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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 185 to 209 of 1085. Go back in thread:
Posted by Bob on July 2, 2002, at 16:20:40
In reply to New to Topamax, posted by anjo on July 2, 2002, at 15:30:54
Angela:
I am very sorry to hear what you are going through. Unfortunately, many of us on this board, and many more who are not, share your plight to greater or lesser degrees. This includes myself. As I read your description of your plight, I recognize the dilemmas I face. I, nor it seems anyone, can take away our suffering, but we always have commiseration. Hang in there.
Bob
Posted by DENNIE on July 5, 2002, at 10:14:29
In reply to New to Topamax, posted by anjo on July 2, 2002, at 15:30:54
message to anjo i know how scarey it is to be on 3 to 4 meds at on time and then change and then the side effects are the even scaryer so anytime you want to babble on feel feeek i'll listen i just started talking topamax jun 24th adnd the final dosage is 100mg and 175 mg of exxflor and 10 mg ambian to sleep when needed tke care and post again demnie
Posted by DanielleMarie on August 7, 2002, at 12:06:20
In reply to Re: Topamax Experiences?, posted by Bob on January 21, 2001, at 22:24:33
I am new to this but i just wanted to say i am on Topamax 100mg morning and night so 200mg a day and of course i had towork up to it slowley buti started having the tingling in my hands then my face and it get to where itstayed in my face for the whole day at a time. Last month when i went back to my doctor i told him about this because it was very anoying side affect to have he said he wanted toto give itone more month to see if things would smooth out but they did not i woke up 4 days ago now and half of my toung has been numb and yesterday i started loosing control of the left side of my face and i just thought you should know of this side affect incase you start to have it. i have alsohad the vison problems and i am not sure about the kindey stonesi thinkmabey but they are big enought that i fell them but small enough that they dont hurt yet.
Posted by Susanna on August 11, 2002, at 20:47:55
In reply to Topamax for Energy?, posted by Annie Z. on February 12, 2002, at 21:29:36
Hello everyone! I've been on Topomax for 11 days now. Currently, I'm at 75 mg. daily. Started off at 25mg. b.i.d. From what I've read so far, this change in dosage may be ocurring a bit quick. Side effects are that of the norm. I also take Wellbutrin 150 mg. b.i.d. & I am titrating down from Lithium, which I have been on for the last 5 years. Lithium really does the trick for me in terms of keeping me somewhat close to the grey zone, but, sadly, I have gained a considerable amount of weight, which doesn't seem to budge no matter what method I approach. So here I am. I am seeing a new shrink, who has prescribed Topomax & Wellbutrin, increasing the Topomax next week to 100mg., following week 150 mg.,...200mg., 300mg.,... 400mg. This concerns me greatly. Any comments?
Posted by jellybean on August 27, 2002, at 0:58:12
In reply to Topomax: an alternative to Lithium therapy, posted by Susanna on August 11, 2002, at 20:47:55
> Hello everyone! I've been on Topomax for 11 days now. Currently, I'm at 75 mg. daily. Started off at 25mg. b.i.d. From what I've read so far, this change in dosage may be ocurring a bit quick. Side effects are that of the norm. I also take Wellbutrin 150 mg. b.i.d. & I am titrating down from Lithium, which I have been on for the last 5 years. Lithium really does the trick for me in terms of keeping me somewhat close to the grey zone, but, sadly, I have gained a considerable amount of weight, which doesn't seem to budge no matter what method I approach. So here I am. I am seeing a new shrink, who has prescribed Topomax & Wellbutrin, increasing the Topomax next week to 100mg., following week 150 mg.,...200mg., 300mg.,... 400mg. This concerns me greatly. Any comments?
Hi- If I remember correctly, my doses of Topamax were raised in 1 week intervals as well. It was fine, but my memory may be off! I've been on a lot of different drug combos for bi-polar d/o over the past decade or so and what seems to work the best is topamax with an antidepressant. The antidepressants seem to fade in effectiveness after a couple of years however, so then I have to switch. I'm currently on lithium, gabitril, paxil and wellbutrin. NOT HAPPY - I've gained 20 lbs in 3 months as I did when on depakote (65 lbs total then). My Dr. took me off topamax because of the glaucoma warnings although I did not want to be taken off. I had been on it successfully for 2 years. From what I've read, vision problems would show up in the first month or so of treatment. On my current drug regimen my memory is a mess, I have to search for common words at times, and I'm becoming overweight and depressed. Anyone else experience the problem of being taken off topamax against their wishes - any luck convincing your Dr. to place you back on it? Any suggestions? I'd be interested in knowing how the Topamax and Wellbutrin combo does for you. Thanks, j
Posted by jellybean on August 30, 2002, at 20:13:21
In reply to Re: Topomax: an alternative to Lithium therapy, posted by jellybean on August 27, 2002, at 0:58:12
> > Hello everyone! I've been on Topomax for 11 days now. Currently, I'm at 75 mg. daily. Started off at 25mg. b.i.d. From what I've read so far, this change in dosage may be ocurring a bit quick. Side effects are that of the norm. I also take Wellbutrin 150 mg. b.i.d. & I am titrating down from Lithium, which I have been on for the last 5 years. Lithium really does the trick for me in terms of keeping me somewhat close to the grey zone, but, sadly, I have gained a considerable amount of weight, which doesn't seem to budge no matter what method I approach. So here I am. I am seeing a new shrink, who has prescribed Topomax & Wellbutrin, increasing the Topomax next week to 100mg., following week 150 mg.,...200mg., 300mg.,... 400mg. This concerns me greatly. Any comments?
>
>
> Hi- If I remember correctly, my doses of Topamax were raised in 1 week intervals as well. It was fine, but my memory may be off! I've been on a lot of different drug combos for bi-polar d/o over the past decade or so and what seems to work the best is topamax with an antidepressant. The antidepressants seem to fade in effectiveness after a couple of years however, so then I have to switch. I'm currently on lithium, gabitril, paxil and wellbutrin. NOT HAPPY - I've gained 20 lbs in 3 months as I did when on depakote (65 lbs total then). My Dr. took me off topamax because of the glaucoma warnings although I did not want to be taken off. I had been on it successfully for 2 years. From what I've read, vision problems would show up in the first month or so of treatment. On my current drug regimen my memory is a mess, I have to search for common words at times, and I'm becoming overweight and depressed. Anyone else experience the problem of being taken off topamax against their wishes - any luck convincing your Dr. to place you back on it? Any suggestions? I'd be interested in knowing how the Topamax and Wellbutrin combo does for you. Thanks, j
>
j again - well, success - i'm back on topamax! with lithium and paxil. the wellbutrin sent me off the deep end - agitated, irritable, not sleeping, headache for days. i signed an agreement with my doc stated i was aware of the warnings about topamax and i start back tonight - upping it 25 mg a week to a total of 150 before a re-check. so to the post at the top - my memory was 1/2 right. i increased every week, but only by 25 mg.
Posted by whittba on September 3, 2002, at 10:41:31
In reply to Re: Topamax Experiences: Long Term Use, posted by Ginger67 on June 11, 2002, at 23:58:26
Hello all! I've been on Effexor for depression 6 years. I've tried other anti-depressants without luck. I'm dx'd as borderline personality disorder. I have mood swings only which I can relate to in my eyes as a bi-polar might and asked the pdoc for something to level me out, impaticular, Topomax, for one reason I heard that one of the side effects were weight loss, something I have had a hard time achieving by myself for I'm one of those depressed ppl that overeat and not undereat. I'm very optimisitic about this and hope the two drugs work together well and will keep you posted. I'm on day four at 50 mgs and doing well. I've lost 4 lbs, but I think that is part psychological :) (isn't it all, lol). Best wishes to you!
Posted by Little-Bit on September 11, 2002, at 15:02:12
In reply to Re: Topamax , posted by whittba on September 3, 2002, at 10:41:31
Hey, I am taking topomax, I was on Neurotin and it made me gain about 30 lbs. I have always been a light person, never having to worry about my weight, so I immediatly started dieting, my doctor told me I did not have to the pounds would come off after I stop taking the neurotin. Now I am on topomax with dieting and exercising, I have lost 15lbs. so I am wondering now that I am on topomax can I eat normally now, I eat no breakfast a slimfast for lunch and a light dinner. thanks
Posted by mcmud on September 25, 2002, at 16:09:30
In reply to Re: Topamax Experiences re: nerve pain, posted by mcmud on August 9, 2001, at 11:20:33
Long time, no write, gang. Still on low dose
of Topamax, still an amp. For the second summer
in a row, I started forming urinary stones, so gave up the drug for the summer. Wearing a prosthesis is hot work, and I simply sweat too much to tolerate the drug. Now that it is cooler, I am back to a low dose. It reduces some of the lancinating pain, but my real mainstays are amitriptyline and an opioid.
Posted by LilyB on October 12, 2002, at 12:06:36
In reply to Re: Topamax Experiences: Long Term Use, posted by shersher on January 6, 2002, at 7:39:25
Hi!
I'm brand new to this board so I'll give a little background. Actually I'm looking for some advice which I'll ask for at the end.I'm 45 and have had panic attacks since my early twenties when they didn't know what they were. I just recently was diagnosed with tachycardia (constant rapid heartbeat) and when I asked if this is what could be triggering the panic attacks my GP said "who knows....which came first, the chicken or the egg?"
I am also bipolar with large swings from depression and crying ALL the time to severe mania. My mania normally manifests in extreme spending sprees to the point of near bankruptcy. During these manic episodes sometimes I feel wonderful and am able to achieve extraordinary things and sometimes I am extremely irritable and aggresive.
I have been a high achiever all my life and am constantly putting pressure on myself not to fail.
NOW HERE'S MY BIGGEST PROBLEM: I am deathly afraid of medication. It took several doctors over five years to convince me to try Prozac. When I finally did go on it, it did help my panic attacks tremendously but did nothing for my mania. I was on it for about five years. A couple of months ago my husband said that it seemed like I didn't care about anything and he wanted me off the Prozac so I complied.
Since then, my mood swings have been severe!!! My doctor really, really wants me to try Topomax but my wild imagination kicks in when I hear the words "anti-seizure". I don't have seizures now and have never had them before. Like I said, I'm irrationally afraid of medication and I keep thinking that if I take Topomax that, if and when I ever try to stop, I will GET seizures!!
I know I need some sort of pharmeceutical help but I just need to convince myself that it is not going to hurt me to take these medications.
Topomax is the first one that I am very seriously considering. In fact I have filled the prescription and have the bottle in front of me.
Has anyone else had fears like mine?? Everyone I know just pops pills at the drop of a hat and that's just not me, obviously.
If anyone else has had these feelings, please let me know if you overcame them and how.
I welcome and appreciate any and all comments and help!!!
Thanks so much!
Lily
Posted by joy on October 14, 2002, at 9:43:44
In reply to Topomax-Should I or shouldn't I????, posted by LilyB on October 12, 2002, at 12:06:36
Lily,
You will never know unless you try it. Topamax has a lot of side effects [including weight loss, which is not too bad] but this med, though it's anti-seizure, is used much more for migraine headache prevention, mood normalcy, etc. Don't let the anti-seizure label get to you. I don't know if this is the right med for you, but I'd at least give it a 4 to 6 week try. Always start low and take your time raising the dose, especially since you are not that pro-med. Good luck.
Joy
Posted by jellybean on October 14, 2002, at 10:26:54
In reply to Re: Topomax-Should I or shouldn't I????, posted by joy on October 14, 2002, at 9:43:44
I am VERY cautious about medications. I don't like putting chemicals into my body and I am also very medication sensitive. However, it's important to try things within reason that can help you get on track and stay there. Topomax has worked wonders for me - maybe it can for you - Give it a try. It has not had bad side effects for me - Helps me sleep (I take it all at bedtime, no day time doses to cut down on daytime drowsiness) I get some mental slowness, but just a little fuzzy around the edges, nothing major like I got with some of the other meds I've been on. The benfits have been terrific - even mood, good sleep, no aggressiveness, on track. I hope it helps you - give it a try.-j
Posted by Ponder on October 14, 2002, at 14:00:44
In reply to Topomax-Should I or shouldn't I????, posted by LilyB on October 12, 2002, at 12:06:36
As others have commented, the bulk of posts on P-babble about Topa give one pause. People on this board are pretty tough and courageous about tolerating side-effects, if necessary, in order to get efficacy. Still, many have not been able to stick with Topa.
I have a bottle of Topa 25 mg sitting in front of me now and have not yet worked up the resolve to get started. Clinical studies with Topa had a 28% discontinuation rate due to side effects. This compares to 10% with Lamictal. Still, the percentages listed in the prescribing info for Topa suggest that the majority of patients did NOT have these side effects. You wouldn't know that by reading this board.
I think the continued sharing of information and experiences with Topamax is critical here. The benefits, for those who benefit, are substantial. That's why it's hard to dismiss Topa as a dirty drug to be avoided.
Cognitive problems caused by bipolar depression, ECT, and other psych drugs have been so awful, the thought of having them aggravated by Topa is pretty scarey.
Don't know quite what I'm asking for here. Guess I'd like to hear more from people who have had success with Topa, especially those who were able to escape significant side effects by starting very low, increasing very slowly, or by whatever means.
Also...is anyone else frustrated by the difficulty in evaluating the relative contribution of each component of treatment? Seems whenever I run into problems, the p-doc wants to add something. Pretty soon I'm on multiple drugs and wondering why, if they aren't working anymore, I should continue taking all this stuff.
I feel a rant coming on regarding the dismal state of psychiatry, the enormous burden of diagnosis and treatment decisions that fall on the shoulders of the patient at times when that patient is least able to deal with such decisions, etc. Do you ever feel that p-docs just sit at a desk with a prescription pad, prescribe whatever you tell them to, then bill your insurance for a bundle of money? Sometimes I feel so alone and unsupported in dealing with this illness. Always an enormous let-down when I leave the doctor's office wondering if I provided sufficiently accurate info to result in the best treatment decisions.
Thanks in advance to anyone who may provide response to this rambling post.
I am bipolar II, take Wellbutrin SR 400 mg, Lamictal 150 mg (reluctant to increase dose due to hair loss), Ambien 10 mg at night, Ativan as needed, HRT, fish oils, vitamin and mineral supplements including zinc, selenium, and biotin to attenuate the medication-induced hair loss (no luck). Also VNS which seems to help, but with all the meds, and the cyclical nature of the illness itself, who can say what's working and what's not? Oh, yeah, psychotherapy, too, even though I have never found it to be much help beyond having another person to help monitor my state.
Posted by LilyB on October 14, 2002, at 14:59:15
In reply to Topaphobic, posted by Ponder on October 14, 2002, at 14:00:44
I agree......I would like to hear from some people who have had positive results with Topomax. I would also like to hear about anyone who has had trouble getting OFF of Topomax.
With regard to your comment on your pd. My insurance doesn't cover my treatment so I really want my money's worth!! Sometimes, when I express my anxiety about taking medication, my pd will say "Don't you trust me?" To me, that's like saying "Trust me, you'll feel better if you jump off this bridge."
Here is what I need:
Someone to say to me:
Lily, you may experience some side effects with Topomax but if they are too severe you can stop taking the drug and they will go away without leaving any permanent damage. (I know one can't say this with 100% certainty but 90% would be ok for me)
Lily, you do not have seizures now so you will not experience seizures if and when you stop taking Topomax.
Lily, you will not "lose your edge", become stupid or start drooling if you take Topomax.
Can anyone say this stuff to me??? No one has yet.
Boy am I ever a whack job!!
Love,
Lily> As others have commented, the bulk of posts on P-babble about Topa give one pause. People on this board are pretty tough and courageous about tolerating side-effects, if necessary, in order to get efficacy. Still, many have not been able to stick with Topa.
>
> I have a bottle of Topa 25 mg sitting in front of me now and have not yet worked up the resolve to get started. Clinical studies with Topa had a 28% discontinuation rate due to side effects. This compares to 10% with Lamictal. Still, the percentages listed in the prescribing info for Topa suggest that the majority of patients did NOT have these side effects. You wouldn't know that by reading this board.
>
> I think the continued sharing of information and experiences with Topamax is critical here. The benefits, for those who benefit, are substantial. That's why it's hard to dismiss Topa as a dirty drug to be avoided.
>
> Cognitive problems caused by bipolar depression, ECT, and other psych drugs have been so awful, the thought of having them aggravated by Topa is pretty scarey.
>
> Don't know quite what I'm asking for here. Guess I'd like to hear more from people who have had success with Topa, especially those who were able to escape significant side effects by starting very low, increasing very slowly, or by whatever means.
>
> Also...is anyone else frustrated by the difficulty in evaluating the relative contribution of each component of treatment? Seems whenever I run into problems, the p-doc wants to add something. Pretty soon I'm on multiple drugs and wondering why, if they aren't working anymore, I should continue taking all this stuff.
>
> I feel a rant coming on regarding the dismal state of psychiatry, the enormous burden of diagnosis and treatment decisions that fall on the shoulders of the patient at times when that patient is least able to deal with such decisions, etc. Do you ever feel that p-docs just sit at a desk with a prescription pad, prescribe whatever you tell them to, then bill your insurance for a bundle of money? Sometimes I feel so alone and unsupported in dealing with this illness. Always an enormous let-down when I leave the doctor's office wondering if I provided sufficiently accurate info to result in the best treatment decisions.
>
> Thanks in advance to anyone who may provide response to this rambling post.
>
> I am bipolar II, take Wellbutrin SR 400 mg, Lamictal 150 mg (reluctant to increase dose due to hair loss), Ambien 10 mg at night, Ativan as needed, HRT, fish oils, vitamin and mineral supplements including zinc, selenium, and biotin to attenuate the medication-induced hair loss (no luck). Also VNS which seems to help, but with all the meds, and the cyclical nature of the illness itself, who can say what's working and what's not? Oh, yeah, psychotherapy, too, even though I have never found it to be much help beyond having another person to help monitor my state.
Posted by LilyB on October 14, 2002, at 15:03:07
In reply to Re: Topomax-Should I or shouldn't I???? » joy, posted by jellybean on October 14, 2002, at 10:26:54
Thank you, Joy and Jellybean, for giving me some confidence. I'm pretty close to actually trying Topomax.....although who's to say how I'll feel tomorrow.
I'm usually not so cowardly about most things in my life however when it comes to chemicals and my body I'm a big CHICKEN!! Strange....because I'm a child of the 60's and have probably experimented with every drug in the world at some time or another...although not for a good twenty years now. I don't know when I started freaking out about medication. Just the thought of altering my brain gives me shivers.
Love,
Lily
Posted by jellybean on October 14, 2002, at 19:35:31
In reply to Re: Topomax-Should I or shouldn't I????, posted by LilyB on October 14, 2002, at 15:03:07
Ha! - yes, I too am a child of the 60's - I understand the drug (recreational) thing -maybe that's why I too am now so militant about not taking drugs(over-the counter or prescription)- never thought of that connection! Good luck with the topomax, I hope you can let yourself try it and that you have some good results as I have. -j
Posted by ROO on October 15, 2002, at 8:41:10
In reply to Re: Topomax-Should I or shouldn't I????, posted by jellybean on October 14, 2002, at 19:35:31
I have to say, I have been pretty amazed at how much
better I have felt on Topamax...in a pretty short amount
of time...I have just been on it two weeks, and it took me
out of a suicidal depression. My moods are much more even.
I did/do have some of the cognitive stuff but it seems to be
improving with time and it's better than when I was cycling constantly--
my mind was REALLY in bad shape then!
Posted by LilyB on October 15, 2002, at 15:06:11
In reply to Re: Topomax-Should I or shouldn't I????, posted by ROO on October 15, 2002, at 8:41:10
I would like my moods to be even which seems to happen with Topomax but I'm also afraid that I will never be really, really happy when I'm on it.
Lil
Posted by jellybean on October 16, 2002, at 23:16:18
In reply to Re: Topomax-Should I or shouldn't I????, posted by LilyB on October 15, 2002, at 15:06:11
Lily - Well, if it helps, I still seem to be able to be happy - and giddy at times, just not TOO happy - weird happy, if you know what I mean. I'm still my same old goofy self, with my strange sense of humor, my imagination, and my own style. I just don't feeling like killing myself or hiding in a closet or buying 35 lawn chairs or applying for a CEO position that I know nothing about (I can get a wee bit grandiose off meds). Let yourself give Topamax a try if that's what your doc has suggested. It may be right, it may not- but there's no way to find out for sure from anyone but yourself. Although it definitely is helpful to hear from others. I always feel better when I know other people have gone through and are going through the same crappy ordeal with this ridiculous disorder we're stuck with and come out ok. Strength and luck-j
Posted by ROO on October 17, 2002, at 8:24:50
In reply to Re: Topomax-Should I or shouldn't I???? » LilyB, posted by jellybean on October 16, 2002, at 23:16:18
I like it....but I'm just discovering it has
sexual side effects....anyone else have a problem
with this? Weird...I thought this was only supposed
to happen with the ssri's....disappointing...
Posted by Ponder on October 17, 2002, at 15:42:11
In reply to Re: Topomax-Should I or shouldn't I????, posted by ROO on October 15, 2002, at 8:41:10
> I have to say, I have been pretty amazed at how much
> better I have felt on Topamax...in a pretty short amount
> of time...I have just been on it two weeks, and it took me
> out of a suicidal depression. My moods are much more even.
> I did/do have some of the cognitive stuff but it seems to be
> improving with time and it's better than when I was cycling constantly--
> my mind was REALLY in bad shape then!ROO,
Your post is very helpful because it indicates Topa can be a good thing, can in some cases work quickly, and can yield benefits that outweigh the side-effects. A couple of questions for you (forgive me if you've already answered these in other posts that I have not seen): What dose are you on? What other meds are you on? Can you speak more specifically about side-effects, how bad they've been and to what degree they are subsiding. Also, how many lawn chairs constitute a reasonable purchase? ;-)
Posted by ROO on October 18, 2002, at 12:50:39
In reply to Re: Topomax-Should I or shouldn't I???? » ROO, posted by Ponder on October 17, 2002, at 15:42:11
>
What dose
are you on?Just went to 125 mg's last night...I guess I'll be steadily increasing...I'm not
sure to what....I'll ask my p-doc when I see her next.What other meds are you on?
I'm on a very small dose of navane...which is an AP
Can
you speak more specifically about side-effects,
how bad they've been and to what degree they
are subsiding.I've had sexual side effects and cogntive dulling...that's about it. I can't
think quite clearly or focus quite as well. My p-doc suspects that this will
get better with time and that this is also partly the depression, which
is healing. It's harder to explain things, and thus answer your post...
>
>
Posted by mendy on October 20, 2002, at 23:24:28
In reply to Re: Starting on Topomax for Migraines. Advice anyone? » JohnX2, posted by Mitch on November 13, 2001, at 23:35:31
I have suffered with migraines since I was a child. They have grown worse in recent months. I have taken a variety of drugs through the years. I also do Yoga, have eaten fresh feverfew and sought out anyone I thought could relieve me of these life altering periods. About a month ago I was started on a daily dose of depakote. Because of my concern about long term use and possible liver damage the neurologist just switched me to Topomax. You two seem to know what is going on with current treatments. If you don't mind I'd like to join your chat as an observer. After I wrote this and tried to submit it I found myself in a study. Well thats' OK too. I'd just like some answers and if it helps someone else thats fine.
Posted by Joanie on October 21, 2002, at 12:06:35
In reply to Re: Starting on Topomax for Migraines. Advice anyone?, posted by mendy on October 20, 2002, at 23:24:28
I didn't like it at all. It was probably the worst experience with medication I've ever had, and I've tried lots, depakote, amitryptline, paxil, prozac, and now I'm trying lexapro. But... the Topomax is what I called the "stupid" drug. It literally made me unable to think. I would try to type something and not remember how to spell the word. I mean, easy words. It was horrible. I took it for about 2 1/2 months before I said, no more. Hope you have better luck!
Posted by Yosemi on October 23, 2002, at 4:29:23
In reply to Topomax-Should I or shouldn't I????, posted by LilyB on October 12, 2002, at 12:06:36
I have been taking Paxil (on and off) for about three years, and have gained more than 50lbs.
My doc prescribed Topamax to help me lose weight.
At the lower doses (25 mg to 100 mg), I experienced minor side effects such as lethargy, drowsiness, etc., for three to four days after each dose increase.
At 100 mg, I began having problems searching for words/names, and noticed some disorientation at night.
Other side effects included: thirst, swollen tongue, dry eyes, visual effects, dry mucous membranes, and lack of appetite.
I felt nonspecifically "ill", like I had been sitting in a cramped car on a long road trip: tired, not quite headachy, not quite nauseous, etc.
HOWEVER...When I increased to 150mg, I started to notice bleeding gums, morning "film" in my mouth, sore throat, watery diarrhea.
Eventually, I came down with a 10 day "cold".
The drug also seemed to, after time, counteract the antidepressant effects of the Paxil.
In addition, I started experiencing muscle/bone pain in one arm (extending down into palm of hand, thumb, and middle finger--and my shoulder has frozen up.
No significant weight loss either, despite lack of appetite (probably because I felt too lousy to do anything except sleep or read, watch videos, etc.)
Reduced dose to 75 mg but began having strange sensation in my foot--pulsating zap from heel to arch. Is this the tingling people mention, perhaps? I also experienced cold hand (one hand only), dry throat, and sinusitis.
Have since stopped Topamax entirely.
I felt "better" almost immediately, but still am feeling stupid/foggy, and I tire easily.
My shoulder is very painful and keeps me awake at night. The muscles in my arm tense up too. I can now lift my arm up and out to the side, but not behind me or across my chest. The foot symptoms are almost gone.
I feel like I have been poisoned, though. Maybe I will feel better in a week or so, if/when my head clears and my body heals.
I don't think Topamax is for me. Your mileage may vary. If you try it, take it slowly.
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