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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by helenag on November 10, 2003, at 10:17:08
In reply to Re: The benefits of Topamax, posted by locobill on November 10, 2003, at 6:37:34
Hello... Topamax, along with its mood stabilizing properties, has also been the subject of a big test for helping alcoholics overcome the urge to drink. The study was done in Texas. Here is the web site address: www.uthscsa.edu/STARTcenter/topiramate-french/pharm3.html
sorry I can't be more computer savvy and get you there pronto. You can also read more about it by going to the infinite mind (just use a web search) and find the program on alcoholism. One of their guests was the dude who did the study.My pdoc prescribed topamax for me for mood swings and for alcohol troubles. I haven't found it to be much help for the alcohol; however it sure has been a life saver for the mood swings and for weight loss. I am currently on 250mg a day. I don't drink very often at all and when I do, max is two drinks. It makes me a little more tired, maybe, but I am tired anyway all the time.
As I have a tremendous amount of anxiety, the couple of drinks I do have at times seem to take the edge off the craziness I feel. Benzos are not a possibility for me due to abuse issues. pdoc gave me some seroquel, but I am afraid to take the teeny weeny amount he prescribed because of the possible fatigue it may bring on--am tired already and have too much to do. It's all I need is to be knocked out and have more stress from being able to stay awake.
And if my own problems weren't tricky enough, all I have to do is read a darn newspaper... oh well.Aren't I a ray of sunshine today????\
Hope I helped. Helen
Posted by headachequeen on November 10, 2003, at 11:44:01
In reply to re: the benefits of topamax, posted by helenag on November 10, 2003, at 10:17:08
> Hello... Topamax, along with its mood stabilizing properties, has also been the subject of a big test for helping alcoholics overcome the urge to drink...
... sure has been a life saver for the mood swings and for weight loss. I am currently on 250mg a day. I don't drink very often at all and when I do, max is two drinks...
...
...IT MAKES ME A LITTLE MORE TIRED MAYBE... but I am tired anyway all the time.
>
> Hope I helped. HelenI seem to keep posting... sorry, but I am trying to figure out all these side bits and pieces... I have had such success with the headache aspect of the Topomax which was the primary (I think) intention of its prescription and since August 12th or thereabouts when the Tegretol was bumped up to 400 mg between it and the Topomax I have had only one seizure... and these weird seizures that sneak up when I am sleeping and leave their calling cards when and if they feel like it and are sometimes embarrasing and other times so confusing I am really happy to be without so I have to admit that I am mostly content with the effects of the two of them...
and the weight loss side effect of Topomax... I know it is nothing I did, because I have proved that I have no real will power... if the weight does not come off in a month then I am tired of the whole process and quit... well that is good too...
and I have not had any side effects that I would consider serious.. can't drink because it makes me seriously ill, well so what? the laryngwhatsis says if I want my vocal cords to be repaired can't drink and I don't like the stuff anyway and don't drink often or much anway so don't drink in the first place, seldom finish that glass of wine with dinner... no loss...
have not experienced many of the side effects mentioned here...
the thirst and dry mouth, yes but I am told they also go with Tegretol and went with the anti-depressants I was on... so that is no big deal.. drink lots of water...
for no headaches and loss of weight I can deal with it...
the dry hair I go to my hair stylist and get her to deal with it...
now you mention being tired...
I thought it was the change in time zones as I had noticed being tired of late... am on a course in another time zone... and a very energy-intense one at that... that had to be it...
but even with lots of sleep I am exhausted when I do nothing...no, not exhausted, just tired, drowsy... no get up and go sort of thing..
and, when I sit down and think about it, it has been going on for months and I have been here for a week ... instead of sitting up and writing into the night (I do my best work in the early hours) then getting up and running agility or atracking course, I drag around and wonder when I can lie down and sleep for a while...
I am particularly aware of it here, as people tend to sit around and disect the day and the exercises we have run here and I am thinking that I have to hold up my head and think and listen and absorb and I can't... it is an effort to keep my eyes open let alone absorb what is being said and the post mortem talk sessions are as much a part of the course as the instruction and the doing and the assessment sessions from the instructors... they are maybe more important as the other participants are often really helpful or more critical and aware.. and there I am dozing off..
at meal times as the others are discussing the runs we had and the mistakes we made or the great things someone did.. I am all but dozing...
me? or Topomax?
I have to force awareness or be forefully active to not be dragging ... and this is not me...
side effect?
I am on 400 mg and it is working for the needed things...
and I do believe in it...
now I want to know how to combat what may be its side effects..
other than curling up and sleeping for a year and buying a wig
I realise this may not be happening because of Topomax but why am I so drowsy all the time and have hair that was so healthy becoming straw when the only change in my life other than dumping the effexor, imovane and zyprexa was taking on the Topomax ---
I don't want to stop taking it and reverse the good it has done... the headaches were debilitating.. the seizures terrifying...
but I want to stop the side effects...
sign me looking for answers
Posted by TexasChic on November 10, 2003, at 15:40:08
In reply to re: the benefits of topamax » helenag, posted by headachequeen on November 10, 2003, at 11:44:01
Hi, this is my first post, but I've been lurking for a while. My doc currently has me on 75mg Topamax for: compulsive eating, as a mood stabilizer, and for some OCD tendencies; and 20mg Lexapro for depression and anxiety. I have a side effect from the Topamax I haven't heard anyone else mention. I began getting a feeling about it, and then I read in the accompanying literature that it can interfere with birth control pills. Anything else that does this (like antibiotics) messes up my whole cycle (sorry guys) causing much pain and a worse than ever wave of depression (this is because of female problems I've had since I was young). I was just wondering if anyone else has had this interruption in their BCP's and if stronger one's may be the answer. I was also wondering if anyone even knew about it since my doc didn't tell me!
I have also been experiencing extreme anxiety, and mounting depression ever since I've started my new regimen a month ago. I've been on the SSRI merry-go-round before, so I know it takes time, and things have been extremely crappy in my life lately, so I can't blame it all on the meds. I've definitely been through some rougher spells in the last few months than I have in years, which was why I changed my meds in the first place. But its gets really hard to tell sometimes if the pills are working like they're supposed to, or if you've waited long enough and its time to give up and try something else. I hate this wait and see part of it. Anyway, this is kind of half 'Psycho-Babble' and half 'Psychological Babble', so I didn't know where to put it. Hope it wasn't too long.
Posted by kka on November 10, 2003, at 17:28:28
In reply to re: the benefits of topamax, posted by TexasChic on November 10, 2003, at 15:40:08
Ironically I have read that the topamax does cause a depresssion in some people, maybe you need to talk to your dr. and adjust you anti-depressants (Lex). I am on Topamax for weight and binge eating. If you don't mind me asking what other meds were you on for you mild OCD, I think I keep getting treated for depression when I really just have some OCD tendencies. Thanks and good luck to you, hopefully your rough spells will pass soon!
Posted by TexasChic on November 11, 2003, at 8:34:13
In reply to re: the benefits of topamax, posted by kka on November 10, 2003, at 17:28:28
> Ironically I have read that the topamax does cause a depresssion in some people, maybe you need to talk to your dr. and adjust you anti-depressants (Lex). I am on Topamax for weight and binge eating. If you don't mind me asking what other meds were you on for you mild OCD, I think I keep getting treated for depression when I really just have some OCD tendencies. Thanks and good luck to you, hopefully your rough spells will pass soon!
The Topamax is what I'm on for the mild OCD, as well as for weight and binge eating. I never thought about it being the cause of the depression though. I just figured it was because I was coming off Prozac (what I was on, but which had become too agitating) and maybe the Lexapro hasn't started working yet. But everything I read says Prozac takes at least two months to get out of your system, so you may be on to something about the Topamax causing the depression. I'll talk to my doctor about it. Thanks for the heads up!
Posted by headachequeen on November 11, 2003, at 10:08:27
In reply to re: the benefits of topamax, posted by TexasChic on November 10, 2003, at 15:40:08
> I was also wondering if anyone even
knew about it since my doc didn't tell me!
I think this is the comment in your post that
bothers me the most as it could be me speaking.
The only side effect my neurologist mentioned was
the weight loss. I know it is something that I
needed as well as the seizure and migraine control,
but I also needed the warnings about other side
effects and I think that we are entitled to warnings
about the other side effects.
This is not to say that I would have rejected the
medication given the warnings, but would it not
have made me a better prepared patient? Or am I
simply whining after the fact?
While I have learned a lot here and found a lot of
advice here on how to live with the side effects
when (and IF) I encounter them, should I not have
had the warnings from my physician?????
And should I not have been better prepared to make
the decision whether or not **I** wanted to choose
to use this medication???
I keep reading and hearing that **I** have the
option;it is MY choice... well, without that
information,how do I make an informed choice?
and without that information, how am I prepared
to deal with side effects when and if they occur?Physicians and pharmacists need to take the time
to inform patients... we have the right to be
told about these things... the drug may be the
medication of choice... we need to know that too
and WHY, but we need to know what to expect and
how to deal with the effects...
what those effects might be or will be and how to
live with them...
the nausea that occurs on occasion there are meds
to help... my regular doctor has prescribed some-
thing for that and it helps... I just have to keep
it with me...
the dehydration, there is water readily available..
the rest, it is wait and see, and find a solution
but, Texas Chic, *your* doctor should have told
*you* and *mine* should have told me and heaven
knows how many others should be telling people
and preparing them to live with the side effects...
Posted by msmelissa on November 11, 2003, at 10:32:33
In reply to Topamax Experiences?, posted by Kingfish on January 4, 2001, at 7:29:48
I guess that I will be staying on the depakote...the dr. didn't say otherwise. I've wondered about it myself. They are both anticonvulsants????
Posted by headachequeen on November 11, 2003, at 10:48:20
In reply to re: the benefits of topamax, posted by TexasChic on November 11, 2003, at 8:34:13
First, my apologies for posting the reply to
Texas Chic twice... this computer hates me <s>
and said the message had not been sent...That said...
does the weight loss factor in Topomax know when
to quit?
See, I said it was a dumb question and when you
stop laughing, please, someone let me know?
A while ago I lost twelve pounds in a week...
this week past I lost six...
Most days food holds no interest for me...
yoghurt in the morning so that I have something
in the way of food to take with the anti-seizure
meds and a cup or two of coffee to try and stay
awake during our theory session and our first
practical session;
lunch is coffee and maybe another container of
yoghurt, perhaps fruit instead if someone looks
at me too weirdly or a small salad if we are
indoors ...
I am simply not interested in food...
Taste is not affected. Food tastes all right; I
simply do not want it..
The other day our group decided to celebrate our
successes by going into a nearby town for dinner
and drinks (oh yeah, I couldn't wait to have a few
drinks with the guys...make mine club soda LOL)
The restaurant was great for a little town in the
middle of nowhere... and the food smelled and
looked great as the waitresses took it past us to
other tables... especially to people who have
existed on soggy sandwiches in the field in the
rain for a lot of lunches and suppers ... it
looked good to me and smelled good to me, but I
didn't want any of it... steak, seafood, prime
rib... I finally ordered, a steak and salad --
ate the soup that came with it, and some of the
salad then took the steak back to my dogs...
I keep hearing the words anorexia and bulemia
when people think I am not listening or cannot
hear... I know they think I need help...
I do not want to tell these people with whom I
work on a day to day basis in these classes that
I have epilepsy... that carries its own taint...
my epilepsy is not a factor in what I am doing;
it does not weaken my ability to get the job done
and it occurs only when I am asleep and we do not
sleep on the job no matter how tired... and no
matter the side effect I would not sleep on the
job that is why there are thermoses for coffee...
so I do not want to explain the meds to these
strangers with whom I live and work for these
three weeks ... and here I am discussing them
with you strangers I will never meet LOL...
I am NOT trying to starve myself into losing more
weight... can't afford to: have already gone
through the wardrobe and hit the panic button at
the cost of replacing the clothes that will not fit
and cannot be taken in...
The combination of the two meds is working to
control the headaches and the seizures...
the psychologist is managing to control or manage
or whatever it is psychologists do, the
personality disorder that was confused with
depression by my doctor... so things are going
well in many ways... so I do not want to monkey
with the status quo...
but I have visions of waking up one day and being
a walking skeleton...
here I am taking an advanced course to enable me
to do strenous things in my field... I have to be
able to scramble up and down hills for hours, to
keep going regardless of terrain and length of
time, and weather, packing my equipment,if
need be with my dog on my back in some cases, and
he weighs 85 pounds and has not finished filling out...
and and and...
I need energy and while the extra weight I packed
around for years meant this was never a
possibility for me... for that matter the
emotional baggage got in the way at times too...
if I become a faded shadow, I am just as useless
as I was when I was competing with the Good Year
blimp...so I need to know: does it stop????
what happens???
and stop laughing....<g>
I am serious... does this stuff know when to stop...
or do I have to stop taking it one day then go
to an increase in Tegritol and a return to the
migraines and become useless and unable to do the
things I love to do because I am shutting myself
in a darkened room...
ride ride the carousel and reach for the gilded
ring.. never winning, to start again
Life is a circular thing...I want to stop being the headache queen forever...
Posted by kka on November 11, 2003, at 11:49:02
In reply to Dumb Question about Topomax, posted by headachequeen on November 11, 2003, at 10:48:20
Headache Queen,
What kind of work are you doing? Did you weight 200 lbs. How much have you lost in what period of time and what dose of Topamax...sorry for all the questions, just trying to keep up with the thread. Thanks
Posted by kka on November 11, 2003, at 11:55:37
In reply to Re: Topamax Experiences?kka, posted by msmelissa on November 11, 2003, at 10:32:33
Please, please, please, keep me posted I have yet to find any info on Topamax and Depakote , my husband is on both as well as Paxil. Thanks for the reply. Take care!
I guess that I will be staying on the depakote...the dr. didn't say otherwise. I've wondered about it myself. They are both anticonvulsants????
Posted by TexasChic on November 11, 2003, at 12:24:22
In reply to Dumb Question about Topomax, posted by headachequeen on November 11, 2003, at 10:48:20
> does the weight loss factor in Topomax know when to quit?Nobody's laughing. Its not funny that the medication you have to take for your epilepsy is causing this unwanted side effect. And I don't blame you for not wanting to tell your coworkers. Its none of their business and is only something you should share with someone when you're ready to. Unfortunately I don't have the answers for you. All I know is that it's a medication that is prescribed to some to help lose weight because of the way it suppresses your appetite. Have you shared your fear that you may never regain your appetite on the Topamax with your doctor? If he isn't concerned with this, I would be concerned about him! You obviously can't just waste away into nothing. Please talk to your doc soon, and I will try to take my own advice and talk to mine about my concerns as well. Good luck!
Posted by msmelissa on November 11, 2003, at 12:34:06
In reply to Topamax Experiences?, posted by Kingfish on January 4, 2001, at 7:29:48
Will do... and please do the same for me.
Thank you
Posted by Murphia on November 11, 2003, at 12:37:02
In reply to Re: Cutting Your Pills in Half- esp. extended release » Nissy, posted by chicago77 on October 27, 2003, at 9:01:38
Topamax (topiramate) does not come in extended release. Sprinkles caps are to take apart and sprinkle on food if you desire. You can also swallow them as a capsule.
> > What about seeing the little white balls that are inside the capsule in your stool? I am on effexor XR and I see those white balls all the time. Does this mean my body isn't metabolizing them or absorbing the medication? Do you know anything about this?
>
> Nissy,
> I fact I do know about this. This is what I believe is called "sprinkles." There are quite a few meds that are capsules with "balls" inside. You will notice that these are all extended release formulations. This works the same way in that your body first processes the cap to release the sprinkles, then the "balls" are metabolized similarly to a controlled release tab. So, yes, you're body is using the drug and, no, it's no reason for concern. Talk to your doc if it really bothers/worries you.
> I do believe that this is one of the exceptions about breaking open capsules. The gelatin capsule dissolves pretty rapidly and the sprinkles are released and go to work. On the other hand, capsules with powder are meant to be taken whole b/c the powder would start to absorb in your mouth, esophagus, etc... before it gets to your stomach. You may want to double check this with a pharmacist. From what I remember, "sprinkle" caps can be opened and (go figure) "sprinkled" over food or mixed in with something like apple sauce for those that may not be able to take it whole (esp. children and the elderly). Hope this was helpful, but remember that I am not an expert on this just b/c I have some experience with it. Be sure to follow your health care provider's instructions and any information provided with your Rx. And ASK as many questions as you want!! This is your health!!
> Side note: I am working on my Master's degree to become a Physician Assistant. This is why you will often see me refer to a "health care provider" rather than your "doc." Keep in mind too that PAs are specifically trained to provide patient information and education, and we tend to spend quite a bit more time with patients until all questions are resolved. If there is a PA in the office/clinic that you go to, don't be afraid to talk to them seperately if you feel that your doc isn't "getting the job done." I give a 99% guarantee that you will be very happy with their service and caring!!
Posted by Murphia on November 11, 2003, at 12:46:55
In reply to re: the benefits of topamax, posted by TexasChic on November 10, 2003, at 15:40:08
I am a researcher and have been researching topamax for about 6-7 years. Topamax interferes with estrogen-type birth control. So I would back it up with condom usage, or stronger BC. Also, depression is side effect of topamax. Topamax works on the gaba receptors in the temporal lobe. Great for mania side of bipolar, but does nothing, if not exacerbate depression and anxiety. An anti-depressant is the usual protocol add-on for topamax. Or another MS which works on depression, such as lamicatal. Regards. Murph.
> Hi, this is my first post, but I've been lurking for a while. My doc currently has me on 75mg Topamax for: compulsive eating, as a mood stabilizer, and for some OCD tendencies; and 20mg Lexapro for depression and anxiety. I have a side effect from the Topamax I haven't heard anyone else mention. I began getting a feeling about it, and then I read in the accompanying literature that it can interfere with birth control pills. Anything else that does this (like antibiotics) messes up my whole cycle (sorry guys) causing much pain and a worse than ever wave of depression (this is because of female problems I've had since I was young). I was just wondering if anyone else has had this interruption in their BCP's and if stronger one's may be the answer. I was also wondering if anyone even knew about it since my doc didn't tell me!
> I have also been experiencing extreme anxiety, and mounting depression ever since I've started my new regimen a month ago. I've been on the SSRI merry-go-round before, so I know it takes time, and things have been extremely crappy in my life lately, so I can't blame it all on the meds. I've definitely been through some rougher spells in the last few months than I have in years, which was why I changed my meds in the first place. But its gets really hard to tell sometimes if the pills are working like they're supposed to, or if you've waited long enough and its time to give up and try something else. I hate this wait and see part of it. Anyway, this is kind of half 'Psycho-Babble' and half 'Psychological Babble', so I didn't know where to put it. Hope it wasn't too long.
Posted by kka on November 11, 2003, at 13:09:12
In reply to re: the benefits of topamax, posted by Murphia on November 11, 2003, at 12:46:55
Murph,
Is Johnson and Johnson really reformulating the drug, if so how far along are they? Have you found any weight loss at 100mgs. Is is safer to increase past 100mgs for weight loss reasons alone? How about long term use?I am hoping Topamax is the drug for me. I am begining to think I really have mild ocd along with binge or over-eating to cover emotions. I keep getting diagnosed for depression/anxiety but I feel the extra 20 lbs is really the cause of the depression. I am currently on Effexor 75 mgs, 150 wellbutrin and have reached 75 mg of Topamax after almost four weeks, without any real side effects. I figured I would stop at 100?? I am really tired all the time with no real motivation which has been the case for about six months now (before Topmax) Would increasing the dose help with energy or would it be more sedating? Overall I am jittery-but tired sometimes hungry sometimes not as hungry but never not been able to eat something
I am also curious about your thoughts on time of day dosing, I take the full dose at night, but I see some people split their doese and take on during the day.
Sorry to be so full of questions, I was excited to get someone with your background on the board. My doctor feels like it is still "experimental" so he is hardly a resource.I know you are probably still busy researching, whatever your personal thoughts or theories I would love to hear about them, if you have time.
Thanks,
Kristen
> I am a researcher and have been researching topamax for about 6-7 years. Topamax interferes with estrogen-type birth control. So I would back it up with condom usage, or stronger BC. Also, depression is side effect of topamax. Topamax works on the gaba receptors in the temporal lobe. Great for mania side of bipolar, but does nothing, if not exacerbate depression and anxiety. An anti-depressant is the usual protocol add-on for topamax. Or another MS which works on depression, such as lamicatal. Regards. Murph.
>
>
> > Hi, this is my first post, but I've been lurking for a while. My doc currently has me on 75mg Topamax for: compulsive eating, as a mood stabilizer, and for some OCD tendencies; and 20mg Lexapro for depression and anxiety. I have a side effect from the Topamax I haven't heard anyone else mention. I began getting a feeling about it, and then I read in the accompanying literature that it can interfere with birth control pills. Anything else that does this (like antibiotics) messes up my whole cycle (sorry guys) causing much pain and a worse than ever wave of depression (this is because of female problems I've had since I was young). I was just wondering if anyone else has had this interruption in their BCP's and if stronger one's may be the answer. I was also wondering if anyone even knew about it since my doc didn't tell me!
> > I have also been experiencing extreme anxiety, and mounting depression ever since I've started my new regimen a month ago. I've been on the SSRI merry-go-round before, so I know it takes time, and things have been extremely crappy in my life lately, so I can't blame it all on the meds. I've definitely been through some rougher spells in the last few months than I have in years, which was why I changed my meds in the first place. But its gets really hard to tell sometimes if the pills are working like they're supposed to, or if you've waited long enough and its time to give up and try something else. I hate this wait and see part of it. Anyway, this is kind of half 'Psycho-Babble' and half 'Psychological Babble', so I didn't know where to put it. Hope it wasn't too long.
>
>
Posted by Murphia on November 11, 2003, at 14:04:32
In reply to re: the benefits of topamax » Murphia, posted by kka on November 11, 2003, at 13:09:12
J&J (Ortho McNeill) says in their press releases they are reformulating a more "user-friendly" topa. That could be - but I would not hold my breath. Ortho had really hoped topa would be their cash cow, but it has failed miserably all the FDA and clinical trials, and now is only approved as an anticonvulsant, with nasty side efffects. Off label use has not shown to be as effective as they hoped it would be due to the s/es. Weight loss is a random side effect, not everyone experiences it, however, it is a nice bonus if it helps your other symptoms.
Max therapeutic dosage of topa is recommended to be 400 mg., but I have talked to people that have been up to 600 mg, so you can go higher. Topa has actually shown to be very effective for binge eating and instrusive thought disorders, so it just may help you. As far as time of day, many people play with splitting their dose, or taking all at night if the s/es for them are bad. Topamax can be very sedating, and once again, that's kind an individual thing. For me it is, so I take mine at night. I have corresponded with a few people that say it makes them jittery, so they take it in the morning. Many people split half and half morning and night. Topa's half life really lends itself more effective at taking twice a day.
Topa doesn't seem to have any adverse effect on long term use, except for maybe hair loss, which becoming quite a frequent complaint. Topa really doesn't do much for depression though, so you want to watch that, and get a stronger AD if warranted.
You also want to keep watch your eyes, kidneys, urinary tract, drink tons of fluids and take a lot of vits, because topa robs your body of a lot of vits. Hope this helps.> Murph,
> Is Johnson and Johnson really reformulating the drug, if so how far along are they? Have you found any weight loss at 100mgs. Is is safer to increase past 100mgs for weight loss reasons alone? How about long term use?
>
> I am hoping Topamax is the drug for me. I am begining to think I really have mild ocd along with binge or over-eating to cover emotions. I keep getting diagnosed for depression/anxiety but I feel the extra 20 lbs is really the cause of the depression. I am currently on Effexor 75 mgs, 150 wellbutrin and have reached 75 mg of Topamax after almost four weeks, without any real side effects. I figured I would stop at 100?? I am really tired all the time with no real motivation which has been the case for about six months now (before Topmax) Would increasing the dose help with energy or would it be more sedating? Overall I am jittery-but tired sometimes hungry sometimes not as hungry but never not been able to eat something
>
> I am also curious about your thoughts on time of day dosing, I take the full dose at night, but I see some people split their doese and take on during the day.
> Sorry to be so full of questions, I was excited to get someone with your background on the board. My doctor feels like it is still "experimental" so he is hardly a resource.
>
> I know you are probably still busy researching, whatever your personal thoughts or theories I would love to hear about them, if you have time.
> Thanks,
> Kristen
>
>
> > I am a researcher and have been researching topamax for about 6-7 years. Topamax interferes with estrogen-type birth control. So I would back it up with condom usage, or stronger BC. Also, depression is side effect of topamax. Topamax works on the gaba receptors in the temporal lobe. Great for mania side of bipolar, but does nothing, if not exacerbate depression and anxiety. An anti-depressant is the usual protocol add-on for topamax. Or another MS which works on depression, such as lamicatal. Regards. Murph.
> >
> >
> > > Hi, this is my first post, but I've been lurking for a while. My doc currently has me on 75mg Topamax for: compulsive eating, as a mood stabilizer, and for some OCD tendencies; and 20mg Lexapro for depression and anxiety. I have a side effect from the Topamax I haven't heard anyone else mention. I began getting a feeling about it, and then I read in the accompanying literature that it can interfere with birth control pills. Anything else that does this (like antibiotics) messes up my whole cycle (sorry guys) causing much pain and a worse than ever wave of depression (this is because of female problems I've had since I was young). I was just wondering if anyone else has had this interruption in their BCP's and if stronger one's may be the answer. I was also wondering if anyone even knew about it since my doc didn't tell me!
> > > I have also been experiencing extreme anxiety, and mounting depression ever since I've started my new regimen a month ago. I've been on the SSRI merry-go-round before, so I know it takes time, and things have been extremely crappy in my life lately, so I can't blame it all on the meds. I've definitely been through some rougher spells in the last few months than I have in years, which was why I changed my meds in the first place. But its gets really hard to tell sometimes if the pills are working like they're supposed to, or if you've waited long enough and its time to give up and try something else. I hate this wait and see part of it. Anyway, this is kind of half 'Psycho-Babble' and half 'Psychological Babble', so I didn't know where to put it. Hope it wasn't too long.
> >
> >
>
>
Posted by TexasChic on November 11, 2003, at 14:07:02
In reply to re: the benefits of topamax, posted by Murphia on November 11, 2003, at 12:46:55
> I am a researcher and have been researching topamax for about 6-7 years. Topamax interferes with estrogen-type birth control. So I would back it up with condom usage, or stronger BC. Also, depression is side effect of topamax. Topamax works on the gaba receptors in the temporal lobe. Great for mania side of bipolar, but does nothing, if not exacerbate depression and anxiety. An anti-depressant is the usual protocol add-on for topamax. Or another MS which works on depression, such as lamicatal. Regards. Murph.
>
> Thank you. That backs up my theory about Topamax diminishing the effectiveness of my birth control to control my monthly cycle pain. I appreciate your help.
Posted by headachequeen on November 11, 2003, at 14:23:14
In reply to Re: Dumb Question about Topomax » headachequeen, posted by kka on November 11, 2003, at 11:49:02
> Headache Queen,
> What kind of work are you doing? Did you weight 200 lbs. How much have you lost in what period of time and what dose of Topamax...sorry for all the questions, just trying to keep up with the thread. Thanksamong the things I do when I am not feeling sorry for myself because I am no longer slim and
young (sigh) is train dogs... I also breed and show dogs... one of the things I have become good at is reprogramming dogs with behaviour problems... probably because of my own personality problems ?? <s>... and one of the tricks I use is challenging them to develop self
esteem by using tunnels and low level agility...
one day I decided that I wanted to get into agility and become an instructor... and then I wanted to teach my dogs to track and have them
certified as real trackers (my breed is not known as tracking or working dogs) not for the
kennel club tracking test... then I wanted them
to become really working qualified... then I wanted the next level...
and now that I have become thin enough to work the courses I want to be able to do real searches with them... right now we are working on low level training and hoping to certify...
I wanted all this but it was still not enough incentive to lose the weight... if it wouldn't come off in a month it was not going to come off and I would quit ... it was my way of telling the world that I was smarter than most people so to heck with it, meet me on my terms I think...
I was 209 pounds when I started the Topomax in mid-January ...
and that is the first time I have admitted it...
when I left for the course I was 145... and don't know where it will stop...
Posted by headachequeen on November 11, 2003, at 14:37:05
In reply to Re: Dumb Question about Topomax, posted by TexasChic on November 11, 2003, at 12:24:22
This brings up another irritation...
my neurologist operates on a three to four month programme: he sees patients and then tells them to return in three or four months...
orders tests and tells the patient to return in three or four months to get the results.
I don't know about the others, but I find this
frustrating and sometimes totally upsetting.
When the tests were ordered to see if I might have MS as well due to a lack of muscle control in my right arm and related to my right eye, he told me to come back in three to four months...
this does not exactly give one a great feeling...
and yet he is the best in our area...
When I decided to do this, my own doctor asked if it were a good idea, given my health situation... I looked at him and asked what health situation? if the neurologist doesn't need to see me for three months, I don't think I need to worry... I just packed my pills and my computer passwords and away I went and frankly I think I am doing a lot of good for me... if I could just get enough sleep...
when I go into town this evening I shall get a multi-vitamin and some vitamin C and E... either that or just start taking the same vitamin cocktail I feed my dogs...
funny: I am so careful about the vitamins I feed to them... never thought of myself...
it takes ages to grind up their vitamins and get them mixed into their meals...
maybe time to pop them into my own meals...
thanks for the idea in the other post...
and I shall ask my own doctor for more information....
meanwhile, this is controlling previous urges to have chocolate bars and eat until I can't move I must admit...
could it be that this lets one level off at one's proper weight??????
Posted by kka on November 11, 2003, at 14:50:05
In reply to re: the benefits of topamax, posted by Murphia on November 11, 2003, at 14:04:32
>
Thanks for being so helpful!!Do you think I could drop (slowly) the Effexor and just take Topamax and wellbutrin? I think the Effexor makes me jittery.
Also my husband has added Topamax to Paxil and 500 mgs of Depakote which is also an anti-conv. Can Topamax and Depakote be taken together if not can Depakote be stopped cold turkey?
For the hair loss on Topamx, what vit. would counteract this.
Just out of curiousity, in the Ortho study, didn't they give the subjects very small does at first and added mgs very slowly? This I have found has completely eliminated the s/e? I can't believe the s/e were so bad to call it off.
Thanks again
J&J (Ortho McNeill) says in their press releases they are reformulating a more "user-friendly" topa. That could be - but I would not hold my breath. Ortho had really hoped topa would be their cash cow, but it has failed miserably all the FDA and clinical trials, and now is only approved as an anticonvulsant, with nasty side efffects. Off label use has not shown to be as effective as they hoped it would be due to the s/es. Weight loss is a random side effect, not everyone experiences it, however, it is a nice bonus if it helps your other symptoms.
>
> Max therapeutic dosage of topa is recommended to be 400 mg., but I have talked to people that have been up to 600 mg, so you can go higher. Topa has actually shown to be very effective for binge eating and instrusive thought disorders, so it just may help you. As far as time of day, many people play with splitting their dose, or taking all at night if the s/es for them are bad. Topamax can be very sedating, and once again, that's kind an individual thing. For me it is, so I take mine at night. I have corresponded with a few people that say it makes them jittery, so they take it in the morning. Many people split half and half morning and night. Topa's half life really lends itself more effective at taking twice a day.
>
> Topa doesn't seem to have any adverse effect on long term use, except for maybe hair loss, which becoming quite a frequent complaint. Topa really doesn't do much for depression though, so you want to watch that, and get a stronger AD if warranted.
> You also want to keep watch your eyes, kidneys, urinary tract, drink tons of fluids and take a lot of vits, because topa robs your body of a lot of vits. Hope this helps.
>
> > Murph,
> > Is Johnson and Johnson really reformulating the drug, if so how far along are they? Have you found any weight loss at 100mgs. Is is safer to increase past 100mgs for weight loss reasons alone? How about long term use?
> >
> > I am hoping Topamax is the drug for me. I am begining to think I really have mild ocd along with binge or over-eating to cover emotions. I keep getting diagnosed for depression/anxiety but I feel the extra 20 lbs is really the cause of the depression. I am currently on Effexor 75 mgs, 150 wellbutrin and have reached 75 mg of Topamax after almost four weeks, without any real side effects. I figured I would stop at 100?? I am really tired all the time with no real motivation which has been the case for about six months now (before Topmax) Would increasing the dose help with energy or would it be more sedating? Overall I am jittery-but tired sometimes hungry sometimes not as hungry but never not been able to eat something
> >
> > I am also curious about your thoughts on time of day dosing, I take the full dose at night, but I see some people split their doese and take on during the day.
> > Sorry to be so full of questions, I was excited to get someone with your background on the board. My doctor feels like it is still "experimental" so he is hardly a resource.
> >
> > I know you are probably still busy researching, whatever your personal thoughts or theories I would love to hear about them, if you have time.
> > Thanks,
> > Kristen
> >
> >
> > > I am a researcher and have been researching topamax for about 6-7 years. Topamax interferes with estrogen-type birth control. So I would back it up with condom usage, or stronger BC. Also, depression is side effect of topamax. Topamax works on the gaba receptors in the temporal lobe. Great for mania side of bipolar, but does nothing, if not exacerbate depression and anxiety. An anti-depressant is the usual protocol add-on for topamax. Or another MS which works on depression, such as lamicatal. Regards. Murph.
> > >
> > >
> > > > Hi, this is my first post, but I've been lurking for a while. My doc currently has me on 75mg Topamax for: compulsive eating, as a mood stabilizer, and for some OCD tendencies; and 20mg Lexapro for depression and anxiety. I have a side effect from the Topamax I haven't heard anyone else mention. I began getting a feeling about it, and then I read in the accompanying literature that it can interfere with birth control pills. Anything else that does this (like antibiotics) messes up my whole cycle (sorry guys) causing much pain and a worse than ever wave of depression (this is because of female problems I've had since I was young). I was just wondering if anyone else has had this interruption in their BCP's and if stronger one's may be the answer. I was also wondering if anyone even knew about it since my doc didn't tell me!
> > > > I have also been experiencing extreme anxiety, and mounting depression ever since I've started my new regimen a month ago. I've been on the SSRI merry-go-round before, so I know it takes time, and things have been extremely crappy in my life lately, so I can't blame it all on the meds. I've definitely been through some rougher spells in the last few months than I have in years, which was why I changed my meds in the first place. But its gets really hard to tell sometimes if the pills are working like they're supposed to, or if you've waited long enough and its time to give up and try something else. I hate this wait and see part of it. Anyway, this is kind of half 'Psycho-Babble' and half 'Psychological Babble', so I didn't know where to put it. Hope it wasn't too long.
> > >
> > >
> >
> >
>
>
Posted by Murphia on November 11, 2003, at 15:07:29
In reply to re: the benefits of topamax » Murphia, posted by kka on November 11, 2003, at 14:50:05
Why are you and your husband taking topamax? What is it being prescribed for?
Yes, topamax and depakote get along pretty well together and are frequently prescribed together. However, depakote and topamax work on different parts of the brain, so depending on why he is taking these, it may not be good to decrease the depakote. Depakote should be tapered off gradually.
> Thanks for being so helpful!!
>
> Do you think I could drop (slowly) the Effexor and just take Topamax and wellbutrin? I think the Effexor makes me jittery.
>
> Also my husband has added Topamax to Paxil and 500 mgs of Depakote which is also an anti-conv. Can Topamax and Depakote be taken together if not can Depakote be stopped cold turkey?
>
> For the hair loss on Topamx, what vit. would counteract this.
>
> Just out of curiousity, in the Ortho study, didn't they give the subjects very small does at first and added mgs very slowly? This I have found has completely eliminated the s/e? I can't believe the s/e were so bad to call it off.
>
> Thanks again
> J&J (Ortho McNeill) says in their press releases they are reformulating a more "user-friendly" topa. That could be - but I would not hold my breath. Ortho had really hoped topa would be their cash cow, but it has failed miserably all the FDA and clinical trials, and now is only approved as an anticonvulsant, with nasty side efffects. Off label use has not shown to be as effective as they hoped it would be due to the s/es. Weight loss is a random side effect, not everyone experiences it, however, it is a nice bonus if it helps your other symptoms.
> >
> > Max therapeutic dosage of topa is recommended to be 400 mg., but I have talked to people that have been up to 600 mg, so you can go higher. Topa has actually shown to be very effective for binge eating and instrusive thought disorders, so it just may help you. As far as time of day, many people play with splitting their dose, or taking all at night if the s/es for them are bad. Topamax can be very sedating, and once again, that's kind an individual thing. For me it is, so I take mine at night. I have corresponded with a few people that say it makes them jittery, so they take it in the morning. Many people split half and half morning and night. Topa's half life really lends itself more effective at taking twice a day.
> >
> > Topa doesn't seem to have any adverse effect on long term use, except for maybe hair loss, which becoming quite a frequent complaint. Topa really doesn't do much for depression though, so you want to watch that, and get a stronger AD if warranted.
> > You also want to keep watch your eyes, kidneys, urinary tract, drink tons of fluids and take a lot of vits, because topa robs your body of a lot of vits. Hope this helps.
> >
> > > Murph,
> > > Is Johnson and Johnson really reformulating the drug, if so how far along are they? Have you found any weight loss at 100mgs. Is is safer to increase past 100mgs for weight loss reasons alone? How about long term use?
> > >
> > > I am hoping Topamax is the drug for me. I am begining to think I really have mild ocd along with binge or over-eating to cover emotions. I keep getting diagnosed for depression/anxiety but I feel the extra 20 lbs is really the cause of the depression. I am currently on Effexor 75 mgs, 150 wellbutrin and have reached 75 mg of Topamax after almost four weeks, without any real side effects. I figured I would stop at 100?? I am really tired all the time with no real motivation which has been the case for about six months now (before Topmax) Would increasing the dose help with energy or would it be more sedating? Overall I am jittery-but tired sometimes hungry sometimes not as hungry but never not been able to eat something
> > >
> > > I am also curious about your thoughts on time of day dosing, I take the full dose at night, but I see some people split their doese and take on during the day.
> > > Sorry to be so full of questions, I was excited to get someone with your background on the board. My doctor feels like it is still "experimental" so he is hardly a resource.
> > >
> > > I know you are probably still busy researching, whatever your personal thoughts or theories I would love to hear about them, if you have time.
> > > Thanks,
> > > Kristen
> > >
> > >
> > > > I am a researcher and have been researching topamax for about 6-7 years. Topamax interferes with estrogen-type birth control. So I would back it up with condom usage, or stronger BC. Also, depression is side effect of topamax. Topamax works on the gaba receptors in the temporal lobe. Great for mania side of bipolar, but does nothing, if not exacerbate depression and anxiety. An anti-depressant is the usual protocol add-on for topamax. Or another MS which works on depression, such as lamicatal. Regards. Murph.
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > > Hi, this is my first post, but I've been lurking for a while. My doc currently has me on 75mg Topamax for: compulsive eating, as a mood stabilizer, and for some OCD tendencies; and 20mg Lexapro for depression and anxiety. I have a side effect from the Topamax I haven't heard anyone else mention. I began getting a feeling about it, and then I read in the accompanying literature that it can interfere with birth control pills. Anything else that does this (like antibiotics) messes up my whole cycle (sorry guys) causing much pain and a worse than ever wave of depression (this is because of female problems I've had since I was young). I was just wondering if anyone else has had this interruption in their BCP's and if stronger one's may be the answer. I was also wondering if anyone even knew about it since my doc didn't tell me!
> > > > > I have also been experiencing extreme anxiety, and mounting depression ever since I've started my new regimen a month ago. I've been on the SSRI merry-go-round before, so I know it takes time, and things have been extremely crappy in my life lately, so I can't blame it all on the meds. I've definitely been through some rougher spells in the last few months than I have in years, which was why I changed my meds in the first place. But its gets really hard to tell sometimes if the pills are working like they're supposed to, or if you've waited long enough and its time to give up and try something else. I hate this wait and see part of it. Anyway, this is kind of half 'Psycho-Babble' and half 'Psychological Babble', so I didn't know where to put it. Hope it wasn't too long.
> > > >
> > > >
> > >
> > >
> >
> >
>
>
Posted by Shirlee on November 11, 2003, at 15:14:23
In reply to Topamax Experiences?, posted by Kingfish on January 4, 2001, at 7:29:48
I am taking topamax for post-herpetic pain due to shingles that has lasted for over a year. Also for Essential tremor. I have gradually worked up to 100mg over a period of 3 weeks. I write a weekly column for a newspaper. I would like to continue this if I can stay awake. Some of you have led me to beleive this too may pass. I have been on this dosage for about 2 weeks. I don't think it's doing anything except...zzzzzzz
Posted by TexasChic on November 11, 2003, at 15:15:20
In reply to Re: Dumb Question about Topomax » TexasChic, posted by headachequeen on November 11, 2003, at 14:37:05
Yeah, if anyone knew how many times we've had to patiently wait, while physically suffering in torment, and inside we feel as if we're silently going insane...
...just to try out the latest med.
Posted by kka on November 11, 2003, at 15:35:18
In reply to re: the benefits of topamax, posted by Murphia on November 11, 2003, at 15:07:29
He is taking for cronic daily headaches/migrains (Depakote doesn't work as good as it use to) weight control from Paxil and Depaoke and I am hoping it will help with some tendences with alcohol.
Me, mild ocd, anxiety and over-eating and eating when not hungry, gained 20 lbs on A-D's.
Posted by kka on November 11, 2003, at 15:39:31
In reply to re: the benefits of topamax, posted by Murphia on November 11, 2003, at 15:07:29
Oh I forgot he is on Strattera for ADHD and the paxil is for GAD
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