Posted by rainy on March 14, 2005, at 15:03:10
In reply to Re: topomax and weight loss, posted by TylerTor on March 13, 2005, at 0:00:21
Hi, Tylor-Tor, sorry to be so late getting back to you. I was a little surprised at the strength of your response--sounds like I
stepped on your toe or something. Sorry about that.
I'm taking such a high dose of Topamax because I use it as a mood stabilizer; I'm bipolar II. As you probably know, Topamax, like many of the other anticonvulsants, is being used to treat bipolar mood swings as well as the seizures of epilepsy. As a mater of fact, Topamax is probably being prescribed off lable for more conditions than the manufacturer ever dreamed of: migraine headaches, eating disorders, and treating alchoholism, although I think this is still in the experimental stage and then you've brought up the pain issue.
When I first developed an autoimmune peripheral neuropathy in the mid 70s they tried dilantin as an anlagesic (didn't work) so while I was surpried by your first post about Topamax and pain relief it makes some sense. Our neurological systems have to be connected.
Those of us who also suffer mood disorders and have taken antidepresants know what hell the added weight that comes with the pills can be. Topamax can cause weight loss in some people and some unscrupulous doctors prescibe it for that reason. It doesn't always work but a kind word here and there never hurts.
"Giving up" medications that are, unhappily, necessary for life, as in bipolar disorder isn't an option. As you suggest researching them, and using them responsibly is the best we can do.
I hope I'm making some sense here and I hope you find the answers you're seeking.rainy
poster:rainy
thread:5053
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20050312/msgs/470933.html