Posted by doggrrl on January 3, 2003, at 16:02:02
In reply to Re: Starting on Topomax for Migraines. Advice anyone?, posted by Gorda on December 30, 2002, at 19:20:09
I do not take Topomax for migranes, but for a mild sz disorder and for bipolar disorder (along with lithium and ADs). I have had GREAT luck with it. I lost 22 lbs that I gained due to lithium and neurontin despite intense exercise 5 days a week. Since starting topomax, I have kept the weight off irrespective of my exercise habits, which were curtailed dramatically at one point for 6 months because of a sports injury. I have always been very athletic and had never gained any weight until I started lithium. No matter what I did, I could not shed the extra weight until the Topomax. I realize that I am only one person, and additionally, that I have always been thin. However, I have to say that for me, I am really pleased with Topomax. It also has had a marked AD effect, and has augmented the effects of my other meds. I took it and lithium alone together for months until a number of circumstances necessitated an AD. I take 200 mg/day. The hardest side effect for me was intense sedation. This lessened over time and disappeared but there were days when I thought I would not be able to continue it, especially with my job. I have experienced some naming problems on it -- again hard with my job, which involves lots of cognitive activity, writing, reading, lecturing -- but I can compensate with notetaking. Overall, the benefits -- mood augmentation, weight control -- far outweigh the slight decline in memory. The other side effects I had were fleeting, as I have been on it for over 2 years now and don't remember what they were, except for the horrific fatigue. Good luck to anyone considering this drug, and please write back with any questions. I know everyone is different. I am so sorry for Gorda -- with the hair loss, etc.
poster:doggrrl
thread:50878
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20021230/msgs/134344.html