![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 133 to 157 of 1838. Go back in thread:
Posted by Janey on July 6, 2002, at 10:27:02
In reply to Re: Topamax: weight loss/mild depression, posted by RES on June 11, 2002, at 14:19:20
I just found all these posts because I was researching Topomax. I was given samples of it from my neurologist to tide me over until I get results back from numerous tests. I might possible have a seizure disorder, but hopefully it will be ruled out and it was just a fluke thing, but he gave me the Topomax(50mg) just incase. I also take Prozac (40mg) for a slump I am in, and I must admit, I love the combo. I am 5'6" and 12 weeks ago I weighed 180. The Prozac helped me start losing a good amount of weight, but I started the Topomax 2 weeks ago and now I am down to 160. The only thing is, it seems like my scale has been stuck there for days. I can't drink anything carbonated...it makes me gag, I haven't been able to sleep at all, so I am afraid to see if I can up the dosage.. BUT, sex is great now and I am very motivated to lose more weight. The weightloss alone kind of makes it all worth it. I have read that Topomax can cause memory loss and kidney stones, but on the same note, I have not had one headache in 2 weeks :) Does anyone else have any problems with sleep from the Topomax? I guess that is the biggest negative side effect I have (that and weird BM, but I won't get into that, LOL). Also, I have read that alot of you are taking yours in two daily doses. I hope I didn't miss that from my dr, I just take 2 pills in the am. I go back for followup in a few days, so I will check.
Posted by Hope on July 6, 2002, at 18:31:04
In reply to Re: Topamax: weight loss/mild depression, posted by RES on June 11, 2002, at 14:19:20
I also am a new user to Topamax. I am currently on my 2nd week and have just started 50mg, up from the 25mg. I am considering starting Prozac along with the Topamax for GAD. And of course the weight loss. I have heard so many negative things abour Prozac and weight gain that I am leary. But, I also heard it is probably the least to cause weight gain. How have the side effects been for you? And has the Prozac helped with your anxiety? I would love to hear your experiences. Please e-mail me if you would like to talk further. Since I am new to this it is nice to find someone that shares the same problem. I have put off trying medication for years but am so tired of seeing my life go by and not enjoying it. Thanks for any help.
Posted by janey on July 6, 2002, at 18:50:05
In reply to Re: Topamax: weight loss/mild depression, posted by Hope on July 6, 2002, at 18:31:04
Hope, I never would have thought that I would take anything stronger than Tylenol in my life because I don't like meds, so when my therapist said Prozac, I almost died. Then I realized that I should give it a try and see what happens. Best thing I could have done! I am so much happier and so is the rest of my family, we just enjoy each other so much more now. I have had no side effects from the Prozac except for the weight loss, which is fine by me. Everyone is different on it though. I have a 4 year old and a 22 month old and have tried every diet in the world and every exersize program I could afford, nothing motivated me, mainly due to depression. The Prozac is helping me deal with that depression, but it is also making me have no appetite. I actually have to have a chart on the door to remind me to eat and feed the kids b/c I don't want to get out of control and cause myself more problems. Where I just started, I think it will be a couple of months before my dr and I find the right dosages for me, and I am hoping that both meds are short term. My goal is to not need Prozac after the winter and the Topamax depends on my migranes and seizures.
Posted by Karmagirl on July 8, 2002, at 16:51:43
In reply to Re: Topamax: weight loss/mild depression, posted by janey on July 6, 2002, at 18:50:05
Hi Res! I just wanted to followup and let you know how the combination Topomax/Weight Watchers program was working out. Okay, here we go. It's been 4 weeks and I'm up to 100 mg of Topomax and starting week 5 of WW. I've lost 20 lbs. and this is week 2 of my 100 mg dosage. To refresh you, I started at 25 mg, progressing weekly by 25 mg up to 100 mg. My Dr. had prescribed the Topomax for pseudotumor cerebri and papilledema. The headaches have all but stopped. I have experienced some insomnia but nothing unbearable. My instructions are to take the meds before bedtime so I've started taking them maybe 2-3 hrs. before I plan on going to sleep. That seems to rectify that. Have had some tingling of extremities but nothing overwhelming. Just wanted to followup with you and let you know. Write back...wanting to hear about you too. Hope all is well!
Posted by RES on July 8, 2002, at 20:07:36
In reply to Re: Topamax: Weight loss, posted by Karmagirl on July 8, 2002, at 16:51:43
Hi Karmagirl and all others,
I have been taking 50mg of Topamax plus Weight Watchers for weight loss for 4 weeks now and have lost about 6.5 lbs. I saw an endocrinologist who prescribed the Topamax off label since she felt it has appetite suppressing effects that would be helpful since I have about 80 lbs to lose. I had been strictly following Weight Watchers before and never had that much success in losing. I am also limiting carbs and focusing more on eating protein and some fats. The Topamax at this dosage does not seem to have negative side effects, but does definitely reduce my appetite. I am also on Zoloft for depression. This week I actually gained .4 lbs vs losing over 2 lbs the previous 3 weeks, but I will not get discouraged, since I know I am eating properly. Good luck to all of us who are struggling!
Posted by suji on July 10, 2002, at 15:12:29
In reply to Re: Topamax: Weight loss, posted by RES on July 8, 2002, at 20:07:36
I regret that I don't have anything positive to say about Topamax--but everyone is different so this is just to say this is what I experienced:
I went up from 25mg to 200mg. over several weeks... although weight loss was one of my primary reason for trying Topamax, I didn't lose any weight over the 12-15 weeks I took it (and I have at least 30 lbs or more to lose; most of it gained on Remeron....).The worst part, for me, was my inability to think properly...I "lost" words, couldn't maintain a train of thought, etc., etc. I found this side-effect to be so disturbing that--even if I had lost weight, which I hadn't--I would have stopped this drug.
As I said, though, everyone is different and I certainly hope others have a more positive experience than I did. For those of you who went through what I did--you're not crazy!
:=) (=:
suji
Posted by Karmagirl on July 11, 2002, at 13:27:41
In reply to Re: Topamax: Weight loss/Cognitive Chgs, posted by suji on July 10, 2002, at 15:12:29
When I started my initial research about taking Topomax, I noticed that the cognitive problems began with the higher dosages. When my dosage increased to 100 MG, which I am currently taking and do not plan on increasing above that amt., I did notice some cognitive changes. I lit a cigarette one night and put the match book to my lips and tossed the lit cigarette on the bed instead of the matchbook. Another time, I made a sandwich putting the spread on the napkin and leaving the bread on the counter. The only reason I associate this with the medication is because it took so LONG for me to realize that i had gotten confused. I've noticed some other small changes but nothing really dramatic for me. As with any medication, I guess it boils down to do the benefits outweigh the risks. Suji, I hope you find something that works well for you. I am not taking it primarily for weight loss. I have an entire PERSON to lose---150 lbs. so anything that I lose, I sure won't miss. I am als exercising and doing the WW thing. I've tried everything in the book. I don't think it's the Topomax that's working for me. It's the determination and the fact that my mind is made up to live better. The strength that I've found has been through the Lord and in knowing that I can do all things through Him (Philippians 4:13.) That's what works. We can ALL do this. Stay in the race for it is not given to the swift, but to he that endureth to the end. Good luck all and keep ya heads up!!!
Posted by suji on July 11, 2002, at 21:32:55
In reply to Re: Topamax: Weight loss/Cognitive Chgs, posted by Karmagirl on July 11, 2002, at 13:27:41
Thank you, Karmagirl, for your kind and encouraging words. What a beautiful person you must be to be able to share such thoughts with others!
Do you mind if I say something? I would encourage you not to think in terms of a "whole person to lose"...using this sort of terminology somehow makes the idea of the weight loss seem like a sort of a death...and maybe to some extent it is...it's worth looking at, though, in terms of what weight loss may really mean to our unconscious....does it perhaps mean that we think of our weight loss as in some way our own death? Or is it the death of this unknown--but, oh so intimate--person you feel is with you all the time? I mean no offense at all...it's just that that phrase really started me thinking about the way we talk about stuff like loosing weight and what we might really be saying to ourselves....
Blessings to you,
suji
:=)
Posted by Karmagirl on July 12, 2002, at 16:24:52
In reply to Re: Topamax: Weight loss/Cognitive Chgs, posted by suji on July 11, 2002, at 21:32:55
WOW Suji! You are exactly right! I guess it does sound kind of "ick" saying I have a "person" to lose. I won't defend it because you've corrected me in a way that was gentle enough that I've taken no offense. Let me explain why I said I have a PERSON to lose: All my life, I've been overweight. As a teenager, I used to have very low self esteem. Other kids would tease me and make fun of me. But that was outside of my home. Inside my home, in an African American home, I didn't have to worry about looking like the images in magazines, on tv or being shaped like a baby doll. None of those images were black anyway so I'd never be them regardless of what I did. My role models (mom, grandma, aunts) all had big hips, breasts and thighs. And were beautiful women that taught me to love myself like I was. As my attitude and confidence at home began to spill over into my attitude about myself at school and outside of home, I began to see myself and carry myself differently. I noticed that as I carried myself and saw myself differently, people treated me and saw me differently. From this, I concluded that people see us the way we see ourselves. I'm a big sexy girl and can go in any club and not sit down all night. No one can tell me I'm not the hottest female present:0) There used to be a time when I'd go in with my head down and not be asked to dance a single dance ALL night. I hope this encourages SOMEONE who reads this thread. My desire to lose the weight now is not to look better but to live better and to be more comfortable. The cure for depression, obesity and any ailments are not in pills and doctors alone. No offense Dr. Bob. You da man! (lol) The cure is in you. The cure is in the overcoming and in the knowing that you are greater than what you look like. It's in the knowing that your beauty extends beyond the mirror. It's in a relationship with the Creator that took the time to divinely select you for His purpose. The cure is in knowing you have the authority and the power to still the voices of the enemy when he tells you you're not. (Ephesians 6:10-16) Can anybody tell I'm gonna be a minister someday??? lol Okay. Enough for now. Don't want to be thought of as a fanatic....Just a lover of the Lord and I know first hand what has and IS working for me. KEEP THE FAITH!!!!! Thanks again Suji! I bid you all peace and blessings.
Posted by maaron71 on December 26, 2002, at 18:40:19
In reply to Re: Topamax: weight loss/mild depression, posted by RES on June 8, 2002, at 13:34:35
Now that it is December please let me know how your weight loss ended up? I have been on Prozac for years and argued with my general doctor about the weight gain. I knew it was not normal I went from a size 6 at 125 quickly to a size 10 and have landed at a size 16 at 185. My highest and most depressing was 194. Keep in mind I am only 5'1". I finally took myself off the medicine dropped 20 lbs. I realized not being on the medicine was not wise and the weight has crept back.
After much hesitation I went to a Psychiatrist and he put me on Topamax and Lexapro. I've been on the Topomax for 2 wks and I'm at 50mgs. I've dropped a few lbs., enough to go down a size already. Sodas are nasty, my fingers are tingly, my mouth is dry, and I keep seeing points of light in my right eye, but if I lose weight I'll deal with all the silly things. Please update me on how Topamax worked with your weight loss.
THANKS!
Posted by Karmagirl on December 27, 2002, at 15:08:54
In reply to Re: Topamax: weight loss/mild depression, posted by maaron71 on December 26, 2002, at 18:40:19
I FEEL LIKE A MILLION BUCKS!!! And I look like it to boot!! (lol) I'm down 45 lbs. or so, sodas WILL taste good again and the tingling WILL go away so don't worry. My doctor topped me out at 100 MG of Topomax since I'm only taking it for Pseudotumor cerebri and I don't have seizures or any other problems. I can say that the side effects were a little bothersome in the beginning but they went away after the first month. My dosage increased 25 mg/week and once I got stable at 100 MG they just disappeared. Just saw my neurologist last week and she wants to see me in 1 year and wrote me the RX for 12 months. She is ecstatic with my weight loss and the fact that I have not had a single headache since I started taking the Topomax. Good luck to you and keep me updated as I do the same!!!
Posted by maaron71 on December 29, 2002, at 11:13:10
In reply to Re: Topamax: weight loss/mild depression, posted by Karmagirl on December 27, 2002, at 15:08:54
Thanks so much for letting me know. Some of the side effects are already subsiding in just the last two days, but I increase to 75mg on Tuesday so we'll see. No weight loss yet, but I'm hoping. Topomax is playing double duty for me, I have an arachynoid (sp?) cyst in my brain and have small night tremors and hand trembling during the day. Plus it is helping with mood stabilization. So far I can tell a difference. So I am going to keep on and endure the side effects till they subside. THANKS!
Posted by BarbaraCat on December 30, 2002, at 20:29:22
In reply to Re: topomax, posted by nancy on April 21, 1999, at 12:00:06
Nancy,
I respectfully disagree that Topomax is the mood stabilzer of choice. I was on it for a while and it made my mixed states depression worse. It caused anxiety and inner tension and a constant 'duh' feeling. My drug of choice these days for severe manic depression and mixed states is Lamictal, without a doubt. No weight gain or loss, just a great relief from the awful depression.>In my experience, Topomax is the mood stabilizer of CHOICE (granted, if one has a choice) for any severe manic depressive w/, rapid cycling, mixed states, and/or intolerance to other AEDs.
Posted by FloridaOT on January 26, 2003, at 12:21:36
In reply to Re:topamax weight loss/ diabetes, posted by Lisapd on February 28, 2002, at 23:14:43
> I have just learned of topamax and it's use for lowering blood sugar. Anyone have experience with this usage?
No, I haven't heard that topamax lowers blood sugars but, as a fellow diabetic would sure love to know if this is true! I have been on Topamax 2 weeks, just upped my dose to 75mg last night. Solely on the med for weight loss alone, last ditch effort before gastric bypass surgery. I also have OCD and major depression so, if anything, it helps me out in these areas as well.
Posted by SILLYMIMI on January 30, 2003, at 15:23:31
In reply to Re: Topamax: weight loss/mild depression, posted by Karmagirl on December 27, 2002, at 15:08:54
I am curious about your weight loss. I have degenerative osteoarthritis in both my knees, feet and spine. I will have to have knee replacement very soon, but I will "wear out" the new knees if I do not lose weight. I am trying to decide on gastric bypass now. I am looking at this option, as well. I am like you, I have a "person" to lose. I know that has offend some, but I really don't mind the though of the "death" of that extra person. That person takes up too much space and is beginning to occupy my mind, too. It is very depressing to be in pain all the time. I have had a good self esteem for about 30 years. That is a long story, but post-partum depression was the problem then. I am not a spring chicken, as you can tell by the fact that my knees are "worn out", but I am a very young knee replacement candidate, I do not want to go through that again. I have tried many things to lose weight over the years and have never been successful. I want to go into all of this informed. I do not want to take a medication (no matter how severe or mild the adverse reactions) without being as informed as possible and knowing that the benefits out way the risks. I have enough risk ahead with one surgery, without the possibility of two. Thanks for you input.
Posted by Karmagirl on February 4, 2003, at 13:36:46
In reply to Re: Topamax: weight loss/mild depression » Karmagirl, posted by SILLYMIMI on January 30, 2003, at 15:23:31
Hi SILLYMIMI! I started with Topomax back in June at 25 MG increased up to 100 MG which is where I have remained.I also started Weight Watchers at the same time. I weighed 365 lbs at 5'8" tall and 33 yrs old. Now I weigh 299, down from a size 30-32 to a size 20-22 dress and feeling fabulous. I think where the Topomax has helped me is that I don't really crave sweets like I used to. Cakes and candies were a REALLY big thing for me and now I can take them or leave them. Now, I never read anywhere that this was EVER a side effect. I went thru the cola being flat but I'd read that that would be a side effect. But NOWHERE did they ever tell me that the Topomax would change my desire for sweets. I'd have to credit the Topomax for about 20% of my success. It's been mostly God and the Weight Watchers program. I stopped going to Weight Watchers for two months and eating whatever I wanted. I'd still lost 3 lbs. from just taking the Topomax when I rejoined Weight Watchers. I don't know if any of this is helpful but I hope so. I can say that my old body was a prison, and even though I've only lost 66 lbs., I thank God that I can see me getting smaller and smaller and the whole world opening up to me even more. I've got a long way to go but every pound is 1 step closer. It's a battle, it's not easy but as long as you stay focused, you will win. When you lose the first VISIBLE pounds, and people start to TELL you that you are losing weight, OH MY GOODNESS, you will never eat another twinkie again!!! LOL!!!! That's ALL the motivation you need. I'd lost 39 lbs. and people started asking me what I was doing and how good I was looking. Girlfriend, I RAN to my WW meetings!! ROFLOL!!! Anyway, I hope my enthusiasm and love for life has sparked something in you. Keep in touch and let me know how it's going. I encourage you to come on in...the water's fine!!!
karmagirlone
Posted by PodWoman on February 4, 2003, at 15:07:12
In reply to Re: Topamax: weight loss/mild depression » SILLYMIMI, posted by Karmagirl on February 4, 2003, at 13:36:46
Hi all,
I have had a mild and manageable (so mild no one diagnosed me until about 1 yr ago)OCD Binge eating disorder all my life until around 10 yrs ago. It's hereditary in my family (the OCD, addictions, anxiety, depression... We're a mess! LOL). Anyhoo, it really came out when I went thru the 1st of two terribly stressful prgnancies (in short, everything that could have gone wrong, did). In the end I have 2 healthy, normal, beautiful children, a boy & a girl. They, unfortunately do not have a healthy Mom. I feel like I have been steadily spiralling down a water slide, occassionally going under, never reaching the bottom. It's been aweful.My diagnoses are: OCD binge eating, GAD and depression. Add to that a history of gestational diabetes, hypothyroidism and migraines... **PHEW** Now you see what I'm talking about.
I am currently taking (and belive me, I have seen a few different Doc's and have taken/tried dozens of different scripts)Lomax, Synthroid, Wellbutrin, Buspar, occational Xanax, and occassional Ambien. Yikes! I'm a walking pharmacy. My main thing has been the INCREDIBLE negative side effects of the SSRI's (sexually speaking). Sorry, call me weird. but I do NOT choose sanity over my sex life. I'm that oddball who wants BOTH! And to boot, I have not only NOT lost any weight on any of the meds...I've gone up to my all time high of 230! I'm 5'9" and 37 yrs old. I need for the sake of health to get down about 50+ lbs. My NEW Doc du jour (shrink) is seeing me tomorrow a.m. for the first time. He has already told my general Doc that Topamax is probably the answer for me. He has seen lots of new studies where patients have benefited from Topamax for Diabetes prevention/treatment AND feels that because of the weightloss componant, it probably will be supported in the near future for just that.
Has anyone out there heard any of this?? Also, what streangths have yielded best results for people? I imagine it depends on the individual. *Sigh*...Hope I hear from one of you tonight! Thanks,
PodWoman
Posted by Karmagirl on February 4, 2003, at 16:30:22
In reply to Topamax long term OCD bing eater » Karmagirl, posted by PodWoman on February 4, 2003, at 15:07:12
Hey Podwoman!! I'm probably not going to be much help with the meds. cause I take the Topomax for pseudotumor syndrome. I suffer from the occasional depression and PMS but never had any meds for it. I got one question for you though? What's eating you? I read an article in a magazine of a bunch of ex-fatties (putting it nicely) and one of them who'd lost like 160 lbs. said that she had to get to the root of why she overate. I thought and prayed about that and asked God to show me why I overate. Just as sure as I asked Him, He did. What he showed me was that being molested as a child, I ate to make myself unattractive to my uncles, cousins and my brothers' friends that all molested me in one way or another. I was a very pretty child and the fat was a way to hide myself since I couldn't really defend myself against older boys and grown men. I figured if I got fat enough, eventually they'd leave me alone. Well it worked, but it worked against me too. I was never able to bring any control into my life and my self esteem was so low that even I left me alone. Now, at 33, I have learned that it's okay to let the attractive me shine, and she IS shining!! TRUST ME!!! (lol) I don't have to hide anymore. I don't know if this is helpful to you or not but I have had good success with the Topomax. I've been posting since I started in June. It paints the picture of where I started and where I am now. I take 100 MG and was hoping my doc would bump me up to a higher dosage when I saw her last month but no haps. She kept me at 100 for the next 12 months and said she'd see me in Oct. unless I have any problems. Let me warn you about the cognitive side effects..I felt a little dull the first few days but it wore off. Let me know how it goes. GOOD LUCK!!
Posted by PodWoman on February 4, 2003, at 17:40:21
In reply to Re: Topamax long term OCD bing eater, posted by Karmagirl on February 4, 2003, at 16:30:22
Hi Karma,
Thanks for the speedy reply. What's eating me? Nothing that I know of....and I think I've done a fair job of investigating this angle through a bonafide eating disorder specialist Psycologist. Don't mean to sound cranky, it's not you. Your suggestion is a good one, just "been there, done that". It's been a frustrating journey to say the least. I have had more therapists of diferent types over the last 10 years...I hate to add them up. I actually did a comprehensive diagnostic with a doc last spring who was able to get me off the Valium (Xanax) my Gen. Prac. doc gave me for panic attacks and tried a BUNCH of different meds to see how I reacted to them and vice versa. I felt like the human Guinea Pig (LOL). I have also prayed A LOT for guidance. I call myself "Podwoman" because that'sd how I feel...Like I'm trapped in another body that looks and acts like me (somewhat)but in reality it's not the "old" or "true" me at all.I was thin and fit until shortly after I got pregnant with my son 10 years ago. Then all my chemistry went haywire. Everything that was under the radar came out full force, along with some new stuff. Basically, the docs tell me I was always a canidate, just waiting for a catylist. It was more like a torpedo!! My husband didn't know me, wondered not IF I would leave him, but WHEN. When I began meds, my son (8 at the time) asked me out of the blue one day, "Why are you being so nice to us?" Pretty touching and sad, eh? He & I talked about it more recently and he said I've been "different" and "better than before" for about a year. Wow. I never knew HOW BAD I had been until this new diagnostic. My husband admits it's been scary at times. **Sigh** I hate to think about all the wasted time when my kids were tiny. Onward and upward...
I'll let you know how my appt goes tomorrow a.m. Thanks for the support,
Podwoman
Posted by Jaynee on February 4, 2003, at 19:21:31
In reply to Re: Topamax long term OCD bing eater, posted by PodWoman on February 4, 2003, at 17:40:21
Topiramate reduces binge-eating behavior
Researchers assess the efficacy of topiramate in the treatment of binge eating in obese patients.This article is at http://www.psychiatrymatters.md
Thought you might be interested.
Posted by PodWoman on February 5, 2003, at 13:47:49
In reply to Re: Topamax long term OCD bing eater, posted by Karmagirl on February 4, 2003, at 16:30:22
Wow. What an eye openner I had this a.m. As frustrating as it has been being the human lab rat for lo these many years/months, this psychiatrist I saw today was amazed to see all the meds I take. His plan? Take me off all but 3 of them (keep the acne, thryroid + Ambien meds)and STOP taking the Wellbutrin, the Valium, the Buspar and the Lexapro. In short, he thinks I have been over medicated and misdiagnosed.
Wow. I feel a bit nervous about potentially going off the deep end, but also relieved to streamline my medicine cabinet. I see him again on Friday (day after tomorrow). We talked about the Topamax and he said we'd talk more about it Friday. He's a big supporter of it for weight loss. He's thinking I might have what is called Atypical depression, and that overeating may be a symtom of this OR/AND physically linked to a benign tumor in my ovary once, fat cell over production (brain-related) or metabolism abnormalities connected to 2 difficult pregnancies.
Does any of this sound familiar to anyone out there?? Please tell me I'm not alone...He was astounded that nurses (practitioners) and general physicians were/are even predtending to dabble in diagnosing psychiatric issues with medication. Frankly, I have to agree...and this is coming from me, the human lab rat.> Hey Podwoman!! I'm probably not going to be much help with the meds. cause I take the Topomax for pseudotumor syndrome. I suffer from the occasional depression and PMS but never had any meds for it. I got one question for you though? What's eating you? I read an article in a magazine of a bunch of ex-fatties (putting it nicely) and one of them who'd lost like 160 lbs. said that she had to get to the root of why she overate. I thought and prayed about that and asked God to show me why I overate. Just as sure as I asked Him, He did. What he showed me was that being molested as a child, I ate to make myself unattractive to my uncles, cousins and my brothers' friends that all molested me in one way or another. I was a very pretty child and the fat was a way to hide myself since I couldn't really defend myself against older boys and grown men. I figured if I got fat enough, eventually they'd leave me alone. Well it worked, but it worked against me too. I was never able to bring any control into my life and my self esteem was so low that even I left me alone. Now, at 33, I have learned that it's okay to let the attractive me shine, and she IS shining!! TRUST ME!!! (lol) I don't have to hide anymore. I don't know if this is helpful to you or not but I have had good success with the Topomax. I've been posting since I started in June. It paints the picture of where I started and where I am now. I take 100 MG and was hoping my doc would bump me up to a higher dosage when I saw her last month but no haps. She kept me at 100 for the next 12 months and said she'd see me in Oct. unless I have any problems. Let me warn you about the cognitive side effects..I felt a little dull the first few days but it wore off. Let me know how it goes. GOOD LUCK!!
>
Posted by PuraVida on February 5, 2003, at 16:57:43
In reply to Re: Topamax long term OCD bing eater, posted by Karmagirl on February 4, 2003, at 16:30:22
Is anyone taking Prozac with Topomax? And, I've heard that a mood stabilizer like Topomax should be taken along with an anti-depressant...? Also, at what time of the day do you take your dose(es)? I'm only on 50 mg, which I take at night, but it seems to make me so tired in the mornings. Thanks -
Posted by FloridaOT on February 5, 2003, at 18:01:19
In reply to Re: Topamax - other meds too? When? , posted by PuraVida on February 5, 2003, at 16:57:43
> Is anyone taking Prozac with Topomax? And, I've heard that a mood stabilizer like Topomax should be taken along with an anti-depressant...? Also, at what time of the day do you take your dose(es)? I'm only on 50 mg, which I take at night, but it seems to make me so tired in the mornings. Thanks -
>PuraVida, I 'm taking 100mg Topamax at bedtime, 20 mg Prozac in the a.m.,and 300mg Wellbutrin in the a.m and personally I'm having the opposite affect. I'm having insomnia with the Topamax, and have started taking 25mg of Amitriptyline at bedtime to sleep. (By the way, I know the insomnia is not from the wellbutrin or the prozac because I have been on the same dosage of both for several years.) So, obviously we react differently to Topamax :) But, I'm also solely taking it for the benefit of weight loss. My psch DXs are OCD and Major Depression. When my Dr. prescribed Topamax though, he said one of the side effects he had seen with his other patients was drowsiness, so I know you're not alone.
Posted by Karmagirl on February 6, 2003, at 9:15:52
In reply to Miss Diagnosed » Karmagirl, posted by PodWoman on February 5, 2003, at 13:47:49
GOOD FOR YOU PODWOMAN!!! Happy to hear about you getting rid of some of those meds. Is this the first crack in the Pod??? LOL!!! When you go tomorrow, GET THE TOPOMAX!! I read the article that Jaynee recommended and it was pretty interesting. I didn't realize that it helped with binge eating. Anyhooo-you asked about difficult pregnanices, well I don't know what you call "difficult", but I had 2 stillborn children. The difficulty about these pregnancies was that my water broke very early (23 & 26 wks) in both. In neither case were they ever fully able to explain why my water broke. I was put on bedrest in hopes that I wouldn't go into labor too soon but I did. Don't know if this helps but if it relates, please let me know.
Don't be nervous about the meds. It's a big step but you can do it. You said in an earlier post you prayed for guidance. So look to your Guide and Helper...WE WILL WIN!! Philippians 4:13
K
Posted by PodWoman on February 6, 2003, at 9:58:16
In reply to Re: Miss Diagnosed, posted by Karmagirl on February 6, 2003, at 9:15:52
Hi Karma,
Thank you. It's Thursday a.m. now & I had blood tests done and have to collect my pee for 24 hours. I have never done this for a doc and am not really sure what they're looking for. Anyone out there have this done, too?I feel a little clearer this morning. Part of it has to be that I took a full Ambien at 10pm when I returned from work and was out cold on the couch around 10:45pm My poor hubby didn't have the heart to wake me to head me toward our bedroom because he knows how little sleep I've been getting lately. Bottom line, I feel pretty good today.
My 2 difficult pregnancies... First one: hypertension, bed rest, breach, induced & w/forceps...I've blocked it all. The 2nd, non-stop vomiting, genetics counseling (possible Down's), amnio, gestational diabetes, induced...Basically everything (almost) that could go wrong, did. Except of course your experience tops mine by far. I am so sorry for what has happened to you. It's a devastating thing. This happened to 2 friends of mine, except they carried full term and it wasn't until the last days that it was discovered something was terribly wrong. Both had to deliver their babies anyway. It was AWEFUL. I'll pray for you, and hopefully you now have more children? Or no?
Got to run but I'll check back later.
--Podwoman
> GOOD FOR YOU PODWOMAN!!! Happy to hear about you getting rid of some of those meds. Is this the first crack in the Pod??? LOL!!! When you go tomorrow, GET THE TOPOMAX!! I read the article that Jaynee recommended and it was pretty interesting. I didn't realize that it helped with binge eating. Anyhooo-you asked about difficult pregnanices, well I don't know what you call "difficult", but I had 2 stillborn children. The difficulty about these pregnancies was that my water broke very early (23 & 26 wks) in both. In neither case were they ever fully able to explain why my water broke. I was put on bedrest in hopes that I wouldn't go into labor too soon but I did. Don't know if this helps but if it relates, please let me know.
>
> Don't be nervous about the meds. It's a big step but you can do it. You said in an earlier post you prayed for guidance. So look to your Guide and Helper...WE WILL WIN!! Philippians 4:13
>
> K
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