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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Carolyn S. K. on June 9, 2001, at 18:23:38
In reply to Re: topamax, posted by Toby on April 26, 1999, at 10:49:35
> What kinds of doses are working for you ladies? I've seen everything from 100 mg per day to 600 mg per day in the studies, but the studies also indicate that the higher doses make people cognitively dull. I have only one patient on it now (at 100 mg) and she's still got a little bit in the way of hypomania so we're slowly going to go up to 150 mg. She's very bright and in graduate school so I'm being cautious because I don't want to dull her intellect or creativeness, but at the same time when she's manic she doesn't get a whole lot of useful activities done either. I'm hoping we can find a happy medium with the Topamax.
Toby:
I am a practicing attorney who was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder approximately 1 year ago. I am taking Topamax at 400 mgs. a day - 200 mgs. a.m. and likewise at bedtime.I started off at 25 mgs. in the a.m. for two weeks and my doc added another 25 mgs. in the evening for two weeks. He added 25 mgs. to the dose once every two weeks for quite some time.
Around the time we hit 200 mgs. a day, Doc started increasing the dosage a little faster because I started racing toward a manic phase. About the same time I noticed a major mental dulling that made it difficult for me to work. Doc and I struggled for a while with my refusal to agree to switch to Depokote (sp?) or Lithium due to my fear of gaining weight (I'm already overweight) and his fear that I was about to lose my battle with keeping "superwoman" locked in the phone booth.
Somehow we made it through that rough period and the mental dulling has passed. Doc and I believe it was just an adjustment to the medication as was my appetite loss. I now have very level moods - no more fighting to keep superwoman from leaving the phone booth. I have regained my cognitive abilities and unfortunately, my appetite.
I hope this anecdote helps you in the treatment of your patient. Carolyn
Posted by AMenz on June 9, 2001, at 21:09:10
In reply to Re: topamax, posted by Carolyn S. K. on June 9, 2001, at 18:23:38
Hi, did you start noticing the dulling at 200 or above? I'm not clear. How long did it take to clear up?
> > What kinds of doses are working for you ladies? I've seen everything from 100 mg per day to 600 mg per day in the studies, but the studies also indicate that the higher doses make people cognitively dull. I have only one patient on it now (at 100 mg) and she's still got a little bit in the way of hypomania so we're slowly going to go up to 150 mg. She's very bright and in graduate school so I'm being cautious because I don't want to dull her intellect or creativeness, but at the same time when she's manic she doesn't get a whole lot of useful activities done either. I'm hoping we can find a happy medium with the Topamax.
>
> Toby:
> I am a practicing attorney who was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder approximately 1 year ago. I am taking Topamax at 400 mgs. a day - 200 mgs. a.m. and likewise at bedtime.
>
> I started off at 25 mgs. in the a.m. for two weeks and my doc added another 25 mgs. in the evening for two weeks. He added 25 mgs. to the dose once every two weeks for quite some time.
>
> Around the time we hit 200 mgs. a day, Doc started increasing the dosage a little faster because I started racing toward a manic phase. About the same time I noticed a major mental dulling that made it difficult for me to work. Doc and I struggled for a while with my refusal to agree to switch to Depokote (sp?) or Lithium due to my fear of gaining weight (I'm already overweight) and his fear that I was about to lose my battle with keeping "superwoman" locked in the phone booth.
>
> Somehow we made it through that rough period and the mental dulling has passed. Doc and I believe it was just an adjustment to the medication as was my appetite loss. I now have very level moods - no more fighting to keep superwoman from leaving the phone booth. I have regained my cognitive abilities and unfortunately, my appetite.
>
> I hope this anecdote helps you in the treatment of your patient. Carolyn
Posted by Carolyn S. K. on June 9, 2001, at 23:26:45
In reply to Re: topamax, posted by AMenz on June 9, 2001, at 21:09:10
> Hi, did you start noticing the dulling at 200 or above? I'm not clear. How long did it take to clear up?
>
I noticed the dulling when Doc sped up the increases. At 25 mgs every two weeks, no problems. However, when he started me increasing my dosage by 50 mg a week, I was a zombie for a good 3 to 4 months. I couldn't remember what I had said just a few moments ealier and forget about a whole prior. I was barely able to complete sentances without getting confused. My friends and co-workers really noticed my slowness. Someone actually thought that I had taken up getting "stoned" and during work hours no less!The good thing is, at least for me, I'm completely back to normal now. I hope that answers your question.
Posted by Mitch on June 10, 2001, at 23:06:15
In reply to Re: topamax, posted by krissi on June 8, 2001, at 8:50:40
I hope I haven't missed any responses, I have been on vacation for several days-sorry if I missed any request for any replies....
Krissi,
The MOST Topamax I EVER took was 50mg/day. I couldn't hack the cognitive side-effects due to my job. I obviously never got to a dose that created the sort of side-effects you are talking about (gastro-intestinal). I am just taking a small dose of Neurontin with Klonopin. It seems to work ok. But 250mg of TOP just seems like a MEGADOSE to me. Maybe you are just taking much too much! Your pdoc may be more aggressive than necessary with upward titration of the TOP. If it is obviously stabilizing you, why NOT slowly REDUCE the dosage of TOP to a more reasonable maintenance level that suits you better?
Mitch
> >Hi Mitch -
> Day 3 of 250 mg of Topamax and I'm more nauseous than ever. As I've said before, I'm so happy with how my moods have stabilized on this med, but who wants to feel sick all the time? If you don't mind me asking, since you are bi-polar too and can't take Topamax, what are you taking now to stabilize your moods and to control hypomania?
> Krissi
Posted by Carolyn S. K. on June 11, 2001, at 18:28:39
In reply to Re: topamax, posted by Carolyn S. K. on June 9, 2001, at 23:26:45
> > Hi, did you start noticing the dulling at 200 or above? I'm not clear. How long did it take to clear up?
> >
> I noticed the dulling when Doc sped up the increases. At 25 mgs every two weeks, no problems. However, when he started me increasing my dosage by 50 mg a week, I was a zombie for a good 3 to 4 months. I couldn't remember what I had said just a few moments ealier and forget about a whole "day" prior. I was barely able to complete sentances without getting confused. My friends and co-workers really noticed my slowness. Someone actually thought that I had taken up getting "stoned" and during work hours no less!
>
> The good thing is, at least for me, I'm completely back to normal now. I hope that answers your question. "400 mgs" every day and no problems. My moods are level and the dulling is gone!!!Corrections added post - posting.
Posted by Deirdre on June 27, 2001, at 16:55:01
In reply to Re: topomax, posted by nancy on April 21, 1999, at 12:00:06
In response to ellen:
I was taking lithium, and since I started taking it, months ago, I would gain anywhere from a half a pound to a pound and a half a week. Now I am taking less lithium in conjunction with Topomax, and I have stopped gaining weight. My family says I appear to have lost a little weight, though the scale says I'm just about the same, but thank god it's stopped creeping up!Has anyone had any bad side effects to topomax? I've noticed that since taking it, my skin has been itchier.
Deirdre
Posted by Autumn Despotis on June 27, 2001, at 18:23:26
In reply to Re: topomax, posted by Deirdre on June 27, 2001, at 16:55:01
>
> I've just started taking topomax, too. Just last night, actually. I noticed a change in my dreams right away, they were much more vivid(I really don't mind that, anyway!). Have you experienced anything like this? How long have you had the itchy skin, and how long did it take for this side effect to begin?
I would really appreciate any info on side effects from topomax. It seems to be hard to find research related to the use of topomax in treating bipolar disorder.Cheers!
Autumn
Posted by Nichol on July 19, 2001, at 19:01:25
In reply to Re: topomax, posted by Autumn Despotis on June 27, 2001, at 18:23:26
> I would really appreciate any info on side effects from topomax. It seems to be hard to find research related to the use of topomax in treating bipolar disorder.< <
>
Tomorrow I am going to begin a clinical trial at UCLA for we bipolar types who have gained weight because of their meds. I will either be assigned Meridia or Topamax (I'm hoping for Topamax) and will take it in conjunction with my Depakote. I gained 45 pounds in about 3-4 months on Depakote after always being very petite - very depressing as you all well know. I lost about 25 pounds through diet and exercise by going off my meds for a while but now that I'm back on, I've hit a wall. I will keep you updated on what I learn as I go.
Cheers,
Nichol
Posted by Anns on July 21, 2001, at 8:37:27
In reply to Re: topamax, posted by Carolyn S. K. on May 29, 2001, at 22:31:35
I am a 42 yr.old female who has taken seveal different medicacations for grandmal seizures.I have been on tegratol, dilanton, nueronton, depacote, and several others.And if any of you have taken the depakote one of the side effects is weight gain.And of course if anyone is going to put the weight on it is going to be me! I did. I started taking the topamax on 3/15/01 and I have lost 37lbs and I feel great. The only side effect that I can tell that I am having from it is the tingling in the feet but I can live with that.I feel like a whole new person with this medicine.I think it is just great and I would recommend it to anyone who asked me about it.
Posted by 16# on July 21, 2001, at 11:30:53
In reply to Re: topamax, posted by Anns on July 21, 2001, at 8:37:27
> I am a 42 yr.old female who has taken seveal different medicacations for grandmal seizures.I have been on tegratol, dilanton, nueronton, depacote, and several others.And if any of you have taken the depakote one of the side effects is weight gain.And of course if anyone is going to put the weight on it is going to be me! I did. I started taking the topamax on 3/15/01 and I have lost 37lbs and I feel great. The only side effect that I can tell that I am having from it is the tingling in the feet but I can live with that.I feel like a whole new person with this medicine.I think it is just great and I would recommend it to anyone who asked me about it.
What dosage are you taking? Are you still taking the depakote or any other med?
Posted by Kimberley on August 15, 2001, at 17:28:26
In reply to Re: topomax, posted by Autumn Despotis on June 27, 2001, at 18:23:26
This is a little late on, but any new effects, bad or good? i just caught your posting.I just started taking Topamax a little over a week ago at 25mg for mood swings/mild bi-polar. After 30 days at 25mg I increase to 50 mg. No effects, bad or good, yet that i have noticed, except that before I had nightly vivid dreams now-nothing (boring!). I hope this stuff works. I am so sick of my unexplainable rage, ups and downs, unpredictability, and everyone having to walk on eggshells around me. I previously was on depakote and effexor with a different doc but that made me both racey and lazy feeling. Plus up to now I was always of the mind set that I could go off the meds once i felt better, anytime. Don't do it! Consult your doc first!
Just last night, actually. I noticed a change in my dreams right away, they were much more vivid(I really don't mind that, anyway!). Have you experienced anything like this? How long have you had the itchy skin, and how long did it take for this side effect to begin?
> I would really appreciate any info on side effects from topomax. It seems to be hard to find research related to the use of topomax in treating bipolar disorder.
>
> Cheers!
> Autumn
Posted by mikey4584 on August 27, 2001, at 16:42:57
In reply to Re:topamax & dullness????, posted by v on April 28, 1999, at 5:40:23
>i just went to the dr about weight loss. i have tried many different methods and now am trying meds for it. my dr gave me 50mgs of topomax for this. he said even though it is for treatment of seizures and anxiety, it works well as an apetite suppressant. i do not have any problems with seizures or depression. has any of you heard about taking this for weight loss?
Posted by dfwHomer on September 1, 2001, at 14:47:31
In reply to Re:topamax weight loss???, posted by mikey4584 on August 27, 2001, at 16:42:57
I am in the same situation as you. I have been taking Depakote ER for over a year, and have been given 200 mg of Topomax daily to try and help with the weight gain. So far it has helped me with my appetite.
Posted by potter on January 9, 2002, at 17:23:20
In reply to Re:topamax weight loss???, posted by mikey4584 on August 27, 2001, at 16:42:57
I have been prescribed topomax for migraines, and I am taking 25 mg 2x per day. The last two weeks I have experienced extreme stomach pain, and nasuea. The stomach pain lasts pretty much the whole day, but is pretty severe in the mornings, and I have lost about 12 pounds in 2 weeks. At lunch and dinner my appetite is about 1/2-3/4 of what it normally is, and breakfast, I eat a couple of bites of something. I am wondering if this is linked to the topomax. Can anyone relate?
Posted by Carolyn S. K. on January 9, 2002, at 18:44:45
In reply to Re: topamax, posted by Carolyn S. K. on June 11, 2001, at 18:28:39
Well, I think the dulling started when the doctor sped up the increases in dosage. I don't think it had anything to do with the mg level. Instead I think it was the "faster" increases in dosage. I needed to get from approx. 100 mgs per day to 400 in a relatively short period of time. The doctor wanted/needed to get me up to a higher level faster as I was about to swing into a manic phase of bipolar disorder. The dulling cleared up in a month. The dulling lasted awhile because it took that long to get me up to the proper dosage without having symptoms such as headahes, etc. The dulling was the only side-effect I experienced other than an initial wt. loss of about 30lbs. Once my dosage stabilized and my body adjusted, the dulling cleared and did not return. I hope that helps you.
- > > > Hi, did you start noticing the dulling at 200 or above? I'm not clear. How long did it take to clear up?
> > >
> > I noticed the dulling when Doc sped up the increases. At 25 mgs every two weeks, no problems. However, when he started me increasing my dosage by 50 mg a week, I was a zombie for a good 3 to 4 months. I couldn't remember what I had said just a few moments ealier and forget about a whole "day" prior. I was barely able to complete sentances without getting confused. My friends and co-workers really noticed my slowness. Someone actually thought that I had taken up getting "stoned" and during work hours no less!
> >
> > The good thing is, at least for me, I'm completely back to normal now. I hope that answers your question. "400 mgs" every day and no problems. My moods are level and the dulling is gone!!!
>
> Corrections added post - posting.
Posted by Carolyn S. K. on January 9, 2002, at 18:50:53
In reply to Re:topamax weight loss/ Stomach pain???, posted by potter on January 9, 2002, at 17:23:20
Topamax did cause a general lack of appetite and nausea in me for the first few months. However, that cleared up after a bit. Topamax is also being used as a diet drug because it tends to cause a wt. loss in users. However, I can tell you that for me, the loss of appetite and nausea didn't last very long and the wt. loss stops!!!!
> I have been prescribed topomax for migraines, and I am taking 25 mg 2x per day. The last two weeks I have experienced extreme stomach pain, and nasuea. The stomach pain lasts pretty much the whole day, but is pretty severe in the mornings, and I have lost about 12 pounds in 2 weeks. At lunch and dinner my appetite is about 1/2-3/4 of what it normally is, and breakfast, I eat a couple of bites of something. I am wondering if this is linked to the topomax. Can anyone relate?
Posted by Jimmy B on January 24, 2002, at 9:23:42
In reply to Re:topamax weight loss/ Stomach pain???, posted by Carolyn S. K. on January 9, 2002, at 18:50:53
i recently started topomax 50 mg for bipolar disorder. while my mood is much better, stomach discomfort is very unpleasant. i feel like i have 24 hour acid reflux. i still get hungry but if i eat i feel sick for hours.
also, has anyone else felt a "pins and needles" feeling in their fingers and feet? how long do most of the side effects seem to last?
Posted by Carolyn S. K. on January 24, 2002, at 21:55:08
In reply to Re:topamax weight loss/ Stomach pain???, posted by Jimmy B on January 24, 2002, at 9:23:42
> i recently started topomax 50 mg for bipolar disorder. while my mood is much better, stomach discomfort is very unpleasant. i feel like i have 24 hour acid reflux. i still get hungry but if i eat i feel sick for hours.
> also, has anyone else felt a "pins and needles" feeling in their fingers and feet? how long do most of the side effects seem to last?
Regarding the pins and needles: I've heard that complaint is common amongst new users of Topamax although I must admit I did not experience that symptom. However, I did experience an increase in symptoms of a pre-existing acid reflux condition. Hang in there, it does get better. Your body is just adjusting to a new chemical environment. Hopefully, you will adjust very soon and things will work out great. Once I adjusted, I had no further problems.
Posted by anniebananie on January 25, 2002, at 13:49:37
In reply to Re:topamax weight loss/ Stomach pain???, posted by Jimmy B on January 24, 2002, at 9:23:42
> also, has anyone else felt a "pins and needles" feeling in their fingers and feet? how long do most of the side effects seem to last?Yes, I had "pins & needles", kind of a cold tingling, for 6-8 months after starting topamax, but it wasn't as bad after the first 6-8 weeks.
Annie
Posted by linda20 on January 28, 2002, at 14:32:04
In reply to Re:topamax weight loss/ Stomach pain???, posted by Carolyn S. K. on January 24, 2002, at 21:55:08
I was just put on Topomax by my family doctor, 25mg twice a day for 10 days then 50mg for ten days going up to 75 for another 10 days so far. I'm on the first week and my stomach pain specially in the morning is horrible, it lasts all day. Since I was 18 I have taken antidepresants (amytriptyline, tofranil, klonopin, prozac, wellbutrin, xanax, zoloft and finally paxil) my weight was not affected until after I was 30 and I had 2 more kids. I gained 130 Lbs, of course the added weight made depresion worse. I'm still on 60 mg of paxil a day for my cronic depresion while on topamax, but I'm concerned now after reading the postings because I have not been able to sleep. The first night I did not go to sleep at all I thought it was because of my homework that needed to be finished I was not aware of any side effects from this drug. I have other health problems related to a sleep disorder (I have severe obstructive sleep apnea)For all I know the cause of all of my problems (high blood pressure, acid reflux etc) come from the sleeping disorder. I was recently put on a c-pap machine to help me breathe at night, and now I find myself waking up every two hours again and taking the mask off in my sleep) and the stomach pain is horrible. I have not found any change in appetite yet, the stomach pain eases when I eat a little bit. I loved water, it tastes funny now, so I drink less. I get flushed at night. Any person out there relates or any doctor with sugestions? I also take other medications hyzaar 50/12.5 for high blood pressure, zocor 40 mg for high cholesterol, inderal 40mg for migraines (we went down from inderal LA 80 that I was using before topamax)and estrace 1 mg. I hope there is someone out there that has any sugestions, I really do want to loose the weight.
Posted by Mel1234 on February 26, 2002, at 11:15:12
In reply to Re:topamax weight loss/ Stomach pain???, posted by linda20 on January 28, 2002, at 14:32:04
Hi, someone asked a similar question earlier, but no one responded....
My doctor wants to put me on topamax (in addition to my wellbutrin) solely for weight loss. I'm not bipolar, and my depression is pretty mild. I didn't have any rapid mood changes before I went on meds. Moodiness is one of the major side-effects listed on rxlist.com, but many of you seem to be taking it for mood stabilization. For me, being moody is worse than being mildly depressed, and I have quit taking meds several times because of it.
Can anyone comment on topamax's effect on people who are only mildly depressed? Topamax and moodiness? Or the side effects of wellbutrin and topomax together?
Thanks.
Posted by Danni on February 28, 2002, at 19:06:25
In reply to Topamax: weight loss/mild depression, posted by Mel1234 on February 26, 2002, at 11:15:12
I have been on Topamax for mild depression works great HOWEVER if you suffer from any kind of eating disorder such as myself its not for you!!!! I have literally lost my appetite, my moods are great but food is just not a need nor want of any means in my life anymore! The weight loss is a major problem
Posted by Lisapd on February 28, 2002, at 23:14:43
In reply to Re:topamax weight loss/ Stomach pain???, posted by linda20 on January 28, 2002, at 14:32:04
I have just learned of topamax and it's use for lowering blood sugar. Anyone have experience with this usage?
Posted by jen820 on March 6, 2002, at 13:45:48
In reply to Topamax: weight loss/mild depression, posted by Mel1234 on February 26, 2002, at 11:15:12
Mel1234,
Yes, my doc today just put me on Topomax in addition to the Wellbutrin -- the Topomax is for weight loss purposes only. I am also interested in knowing of side effects of using the two together....any info would be helpful.My other question is if Topomax can be used for mild depression (my dx), then why do I need to be on both Wellbutrin and Topomax?? Any one in the same boat?
Posted by djmmm on March 7, 2002, at 9:52:31
In reply to Re: Topamax: weight loss/mild depression, posted by jen820 on March 6, 2002, at 13:45:48
Hey Jen...sounds like a good combo if you are looking to lose some weight and have problems with depression.
Topamax doesn't really have any antidepressant properties. I'm thinking the only reason why Topamax would help with minor mood swings and/or minor depression is because of the effects it has on the GABA system...much like a Benzo may help with stress related depression and/or moodiness...just a thought.
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