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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by redscarlet on February 18, 2006, at 12:36:28
In reply to Re: topomax, posted by SandyWeb on February 17, 2006, at 10:08:54
Well here's the latest...
After my pdoc appointment on the 9th where we decided to stop the Zonegran and not add anything else I was just not feeling good at all after about three days. I was having some food issues and feeling pretty depressed.
I talked to my pdoc on Thursday and we decided it wouldn't hurt to try the Topamax again.
It's been at least two years since I was on it the first time.
So I started on 25mg last night.
When I got up this morning I had a small headache but took some Motrin and it went away.
I will be on 25mgs until my next pdoc appointment on March 9th so this is three weeks so I plan to go slow with it this time and maybe my hair will not fall out !
Can anyone tell me if Topamax works as well as it did the first time when you go back to it after a long time off the drug ? I hope so, I sure want the weight loss effect again. Other meds have put on a few lbs over the past year and I want them gone. But I'm taking the Topamax for bipolar AND weight, not just weight.Have a good day everyone and I'll keep you posted on how's it going... :-)
Posted by luvdogs on February 19, 2006, at 2:26:47
In reply to Re: Topomax for Migraines, posted by jasperwasper on June 23, 2003, at 18:52:56
Does Topomax help for just migraines or other types of headaches also? I have TMJ, Migraines and also get bad sinus headaches. I have very bad pain in my knees that wakes me at night. Any info would be great. I'm BP, but hoping this will help with the pain, i'm sick of taking daily pain meds.
Thanks!!
Posted by Aleese on February 19, 2006, at 18:08:27
In reply to Re: Topomax for Migraines, posted by luvdogs on February 19, 2006, at 2:26:47
has anyone else lost lots of weight on Topamax? and is it as expensive for everyone else as it is for me?
Posted by luvdogs on February 19, 2006, at 18:30:42
In reply to Re: Topomax for Migraines, posted by Aleese on February 19, 2006, at 18:08:27
I am just starting the topomax and my DR gave me a sample bottle- doesn't it come in generic also??
How much did you pay for it? A lot??
Thanks!!
Posted by challenged on February 19, 2006, at 22:08:32
In reply to Re: Topomax for Migraines- Generic??, posted by luvdogs on February 19, 2006, at 18:30:42
> I am just starting the topomax and my DR gave me a sample bottle- doesn't it come in generic also??
> How much did you pay for it? A lot??
> Thanks!!Hi.......I just had to reply to this, I just picked up a prescrption and I am up to 200 mil a day now and for some reason my prescription was 50 miligram pills??? 60 count and it cost me $231.99 and I got a migrane instantly.....I am now applying for medical because I have been recently put on disability after leaving a very well paying position in the working world and I cannot afford almost 500 dollars a month for my medication. Not having any insurance, I had to get them. I have been taking 100 miligrams for a year and my DR has been supplying them but he now cannot get them for me anymore. That being my first purchase was a shocker but I also need them. I actually had to leave them there for two weeks until I could afford them which made me feel under par, if you will! ...Sorry to have to break this expensive news to you .... hopefully you have insurance. I am 55 and not old enough for medicaire ....... Good Luck!! So in answer to your question>>>>>>> YES ALOT!!!
Posted by storm rider on February 20, 2006, at 14:55:05
In reply to Re: Topomax for Migraines- Generic??, posted by challenged on February 19, 2006, at 22:08:32
> > I am just starting the topomax and my DR gave me a sample bottle- doesn't it come in generic also??
> > How much did you pay for it? A lot??
> > Thanks!!
>
>A generic version has just become available...
at least my pharmacy offered me the choice of a generic brand two months ago for the first time so I am assuming that it has just become availableThe generic brand is still costly but significantly lower than the original...
ask your pharmacist
Posted by Aleese on February 20, 2006, at 20:18:12
In reply to Re: Topomax for Migraines- Generic??, posted by challenged on February 19, 2006, at 22:08:32
I pay 100.00 for my script for a month and I am on 100 mg but I cannot afford them I do have insurance through my husbands job but because of the economy his insurance is NOT what it used to be and I have a 300.00 deductable before they will pay for HALF!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by Aleese on February 20, 2006, at 20:20:03
In reply to Re: Topomax for Migraines- Generic?? » challenged, posted by storm rider on February 20, 2006, at 14:55:05
Does the generic version work the same for weightloss?
Posted by Storm Rider on February 21, 2006, at 15:31:29
In reply to Re: Topomax for Migraines- Generic??, posted by Aleese on February 20, 2006, at 20:20:03
> Does the generic version work the same for weightloss?
The generic version has to have all the qualities and attributes of the original or it cannot be substituted for the original...
otherwise it would not do the job for which it is intended and would put the patient being given the med further at risk...
for instance, I am taking it primarily to control epilepsy, and if there were even minor deviations in the makeup and effects of the generic medication, then it would not be a definite control for the epilepsy and there would be no guarantee that it would control the epileptic seizures, putting me further at risk...speaking of which ( drum roll, please) it has been several days since the last seizure and I am ecstatic... absolutely over the moon, as they say...
actually I begin to believe that this monster can be controlled as long as no one plays games with diagnostic tests to learn more about the version of the monster I have...
to have it genuinely controlled... to be seizure-free because the meds control it...
a caged beast that no longer haunts my nights let alone my days...truly a dream come true it would be...
Posted by Aleese on February 21, 2006, at 16:32:47
In reply to Re: Topomax for Migraines- Generic?? » Aleese, posted by Storm Rider on February 21, 2006, at 15:31:29
Thanx. Has it had any weightloss effectsw for you?
Posted by Storm Rider on February 21, 2006, at 20:39:15
In reply to Re: Topomax for Migraines- Generic??, posted by Aleese on February 21, 2006, at 16:32:47
> Thanx. Has it had any weightloss effectsw for you?
Have been using the generic for a month or so only, so cannot really say.
I did lose weight on the topomax and would assume that one would lose weight on the generic as I have not suddenly gained weight since changing to the generic...
as I said in a previous post, if the meds are not identical in properties, the pharmacist cannot switch them so I think it is safe to assume that the generic would help with weight loss too...
Posted by luvdogs on February 22, 2006, at 20:03:42
In reply to Re: Topomax for Migraines- Generic??, posted by Aleese on February 20, 2006, at 20:18:12
That is ludicrous!!! Why are some meds so much- especially when they come in generic.
Thanks A lot!!
:>)
> I pay 100.00 for my script for a month and I am on 100 mg but I cannot afford them I do have insurance through my husbands job but because of the economy his insurance is NOT what it used to be and I have a 300.00 deductable before they will pay for HALF!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by Aleese on February 23, 2006, at 21:59:43
In reply to Re: Topomax for Migraines, posted by luvdogs on February 19, 2006, at 2:26:47
It is prescribed for a few things as well as migranes so it should help with other types of headaches & pains to!
Posted by Aleese on March 3, 2006, at 16:26:33
In reply to Re: Topomax for Migraines- Generic?? » Aleese, posted by Storm Rider on February 21, 2006, at 15:31:29
I am writing under my Aunts name I take Topamax for epilepsy but my Dad will not let me Mom buy it now because he thinks I don't need it and he thinks its to much what should I do?
Posted by Storm Rider on March 3, 2006, at 20:09:41
In reply to Re: Topomax for Migraines- Generic??, posted by Aleese on March 3, 2006, at 16:26:33
> I am writing under my Aunts name I take Topamax for epilepsy but my Dad will not let me Mom buy it now because he thinks I don't need it and he thinks its to much what should I do?
If you are taking topomax for epilepsy, then talk with your doctor about the problem. that is the best solution - probably the only solution
Epilepsy is not something that one can play around with
Posted by fierycelt on March 4, 2006, at 8:46:00
In reply to Re: Topomax for Migraines- Generic?? » Aleese, posted by Storm Rider on March 3, 2006, at 20:09:41
oh sweetheart...
I am so sorry you are going through this with your Dad...there has to be some solution.
Could you possibly have your Dad go with you to your Dr. appointment and have your Dr. explain to your Dad the seriousness of Epilepsy? and the importance of meds to control your seizure activity?
I'm sure you know...the more seizures you have the more scar tissue is formed on your brain AND the more scar tissue present on the brain the more seizures you have...it is a very vicious cycle.
Many, if not all pharmacuetical companies have programs in place to help offset the cost of expensive meds that are needed...perhaps you and your Mom could explore that option. You Dr. can help you with that.I hope you can find some resolution to this problem...I wish you all the best. I will pray for you...
I take Topamax for Bi-Polar myself...I have been in a very dark depression the last few weeks...this sort of snapped me out of it!!
Please don't misunderstand me...I am not saying your bad situation made me feel better about myself...I just realized there are others worse off than me and I guess my "cloud" lifted...
Posted by Aleese on March 5, 2006, at 18:05:47
In reply to Re: Topomax for Migraines- Generic?? » Aleese, posted by Storm Rider on March 3, 2006, at 20:09:41
does anyone else have the problem where soda taste weard or diff to them because of Topamax?
Posted by Storm Rider on March 5, 2006, at 23:08:35
In reply to Re: Topomax for Migraines- Generic??, posted by Aleese on March 5, 2006, at 18:05:47
> does anyone else have the problem where soda taste weard or diff to them because of Topamax?
Soft drinks take on a strange taste when one is taking topomax but after a while I found that either I no longer was interested in 'sodas' or soft drinks so it didn't matter.
I think that they fell into the classification of foods and beverages that were affected by the topomax effect.and I forgot or overlooked or simply have become used to the one side effect that I do have from the topomax...
there is sometimes a slight tingling in my hands that my doctors tell me is caused by it and is normal from it...not as intense as with the tegretol but noticeable at times...
different to the numbness that happens as a warning that I am going to have a seizure at some time during the coming 12 hours ...
but like the feeling one has when one's hand 'goes to sleep'as for the soda taste thing.. that will either pass or not matter...
it is especially noticeable with the diet drinks I found
Posted by Aleese on March 6, 2006, at 14:33:06
In reply to Re: Topomax for Migraines- Generic?? » Aleese, posted by Storm Rider on March 5, 2006, at 23:08:35
I to have tingling but in my feet!1 How long does it take before it really gets in your system real good?
Posted by biogurl on March 8, 2006, at 21:50:22
In reply to Re: Topomax for Migraines- Generic??, posted by Aleese on March 3, 2006, at 16:26:33
I found a website that will be helpful for everyone here. Please pass it around to everyone that you talk to on the site.
www.ratemds.com
Posted by Aleese on March 9, 2006, at 8:50:55
In reply to Re: Topomax for Migraines- Generic?? » Aleese, posted by Storm Rider on March 5, 2006, at 23:08:35
How long does it take before the topomax makes you not as hungary and allt aht?
Posted by storm rider on March 9, 2006, at 10:35:02
In reply to Re: Topomax for Migraines- Generic??, posted by Aleese on March 9, 2006, at 8:50:55
> How long does it take before the topomax makes you not as hungary and allt aht?
I rather imagine that varies from person to person...
and it isn't so much a case of not being hungry as not having the cravings to eat all the time...
at least that was how it worked for me.
I was eating when I didn't know what else to do or was bored or stressed...
When I find myself with nothing to do or things not working according to plan, I have to react and when I am at work, I cannot get up and walk out of the office or the newsroom or whatever...
so when someone says he is going out for pop and a bag of chips, do you want something, why not? better get chips and a chocolate bar, maybe two...
and often when I was working odd hours I would find myself feeling the quiet and the boredom in front of the fridge, taking out the ingredients for a sandwich... I wasn't hungry, but it was something to do when there was no one to talk with...
the meds I was on didn't help as they caused weight gain all by themselves...
so between me and them it was balloon city...within days of starting topomax I noticed that I had lost three pounds...
and it kept coming off slowly and steadily...
nothing dramatic, no fifty pounds in a month the way some of the television ads proclaim, but that is highly dangerous...something in the medication curbs the interest in junk food and binging... I don't understand it, but from a person who was eating whent here was nothing else to do... I liked the way it worked...
and it stopped my headaches and my seizures too...
bonus!
Posted by Aleese on March 10, 2006, at 21:26:02
In reply to ratemds.com, posted by biogurl on March 8, 2006, at 21:50:22
If you have taken Topomax in the past and had to stop for a few months for some reason and then got back on it do the affects of the drug change if so why would they?
Posted by storm rider on March 10, 2006, at 21:38:27
In reply to If you were on Topomax and had to stop for a few m, posted by Aleese on March 10, 2006, at 21:26:02
> If you have taken Topomax in the past and had to stop for a few months for some reason and then got back on it do the affects of the drug change if so why would they?
How do you mean, 'Would the effects change'?
I have had to quit taking it for varying lengths of time while tests were run and when I started back on topomax, it still worked to curb seizures and it still worked to stop migraines...
however when the neurologist decided to cut back on the dosage when I told him I would no longer take tegretol the migraines started again; my doctor then told me to return to the original dosage and when I reached the original amount the migraines stopped...
does that help?
Posted by Aleese on March 10, 2006, at 22:51:26
In reply to Re: If you were on Topomax and had to stop for a f » Aleese, posted by storm rider on March 10, 2006, at 21:38:27
> > If you have taken Topomax in the past and had to stop for a few months for some reason and then got back on it do the affects of the drug change if so why would they?
>
> How do you mean, 'Would the effects change'?
>
> I have had to quit taking it for varying lengths of time while tests were run and when I started back on topomax, it still worked to curb seizures and it still worked to stop migraines...
> however when the neurologist decided to cut back on the dosage when I told him I would no longer take tegretol the migraines started again; my doctor then told me to return to the original dosage and when I reached the original amount the migraines stopped...
> does that help?Thank You for your response!!I just mean I was only on it for 2 weeks last time and it worked for my migranes and it also seemed to start curbing my appetite. i have now been on it for 10 days and it does help a bit with migranes but I dont see a change in appetite at all maybe I am jumping the gun? I just heard before that the affects change if you get off and then return or maybe I didn't hear correctly as I do that from time to time!!!
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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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