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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by lizi G. on January 16, 2004, at 15:51:14
In reply to Re: topomax » TropicalGirl12, posted by headachequeen on January 15, 2004, at 20:12:09
I just learned that a fellow groupie took Depakote (as I am) and she gained a bunch of weight on it. The psychiatrist took her off that and put her on topomax and she has lost 80 pounds without complications. She doesn't even look like she could have ever carried that much!
I hope the doctor will do the switch for me as I am turning into a balloon!
Posted by bridgey1128 on January 16, 2004, at 16:01:41
In reply to Re: topomax, posted by lizi G. on January 16, 2004, at 15:51:14
I flat out told my Dr I refused to take anything that would make me gain weight...PERIOD. NO IF ANDS OR BUTS. THE END. And he put me on Zyprexa at first. I told him..if I gain..it's gone. He agreed. Well...I gained 5lbs in 3 days.. I said NO MORE! So now I am on the Topomax. Girl, sometimes you just gotta put your foot down and tell them what for! It's YOUR body. And being overweight CERTAINLY doesn't help depression. They really need to do more research on drugs that don't make you gain weight! DUH HELLO! WHy are so many of us depressed? BECAUSE WE'RE FAT! And they think giving us a drug that makes us fatter is going to help? Shoot no, I'd rather be crazy. Maybe Topomax won't work, but hey, it's worth a shot. It has so many uses I never knew it had until I came on here. Tell him you are sick and tired of gaining weight and fighting it and you WANT to be on Topomax, do some research and tell him what you have found. He can't argue with intelligent answers. Worth a shot! Good luck!
Posted by Karen_kay on January 16, 2004, at 19:16:39
In reply to Re: topomax, posted by TropicalGirl12 on January 15, 2004, at 19:34:11
There are bc options, they just have to be high in estrogen. I'm on demulen 1/50, but the side effects aren't tolerable for me. It's causing extreme acne. I believe you can also use the patch. I'm fairly certain of this, in fact. I'm going next week to find out what other options I have. I know you can take bc, it just has to be high in estrogen. Demulen is high in estrogen, but it caused me to also get a yeast infection (oh no!!! can you believe that?). I'll find out what ALL of the options are and report back. I'm taking 300 mgs a day, bTW. And again, you need to be sure that you tell your OBGYN that you're taking topamax before starting bc. I'll let you know what happens...
Posted by TropicalGirl12 on January 16, 2004, at 19:53:30
In reply to Re: topomax » TropicalGirl12, posted by Karen_kay on January 16, 2004, at 19:16:39
Thanks, i was actually on the patch. I didnt like it because it caused acne also, i know people say that topamax does but i was taknig it for a few months before and had no problems with that. Then when i started ortho evra, my face broke out. I looked and felt terrible. The patch also made me really hungry, it just gave me a lot of cravings- i guess it was due to the high level of hormones. So now im gonna try othro tri cyclen lo. My doctor knows im on topamax and didnt tell me it interfered with BC, i found out on my own research. But if the patch will work better than the pill, im willing to go back and ask about other options for acne. Thanks for your help :)
Posted by headachequeen on January 16, 2004, at 21:11:29
In reply to Re: topomax, posted by lizi G. on January 16, 2004, at 15:51:14
She doesn't even look like she could have ever carried that much!
>
> I hope the doctor will do the switch for me as I am turning into a balloon!Between depression and medications I had ballooned from a reasonable size 10 to a size 16 sometimes size 18 and weighed over 200 pounds...not much over admittedly but enough to make me feel disgusted with myself and that added to the depression ...
the topomax and its effect upon my appetite has had an effect upon my weight that diets could not achieve... diets and illness would take the weight off but I could not keep it off for any length of time...
this time the weight has started to come off (the weight loss began last January) and has continued... the other day I was pleased to discover that I had to buy a size eight pair of jeans if I wanted to look neat and tidy and not sloppy... and the winter jacket I have been wearing is too large and looks untidy; I had to buy a small ... many of the sweaters I have I can wear as they look intentionally large but the x-l ones have to go... and I have had to go out and find some small size sweaters for the dressier look I prefer... I have this tailored look hang-up... oh there is another thing the psychologist can hang his hat on next session LOL...
the topomax does help with weight loss; the dramatic weight loss does not come overnight but even the little losses are a boost to the ego, trust me... I know <GGG>
kat
Posted by Karen_kay on January 17, 2004, at 8:16:45
In reply to Re: topomax, posted by TropicalGirl12 on January 16, 2004, at 19:53:30
I can't afford all of these doctors!!! ARG!!! I'm not paying out of pocket to see a dermotologist. You said the patch caused acne for you? Then I'm not doing it. I'm going to just assume that all bc with high levels of estrogen cause acne. Demulen caused acne really bad, and I've never really had a problem in the past. Slightly with topamax, but I use Clinique 3 step and it helps keep it at bay. I give up. Back to condoms. My boyfriend can suffer, as I WILL NOT!!! Not on this one. I did read though that the interaction rate, if you take 400 mgs/day is estimated to be at about 20% , 200 mgs is 18% and 800 mgs topamax is 30 %. that's from topamax.com on teh third page under oral contraceptive section. And again,they aren't completely sure...
Posted by TropicalGirl12 on January 17, 2004, at 15:29:02
In reply to Re: topomax » TropicalGirl12, posted by Karen_kay on January 17, 2004, at 8:16:45
Doesnt that annoy you, the fact that they dont know exactly if the medication is gonna interfere, and get you pregnant. Supposedly the birth control i staretd taking, will help clear up acne. I just stopped taking topamax temporarily until i figure everything out. I just wanna test whether or not its the topamax by itself causing acne, or it being combined with birth control. We'll see how that goes
Posted by Karen_kay on January 17, 2004, at 23:22:24
In reply to Re: topomax, posted by TropicalGirl12 on January 17, 2004, at 15:29:02
I love topamax much more than sex. So, if I have to chose, I know where I stand :) I couldn't get an appointment before my BC ran out, so I'm up poop creek without a paddle. Back to condoms for a month, I suppose. My therapist actually suggest the old pull-out method. I was shocked! That's like 12% effective, HELLO! Maybe that's why he has 2 kids! :) But, I'm going to see my OBGYN this week and saying, "Listen, no acne and no yeast infections. What's going to work?" If they don't have any suggestions, then I'm back to condoms or abstinence. I just don't care anymore. I'm done with this whole business. Maybe I'll become a born-again virgin! At least my skin will improve and I won't have to worry about scratching myself in public, YIKES, I almost feel like a man :)
Posted by Aubrey13 on January 18, 2004, at 2:16:09
In reply to topomax, posted by Ellen Brodie on April 19, 1999, at 15:58:40
Be careful with daily use of Klonopin. It is a highly addictive controlled substance, in a different classification of drugs than the mood stabilizer. I could not believe I was prescribed Klonopin in the hospital after I told them I had been abusing it(someone else presciption). At the time I truely wanted to get well an refussed to take it.
Posted by Sooshi on January 18, 2004, at 18:01:48
In reply to Re: topomax watch out for the klonopin, posted by Aubrey13 on January 18, 2004, at 2:16:09
Has anyone had an adverse reaction when taking a Klonopin WITH Topamax though? I took .5mg at night with my 100mg nightly dosage of Topa, and never felt "drunker" in my life...I had to call for help to get off of the floor and into bed! Really weird, since I'm very tolerant of benzos, but something about this combo wacked me out....
Posted by Sooshi on January 18, 2004, at 18:16:56
In reply to Re: topomax watch out for the klonopin, posted by Aubrey13 on January 18, 2004, at 2:16:09
Has anyone had an adverse reaction when taking a Klonopin WITH Topamax though? I took .5mg at night with my 100mg nightly dosage of Topa, and never felt "drunker" in my life...I had to call for help to get off of the floor and into bed! Really weird, since I'm very tolerant of benzos, but something about this combo wacked me out....
Posted by lizi G. on January 21, 2004, at 18:38:06
In reply to Re: topomax » lizi G., posted by headachequeen on January 16, 2004, at 21:11:29
Thanks to all the postings on topomax. I feel armed enough to confront my MD about it and if he isn't interested, I'll lose him and find someone who is!
Posted by lizi G. on January 21, 2004, at 18:41:24
In reply to Re: topomax » TropicalGirl12, posted by Karen_kay on January 17, 2004, at 23:22:24
> I love topamax much more than sex. So, if I have to chose, I know where I stand :) I couldn't get an appointment before my BC ran out, so I'm up poop creek without a paddle. Back to condoms for a month, I suppose. My therapist actually suggest the old pull-out method. I was shocked! That's like 12% effective, HELLO! Maybe that's why he has 2 kids! :) But, I'm going to see my OBGYN this week and saying, "Listen, no acne and no yeast infections. What's going to work?" If they don't have any suggestions, then I'm back to condoms or abstinence. I just don't care anymore. I'm done with this whole business. Maybe I'll become a born-again virgin! At least my skin will improve and I won't have to worry about scratching myself in public, YIKES, I almost feel like a man :)
I think I could really like you! You are a kick in the pants! lizi G.
Posted by headachequeen on January 21, 2004, at 19:57:14
In reply to Re: topomax, posted by lizi G. on January 21, 2004, at 18:41:24
At least my skin will improve and I won't have to worry about scratching myself in public, YIKES, I almost feel like a man :)
>
> I think I could really like you! You are a kick in the pants! lizi G.There are several people here who truly 'a kick in the pants' and soooo likeable... they are the ones who keep the rest of us going when the going is almost un-go-able... and we are so glad they are here...
kat
Posted by hockeymom on January 22, 2004, at 11:40:24
In reply to Re: topomax, posted by Davina on March 15, 2003, at 19:42:48
hello all! i'm new to forum but hopefully I can find some answers! i have been on several AD for past 4 to 5 years for my OCD and they have helped. These have included prozac, celexa and paxil. My problem is that I've also gained about 50 pounds in that same amount of time. It seems that once I start eating, I can't stop! Everything looks so good. My problem is that I'm so depressed about my weight and I know that this all ties in together somehow! If I could just lose weight then maybe some of my my other problems would also decrease. sorry for the babbling - it just seems that I finally found some people who can relate! I was wondering if topamax would help with the weight loss and how do I approach it with my doc?
thanks for any input
Posted by bridgey1128 on January 22, 2004, at 14:32:47
In reply to Re: topomax, posted by hockeymom on January 22, 2004, at 11:40:24
I am not sure if topomax is used for just depression or not. I use it for my bipolar disorder. It definitely helps you lose weight. I understand COMPLETELY! What you mean. You take AD for depression, sometimes about weight issues and they just compound the problem!!! It's a Catch 22. It really sucks. It would be worth a shot. All the drugs you have mentioned are REALLY bad at weight gain. Have you discussed how depressed you are over the weight gain? You'll always be dependant on them if you can't get rid of the reason you are on them to begin with because they are adding to the problem! Are you really, really depressed without them? Is a diet and exercise reasonable for you? These are some things to look at too. When you are depressed you don't feel like exercising but it can boost your own endorphines. Have you ever looked into the Atkins diet? Even on AD that can help. This is a message board filled to the brim with people who have tons of experience just like you! You aren't alone so hang on there girl! Don't be afraid to talk to your Dr about otehr options. This is your body, and weight is a definite issue to be talked about. He/she doesn't have to walk around with the extra pounds. Topomax MAY be an answer but I am not sure if it's just for depression. It may help the OCD, who knows! It seems to be a wonder drug actually. Good luck and God bless.
Posted by Catsy on January 22, 2004, at 15:06:39
In reply to Re: topomax, posted by nancy on April 21, 1999, at 12:00:06
I've taken topamax for five years for bipolar disorder. It helped me almost overnight. Not only with the manic symptoms but the weight gain I experienced from all of the other meds I had tried. I don't necessarily think its just a head thing with the weight, something you can merely "talk" yourself out of. This drug has helped me a lot and since I've been on it I've lost 40 pounds and I eat what I want, when I want it. Just the amount of what I eat and the frequency has changed.
Posted by Karen_kay on January 22, 2004, at 16:07:43
In reply to Re: topomax, posted by lizi G. on January 21, 2004, at 18:41:24
Very much!!! I think at times I could use a kick in the pants. It helps to have support when you are starting a new medication. I quit my birth control. Havent' told my boyfriend yet, but I haven't had a need to either. He smells funny :)
Have you heard about the blood tests with Topamax? My Pdoc just informed me about it.... See the following thread.
What ever will I do without Topamax? Maybe I'm just freaking myself out for no good reason. But, if I can't take it, I'l go back to being "Crazy Karen," as my friends used to call me. No Depakote for me. Thanks, but I'll pass on that one. Weight gain? Oh please, can I please pack on an extra 80 lbs, cuz I'm not fat enough already.... Sheesh!!!
Posted by headachequeen on January 22, 2004, at 16:10:20
In reply to Re: topomax, posted by Catsy on January 22, 2004, at 15:06:39
> I've taken topamax for five years for bipolar disorder. It helped me almost overnight. Not only with the manic symptoms but the weight gain I experienced from all of the other meds I had tried. I don't necessarily think its just a head thing with the weight, something you can merely "talk" yourself out of. This drug has helped me a lot and since I've been on it I've lost 40 pounds and I eat what I want, when I want it. Just the amount of what I eat and the frequency has changed.
It certainly is NOT a head thing... and nothing anyone can talk himself out of... the weight gain that comes from the meds or from depression itself is nothing one can simply will away -- it doesn't work that way; if it did think of all the slim people there would be instead of all the overweight and obese couch potatoes...
and those are people who are not dealing with med-aggravated or depression-aggravated weight problems!
Topomax does help with the weight and I wish I knew how... of late I am eating more normally but the weight is staying off...
last night, for instance, I had two baked potatoes because I was hungry, along with the green and yellow beans and baby carrots and roast beef and later in the evening a roast beef sandwich...
today all I have wanted is a bowl of soup ... it is as if the body seeks its own level in all of this food thing with the Topomax...
so far the seizures are back under control so it is doing its job and still no migraines... over a year now... so I am content...
back on biotin, remembered to pick up a refill, and the hair should soon be back to normal... found out it is the wax that holds the style together that is causing it to look so dry btw...
kat
Posted by headachequeen on January 22, 2004, at 16:31:16
In reply to Well thank you :) » lizi G., posted by Karen_kay on January 22, 2004, at 16:07:43
>
> Have you heard about the blood tests with Topamax? My Pdoc just informed me about it.... See the following thread.
already.... Sheesh!!!
I went to the link and it mentions that the risk is one in one thousand if I read it correctly...
shall ask my doctor but I doubt if I am going to be the one in one thousand and not too worried at this point...
with two specialists looking into my eye problems any vision changes would be noticed I am sure ...
and on the list goes...
kat
Posted by LisaR on January 22, 2004, at 16:41:26
In reply to Re: topomax, posted by Catsy on January 22, 2004, at 15:06:39
I started taking topomax about 2 months ago. I am now up to 800 mg 2 times a day. That's 1600 mgs. I have not noticed any weight loss. My family thinks I am getting spacey. I feel like my moods are becoming more level. When did you start to lossing weight?
Thanks Lisa
Posted by LisaR on January 22, 2004, at 16:57:50
In reply to Re: topomax, posted by LisaR on January 22, 2004, at 16:41:26
I take the topomax for bipolor disorder.
Posted by Karen_kay on January 22, 2004, at 17:43:41
In reply to Re: topomax » Karen_kay, posted by headachequeen on January 22, 2004, at 16:31:16
Right, my Pdoc said the risk is about 1:1000. But he's not always correct. And he also said that the risk is usually in the elderly or people who have kidney or lung (or liver, can't remember) disease. He told me not to worry. He said that the thign that is the most disstressing is the fact that there will now be regular blood tests, as with most mood stabilizers and anti-convulsants. I'm still worried though. How could I not be? I'm a walking Topamax commercial!
And what about:
(Here goes my rant!!!!)
Those people who think that you don't need meds for Bipolar diorder. My friend and I were talking today and she said that the ultimate goal should be to "OVERCOME" (HUH???) it and get off meds completely.... HUH???? Like I can just fix things with the power of thought! Yeah, right. Kiss My Butt! I tried to explain, but we just agreed to disagree, this time. Oh, because she understands. She's been sad before and overcome it without medication and it's the same thing, according to her. Well, what do you say? I just said, "Well, I'll look into that one." And took my evening dose of Topamax. People sometimes, I just want to choke em! Or hug them. Whatever will get through to them!
Posted by headachequeen on January 22, 2004, at 20:51:58
In reply to Re: topomax » headachequeen, posted by Karen_kay on January 22, 2004, at 17:43:41
> Right, my Pdoc said the risk is about 1:1000. But he's not always correct. And he also said that the risk is usually in the elderly or people who have kidney or lung (or liver, can't remember) disease. He told me not to worry. He said that the thign that is the most disstressing is the fact that there will now be regular blood tests, as with most mood stabilizers and anti-convulsants. I'm still worried though. How could I not be? I'm a walking Topamax commercial!
>
> And what about:
>
> (Here goes my rant!!!!)
> Those people who think that you don't need meds for Bipolar diorder. My friend and I were talking today and she said that the ultimate goal should be to "OVERCOME" (HUH???) it and get off meds completely.... HUH???? Like I can just fix things with the power of thought! Yeah, right. Kiss My Butt! I tried to explain, but we just agreed to disagree, this time. Oh, because she understands. She's been sad before and overcome it without medication and it's the same thing, according to her. Well, what do you say? I just said, "Well, I'll look into that one." And took my evening dose of Topamax. People sometimes, I just want to choke em! Or hug them. Whatever will get through to them!
Karen_kay, I can relate on so many levels...
because the seizures would not stop at the former level of tegretol, the neuro said he was not going to worry about the blood work and increased the level of Tegretol... it had to be done and I accept that... I cannot go on with the constant seizures and the disruption to my life. They are not the horrid frothing at the mouth Stephen King seizures, but they do disrupt things; they happenw hen I am asleep and do not disturb other people but they can be unsettling and at times embarrassing and at times confusing when I do not know what day it is and the post-episodic period is a time of extreme fatigue... it has to stop especially when there are two or three in a night. I accept reality when it stares me in the face. The blood tests are a part of my reality. Now I guess I must ask the doctor about this blood test too.. I accept that...
What I cannot and WILL NOT accept are the people who look at one and tell one to get a grip... when one is depressed they tell one that they have been unhappy too...
oh yes, they have been sad... sad is shedding a few tears because one doesn't win a place on the cheerleading team...
unhappy is not being first in line when the store opens the day of the big sale...
depressed is spending days in a black hole that is your life... depressed is so much more than unhappy or sad...
sad is forgotten when something else comes along and makes one forget the thing that makes one sad... depressed? that takes a lot more to forget; I know I have been there -- a lot.
Oh the ultimate goal IS to overcome and to be off the meds completely... where is this person? not on this planet obviously; but it does not just happen overnight or on a whim. It requires a lot of counselling and psychotherapy and time and motivation and help and understanding and some times with some people the meds are a permanent part of living... that is reality...
it is like being an epileptic or having asthma or diabetes or a broken leg... one cannot just decide this moment to will it away...
these people are not in the real world at all...
and you did well to react as you did...
really proud to know you
kat
Posted by redscarlet on January 22, 2004, at 23:08:03
In reply to Well thank you :) » lizi G., posted by Karen_kay on January 22, 2004, at 16:07:43
> Very much!!! I think at times I could use a kick in the pants. It helps to have support when you are starting a new medication. I quit my birth control. Havent' told my boyfriend yet, but I haven't had a need to either. He smells funny :)
>
> Have you heard about the blood tests with Topamax? My Pdoc just informed me about it.... See the following thread.> What ever will I do without Topamax? Maybe I'm just freaking myself out for no good reason. But, if I can't take it, I'l go back to being "Crazy Karen," as my friends used to call me. No Depakote for me. Thanks, but I'll pass on that one. Weight gain? Oh please, can I please pack on an extra 80 lbs, cuz I'm not fat enough already.... Sheesh!!!
>
>
> http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20040118/msgs/302926.html
***You may want to look into Zonegran if you can no longer take the Topamax. HTH
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