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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by figmentspark on February 4, 2004, at 18:35:39
In reply to Re: Topamax Experiences? Â » sherry gomez, posted by maribeth on January 25, 2001, at 7:37:38
Has anyone out there experienced problems with breathing while taking topamax? It seems to have an effect on my ability to take in deep breaths, and I don't know what to do. I think I'm going to have to stop taking it, which is so frustrating because it has really seemed to help with the Bipolar symptoms.
Posted by Maxime on February 8, 2004, at 19:46:41
In reply to Topamax help =(), posted by figmentspark on February 4, 2004, at 18:35:39
> Has anyone out there experienced problems with breathing while taking topamax? It seems to have an effect on my ability to take in deep breaths, and I don't know what to do. I think I'm going to have to stop taking it, which is so frustrating because it has really seemed to help with the Bipolar symptoms.
Hello. Yes, it did with me. It made my asthma worse. I do remember reading that one of the side effects can be an increase in upper respiratory tract infections.
Maxime
Posted by sickofmyfatclothes on February 20, 2004, at 13:25:06
In reply to Re: Topamax help =(), posted by Maxime on February 8, 2004, at 19:46:41
I started on topomax for weight loss about 3 weeks ago building up from 25 mg. for 2 weeks to now 50 mg. at night and have been taking for one week. I have had no side effects really to speak of. I take 200 mg. Zoloft for depression. have for years. Can anyone with some experience with this tell me when I should, at what dosage start expecting some weight loss? I do know that I get full very easily now. I have never been a big eater though. I have very much enjoyed reading these past messages. I go back to my Dr. next week, and I think she may bump up my dosage, as I have had no adverse reactions. Anyone have any advice or ideas for me? THANKS so much in advance.
Posted by headachequeen on February 20, 2004, at 16:13:53
In reply to Re: Topamax help =(), posted by sickofmyfatclothes on February 20, 2004, at 13:25:06
> I started on topomax for weight loss about 3 weeks ago building up from 25 mg. for 2 weeks to now 50 mg. at night and have been taking for one week. I have had no side effects really to speak of. I take 200 mg. Zoloft for depression. have for years. Can anyone with some experience with this tell me when I should, at what dosage start expecting some weight loss? I do know that I get full very easily now. I have never been a big eater though. I have very much enjoyed reading these past messages. I go back to my Dr. next week, and I think she may bump up my dosage, as I have had no adverse reactions. Anyone have any advice or ideas for me? THANKS so much in advance.
I have said this so often... and am saying it again...
do not increase the dosage too fast or the side effects will really hit you...
continue with the 50 mg for at least another week before any increase then aim for the next 25 mg...
the weight effect seems to kick in according to the individual's metabolism is all I can figure...
I am always amazed that people do not see the weight loss start at once... I did...
it was not a huge weight loss but it was a weight loss ... 3 pounds in the first week...
and this week I discovered that I have lost another five pounds... had given up checking as I thought I had reached a permanent plateau...
was talking with my sister-in-law who was on topomax for several years to control a 'jumping around effect' as she calls it... she broke her spine about fifteen years ago and has suffered all sorts of side effects from that.
Now her doctors and there are dozens, have decided she is depressed and have her on effexor and another anti-depressant whose name I forget but it sounds like ampybutaline to my pathetic memory... shall check it out.. she was on welbutrin but that happy face offended her LOL...
and I am offended by the antidepressants for a person who is anything but depressed especially the effexor !!!!!!! ...
and on something that is to controlly the sudden twitches or spasms or seizures that her body goes through from the spinal cord damage... they took her off topomax...
she had no side effects other than it controlled her weight for ages...
she has been a one meal a day person for as long as I can remember... and now I know why... apparently the effect lasts...
I still have no urge to eat sweets and no real wish to indulge in heavy meals... and this from the person who found food the way to escape the things that upset or depressed me... amazing...
and to think that if I stop taking it the effect will last...
now to find out if the anti-seizure part lasts <g>
oh, relax folks, I know it won't, just a pathetic attempt at a joke...
had two seizures, mild ones but of the embarrassing sort for the type of epilepsy that I have... thank heaven for the type of epilepsy I have I guess...
and it annoys me to all get out that with the meds to control the seizures and the meds to control the nausea and abdominal pain that the tegretol causes and the meds to control the meds, the seizures still can happen...
I want to live in a perfect world...
to be young, slim, and happy all the time too...
and I want it all yesterday....
kat
Posted by helenag on February 21, 2004, at 20:12:56
In reply to Re: Topamax help =(), posted by sickofmyfatclothes on February 20, 2004, at 13:25:06
Weight loss for me started at 200mg and above. Am at 300mg now and have seen significant loss of appetite at this dose.
Posted by sjb on February 22, 2004, at 7:25:33
In reply to Re: Topamax help =(), posted by sickofmyfatclothes on February 20, 2004, at 13:25:06
I have not read this entire thread, so if I'm repeating something already said, my apologies.
First, not ALL experience weight loss with Topomax, and for those that do, it is generally temporary. Also, at higher doses, cognitive difficulties and lethargy are a frequent problem.
Topomax worked well for me for a couple of months but that was it.
A quote from a article in the New Yorker about the supplement industry was helpful for me and may be for others as well:
"Yet, despite thousands of weight-loss studies and an increasingly focused search for solutions, there is NO (caps inserted by me) evidence that any prescription, over-the-counter product, or supplement has ever kept a person's weight down for much more than a few months. At best, such drugs or supplements are short-term answers to lifelong problems; at worst, they intensify the disorders they attempt to cure." From Miracle in a Bottle by Michael Specter, The New Yorker, February 2, 2004
Posted by Sooshi on February 22, 2004, at 13:02:26
In reply to Re: Topamax help =(), posted by sjb on February 22, 2004, at 7:25:33
Weight loss was very temporary for me also. The appetite suppression is just another side effect that goes away with all the others, and if you haven't experienced any side effects to begin with, you probably won't experience much weight loss. Most people don't like hearing this, and continue to go on Topamax, hoping it will cure all their weight loss problems, but, well....maybe you'll be one of the lucky ones. Some people have really lost a lot of weight, but they really are the few...
Posted by Sooshi on February 22, 2004, at 13:14:12
In reply to Re: Topamax help =() » sjb, posted by Sooshi on February 22, 2004, at 13:02:26
Posted by katia on February 22, 2004, at 14:52:04
In reply to Re: Topamax help =() » sjb, posted by Sooshi on February 22, 2004, at 13:02:26
Hi everyone,
I am BPII/Mixed and have been on Lithium (made me a zombie), Depakote (afraid of the PCOS possibility), Lamictal - got the rash.
I have been off of meds for about 7 weeks now except for Seroquel for sleep (small doses) and 12 gs of fish oil. I was doing GREAT for about 5-6 weeks even thinking that I wasn't bipolar that there had been a mistake and I never needed meds again (pretty typical I know).
I've got samples of Trileptal and Topamax here - anyone care to comment on their experiences with both? I am not sure which one to start with. I'm starting to get irritable and depressed. energy's turning.
Anyone suggestions? Please?!
Katia
Posted by headachequeen on February 22, 2004, at 16:28:55
In reply to Re: Topamax help =(), posted by sjb on February 22, 2004, at 7:25:33
> First, not ALL experience weight loss with Topomax, and for those that do, it is generally temporary. >
> A quote from a article in the New Yorker about the supplement industry was helpful for me and may be for others as well:
>
> "Yet, despite thousands of weight-loss studies and an increasingly focused search for solutions, there is NO (caps inserted by me) evidence that any prescription, over-the-counter product, or supplement has ever kept a person's weight down for much more than a few months. At best, such drugs or supplements are short-term answers to lifelong problems; at worst, they intensify the disorders they attempt to cure." From Miracle in a Bottle by Michael Specter, The New Yorker, February 2, 2004
Here I take my stance at the chalkboard and assume my teacher's role again... thought I had left that life behind long ago when I entered the journalism life... forgive the pedantic stance, please...
BUT...
Let us remember first and foremost that Topomax is not intended to be first and foremost a weight-loss panacea. It was developed, if my weakened cognitive skills are kicking in properly <s>, to deal with seizures. In that respect, it has been a boon to the epileptic and to others with seizure-related illnesses and problems.
Along the way it was discovered that it has useful side-effects: it tends to eliminate migraine head-aches; it has a propensity for suppressing appetite; it would seem from the conversation among the people here that it helps some of us who suffer emotional mental health problems. It has negative side-effects, too many to list.
The useful side-effects, when working in tandem with its original raison d'etre, are great. However, when it is used specifically with the intent that it cause weight loss or it change the psyche's approach to life, then we are asking it to perform its random effects, not its intended effects, and we are hoping that it will do the unexpected.
There are no magic buttons or potions for weight loss. We all know that. No one who has gained weight for whatever reason, medical problem or simply because the chocolate cake and the butter pecan crunch ice cream were too hard to resist, thinks otherwise, but it is nice to have help and nicer yet to have hope.
As one who takes Topomax for its primary intent, to help with seizures and in the hope that one of its side-effects will kick in and the migraines will be defeated as well, I am more than happy.
The migraines have been absent from my life for almost fourteen months now.
The seizures, while not totally absent from my life, are no longer weekly or nightly, sometimes bi-nightly, events.
The weight-loss side-effect, again random, I realise, has kicked in too. The weight I gained while being treated for depression, thanks to the depression itself, some of it caused by the undiagnosed epilepsy (misdiagnosed as symptoms of depression and when diagnosed several years ago, ignored by a doctor who did not want me saddled by the stigma of epilepsy... depression is less a stigma????? go figure!) an thanks to the meds used to treat the depression that led to weight gain,
I have lost weight and kept it off for a year now; the weight loss began at 25 mg... I think it depends upon the metabolism of the individual...
not the dosage...
my sister-in-law was on Topomax and is now on another medication instead (she decided that she preferred to be able to have a drink now and then) but has not gained weight and still has a small appetite although she has not taken Topomax
for over two years and it may be longer. She had been off it for quite a while when I was first prescribed the med.
She still eats only one main meal a day with a light breakfast... a scrambled egg with cheese and juice or perhaps yoghurt and juice in the morning.
As I do she craves protein and her main meal is usually chicken or fish, occasionally beef with fresh vegetables... with the occasional snack of cheese... neither of us is able to finish a large meal... small portion of potato with a touch of sour cream or melted cheese on top with the vegetables which we prefer raw anyway LOL...
and we no longer indulge in chocolate bars or other sweets... with her birthday and our anniversary coming up, they are a day apart, we are both concerned about offending family members who have great plans afoot...
dinner at a favourite restaurant for the whole tribe and we will be the ones ordering salads... we just do not have the great appetites...
It may not have the same effect for everyone but this is a SIDE-EFFECT, it is not the planned effect...
and as someone told me a while back when I posted that I had reached a plateau and was no longer losing weight, it was time to do it the old-fashioned way... to work at it...
actually it was time to work at other things, not weight loss... I had to work on the body that had lost all that weight!!!
My body and I are considering the prospect of having to buy an entire new wardrobe when spring gets here...
nothing that fit last summer will fit this summer...
I have dragged out the sewing machine to make some alterations in favourite clothes... but some things are just not a possibility... and I could cry!
now we have a blood sugar problem...
it ain't all beer and skittles...
we have entered the low blood sugar arena this body and I... and that is a new challenge...
saw the doctor the other day and he is furious that my psychologist would kick me loose in winter when I have the worst time of all...
we have to get through February and March, traditionally my worst phase of the year and the psych-man says that I am doing so well I don't need him any more...
so time will tell...
maybe one of those random Topomax side-effects will replace the psychologist???
if not I have some strong help right here....
kat
Posted by Mags on February 22, 2004, at 18:24:33
In reply to headachequeen » sjb, posted by headachequeen on February 22, 2004, at 16:28:55
I agree with much of what headachequeen has said. I went on Topamax as a mood stabilizer and to control headaches and it has done a great job of the headaches. We are still working on doseage for my rapid cycling. As far as my appetite I have found that I stopped craving carbs almost immediately, so I have lost some weight BUT I do not think this drug is worth going on just to lose weight as there are so many side effects. The big one being the cognitive ones. Some days I feel like an idiot!!
Plus the original poster only mentions being depressed not BiPolar..this drug can CAUSE depression!
I realize losing weight instead of gaining on a psych drug sounds nice for a change but at what cost?
Mags
Posted by Mags on February 22, 2004, at 18:27:36
In reply to Re: headachequeen, posted by Mags on February 22, 2004, at 18:24:33
Posted by headachequeen on February 22, 2004, at 21:19:55
In reply to Re: headachequeen, posted by Mags on February 22, 2004, at 18:24:33
> I agree with much of what headachequeen has said. I went on Topamax as a mood stabilizer and to control headaches and it has done a great job of the headaches. We are still working on doseage for my rapid cycling. As far as my appetite I have found that I stopped craving carbs almost immediately, so I have lost some weight BUT I do not think this drug is worth going on just to lose weight as there are so many side effects. The big one being the cognitive ones. Some days I feel like an idiot!!
> Plus the original poster only mentions being depressed not BiPolar..this drug can CAUSE depression!
> I realize losing weight instead of gaining on a psych drug sounds nice for a change but at what cost?
> Mags
The idea of taking a drug for its side-effects really worries me...
I have a real problem with the side-effects from the main AED I have to take and wonder how on earth anyone can want to take something for its side-effects... sigh...
kat
Posted by katia on February 22, 2004, at 23:41:59
In reply to Re: topomax, posted by headachequeen on February 22, 2004, at 21:19:55
> The idea of taking a drug for its side-effects really worries me...
> I have a real problem with the side-effects from the main AED I have to take and wonder how on earth anyone can want to take something for its side-effects... sigh...
> katTo me it seems like just the evolution of meds. Who ever thought an anti-seizure med would be used as a MS?
Posted by sjb on February 23, 2004, at 8:35:48
In reply to headachequeen » sjb, posted by headachequeen on February 22, 2004, at 16:28:55
I am so glad it is helping you and others you know. I by no means intented to 'dis the drug for it's original label use for seizures, headaches, etc. I think it is wonderful that this drug has helped people with these problems, such as yourself. The fact that you and others have also have had long term appetite suppresant, that's great also. My post was meant as a general observation, not a 100% thing, and for those of us who tend to blame ourselves when a drugs benefit change or lose effect. It has been my observation that most on this board turn to Topomax for its weight-loss rep. Perhaps, drugs being prescribed for off-label use, need more scrutiny and long-term studies.
Posted by sjb on February 23, 2004, at 8:43:12
In reply to Re: topomax » headachequeen, posted by katia on February 22, 2004, at 23:41:59
I think it's fair to say, that many benefits have been found on drugs originally developed for an unrelated malady. I also think it goes without saying that if the manufactures can jump on a potential money-maker from a side effect, such as weight-loss, they will do so quickly, perhaps too quickly.
Posted by Sooshi on February 23, 2004, at 9:26:35
In reply to Re: headachequeen, posted by sjb on February 23, 2004, at 8:35:48
Hi sjb - I know that you didn't mean to dis Topamax! That's why I clarified my message WASN'T for you (see (nm) post on 2/22/04...I had accidentally posted the message to you). In fact, I think most everyone is AGREEING with you! That Topa should definately NOT be used as a diet drug alone, which is where it seems to be headed here lately. I, for one, thank you for you insight!
Posted by headachequeen on February 23, 2004, at 16:42:36
In reply to Re: topomax » headachequeen, posted by katia on February 22, 2004, at 23:41:59
I like the evolution thought... but I would like to know that the random effect was more controlled...
we have read too many posts here from people who have tried topomax (to use it as an example) for its side effects and found that it didn't work or that the other side effects kicked in and caused problems causing them to be disappointed or to some degree harmed...
I guess, being a staid and sober second thought type, I am concerned about the 'which one will I try next approach'...
and knowing the side effects with which I have to contend on a daily basis, I fear for those who have to face other side effects on a random basis...
did that emerge the way I wanted it to? or randomly?
kat
Posted by headachequeen on February 23, 2004, at 16:46:58
In reply to Re: headachequeen, posted by sjb on February 23, 2004, at 8:35:48
> I am so glad it is helping you and others you know. I by no means intented to 'dis the drug for it's original label use for seizures, headaches, etc. ... My post was meant as a general observation, not a 100% thing, and for those of us who tend to blame ourselves when a drugs benefit change or lose effect. It has been my observation that most on this board turn to Topomax for its weight-loss rep. Perhaps, drugs being prescribed for off-label use, need more scrutiny and long-term studies.>>
Oh, but that is my point, my concern, and my constant soapbox exactly...
we are too quick to try this drug and that one for the off-label effects...
and then get upset because of the side effects (too often random effects), the damage, the disappointments, and on and on...
When it works for the proper need then fine...
and if controlled for the random use then that is one thing...
but there seems to be a flood of people dictating to doctors...
and ads telling them to tell their doctors what to prescribe...
I know, I know, the old Canadian attitude that demands that we do not do that...
can't advertise drugs and so on...
but it is a worry to my way of thinking...
you have hit the nail on the head...
there are those who are helped but it is not a magic bullet...
kat
Posted by headachequeen on February 23, 2004, at 16:47:56
In reply to Re: topomax-off label, posted by sjb on February 23, 2004, at 8:43:12
> I think it's fair to say, that many benefits have been found on drugs originally developed for an unrelated malady. I also think it goes without saying that if the manufactures can jump on a potential money-maker from a side effect, such as weight-loss, they will do so quickly, perhaps too quickly.
and to this the choir choruses a loud AMEN
kat
Posted by helenag on February 24, 2004, at 14:29:24
In reply to Re: topomax » sjb, posted by headachequeen on February 23, 2004, at 16:47:56
Topamax has been an excellent mood stabilizer for me. I have been at 300mg since December and because OF the appetite suppression, I am going to have to ask my doctor to decrease my dose. Not that I mind losing the weight, which I continue to do so at 2-3 pounds a week, but because I think it is getting unhealthy to eat once a day. I have literally no appetite all day till the end of the day. Just what nutrition my body is missing is bothering me. At christmas time, I was in a size 10. I am now in a size 6. Yes, yes, as a woman it is so nice to be thin thin...but this is NOT healthy.
Anyone who would go on this drug for weight loss only is taking a foolish chance. I may be one of the few people for whom this side effect took by storm, but I stress, SIDE EFFECT. I have also dealt with dry mouth, cognitive problems, and tingling hands and feet.
Posted by headachequeen on February 24, 2004, at 14:54:01
In reply to Re: topomax, posted by helenag on February 24, 2004, at 14:29:24
> Topamax has been an excellent mood stabilizer for me. I have been at 300mg since December and because OF the appetite suppression, I am going to have to ask my doctor to decrease my dose. Not that I mind losing the weight, which I continue to do so at 2-3 pounds a week, but because I think it is getting unhealthy to eat once a day. I have literally no appetite all day till the end of the day. Just what nutrition my body is missing is bothering me. At christmas time, I was in a size 10. I am now in a size 6. Yes, yes, as a woman it is so nice to be thin thin...but this is NOT healthy.
> Anyone who would go on this drug for weight loss only is taking a foolish chance. I may be one of the few people for whom this side effect took by storm, but I stress, SIDE EFFECT. I have also dealt with dry mouth, cognitive problems, and tingling hands and feet.
>
>Isn't it interesting that so many of us find that Topomax leads to one meal a day... and so many of us also find that it leads to an end to cravings of junk food...
good grief health food fanatics are us...
but I really think that the statement you made
> Anyone who would go on this drug for weight loss only is taking a foolish chance. <
must be repeated again and again...
I keep hearing of and reading of people who keep taking drugs to try to achieve something from the non-intentional things they are meant to do...
as it were the accidental things they do...
and that really frightens me for them...
yes, I am happy that I managed to lose the weight that other drugs and depression allowed me to gain... but I would not want to be able to take this drug simply to lose weight...
that to my way of thinking is dangerous... as you term it, a foolish chance and you cannot say it too often or too loudly...
kat who is now a size ten was once a size four and would like to be a size eight I admit... but will settle for the ten.
Posted by Herspirit on February 24, 2004, at 20:35:30
In reply to Re: Topamax Experiences? Â, posted by sherry gomez on January 24, 2001, at 18:21:32
I'm taking 300mg. Topamax, 300mg. Effexor, and 3mg. Risperdal for depression. I've been on Topamax and Risperdal since May 2003 and Effexor since 1996. I also put drops in my eyes for glaucoma. For the last several months my eyes have felt terrible. Dry, blurry, like they have a film over them and generally my nose runs at the same time. Does anyone else have these symptoms and correspond them to Topamax? I have tried lowering my Effexor dosage to see if that was the problem and it wasn't. I tried the eye drops and that wasn't it. I tried lowering the Topamax to 200mg. last week but I became edgy and my eyes weren't any better so we put it back up to 300mg.
My optometrist suggests putting punctal plugs in my tear drainage holes but I really want to find out why my eyes feel this way. If it's the Topamax, then I can deal with it. I just want to know that I'm not alone. And perhaps know what others did about it. I don't really want to stop taking the Topamax because I've been doing so well on it in combination with the other meds I'm taking. If it is some other kind of allergy (I'll go to an allergist), then I can rectify that problem by getting rid of the allergen (hopefully).
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Posted by Sooshi on February 24, 2004, at 21:08:46
In reply to Re: Topamax Experiences? » sherry gomez, posted by Herspirit on February 24, 2004, at 20:35:30
Hi Herspirit,
I am definately experiencing the same thing, and I take Topamax, 200mg. If I don't drink enough water, which is most of the time, my eyes get too dehydrated, and they feel very dry and blurry. I've seen my optometrist about this and she confirmed it. She gave me some artificial tears to put in them for when they get very irritated, but said the best thing to do it to KEEP YOURSELF HYDRATED. You do not need to stop taking your Topamax, you just need to drink water, water, water if you are taking Topamax!
Hope this helps some,
Sooshi
Posted by Herspirit on February 24, 2004, at 21:41:55
In reply to Re: Topamax Experiences? » Herspirit, posted by Sooshi on February 24, 2004, at 21:08:46
I must admit, I haven't been drinking enough water. I drink, but generally beverages with caffeine in them, coffee and diet iced tea. I'm going to have to make a concerted effort to drink water and like you said, LOTS OF IT! Plus, my kidneys need it too! When you say, lots of it, about how much do you drink in a day, ounces wise?
My optometrist also had me using artificial tears but I would have to be using the constantly for them to do me any good. My eyes only feel good in the shower. The minute I step out, it's back to the blurry, dry feeling.
> Hi Herspirit,
>
> I am definately experiencing the same thing, and I take Topamax, 200mg. If I don't drink enough water, which is most of the time, my eyes get too dehydrated, and they feel very dry and blurry. I've seen my optometrist about this and she confirmed it. She gave me some artificial tears to put in them for when they get very irritated, but said the best thing to do it to KEEP YOURSELF HYDRATED. You do not need to stop taking your Topamax, you just need to drink water, water, water if you are taking Topamax!
>
> Hope this helps some,
> Sooshi
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