may not be good to decrease the depakote. Depakote should be tapered off gradually.
> Thanks for being so helpful!!
>
> Do you think I could drop (slowly) the Effexor and just take Topamax and wellbutrin? I think the Effexor makes me jittery.
>
> Also my husband has added Topamax to Paxil and 500 mgs of Depakote which is also an anti-conv. Can Topamax and Depakote be taken together if not can Depakote be stopped cold turkey?
>
> For the hair loss on Topamx, what vit. would counteract this.
>
> Just out of curiousity, in the Ortho study, didn't they give the subjects very small does at first and added mgs very slowly? This I have found has completely eliminated the s/e? I can't believe the s/e were so bad to call it off.
>
> Thanks again
> J&J (Ortho McNeill) says in their press releases they are reformulating a more "user-friendly" topa. That could be - but I would not hold my breath. Ortho had really hoped topa would be their cash cow, but it has failed miserably all the FDA and clinical trials, and now is only approved as an anticonvulsant, with nasty side efffects. Off label use has not shown to be as effective as they hoped it would be due to the s/es. Weight loss is a random side effect, not everyone experiences it, however, it is a nice bonus if it helps your other symptoms.
> >
> > Max therapeutic dosage of topa is recommended to be 400 mg., but I have talked to people that have been up to 600 mg, so you can go higher. Topa has actually shown to be very effective for binge eating and instrusive thought disorders, so it just may help you. As far as time of day, many people play with splitting their dose, or taking all at night if the s/es for them are bad. Topamax can be very sedating, and once again, that's kind an individual thing. For me it is, so I take mine at night. I have corresponded with a few people that say it makes them jittery, so they take it in the morning. Many people split half and half morning and night. Topa's half life really lends itself more effective at taking twice a day.
> >
> > Topa doesn't seem to have any adverse effect on long term use, except for maybe hair loss, which becoming quite a frequent complaint. Topa really doesn't do much for depression though, so you want to watch that, and get a stronger AD if warranted.
> > You also want to keep watch your eyes, kidneys, urinary tract, drink tons of fluids and take a lot of vits, because topa robs your body of a lot of vits. Hope this helps.
> >
> > > Murph,
> > > Is Johnson and Johnson really reformulating the drug, if so how far along are they? Have you found any weight loss at 100mgs. Is is safer to increase past 100mgs for weight loss reasons alone? How about long term use?
> > >
> > > I am hoping Topamax is the drug for me. I am begining to think I really have mild ocd along with binge or over-eating to cover emotions. I keep getting diagnosed for depression/anxiety but I feel the extra 20 lbs is really the cause of the depression. I am currently on Effexor 75 mgs, 150 wellbutrin and have reached 75 mg of Topamax after almost four weeks, without any real side effects. I figured I would stop at 100?? I am really tired all the time with no real motivation which has been the case for about six months now (before Topmax) Would increasing the dose help with energy or would it be more sedating? Overall I am jittery-but tired sometimes hungry sometimes not as hungry but never not been able to eat something
> > >
> > > I am also curious about your thoughts on time of day dosing, I take the full dose at night, but I see some people split their doese and take on during the day.
> > > Sorry to be so full of questions, I was excited to get someone with your background on the board. My doctor feels like it is still "experimental" so he is hardly a resource.
> > >
> > > I know you are probably still busy researching, whatever your personal thoughts or theories I would love to hear about them, if you have time.
> > > Thanks,
> > > Kristen
> > >
> > >
> > > > I am a researcher and have been researching topamax for about 6-7 years. Topamax interferes with estrogen-type birth control. So I would back it up with condom usage, or stronger BC. Also, depression is side effect of topamax. Topamax works on the gaba receptors in the temporal lobe. Great for mania side of bipolar, but does nothing, if not exacerbate depression and anxiety. An anti-depressant is the usual protocol add-on for topamax. Or another MS which works on depression, such as lamicatal. Regards. Murph.
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > > 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.
> > > >
> > > >
> > >
> > >
> >
> >
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Posted by Shirlee on November 11, 2003, at 15:14:23
In reply to Topamax Experiences?, posted by Kingfish on January 4, 2001, at 7:29:48
I am taking topamax for post-herpetic pain due to shingles that has lasted for over a year. Also for Essential tremor. I have gradually worked up to 100mg over a period of 3 weeks. I write a weekly column for a newspaper. I would like to continue this if I can stay awake. Some of you have led me to beleive this too may pass. I have been on this dosage for about 2 weeks. I don't think it's doing anything except...zzzzzzz
Posted by TexasChic on November 11, 2003, at 15:15:20
In reply to Re: Dumb Question about Topomax » TexasChic, posted by headachequeen on November 11, 2003, at 14:37:05
Yeah, if anyone knew how many times we've had to patiently wait, while physically suffering in torment, and inside we feel as if we're silently going insane...
...just to try out the latest med.
Posted by kka on November 11, 2003, at 15:35:18
In reply to re: the benefits of topamax, posted by Murphia on November 11, 2003, at 15:07:29
He is taking for cronic daily headaches/migrains (Depakote doesn't work as good as it use to) weight control from Paxil and Depaoke and I am hoping it will help with some tendences with alcohol.
Me, mild ocd, anxiety and over-eating and eating when not hungry, gained 20 lbs on A-D's.
Posted by kka on November 11, 2003, at 15:39:31
In reply to re: the benefits of topamax, posted by Murphia on November 11, 2003, at 15:07:29
Oh I forgot he is on Strattera for ADHD and the paxil is for GAD
Posted by Murphia on November 11, 2003, at 15:55:03
In reply to re: the benefits of topamax » Murphia, posted by kka on November 11, 2003, at 15:39:31
Well, depakote kind of hits the whole brain, topamax only hits the temporal lobe. If you have a temporal lobe issues, topamax is going to help you. That is why your husband should taper off the depakote gradually, because topa is not necessarily picking up where it leaves off. I think strattera is one of the best things to come around in a long time. Strattera converts L-DOPA to norepinephrine and still reuptakes some dopamine in the process, which makes it a very good all around brain med, in my opinion, and also good for depression.
Give topa a try, it may work for the both of you. Titrate very slowly (somehow I think you know that), take all your vits, and heavy on the biotin.
> Oh I forgot he is on Strattera for ADHD and the paxil is for GAD
Posted by Nervz on November 11, 2003, at 15:57:36
In reply to re: the benefits of topamax » Murphia, posted by kka on November 11, 2003, at 15:39:31
Hi, I've had a prescription for 100mg of Topa for over a month and I'm too scared to take it. 100 mg seems like a lot to start with. Does anyone know if I can cut it in half? I'm taking it for weight gain from Prozac. Thanks -- Nervz
Posted by Murphia on November 11, 2003, at 16:02:17
In reply to re: the benefits of topamax, posted by Nervz on November 11, 2003, at 15:57:36
I have only ever talked to one person that started at 100mg, and they did have some side effects. Most people ususally start at 15 or 25 mg. and work their way up very slowly. Very slowly. Topa's s/es can actually not be bad if you go slow. Yes, you can cut them, but why don't you just have your doc redo your script for 15 or 25 mg. That way, when you do increase your dosage, it will be easy for you to adjust your med.
> Hi, I've had a prescription for 100mg of Topa for over a month and I'm too scared to take it. 100 mg seems like a lot to start with. Does anyone know if I can cut it in half? I'm taking it for weight gain from Prozac. Thanks -- Nervz
>
Posted by kka on November 11, 2003, at 16:35:07
In reply to re: the benefits of topamax, posted by Murphia on November 11, 2003, at 15:55:03
Interesting about Strattera, I have been reading a lot about it lately - I need to change my dr. and I am going to request Strattera (I think it would add energy), If I added it to Topamax, do you think I would still want to take wellbutrin. I think I am just hanging on to the Wellbutrin for weight loss reasons, my dose is so low -150mg that I haven't really lost weight. Would I keep it?
Also, Why do they mostly market Strattera to children, and not as a AD for adults I know that it is a non-stimulat way to increase concentration, I sure this is a much better medication for kids. But you don't hear it advertised as an AD for Adults. AS you mentioned it seems like a pretty good new drug.
BTW- what would be some temporal lobe issues?
Posted by Murphia on November 11, 2003, at 16:54:03
In reply to re: the benefits of topamax » Murphia, posted by kka on November 11, 2003, at 16:35:07
Temporal lobe issues could be anger, kindling and/or epilepsy, mania, intrusive thoughts. But they are not always. Sometime these things come from the temporal lobe, sometimes not.
It is not good to take wellbutrin and strattera together. The problem with taking both is they pull from the same starting source in the brain. Both pull from L-DOPA which is the start of dopamine in the brain. Wellburtrin continues down the dopamine neuron path while strattera converts L-DOPA to norepinephrine and still reuptakes some dopamine in the process.
If you took strattera and it worked there is a good chance you would not need wellbutrin. The problem with taking both is they are both fighting for the same source and when you do that you run the risk of having one of the meds not work correctly because your body only produces so much dopamine.
IF you felt you needed the wellbutrin and you wanted to give the strattera a try you could lower down your wellbutrin dose and start the strattera.
> Interesting about Strattera, I have been reading a lot about it lately - I need to change my dr. and I am going to request Strattera (I think it would add energy), If I added it to Topamax, do you think I would still want to take wellbutrin. I think I am just hanging on to the Wellbutrin for weight loss reasons, my dose is so low -150mg that I haven't really lost weight. Would I keep it?
>
> Also, Why do they mostly market Strattera to children, and not as a AD for adults I know that it is a non-stimulat way to increase concentration, I sure this is a much better medication for kids. But you don't hear it advertised as an AD for Adults. AS you mentioned it seems like a pretty good new drug.
>
> BTW- what would be some temporal lobe issues?
Posted by Nervz on November 11, 2003, at 18:12:10
In reply to re: the benefits of topamax, posted by Murphia on November 11, 2003, at 16:02:17
Thanks so much for the advice. When you say build up slowly, exactly what do you mean? If my pdoc writes me a scrip for 25 mg. Do you think that upping it every week is slow enough? Thanks again-- nervz
Posted by Sabina on November 11, 2003, at 19:34:43
In reply to re: the benefits of topamax » Murphia, posted by Nervz on November 11, 2003, at 18:12:10
i'm confused...thought i was having deja vu there for a minute until i looked back at the history. http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20031105/msgs/276912.html
i'm sorry you're still so "nervz"-ous about taking topamax that you need to keep asking the same questions. maybe after you keep hearing the same answers (about increasing dosage, etc.) from enough different people you'll feel confident enough to try it? good luck.
Posted by headachequeen on November 11, 2003, at 21:17:16
In reply to re: the benefits of topamax » Murphia, posted by Nervz on November 11, 2003, at 18:12:10
> Thanks so much for the advice. When you say build up slowly, exactly what do you mean? If my pdoc writes me a scrip for 25 mg. Do you think that upping it every week is slow enough? Thanks again-- nervz
my neurologist gave me a protocol (with a copy for the pharmacist ) that I was to follow as I increased the dosage over a period of weeks... I would assume that any doctor who wanted a patient to increase the dosage would give a similar direction with a time frame...
I was told how long to stay on each dosage and also told to continue at each dosage longer if I felt that I was not ready to increase the dosage...
although there was no indication of reason to stay ...
Posted by headachequeen on November 11, 2003, at 21:25:32
In reply to re: the benefits of topamax, posted by Murphia on November 11, 2003, at 15:55:03
> take all your vits, and heavy on the biotin.
>
>
I had thought of the biotin... we give it to the dogs to maintain good coat... and wondered if it should be a multivitamin or should one do a mixture of individual vitamins????
all help appreciated <g>
and may one state that one is greatly pleased to be more awake than usual this evening....
Posted by Nervz on November 12, 2003, at 9:33:31
In reply to re: the benefits of topamax » Nervz, posted by Sabina on November 11, 2003, at 19:34:43
Wow. What a gruff answer. I'm sorry, I thought this was a forum with understanding individuals who can relate to the anxiety that comes with taking new meds. And YES, I do like to hear several opinions before I make a decision. Thanks for all the attitude --- just what I needed. ---- Nervz
Posted by Murphia on November 12, 2003, at 9:38:41
In reply to re: the benefits of topamax » Murphia, posted by Nervz on November 11, 2003, at 18:12:10
I think 25 mgs. every week is a great start. And I think if that starts bothering you, 25mgs every other week is great too. See how you feel, and go from there.
> Thanks so much for the advice. When you say build up slowly, exactly what do you mean? If my pdoc writes me a scrip for 25 mg. Do you think that upping it every week is slow enough? Thanks again-- nervz
Posted by Nervz on November 12, 2003, at 11:22:29
In reply to re: the benefits of topamax, posted by Murphia on November 12, 2003, at 9:38:41
Thanks for the encouraging and informative advice. I'll keep ya posted --- Nervz
Posted by kka on November 12, 2003, at 13:02:36
In reply to re: the benefits of topamax, posted by Murphia on November 12, 2003, at 9:38:41
Murphia,
This may be a crazy question, but do you mean one week on top one week off> Would you still receive some benefits? Does it have a long half life or is this simply a way to bulid tolerance to try and work towards 25 per day and then maybe think about an increase? Thanks for all your help with my previous posts!I think 25 mgs. every week is a great start. And I think if that starts bothering you, 25mgs every other week is great too. See how you feel, and go from there.
>
>
>
> > Thanks so much for the advice. When you say build up slowly, exactly what do you mean? If my pdoc writes me a scrip for 25 mg. Do you think that upping it every week is slow enough? Thanks again-- nervz
>
>
Posted by headachequeen on November 12, 2003, at 13:25:23
In reply to re: the benefits of topamax » Sabina, posted by Nervz on November 12, 2003, at 9:33:31
> Wow. What a gruff answer. I'm sorry, I thought this was a forum with understanding individuals who can relate to the anxiety that comes with taking new meds. And YES, I do like to hear several opinions before I make a decision. Thanks for all the attitude --- just what I needed. ---- Nervz
I guess I missed this post... but have to say that I do not think that it was a 'gruff post' I think that Sabina was trying to say that Nervz would eventually build up the confidence to try Topmax with the answers and support given... I read her (?) post and that is what I saw in it...
meanwhile, slept until 1030 this morning solidly and soundly and while my eyes still feel tired... doesn't that sound silly but it is how I feel and I know it has nothing to do with the Topomax but everything to do with the MG... I actually feel awake, but am not going to go out now to try and find the others and start a few hours behind them... instead I am giving myself a quiet morning... I shall read the psychobabble mail and then work with my puppy and bring him up to the level I would like him to be... my adult dog can already do what they are doing today and my pup is not ready for that so what the heck... oh the excuses LOL...
but it was time for that sleep I think...
maybe now I shall not feel this constant drowsiness???
It is now three months to the day with only one seizure and that a very mild one and ten months to the day without a headache of any sort let alone a migraine... so the Topomax is helping me and I have to learn to adjust to any side effects...
I have started taking biotin and vitamins c, e as well as zinc, d and a (both in small amounts of course), primrose oil, fish oil, and B complex... simply raiding the dogs' supplements... although I get B12 in a shot each month... then there is Lecithin and some other oil that is alternated each meal... so if it is healthy for them it must be healthy for humans...
and if topomax destroys our vitamins I shall replace them this way...
simply take them as I am tossing them into the dogs' dishes...
each bottle I open to toss into the dog dishes, I take one... the biotin I take two... they get two, I take two <g>
the C they get in megadoses, I take in large amounts working up to megadoses... have been saying I ought to for years... now putting my shoulds into action...
Nervz, I think if you look at the information and 'attitude' presented here, you can learn a lot... and find that many people are willing to share their knowledge and experiences and willingly help people learn how to live with Topomax and its side effects in order to bring order into their lives... and that means you can use it successfully too...
look at the posts that have replied to yours...
and look again at Sabina's... if you can prove to me that it was gruff, I will be surprised...
I am a journalist and I am gruff... I am a cynic, and really inclined to be gruff so to speak... and to over-react to comments.. I didn't see it...
Posted by Murphia on November 12, 2003, at 13:27:56
In reply to re: the benefits of topamax » Murphia, posted by kka on November 12, 2003, at 13:02:36
No, for Nervz, I meant for his titration schedule, that he can increase his dosage by 25 mg. every week. If he is not comfortable he can wait several weeks to adjust before increasing his daily dosage.
> Murphia,
> This may be a crazy question, but do you mean one week on top one week off> Would you still receive some benefits? Does it have a long half life or is this simply a way to bulid tolerance to try and work towards 25 per day and then maybe think about an increase? Thanks for all your help with my previous posts!
>
> I think 25 mgs. every week is a great start. And I think if that starts bothering you, 25mgs every other week is great too. See how you feel, and go from there.
> >
> >
> >
> > > Thanks so much for the advice. When you say build up slowly, exactly what do you mean? If my pdoc writes me a scrip for 25 mg. Do you think that upping it every week is slow enough? Thanks again-- nervz
> >
> >
>
>
Posted by jhlsgirl on November 12, 2003, at 14:03:21
In reply to Topamax Experiences?, posted by Kingfish on January 4, 2001, at 7:29:48
Hi! I have not yet started Topamax. Just got my RX yesterday. Want to wait til the weekend to see how it effects me. Tell me has anyone lost weight on 25mg only? Does this medication really make you feel good again??
Posted by Murphia on November 12, 2003, at 14:11:05
In reply to Re: Topamax Experiences?, posted by jhlsgirl on November 12, 2003, at 14:03:21
Why have you been prescribed topamax and what do you mean by feel "good" again?
> Hi! I have not yet started Topamax. Just got my RX yesterday. Want to wait til the weekend to see how it effects me. Tell me has anyone lost weight on 25mg only? Does this medication really make you feel good again??
Posted by Sabina on November 12, 2003, at 14:36:14
In reply to re: the benefits of topamax » Sabina, posted by Nervz on November 12, 2003, at 9:33:31
>>> Wow. What a gruff answer. >>>Thanks for all the attitude --- just what I needed.
i'm so sorry. it wasn't at all intended to sound gruff. i was saying that i was *literally* answering your post when i started having a deja vu. (i've got short term memory loss.) then i remembered you from a couple of weeks ago. that's it.
"...i'm sorry you're still so "nervz"-ous about taking topamax that you need to keep asking the same questions."(that was supposed to be a play on words that gives a nod to both your posting name and my *sincere* concern over what you're still going through with your heightened anxiety toward topamax.)
"...maybe after you keep hearing the same answers (about increasing dosage, etc.) from enough different people you'll feel confident enough to try it?"(this was a comment expressing my *hope* that, with enough positive reinforcement, you will feel comfortable enough to take topamax)
again, i am sorry that you were hurt by my post. i was most sincere and good natured in my heart when i wrote to you, and not at all gruff or full of attitude. when i have found myself in your position before, i have always chosen to give the other person the benefit of the doubt, pending further explanation, an apology, or the chance that i had misread. i have never regretted that policy and i have never yet been on the receiving end of a post that was actually intended to be hateful. every time it was a misunderstanding. sometimes there are language barriers. sometimes people are having a bad day or feeling bad on their meds when they first read a post. maybe i should use more emoticons, or just refrain from posting altogether. anyway, i'm doing fine on topamax and i've made my apology, so i'm outtie.
Posted by Sabina on November 12, 2003, at 14:47:52
In reply to re: the benefits of topamax » Nervz, posted by headachequeen on November 12, 2003, at 13:25:23
...for sticking up for me. you didn't have to do that. it means more to me than you can know. i was feeling a little rattled and ready to run away there for a minute.
bina
Posted by Nervz on November 12, 2003, at 15:23:05
In reply to re: hey, whoa! » Nervz, posted by Sabina on November 12, 2003, at 14:36:14
Oh, wow. I'm so sorry. I guess I should be a little less defensive about these posts. It's so hard to communicate without the use of facial expression and voice inflection. I didn't mean to put my bad mood on anyone else. My anxiety disorder makes me VERY hesitant to try new meds. I've even lied to my pdoc about meds that I never even had filled. I WORRY ABOUT EVERYTHING --- allergic reaction, permanent organ(mostly brain) damage, effects on future pregnancies. You name it, I can worry about it. Again, I am soooooooo sorry for being such a b*tch. I swear I'm a nice person --- Nervz
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