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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by je44y on January 4, 2005, at 10:16:51
In reply to Topamax, posted by Momof4 on July 10, 2004, at 9:47:31
HELLO, IM NEW AT THIS, I'VE BEEN READING THESE THINGS FOR MONTHS. ANYWAYS IM WORKING MY WAY UP TO 200MG OF TOPAMAX FOR SEVERE MIGRAINES. WHICH MAKE ME NOT SLEEP SO MY DOC GAVE ME KLONIPIN. I HAVE A HISTORY OD DEPRESSION IVE TRIED EVERYTHING, PROZAX, EFFEXOR, ZOLOFT, EVERTHING MAKES ME TOTALLY FAT. IVE BEEN ON WELLBUTRIN BEFORE BUT IT STOPPED DOING ANTHING FOR ME. BUT IM GOING TO TRY IT AGAIN. DOES ANYONE KNOW ABOUT THIS LITTLE DRUG COCKTAIL?
ALSO AS I UP MY DOSAGE OF THE TOPAMAX I SEEM TO GET JUST A LITTLE CRAZIER, EDGIER, AGGRESSAVE. LIKE I'M GONNA SNAP. I HAVEN'T READ ANYTHING ABOUT THAT KIND OF SIDE EFFECT. ANY THOUGHTS
Posted by stresser on January 4, 2005, at 13:49:04
In reply to Re: Topamax,t wellbutrin, klonipin » Momof4, posted by je44y on January 4, 2005, at 10:16:51
Hi, Just read your post and can't really tell you if the topamax is making you feel edgy or not. I really think that it's the wellbutrin that makes me crazy! My daughter is taking it also and I think it's making her intollerable as well. I thought it could be the topamax, but it has been going on longer than she has been taking the topamax. She did tell me and her doctor that the topamax has stabilized her moods, (can you believe she noticed that?)so I am leaning towards blaming the wellbutrin. It also makes her really sweaty, so she is now refusing to take 350mg, and taking 150mg per day. I hope the depression does not come back. She will be seeing her doctor on Thursday, and I don't think she will become any more depressed before then. I don't know that wellbutrin is working for me at all anymore. It seems that it makes me more depressed these days, so I made the descision to quit taking it altogether about three days ago. I feel fine, for now......Good luck. I'm sure you will get other replies to your post that will be more helpful to you. Most of the people taking topamax have been taking for quite a long time, and they have great advice. -L
Posted by Jenbracha on January 14, 2005, at 13:25:09
In reply to Re: topamax, posted by Ellen Brodie on May 28, 1999, at 5:34:48
Ellen,
I am on Topomax also and wondered how long it took for your cognitive dulling to decrease?
Is the topomax still helping you and how long have you been on it?Any info is much appreciated!
Best,
Jen> > I am now on 300mg a day of topomax. My doc has been uping the prescription at 50mg about every 10 days. As the time as gone on I have notice consideraberably less cognitive dulling. At first I was at the reading level or at least felt like I was at the reading level of a twelve year old. I am thirthy six. It has helped stabilized my moods and the side efects have decreased over time. I am also taking klonopin. I am bipolar and have a generalized anxiety disorder. I hope this helps. Good Luck. Ellen
Posted by rainy on January 14, 2005, at 16:20:45
In reply to Re: topamax, posted by Jenbracha on January 14, 2005, at 13:25:09
Jenbracha, I've been on Topamax since 2003. I stopped it once at 350 mgs because I was really disoriented after having gone up too quickly to that dose. When I restarted I went slowly to 300 and stayed there without problems for several months (it didn't do squat for mood stabilization) and am now inching my way (25 mgs every two weeks) to 400. I forget nouns and time is totally weird--like Christmas seems at least three months ago instead of only slightly more than three weeks. I'm also very hungry. But the cognitive dulling is much less than it was at first and this is good. If you're titrating up be sure you're going slow, even if your MD has you bouncing right along. Slow helps with side effects. Check with her/him.
rainy
Posted by stresser on January 14, 2005, at 18:44:37
In reply to Re: topamax, posted by Jenbracha on January 14, 2005, at 13:25:09
Has anyone experienced hair loss while taking topamax and/or Wellbutrin? My daughter is taking both, and has noticed her hair is thinning now that she has been on both for about five months. Her doctor has taken her off the Wellbutrin for now, but she is continuing to take the topamax. I have started her taking Biotin and Gelatin, I bought at Walgreen's. She is really very upset about this, and I don't know what to do to help her. Will those vitamins and protein help? -L
Posted by redscarlet on January 15, 2005, at 20:44:46
In reply to Re: topamax, Wellbutrin and hair loss, posted by stresser on January 14, 2005, at 18:44:37
I was on Topamax for over two plus years and I lost TONS and TONS of hair during the entire time I was taking it.
I even took mega dosages of biotin and many other vitamins but they had no effect on the hair loss.
My hair was also very dry.
Unfortunately hair loss can be a side effect from both the Topamax and Wellbutrin for some people.
I was also on Wellbutrin 450mgs for all of 2004 (just went off as of this month 1/05) but had no hair loss from it myself.
(note: I was not on the Wellbutin & Topamax at the same time)
But I have remained on all the vitamins even after being off the Topamax for a year.
I'm still trying to get my hair back !
I now take Zonegran (been on it since 1/04) which is very similar to Topamax. In fact they say it's a cleaner med then the Topamax, meaning the side effect profile is much less.
You may ask her doctor about the Zonegran if the Topamax is working except for the hair loss.
However I have heard of some people having the hair loss on the Zonegran, but that is not so for me and I think far fewer people have that side effect from the Zonegran then the Topamax.
HTH... :-)
Posted by rainy on January 16, 2005, at 8:20:33
In reply to Re: topamax, posted by rainy on January 14, 2005, at 16:20:45
About hair loss on Topamax: I didn't, I think. I lost a lot of hair on Lamictal--so much that I went off the stuff and immediately felt better all over. I was taking it with Topamax. Zinc and biotin (never tried gelatin) seemed to slow the process on Lamictal and halted it completely on Topamax, if it ever occured. I think I got the formula on the Lamictal thread but someone might have some good ideas about hair loss and AEDs on the alternative board, too.
rainy
Posted by monkeypants on January 17, 2005, at 15:51:43
In reply to Re: Lamictal weight gain?, posted by jerseydevil on December 11, 2003, at 14:59:52
I've just began taking Lamictal (I've titrated up to 100mg per day over the last 2 months). I've experienced significant weight gain since beginning treatment with Lamictal. I've taken Welbutrin SR for several years, so I'm fairly sure that it's not the cause of the weight gain. I switched from 200mg of Topamax (it ceased to work & actually caused depression, and has lately been published as NOT a significantly effective way of treating bipolar). I understand that Topamax can cause weight loss or decrease in appetite, so I'm not sure if the switch from Topamax to Lamictal triggered the weight gain.
I've gained about 20 pounds in less than 2 months--quite significant since I've never weighed over 140 lbs! I've proceeded to eat healthier and excercise, but my weight has continued to rise no matter what I do! My clothes aren't fitting anymore!
My doctor claims Lamictal should not cause any increase in weight, nor is it indicated in the drug's side effects.
Has anyone else gained a significant amount of weight from Lamictal?? Any help would be appreciated, as my mood treatment on Lamictal has been so far so good...
Posted by monkeypants on January 17, 2005, at 16:29:39
In reply to Re: topomax and mean irrational people, posted by stresser on January 2, 2005, at 19:45:11
I also took Topamax & Wellbutrin for some time. I recently discontinued the Topamax because it ceased to be effective for mood stabilization & had some psycho-motor effects (difficulty with memory and word-finding).
What I wanted to mention is this: if your daughter was depressed before taking Welbutrin & Topamax, her attitude changes may be a result of successful treatment. What I mean is that depression can cause withdrawn, anti-social, listless, submissive behavior. If your daughter is expressing (what sounds like) aggressive or loud behavior, it may be that her depression has lifted , if she is acting differently than she was when she was depressed.
Another explanation is that the Wellbutrin has caused her to be slightly manic. Mania can include symptoms of aggressive behaviors, excessive talking, irritability, impatience. Wellbutrin can cause an increase in energy and can, in some cases, cause manic symptoms if not checked with a mood stabilizer like Topamax, Depakote, Lamictal, etc.
Good luck & I hope this helps!
Posted by rainy on January 17, 2005, at 19:47:28
In reply to Re: Lamictal weight gain? » jerseydevil, posted by monkeypants on January 17, 2005, at 15:51:43
Gaaaaa! About the weight gain!! How awful to have chainged eating habits and begun to exercise and still be gaining. It reminds me of my SSRI days and the doctor saying well I don't see any weight gain this is all your imagination while I packed on 50 pounds. Are you taking anything else besides the Topamax? Why don't you go to Remedy Find and check the side effects of Topamax yourself--sometimes weight gain is tucked away in there under "rare." Just because it's rare or infrequent doesn't mean it doesn't happen.
rainy
Posted by monkeypants on January 18, 2005, at 15:31:16
In reply to Re: Lamictal weight gain? » monkeypants, posted by rainy on January 17, 2005, at 19:47:28
> Gaaaaa! About the weight gain!! How awful to have chainged eating habits and begun to exercise and still be gaining. It reminds me of my SSRI days and the doctor saying well I don't see any weight gain this is all your imagination while I packed on 50 pounds. Are you taking anything else besides the Topamax? Why don't you go to Remedy Find and check the side effects of Topamax yourself--sometimes weight gain is tucked away in there under "rare." Just because it's rare or infrequent doesn't mean it doesn't happen.
> rainy
>
Thanks for your response, Rainy. I'm not taking Topamax; my weight gain issues are in reference to Lamictal, which I began taking 2 months ago instead of Topamax. I did check RemedyFind.com, and found no instances of weight gain in the listed side effects, or in the posts. Besides the Lamictal, I am also taking 300 mg Wellbutrin daily, but have taken it for about 10 years without any change in my weight. Like I mentioned, since starting Lamictal 2 months ago, I've gained 20 pounds, which is the only negative effect so far--but it's a very negative one!
Posted by monkeypants on January 18, 2005, at 15:44:39
In reply to Re: topamax, Wellbutrin and hair loss » stresser, posted by redscarlet on January 15, 2005, at 20:44:46
I also took Wellbutrin & Topamax for about 3 years. I don't think the Wellbutrin contributed to hair loss because I've taken it for much longer than the tmax (10 years) with minimal side effects (I have mild difficulty falling asleep & hyperactivity at times).
My hair did thin a bit while I took Topamax, but even more bothersome was the extreme dry scalp it gave me (anyone else?) I know it can cause decreased sweating (causing the body to overheat at times), so I imagine that the cause of dry scalp is the reduction of moisture to the skin.
I've since switched from Topamax to Lamictal (2 months ago) and notice a mild improvement in my hair quality, but still have pronounced dandruff/dry, itchy scalp that doesn't respond to anti-dandruff shampoos. I'm not sure if the topamax has a long half-life or stays in your system after you stop taking it--does anyone know?
monkeypants
> I was on Topamax for over two plus years and I lost TONS and TONS of hair during the entire time I was taking it.
> I even took mega dosages of biotin and many other vitamins but they had no effect on the hair loss.
> My hair was also very dry.
> Unfortunately hair loss can be a side effect from both the Topamax and Wellbutrin for some people.
> I was also on Wellbutrin 450mgs for all of 2004 (just went off as of this month 1/05) but had no hair loss from it myself.
> (note: I was not on the Wellbutin & Topamax at the same time)
> But I have remained on all the vitamins even after being off the Topamax for a year.
> I'm still trying to get my hair back !
> I now take Zonegran (been on it since 1/04) which is very similar to Topamax. In fact they say it's a cleaner med then the Topamax, meaning the side effect profile is much less.
> You may ask her doctor about the Zonegran if the Topamax is working except for the hair loss.
> However I have heard of some people having the hair loss on the Zonegran, but that is not so for me and I think far fewer people have that side effect from the Zonegran then the Topamax.
> HTH... :-)
>
Posted by bridgey1128 on January 18, 2005, at 16:15:45
In reply to Re: topamax, Wellbutrin and hair loss » redscarlet, posted by monkeypants on January 18, 2005, at 15:44:39
I shed like a dog anyway so I don't know if it's the Topomax or just me. I have plenty of hair to spare anyway. My hair isn't very dry other than I have dyed it for the first time in my life so that is probably why. It isn't brittle and I use tons of conditioner anyway. So who knows! Is Zonegran for bipolar or just depression and does it make you gain weight? Just wondering...Topomax is working but I have to find something that is less expensive and possibly has a generic. This is KILLING me on insurance so that I can't afford anything else like, you know ANTIBIOTICS!
Posted by stresser on January 18, 2005, at 16:32:21
In reply to Re: topomax and mean irrational people » stresser, posted by monkeypants on January 17, 2005, at 16:29:39
I think the wellbutrin may have been making her mean and irrational. The doctor took her off it last Friday, and we are waiting to see what happens with that. Before she became depressed in the first place, she didn't express this type of behavior, so I'm pretty sure it's the medication. It made me MANIC as heck, and I feel 100% better after stopping that medication. I just about lost my mind on that, no kidding. I'm amazed as to what it did to me and I didn't really even know it. He did give me topamax at the same time, and that could be part of the reason I feel better also. (Yes, now he thinks I need it) The topamax may be the culprit as far as her hair falling out, because it is continuing to happen. The doctor told us today to have her stop taking it....she will see him on Jan. 25. That will give her over one week with no meds., and I hope that will be ok. I am wondering also about Zonegran, and the side effects with that. Does anyone know about losing hair on that medication? Her doctor said she is Bipolar, but she took an MMPI test anyway on Monday. That will help with the diagnosis, I hope. Suggestions anyone?-L
Posted by redscarlet on January 18, 2005, at 18:24:53
In reply to Re: topamax, Wellbutrin and hair loss, posted by bridgey1128 on January 18, 2005, at 16:15:45
Zonegran is used as a mood stabilizer for bipolar, that's why I take it.
It does not cause any weight gain.
HTH
Posted by bridgey1128 on January 18, 2005, at 19:34:46
In reply to Re: topamax, Wellbutrin and hair loss » bridgey1128, posted by redscarlet on January 18, 2005, at 18:24:53
red, does it have a generic?
Posted by redscarlet on January 18, 2005, at 19:45:47
In reply to Re: topamax, Wellbutrin and hair loss, posted by bridgey1128 on January 18, 2005, at 19:34:46
Sorry, not yet.
Posted by jenniferg on January 20, 2005, at 3:40:20
In reply to Re: Topamax, posted by sarita0001 on November 4, 2003, at 15:34:41
Hi,
I've recently been put on 50mg of Topomax daily for headaches I have been suffering from the age of 13yr. I was told the Topamax was for migraine patients and the curb of appetite is a plus. I figured, "Why Not!"
Well, It's been about three weeks now and I can't sleep sometimes I feel a tingle or a sensation in my head. I am also absent minded and clumsy which is funny but frustrating. I have come to realize I cannot take one pill at night then in the morning...It puts me in a vegetative state of mind which is extremely bothersome. I also cannot concentrate and ace scrabble and boggle as most enjoyed at one time. As a matter of fact, I found it a little bit difficult to sit in front of my computer. It's almost like I am having this personality change. Now I am on my feet 24/7...screw the phone. I am cleaning, shopping, runnings errands, planning vacation again, visiting friends and family, writing greeting cards trying not to forget when normally I would get stressed and be late for everything. It has really helped me to calm down...I will definitely vouche for that. I really don't like the whole "stooper" feeling, kind of like when you drunk.
So I haven't decided if I like this med. As you have heard from me it has it's strength's and it's weakness's. I will tell you this...I am only taking 25mg to 50mg a day.
I hope this helped Migraine sufferers...
Good Luck!
Posted by iris2 on January 20, 2005, at 10:14:39
In reply to Re: Lamictal weight gain?, posted by monkeypants on January 18, 2005, at 15:31:16
> Thanks for your response, Rainy. I'm not taking Topamax; my weight gain issues are in reference to Lamictal, which I began taking 2 months ago instead of Topamax. Like I mentioned, since starting Lamictal 2 months ago, I've gained 20 pounds, which is the only negative effect so far--but it's a very negative one!
>
>I took Topamax for several months and only became more depressed. I did not have any weight gain or loss from taking the Topamax. HOWERVER as soon as I discontinued the Topamax I immediately gained about 30 pounds. My pdoc said it was from going off the Topamax. I went beck on a small amount of it after gaining the weight for about two months. As soon as I went back on it I lost the 30 pounds I had gained even though I had not had any weight changes form the Topamax originally. I stayed on the small amount for a few months and then very very gradually titrated off of it and by doing this did not gain the weight again. It seems that you are having the same problem I did.
Hope this helps.irene
Posted by stresser on January 20, 2005, at 15:03:28
In reply to Re: Lamictal weight gain? » monkeypants, posted by iris2 on January 20, 2005, at 10:14:39
Are you saying that when you quit the topamax cold turkey you gained weight vs. tapering off? My daughter quit two days ago cold turkey, and now I am wondering if she should go back on to a lower dosage and taper down.?-L
Posted by redscarlet on January 20, 2005, at 16:43:16
In reply to Re:Topamax and weight gain, posted by stresser on January 20, 2005, at 15:03:28
I had not weight gain when I quit topamax cold turkey.
HTH
Posted by bridgey1128 on January 20, 2005, at 16:56:23
In reply to Re:Topamax and weight gain » stresser, posted by redscarlet on January 20, 2005, at 16:43:16
Jennifer? Did your Dr START you on 50? If he did no WONDER you have had such problems. NO ONE should START in the middle of a dosage. You should ALWAYS start at the bottom and work your way up. If not, you have the problems you have had and then some worse. You also can't yo yo up and down and go some days 25mg and some days 50mg. You are going to have a LOT of problems if you do that. GO to 25mg a day at NIGHT ONLY. After about 2 or 3 weeks when the tingling wears off (that's a really common side effect) then and ONLY then go up to the 50mg. Topomax shouldnt EVER be started at a higher dosage other than the lowest possible because of the bad side effects it can cause. If you start low and work your way up slow then most people don't have problems until you get to much higher dosage. Then you can have the stupids but they usually wear off. That is why it's important to go up very slowly. Also there is a possibility of damaging your eyesight when you go up too quickly. I went through THAT one with the 25mg to 50mg dosage going up too fast. I lost my eyesight for a few days. You always start at night taking it. Always take it at night. Don't take it in the morning unless you are taking a higher dosage and THEN split it, like 100mg in the morning and 100mg at night. THat is my dosage and it took almost a year to get up to that. I take it for bipolar btw, not migraines and it has not helped with weight loss. But that is just me. Anyway, I wish you much luck and let me know if this helps!
Posted by stresser on January 20, 2005, at 19:02:36
In reply to Re:Topamax and weight gain, posted by bridgey1128 on January 20, 2005, at 16:56:23
How long did it take before it started to help with your weight loss? At what dosage and when did you notice it helping your symptoms for bipolar?-L
Posted by iris2 on January 20, 2005, at 19:25:13
In reply to Re:Topamax and weight gain, posted by stresser on January 20, 2005, at 15:03:28
No I tapered off of it but not as gradually as the second time. I do not remember how long it took to go off it or exactly how much I was on now. Sorry.
irene
Posted by bridgey1128 on January 20, 2005, at 21:41:31
In reply to Re:Topamax and weight gain » stresser, posted by iris2 on January 20, 2005, at 19:25:13
I think because I was so worried about losing my eyesight I wasn't noticing any benefits right away. I do know that it did help. It doesn't usually help depression as much but I am lucky as I know what causes my depression and I tend to "reason" my way through mine when I have them. It's rather bizarre. My body feels horrid sometimes. It's like two different people and emotions trapped together. I know that what is going on is just my bipolar and I know I will get through it but at the same time I just feel so crappy sometimes and hopeless. I have done better but I can't say I don't have low times but nothing like I had before. I think the Topomax worked pretty well, pretty quickly on the hypomania and that is what I could tell right off, as soon as the eyesight thing cleared up. I didn't feel the need to talk all the time. I could just, well, shut up. I could tell when I needed to go up because I got grouchy and felt more hyper. This didn't mean I had energy, however. I don't necessarily have energy when I am hyper. I don't know how to explain it. I get hyper around people and depressed at home so I don't get in these wide swings to clean clean clean. I don't want to BE in my house. I want to be out with people and go DO DO DO and be with friends and SPEND MONEY. I don't go overboard or anything like someone with full blown mania. Right now I have to deal with staying at 200mg because I just can't afford anymore and since I am doing a show I can't afford to get the stupids! I have way too much music and too many lines to learn. Anyway, I hope you all are doing well and...where is Kat?
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