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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Nissy on October 10, 2003, at 14:25:33
In reply to Just started Topamax, posted by DharmaMama on October 10, 2003, at 12:59:44
Does anyone know if this med. causes damage to rep. system in females?
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
I think what it means is take precautions and do not become pregnant while taking this medication because it possibly could have negative effects on the growing fetus.
Nissy :)
Posted by Larry Hoover on October 10, 2003, at 18:31:43
In reply to Re: Don't Cut Your Pills in half children...... » Larry Hoover, posted by platinumbride on October 10, 2003, at 14:21:38
> Wow, Lar.....
> Thanks for that! I will keep that in mind for future purchases!
>
> I think everyone here has swallowed a bitter pill or two, no?
>
> DianeYou're welcome.
I think the prices are more bitter than the pill.
Lar
Posted by SLS on October 10, 2003, at 19:56:22
In reply to Re: Don't Cut Your Pills in half children...... » platinumbride, posted by Larry Hoover on October 10, 2003, at 13:26:29
Hi Larry.
> I checked the detailed drug monograph...Is there a site on the Web you could suggest to find such monographs?
Thanks.
- Scott
Posted by Larry Hoover on October 10, 2003, at 22:37:29
In reply to Re: Don't Cut Your Pills in half children...... » Larry Hoover, posted by SLS on October 10, 2003, at 19:56:22
> Hi Larry.
>
> > I checked the detailed drug monograph...
>
> Is there a site on the Web you could suggest to find such monographs?
>
> Thanks.
>
>
> - ScottSure. http://www.rxlist.com
When you enter the drug name, it uses fuzzy logic, so spelling isn't too important. When you scroll through the results list and find the drug you want, don't choose the brand name, pick the generic. E.g for Topomax, click on topirimate, just below. The generic has the fully detailed info, under five separate headings (the same info that's in the Physician's Drug Reference). The brand name info is rather less detailed, for some reason.
Lar
Posted by California_Princess on October 13, 2003, at 9:58:13
In reply to Re: Don't Cut Your Pills in half children...... » Larry Hoover, posted by SLS on October 10, 2003, at 19:56:22
I was also splitting my pills in half because I didn’t' want to start out taking 25 mgs and then when I increased the dosage I didn't want to go up too quickly.
Has anyone else had SORE LUNGS while taking this med? I went off the Topamax Friday because I couldn’t sleep and my lungs hurt so badly. Unfortunately I crashed BIG TIME Sat and Sun in a deep depression, but my lungs are slowly getting better and after taking a Valerian Root, I slept for almost 8 hrs for the first time in weeks since starting on Topamax.
I’m VERY upset because I really thought this was going to be the right drug for me. However after losing my car in a parking structure and getting lost of the freeway and having to call my husband to come and get me because I didn’t know where I was, (and that was only on 75mgs) and the SORE LUNGS, and insomnia I really had to get off of Topamax.
I’ve got to call my pdoc today and wonder what he will say! :O( I will not take any drugs that will cause me to gain weight so that narrows the field down. I’m very sad that the Topamax didn’t work! :O(
Melissa
Posted by platinumbride on October 14, 2003, at 0:29:47
In reply to Topamax Side Affects!, posted by California_Princess on October 13, 2003, at 9:58:13
Melissa,
Have you been on lamictal?
I had no weight gain on that one.Diane
Posted by California_Princess on October 14, 2003, at 10:46:13
In reply to Re: Topamax Side Affects! » California_Princess, posted by platinumbride on October 14, 2003, at 0:29:47
No, I haven't tried lamictal yet, but my pdoc mentioned it so I'm guessing that is the next drug he will try me on. Did you experience any side affects? How did it work for you?
Melissa
Posted by platinumbride on October 14, 2003, at 11:13:03
In reply to Topamax Side Affects!, posted by California_Princess on October 14, 2003, at 10:46:13
I titrated verrrrrrry slowly with the lamictal, soI had no side effects. And I wouldn't freak out about the rash they warn of. It is extremely rare.
It was definitely one of the drugs that took me out of aparalyzing depression. It has kind of been one of those quiet drugs for me....one which I barely knew was working,but it was.
It has been a god send for a lot of people.
I didn't put weight on from it.
My hair didn't fall out.
It was just a slow and easy thing for me....
I am thinking of going off of it and seeing what just topamax will do.
I don't think topamax is doing s---t for weight loss for me....I weighed in at the doc today at the same 240 i did 2 weeks ago <depressed>....
I did, however, have a few binges yesterday and last week....
Can I whine a bit?I just feel so sad over the weight thing...
Ever take neurontin? Did it make you gain adn gain? I have a feeling that if i am going to take weight off, I may have to give up my favorite drug.....:( and I am a bit freightened by that.I think you will do well with lamictal....just take the titration slooooooow. I guess if you need to, there could be something to augment it while you get to the full dose if you need to.
I really do wish you the best...
Diane
Posted by California_Princess on October 14, 2003, at 15:20:20
In reply to Re: Topamax Side Affects! » California_Princess, posted by platinumbride on October 14, 2003, at 11:13:03
Thank you Diane!
I'm sorry about your weight loss troubles too! Know I am right there with you, though! My heavyest was 286... now I'm down to about 266 or 267... it's hard to tell on my scale. I've lost about 6 or 8 pounds while on topamax, but I don't know it if was because of the drug, or maybe the "placebo" affect that helped me to eat better. I have changed the way I eat. Now that I've been off the Topamax for four days now my lungs have finally stopped hurting and I'm sleeping a little. I am determinded to stay on my current way of eatting however, Topa or no Topa! :O)
Melissa
Posted by Bear on October 14, 2003, at 21:30:16
In reply to Re: Topamax Weight Loss Advice?????, posted by Bear on October 6, 2003, at 15:49:32
I went to my dr. today - neurologist - the one who gives me Topomax. He's a real creep if you ask me. Anyway, he wants me to go to a shrink. I see a psychologist, but he wants me to see a shrink now and doesnt want me to go above 200mg a day UNLESS I see a shrink. That's the deal, he says. The way he talks to people is enough to put you in a flood of tears, I swear, Im not kidding. When I mentioned I dont think Im losing weight, he shoots back that's not why I have you on this! I shrunk back against the chair. That's how he makes you feel. Then he says well, people lose weight on low doses, so I dont know what's wrong with you. Isnt that a nice way to talk to a patient???
So I dont know what to do now. So unless I can find a shrink who will take Workers Comp and give me Topomax. Im even more depressed than Ive ever been. I dont see ANY light at the end of the tunnel now. I dont know why Im not losing anything. Im terrified to weight myself. Some people say I look like I have lost, but I dont feel like I have. And that's making me feel worse.
ugh.
Bear.
Posted by platinumbride on October 14, 2003, at 22:10:16
In reply to Re: Topamax Weight Loss Advice?-UPDATE, posted by Bear on October 14, 2003, at 21:30:16
Bear.....
I am so sorry that you are dealing with such an a-hole..
On the other hand, I have no doubt that you will find a shrink who will take worker's comp and be sympathetic to your topamax needs.
Since life is full of crummy surprises, it has some good ones too. I know of someone who was very ill and found a shrink who really cured him with her care and her knowledge. At the time he was on SSI. He was in a day treatment program, and they are, of course, nightmares. I really hope taht you can find hope after the rain of today....
Diane
Posted by Bear on October 14, 2003, at 22:26:36
In reply to Re: Topamax Weight Loss Advice?-UPDATE » Bear, posted by platinumbride on October 14, 2003, at 22:10:16
> Bear.....
>
> I am so sorry that you are dealing with such an a-hole..>;) oh and he is........what an ATTITUDE, like you're just oh so lucky to be in the same room with him!
"well, people lose weight on low doses, so I dont know what's wrong with you" - well, there, now dont I feel so much better now? geez!
> On the other hand, I have no doubt that you will find a shrink who will take worker's comp and be sympathetic to your topamax needs.>it's hard to find drs here in NY that take WC, I dont know why. Maybe Topamax isnt for me, I dont know why I havent lost. Im on it a month today. And if like he says people lse on lower doses what IS wrong with me? Im at 200mgs a day amd I dont feel like Ive lost much of anything.
> Since life is full of crummy surprises, it has some good ones too. I know of someone who was very ill and found a shrink who really cured him with her care and her knowledge. At the time he was on SSI. He was in a day treatment program, and they are, of course, nightmares. I really hope taht you can find hope after the rain of today.......>
Thanks so much Diane. Maybe I just havent found the right dr. ALOT of my depression IS my weight. Since my accident Ive gained about 70 lbs and because of that I dont want to go out and so I dont. Now it's getting worse and I stay in ALL THE TIME, I only go out to go to the dr. pretty much. Ive been on every diet program known to man and I cant lose any weight. I cry all the time, I cant sleep, I hardly eat and I still cant lose weight, I dont know what else to do. The last thing I needed what this a hole yelling at me there was something wrong with ME. ugh. Thanks for your kind words though. I think I would really turn the proverbial bend without the computer.... ;o)
Bear.
Posted by platinumbride on October 14, 2003, at 23:43:34
In reply to Re: Topamax Weight Loss Advice?-UPDATE » platinumbride, posted by Bear on October 14, 2003, at 22:26:36
You dont have to answer this of course for the sake of anonimity, but if you wish to email me and tell me if you are in NYC (where I was born and bred) you may do so at tuttoemortoperme@yahoo.com, or just tell me on the board.
I know that docs there are tough, just as life is.....But I think that Beth Israel may have some decent stuff going on. Of course I could be wrong.I do'nt go out much either.....
I am lucky in a way. My husband is a really understanding man and when my sadness passes, he can get me to socialize and smile..because that is a big part of who I really am.Is 200 mgs really a low dose?
Maybe you SHOULD get on a scale? It might not be so bad......Yet I did today so that I could find out that in the past 2 weeks I am still at the same happy 240 :( I have to admit that I have had my binges, but gimme a break!!!
have you had your thyroid checked?
I think my shrink's next crap shoot is with the thyroid. It is a bit below normal, and messing with it may do nothing, but you know how desperate I am.....those 100 extra pounds are breaking my heart and killing my confidence. I am, I have been told, a beautiful woman......"what a shame she doesn't lose some of that weight....she has such a beautiful face"
I too have been on topamax for a month. Just got up to the 200 mgs mark.
I think there has been talk of zonegram...maybe you should look into that. I think that is what it is called. If topamax doesn't do it, perhaps you might see a light from that.....I do wish you well.......
Diane
Posted by California_Princess on October 15, 2003, at 18:24:13
In reply to Re: Topamax Weight Loss Advice?-UPDATE » Bear, posted by platinumbride on October 14, 2003, at 23:43:34
Bear,
I'm sorry too that you’re having such a hard time with your doc! :O( I am very disappointed with having to go off Topamax because it really DID stop my appetite, (sp?). It came back today, (5th day off the Topamax). I was only up to 75 mgs too, and felt the affects of the appetite loss almost immediately starting the Topamax at 25 mgs a day.If it weren't for my REALLY sore lungs and the insomnia I probably would have tried to deal with the DUMBNESS that I suffered really badly while on the med.
Don't worry Bear; something will finally work for you! Hang in there!!!
Melissa
Posted by memphistigers2004 on October 16, 2003, at 12:42:50
In reply to Re: Topamax Weight Loss Advice?-UPDATE » Bear, posted by platinumbride on October 14, 2003, at 23:43:34
I took Topomax for 3 weeks for migraine headaches, but couldn't handle the harsh side affects. I was only on 25 mg. I couldn't concentrate or eat and I felt very out of it. Anyway, are some of you taking it for weight loss? I didn't know it could be used for other things as well.
Posted by platinumbride on October 18, 2003, at 15:25:30
In reply to Re: The benefits of Topamax (more), posted by phillybob on January 9, 2001, at 15:09:36
I've been having a sore throat (could be a cold due to cold/rainy weather but perhaps more susceptible due to topamax?).
I am sure that more has been written about this kind of side effect....
For the past few weeks I have felt as if I have the flu...sore throats, general malaise, headache.
I have been on this drug for over a month, taking doses up, then down yada yada. It is doing nothing for my depression (perhaps making it worse), it has been a "tease" as an appetite supressant and now I wonder if it is making me feel physically crummy as well!Once and for all....
People mention appetite supression at 200mgs. Now I can stick there and deal with side effects IF this is going to help. So, in genral, 200mgs for how long before one realizes that this drug needs to go into the garbage?I am not just being vain here, btw: we are talking 100 lbs to lose. And I am in the middle of a MAJOR binge.
Let me sum up my convoluted post:
flu symptoms anyone?
200 mgs? for how long at 200 mgs? a week? 6 weeks?Thanks,
Diane
Posted by California_Princess on October 19, 2003, at 13:12:55
In reply to topamax..sigh :( » phillybob, posted by platinumbride on October 18, 2003, at 15:25:30
I had to go off the Topamax because it HURT my lungs soooo bad! It also gave me insomnia, which I couldn't deal with.
The horrible, (and I mean HORRIBLE) mental fog, confusion, lack of thinking and reasoning ability, (I wasn't even able to count the change in my purse! I also lost my car and then got lost in a big city. DANGEROUS) was something that I would have suffered though because it did help my moods and at 50mgs took away my appetite.
I also suffered sour throat and funny nose, (like allergies) and some mouth and gum soreness along with tingling in my feet and hands. Nothing too severe.
However, my sore lungs and the insomnia was what made me go off the Topamax at only 75mgs. I was very disappointed because I had lost about 7 or 8 pounds for the three weeks that I was on the drug.
Since then I have done a little research into a drug called Zonegran which is also prescribed for Bi-Polar, (along with Epilepsy and migraine headaches) and the weight loss properties seem to be MUCH, MUCH better. In fact, on the list of side effects, the second one listed is anorexia. I received an e-mail from a woman that was on Zonegran for migraines and she said she was almost unable to eat at all when on the drug!
I’m going to ask my pdoc about it when I see him tomorrow. I’m excited about it and maybe this will be the drug for me! :O)
Melissa in CA
Posted by susi on October 20, 2003, at 11:18:12
In reply to topamax..sigh :( » phillybob, posted by platinumbride on October 18, 2003, at 15:25:30
Diane,
I am at 200 mg. and have been for approx. 5 months. I have had and still have sore throat and sinus problems, I have gone to the doctor three times, and only one month ago finally have resolved it to be topa related. No thanks to the medical establishment, even after contacting the maker of the drug they still denied any possible side effect of sinus related side effects, but I have never had them, and now I do. So, I took a deep look into the psychological results and felt it was worth it.
I also at 200 have now noticed the weight coming off, but again at a loss of taste, almost 85% of my taste and appetite are gone or screwed up, I even have to have a meal replacement at work, cause I know I need to eat, but can't for the life of me figure what to eat. Can't drink any carbination or any alcohol...the list goes on. At 200, and now can sleep though.
So that is may experience. Hope it helps.
Posted by Bear on October 20, 2003, at 11:55:22
In reply to Re: Topamax Weight Loss Advice?-UPDATE, posted by Bear on October 14, 2003, at 21:30:16
Still not havng the intestinal fortitude to weight myself (Im such a wimp) I did up with enough guts to measure myself. I started taking the Topamax on Sept 18, slowly getting up to 200mgs a day. SO the news is I lost 3 inches on my waist since then, and 2 inches on my hips. Needless to say I didnt believe it and measured again and again till I believed it.
I am pretty happy,. still dont have to guts to step on the scale, but I can only think I HAVE lost weight, how much I dont know, but the tape tells me I have.
So I feel MUCH better. And will continue to take it and can only believe it will continue.
A happy Bear...
Thanks for all the support you guys so freely give! :O)
Posted by Bear on October 20, 2003, at 12:00:12
In reply to Topamax Side Affects!, posted by California_Princess on October 19, 2003, at 13:12:55
> It also gave me insomnia >
It also gives me insomnia. No matter what time I got to bed, I am up at like 3 or 4am and stay up sometimes. Sometimes I go back at 5-6 or sometimes 7. But I do get bouts of insomnia from it.Now that I found the guts to measure myself and see the weight coming off, Ill deal with the insomnia. If I saw no weight whatsoever, Id drop it. Most of my depression comes from now being viewed as a "cripple" and being as big as a blimp, OK, that's an overstatment, but being as heavy as Ive ever been, so now that I see it's working, Ill stick with it, but yeah I also have the insomnia part.
Posted by LoriCA on October 20, 2003, at 23:00:53
In reply to Topamax Side Affects!, posted by California_Princess on October 19, 2003, at 13:12:55
i went off topamax because it permanently damaged my vision...however, i also experienced the "fog". i would forget what i was doing just walking across the room...nasty stuff. i wasn't on it long enough to experience anything else...just 9 days.
p.s., love your screen names
lori in california
Posted by platinumbride on October 21, 2003, at 6:53:47
In reply to Re: Topamax Side Affects!, posted by LoriCA on October 20, 2003, at 23:00:53
Lori,
I am really so sorry to hear about your vision damage. Peramnent is a scary thing :(
As for my screen name....
I got married in July and they guy who did my dress is a friend of mine and just KNEW that it HAD to be platinum colored! And ya know, it really was just as FABUBULOUS as he said it would be! Took 30 lbs right off of me :)
Thanks,Diane in NY
Posted by Lily83 on October 21, 2003, at 15:59:12
In reply to Re: Topamax Side Affects! ?LoriCA, posted by platinumbride on October 21, 2003, at 6:53:47
It's me again and although it's comforting to see others with the same side effects (don't take that the wrong way, I don't like to see you guys suffer either....just like to know I'm not going crazy over here lol) I started a B-vitamin complex and it took away some of the mental fog and forgetfulness and gave me back some of the energy that Topamax took away.
My doctor said that it was all in my head of course but I did some research on it online and it showed that Topamax may lead to some vitamin deficiencies (which most people have anyhow)
I also asked my Professors (organic chemists--not doctors but who said doctors seem to know anything these days lol) and they agreed that this drug probably is increasing any deficiencies we have in the vitamin area because of our decreased/messed up appetites...
So anyhow, although this may just be my opinion perhaps you guys might want to look into some sort of supplement since most of us aren't seeming to get all the vitamins and nutrients we need now that everything is all messed up in our bodies with this topamax wreaking havoc lol. That could be why are sleep is messed up, we are mentally foggy, and straight out stupid at times lol. Sorry for the long message
Lily
Posted by headachequeen on October 22, 2003, at 22:22:54
In reply to Re: what dose were you at that you lost 20 lbs.?, posted by Stacy Louisa Beus on June 30, 2003, at 20:50:28
I take 400 mg Topomax daily (half in the morning and half in the evening with meals) for migraine as well as epilepsy, in conjunction with Tegretol... the dosage of Topomax started at 25 mg a day in the evening then increased until it reached the 400 mg a day... when the neurologist suggested it, instead of increasing the Tegretol he warned me there were side effects, the most noticeable being weightloss... I thought about it for about five seconds and decided to risk it... I was anorexic in my late teens and seem to have found payback time in my thirties and forties... so was happy to try anything that might take off the weight...
the Topomax or some subliminal effect began within about a week... as food began to lose its appeal... I have lost almost forty-five pounds without any great effort on my part...
at this point food still has little interest to me and has a tendency to make me nauseous...other side effects of which I have become aware from talking to other Topomax patients are related to alcohol use... even a small amount of alcohol can cause chaos...
but I have been fortunate in that I have experienced none of the speech confusion or disorientation that others describe...
in ten months of using Topomax IO have not experienced a migraine for which I am grateful
and have experienced a decrease in seizure activity for which I am ecstatic...
three months ago (appoximately) the Tegretol was increased and I have had no seizures since...
sheer euphoria....
headache queen (I guess I may have to abdicate?)
Posted by platinumbride on October 22, 2003, at 23:06:24
In reply to Re: what dose were you at that you lost 20 lbs.?, posted by headachequeen on October 22, 2003, at 22:22:54
wow everyone.....
i think i am one of the few who can still eat!!!
i'm now on thyroid hormone too. maybe this will help the metabolism, but i am amazed at my appetite which is one of the few things which never fails me!Diane
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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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