Posted by Nickengland on August 24, 2005, at 14:19:36
In reply to Re: Topamax increase - stupifying! » Nickengland, posted by ed_uk on August 22, 2005, at 15:46:24
Hi Ed,
I remember when I first starting taking Topamax and read through the list of the side effects, metabolic acidosis was one in particular that caught my eye. (sounded quite serious :-o) That and the kidney stones..
>Don't take bicarbonate tablets unless you've developed metabolic acidosis.
Sounds sensible to me :-)
>Metabolic acidosis can only be diagnosed by a blood test.
I remember my GP when he first gave me Topamax reading through the list of side effects, he didn't mention that one in particular, but he did reassure me in a sense that this drug would be alot safer taking longterm than compared with lithium for example. He didn't mention blood tests and as far as I know my psychiatrist hasnt as of yet (I'm his first patient on topamax lol) maybe i'll remind him of this side effect and also enquire about whether a blood test should be done to check electrolytes etc and this specific side effect before I go to Australia.
As far as I know this kind of blood test doesnt have to be done routinely like with carbamazepine or lithium does it?..I have read elsewhere on the web though and I think even on the Topamax website the mention that your doctor may want to *occasionally* do a blood test just to check things are okay?
>Symptoms of mild metabolic acidosis are vague........
>Headache
No headaches whatsoever! :)
>Nausea/vomiting
All fine there
>Reduced appetite
Kind of, but I can still eat okay.
Deep and/or rapid breathing
Possibly the oppisite as i'm calmer lol
Lethargy
LOL always!
>Cognitive impairment
I'm fine there so far :-)
Kind regards
Nick
poster:Nickengland
thread:542426
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20050821/msgs/546080.html