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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1768 to 1792 of 1838. Go back in thread:
Posted by Aleese on April 1, 2006, at 17:44:20
In reply to Re: TOPAMAX and Hypothermia » Aleese, posted by storm rider on March 30, 2006, at 20:00:21
> > I dont understand why most of the people I hear about are having alot less food intake with Topomax but for me its nothing like that WHY!!!!!????????
>
> I wonder why, Bridgey... it certainly worked for me...
> and...drum roll... I think my hairstylist has figured out my sudden weight loss.. the dramatic one for which they have done all the tests...
> it is not cancer...or any of a lot of other horrid things...
> today my stylist was commenting on how much healthier my hair is since I quit taking tegretol...
> and then she mentioned the connection between the weight loss and the time I stopped the tegretol... the weight started dropping when I stopped it...
> wonder if it has a weight holding factor
>
> katCan anyone give me any reason or anything they hve heard about Topomax and how it affeects people differently because it seems like I am the only one I know that DOESN'T have appetite decrease!!! WHAT the HELL is up with that!!!???
Posted by challenged on April 3, 2006, at 3:05:08
In reply to Re: TOPAMAX and Hypothermia, posted by Aleese on April 1, 2006, at 17:44:20
Aleese, you are not alone I haven't had my topamax for a couple of weeks now because the 250 bucks is hard to come by when on disability......but when I go back on them I will be taking as before...200 miligrams and I do NOT see any weight loss either or appetite decrease..I am frusterated also....What IS up with that? I also take 300 mil of wellbutrin daily.
Nettie
Posted by Aleese on April 3, 2006, at 17:11:59
In reply to Re: TOPAMAX and Hypothermia, posted by challenged on April 3, 2006, at 3:05:08
> Aleese, you are not alone I haven't had my topamax for a couple of weeks now because the 250 bucks is hard to come by when on disability......but when I go back on them I will be taking as before...200 miligrams and I do NOT see any weight loss either or appetite decrease..I am frusterated also....What IS up with that? I also take 300 mil of wellbutrin daily.
>
Nettie,
It is SO totally unfair but it IS in fact just MY LUCK....and to think I am Irish and it just doesnt matter!!!!! I will never loose this weight!!! I have been thin most my life but since my son(2) 13 & ^ I have been up & down I am at my highest and it just doesnt seem to be going anywhere I thought for sure Topomax was the answer to all my problems but instead it only helps me with some of them!!!!!!
Posted by Aleese on April 3, 2006, at 17:13:34
In reply to Re: TOPAMAX and Hypothermia, posted by Aleese on April 3, 2006, at 17:11:59
I am sorry I meant since my sons (I have 2 13 & 6) my typing did not comeout right last time!
Posted by Storm Rider on April 3, 2006, at 18:16:03
In reply to Re: TOPAMAX and Hypothermia, posted by challenged on April 3, 2006, at 3:05:08
> Aleese, you are not alone I haven't had my topamax for a couple of weeks now because the 250 bucks is hard to come by when on disability......but when I go back on them I will be taking as before...200 miligrams and I do NOT see any weight loss either or appetite decrease..I am frusterated also....What IS up with that? I also take 300 mil of wellbutrin daily.
>
> NettieNettie, I was on welbutrin for a while because of the depression caused by the increased intensity of the epileptic activity until one of my doctors realised that welbutrin causes seizures and it was not a great idea...
it caused me to gain weight... as did another anti-depressant that was prescribed and yet another... so did other meds that were used in an an effort to combat medical conditions that I live with...
some times there are other contributing factors...
I know one person who is on topomax for migraine control and has no problem with the migraines since starting the topomax, but, despite being told that chocolate triggers migraine has always given into cravings for the stuff and still eats it by the boxcar-load...
he does not seem to have any resistance to it despite the topomax even though he admits that it no longer tastes the same...
kat
Posted by challenged on April 5, 2006, at 14:42:16
In reply to Re: TOPAMAX and Hypothermia » challenged, posted by Storm Rider on April 3, 2006, at 18:16:03
> > Aleese, you are not alone I haven't had my topamax for a couple of weeks now because the 250 bucks is hard to come by when on disability......but when I go back on them I will be taking as before...200 miligrams and I do NOT see any weight loss either or appetite decrease..I am frusterated also....What IS up with that? I also take 300 mil of wellbutrin daily.
> >
> > Nettie
>
> Nettie, I was on welbutrin for a while because of the depression caused by the increased intensity of the epileptic activity until one of my doctors realised that welbutrin causes seizures and it was not a great idea...
> it caused me to gain weight... as did another anti-depressant that was prescribed and yet another... so did other meds that were used in an an effort to combat medical conditions that I live with...
> some times there are other contributing factors...
> I know one person who is on topomax for migraine control and has no problem with the migraines since starting the topomax, but, despite being told that chocolate triggers migraine has always given into cravings for the stuff and still eats it by the boxcar-load...
> he does not seem to have any resistance to it despite the topomax even though he admits that it no longer tastes the same...
> kat
>
>
> Kat,
Thank you for responding. I am not going to go through that weight gain again!!! When I was taking prozac, lexapro and many others I was gaining weight and not myself and it added to my depression. I cannot afford a seizure either. I am so not happy with the way I am feeling and am going to get a few more DR.'s opinions.I am bewildered also because I am dieting right now, and when I started the wellbutrin my weight stopped dropping. i am at least about 20 to 25 pounds what I should be and I had lost without the topomax.... (because I don't rely on it for weight) ..10 pounds, then I stared the wellbutrin and I gained back nearly 5 pounds in a week!! Is it possible that the wellbutrin is the contributer to this? I have just started the wellbutrin for 2 to 3 weeks? It is hard to find the right med for every individual but it also helps to know what others that take these say.
I am so pleased to have read so many informative facts as well as communication theory on this board from the users themself of these drugs and will respectfully love to hear your response Kat!!Thank you........
Nettie
Posted by challenged on April 5, 2006, at 14:59:05
In reply to Re: TOPAMAX and Hypothermia, posted by Aleese on April 3, 2006, at 17:11:59
> > Aleese, you are not alone I haven't had my topamax for a couple of weeks now because the 250 bucks is hard to come by when on disability......but when I go back on them I will be taking as before...200 miligrams and I do NOT see any weight loss either or appetite decrease..I am frusterated also....What IS up with that? I also take 300 mil of wellbutrin daily.
> >
> Nettie,
> It is SO totally unfair but it IS in fact just MY LUCK....and to think I am Irish and it just doesnt matter!!!!! I will never loose this weight!!! I have been thin most my life but since my son(2) 13 & ^ I have been up & down I am at my highest and it just doesnt seem to be going anywhere I thought for sure Topomax was the answer to all my problems but instead it only helps me with some of them!!!!!!
>
>
>Aleese,I am there with you and feel your pain right through this computer. I am Italian...... now I have to say no more right? It is also disturbing to my composure at times especially when I am dieting and seeing this yo-yo effect in my weight everytime I have a medication change. I know I need medication but there just has to be something that will work without throwing my depression deeper because of body image issues which really have a strong affect on my emotional well-being! I have empathy for you, I understand how it feels. I can only hope that when I get back on topomax this week that I can drop the wellbutin and see what happens and I will definitely be in touch with you!
Kat is really informative, as I am sure you are aware of. I cannot read enough of what she has to say. I get messages from psycho-babble through my email and read them all. Very appreciative to have found this sight.
Nettie
Posted by SandyWeb on April 5, 2006, at 15:21:54
In reply to Re: TOPAMAX and Hypothermia, posted by challenged on April 5, 2006, at 14:59:05
I am one of the people where the weight seems to be evaporating right off of me since starting the Topamax. I am now on 225mg (split), and have been holding steady at that dose since March 25th. No real side effects to speak of, except.....loss of appetite.
I know that some of you are not having this occur. Maybe it is the Topamax in combination with another med that we are using. Let's try to figure out if there is a common med that the rest of us are using that may be contributing to the weight loss:
So, along with the Topamax, I'm also taking:
1. Inderal LA
2. Seroquel
3. Remeron
4. ClonazepamSometimes I'll also take gabapentin (Neurontin).
So, is there a common med in there that all the people losing weight are taking? It may not have anything to do with it at all....just trying to look at it from all angles.
Sandy
Posted by Storm Rider on April 5, 2006, at 20:49:31
In reply to Re: TOPAMAX and Hypothermia, posted by SandyWeb on April 5, 2006, at 15:21:54
> I am one of the people where the weight seems to be evaporating right off of me since starting the Topamax. I am now on 225mg (split), and have been holding steady at that dose since March 25th. No real side effects to speak of, except.....loss of appetite.
>
> I know that some of you are not having this occur. Maybe it is the Topamax in combination with another med that we are using. Let's try to figure out if there is a common med that the rest of us are using that may be contributing to the weight loss:
>
> So, along with the Topamax, I'm also taking:
> 1. Inderal LA
> 2. Seroquel
> 3. Remeron
> 4. Clonazepam
>
> Sometimes I'll also take gabapentin (Neurontin).
>
> So, is there a common med in there that all the people losing weight are taking? It may not have anything to do with it at all....just trying to look at it from all angles.
>
> Sandy
>I wonder if there is a combination effect???
that could be it...
I do know that I had an awful time with welbutrin until my primary care discovered that I was on it and put a stop to it because it causes seizures...
and I have to wonder why anyone would prescribe it for an epileptic anyway?????I also had trouble with weight gain with several other meds that I was given because of the depression that accompanied the exacerbation of the epilepsy... all of them came with warnings that there would be a weight gain.. and at this point I cannot remember what they were...
at the moment I take
accupril
tiazac
hydroxyzine
imovane
ventolin
rhinocort
and I forget the name of the asthma inhaler...I wonder if that makes it work???
kat
Posted by Storm Rider on April 5, 2006, at 20:52:40
In reply to Re: TOPAMAX and Hypothermia » Storm Rider, posted by challenged on April 5, 2006, at 14:42:16
>
> I am bewildered also because I am dieting right now, and when I started the wellbutrin my weight stopped dropping. i am at least about 20 to 25 pounds what I should be and I had lost without the topomax.... (because I don't rely on it for weight) ..10 pounds, then I stared the wellbutrin and I gained back nearly 5 pounds in a week!! Is it possible that the wellbutrin is the contributer to this? I have just started the wellbutrin for 2 to 3 weeks? It is hard to find the right med for every individual but it also helps to know what others that take these say.
>
> I am so pleased to have read so many informative facts as well as communication theory on this board from the users themself of these drugs and will respectfully love to hear your response Kat!!Thank you........
>
> Nettie
>
>
Nettie, I can only say that I found the Welbutrin caused weight gain for me... and it was balloon time... I gained ten pounds in a short time...
ten pounds I didn't need, having gained so much already...
maybe I should start taking it now and gain the ten pounds I need sigh...
kat
Posted by challenged on April 6, 2006, at 2:07:23
In reply to Re: TOPAMAX and Hypothermia » challenged, posted by Storm Rider on April 5, 2006, at 20:52:40
>
> >
> > I am bewildered also because I am dieting right now, and when I started the wellbutrin my weight stopped dropping. i am at least about 20 to 25 pounds what I should be and I had lost without the topomax.... (because I don't rely on it for weight) ..10 pounds, then I stared the wellbutrin and I gained back nearly 5 pounds in a week!! Is it possible that the wellbutrin is the contributer to this? I have just started the wellbutrin for 2 to 3 weeks? It is hard to find the right med for every individual but it also helps to know what others that take these say.
> >
> > I am so pleased to have read so many informative facts as well as communication theory on this board from the users themself of these drugs and will respectfully love to hear your response Kat!!Thank you........
> >
> > Nettie
> >
> >
> Nettie, I can only say that I found the Welbutrin caused weight gain for me... and it was balloon time... I gained ten pounds in a short time...
> ten pounds I didn't need, having gained so much already...
> maybe I should start taking it now and gain the ten pounds I need sigh...
> kat
>
Kat, Thanks for the response and I will send you all my wellbutrin hahaha......have a drawer full that my DR gave me. Too bad he doesn't have any topamax to give me ..so expensive here and I am waiting for medical to kick in if ever!! was costing me over 200 dollars for 2 weels .....decided to split the 200 mil pill and a months supply will be 250.00... cuts the cost in half. Have not picked up my topomax for 2 weeks and need to get them ......my brain is porridge.......Nettie
Posted by challenged on April 6, 2006, at 2:28:08
In reply to Re: TOPAMAX and Hypothermia, posted by SandyWeb on April 5, 2006, at 15:21:54
> I am one of the people where the weight seems to be evaporating right off of me since starting the Topamax. I am now on 225mg (split), and have been holding steady at that dose since March 25th. No real side effects to speak of, except.....loss of appetite.
>
> I know that some of you are not having this occur. Maybe it is the Topamax in combination with another med that we are using. Let's try to figure out if there is a common med that the rest of us are using that may be contributing to the weight loss:
>
> So, along with the Topamax, I'm also taking:
> 1. Inderal LA
> 2. Seroquel
> 3. Remeron
> 4. Clonazepam
>
> Sometimes I'll also take gabapentin (Neurontin).
>
> So, is there a common med in there that all the people losing weight are taking? It may not have anything to do with it at all....just trying to look at it from all angles.
>
> Sandy
>Thanks Sandy for your input..really is very helpful and hopefully others will respond also. You have made a great contribution to this board and it helps to know what others are taking with the topamax to reiterate what you said.
I am not obese but I feel very uncomfortable with this extra 25 pounds that is not normal for me. The many other meds have totally contributed to my weight gain and I had more on me before. Being in my middle 50's may have contributed to a few of those pounds but not all and I try to always eat properly and drink alot of green tea. Very rarely drink soda......the taste since the topamax....having some dark depressed days right now so my activity has dwindled. I find myself sitting at the edge of my bed with one shoe off and having a hard time wanting to take the other off......if you know what I mean.......so that sums up where I am at.I have become disabled from my condition at the moment and my pdoc has not cleared me for work yet.I am a federal grand juror and have been serving for almost 2 years and it at least gives me pupose one day a week.Looking forward to hearing from others .....
Again, thank you......Nettie
Posted by Aleese on April 8, 2006, at 19:37:01
In reply to Re: TOPAMAX and Hypothermia » SandyWeb, posted by challenged on April 6, 2006, at 2:28:08
> > I am one of the people where the weight seems to be evaporating right off of me since starting the Topamax. I am now on 225mg (split), and have been holding steady at that dose since March 25th. No real side effects to speak of, except.....loss of appetite.
> >
> > I know that some of you are not having this occur. Maybe it is the Topamax in combination with another med that we are using. Let's try to figure out if there is a common med that the rest of us are using that may be contributing to the weight loss:
> >
> > So, along with the Topamax, I'm also taking:
> > 1. Inderal LA
> > 2. Seroquel
> > 3. Remeron
> > 4. Clonazepam
> >
> > Sometimes I'll also take gabapentin (Neurontin).
> >
> > So, is there a common med in there that all the people losing weight are taking? It may not have anything to do with it at all....just trying to look at it from all angles.
> >
> > Sandy
> >
>
> Thanks Sandy for your input..really is very helpful and hopefully others will respond also. You have made a great contribution to this board and it helps to know what others are taking with the topamax to reiterate what you said.
> I am not obese but I feel very uncomfortable with this extra 25 pounds that is not normal for me. The many other meds have totally contributed to my weight gain and I had more on me before. Being in my middle 50's may have contributed to a few of those pounds but not all and I try to always eat properly and drink alot of green tea. Very rarely drink soda......the taste since the topamax....having some dark depressed days right now so my activity has dwindled. I find myself sitting at the edge of my bed with one shoe off and having a hard time wanting to take the other off......if you know what I mean.......so that sums up where I am at.I have become disabled from my condition at the moment and my pdoc has not cleared me for work yet.I am a federal grand juror and have been serving for almost 2 years and it at least gives me pupose one day a week.
>
> Looking forward to hearing from others .....
>
> Again, thank you......NettieNettie,
Do you mind my asking what you take clonzapam for cuz my cousin takes it ro and i had wanted to ask her but didnt get to yet?
Posted by Aleese on April 8, 2006, at 19:41:45
In reply to Re: TOPAMAX and Hypothermia » SandyWeb, posted by challenged on April 6, 2006, at 2:28:08
> > I am one of the people where the weight seems to be evaporating right off of me since starting the Topamax. I am now on 225mg (split), and have been holding steady at that dose since March 25th. No real side effects to speak of, except.....loss of appetite.
> >
> > I know that some of you are not having this occur. Maybe it is the Topamax in combination with another med that we are using. Let's try to figure out if there is a common med that the rest of us are using that may be contributing to the weight loss:
> >
> > So, along with the Topamax, I'm also taking:
> > 1. Inderal LA
> > 2. Seroquel
> > 3. Remeron
> > 4. Clonazepam
> >
> > Sometimes I'll also take gabapentin (Neurontin).
> >
> > So, is there a common med in there that all the people losing weight are taking? It may not have anything to do with it at all....just trying to look at it from all angles.
> >
> > Sandy
> >
>
> Thanks Sandy for your input..really is very helpful and hopefully others will respond also. You have made a great contribution to this board and it helps to know what others are taking with the topamax to reiterate what you said.
> I am not obese but I feel very uncomfortable with this extra 25 pounds that is not normal for me. The many other meds have totally contributed to my weight gain and I had more on me before. Being in my middle 50's may have contributed to a few of those pounds but not all and I try to always eat properly and drink alot of green tea. Very rarely drink soda......the taste since the topamax....having some dark depressed days right now so my activity has dwindled. I find myself sitting at the edge of my bed with one shoe off and having a hard time wanting to take the other off......if you know what I mean.......so that sums up where I am at.I have become disabled from my condition at the moment and my pdoc has not cleared me for work yet.I am a federal grand juror and have been serving for almost 2 years and it at least gives me pupose one day a week.
>
> Looking forward to hearing from others .....
>
> Again, thank you......NettieSandy,
I am sorry my last question was for meant for Sandy not Nettie about the Clonzopam. What do they usually prescribe that for can you tell me?
Posted by Aleese on April 8, 2006, at 19:45:00
In reply to Re: TOPAMAX and Hypothermia, posted by challenged on April 5, 2006, at 14:59:05
Nettie,
I hear Ya!
Posted by SandyWeb on April 8, 2006, at 20:16:29
In reply to Re: TOPAMAX and Hypothermia, posted by Aleese on April 8, 2006, at 19:41:45
Hi there,
No, I'm not obese. I had gestational diabetes with both my pregnancies (I was a small girl who happened to "spawn" monster babies! Lol!), but went back to my normal 105-110 after each birth. But with the Remeron, I gained a lot of weight....and there is concern with that bringing on diabetes. So we needed something to bring the weight down. So far, so good with the Topamax.
Sandy
Posted by Aleese on April 10, 2006, at 19:17:08
In reply to Re: TOPAMAX and Hypothermia, posted by Aleese on April 8, 2006, at 19:41:45
Is there something they can pescribe to take the depression away while your on Topomax?
Posted by redscarlet on April 10, 2006, at 19:37:19
In reply to Re: TOPAMAX and Hypothermia, posted by Aleese on April 8, 2006, at 19:41:45
Clonazepam (Klonopin) is an antianxiety med.
Posted by SandyWeb on April 12, 2006, at 16:05:36
In reply to Re: TOPAMAX, posted by redscarlet on April 10, 2006, at 19:37:19
Well, I started Topamax on February 7th and looks as though I will be quitting cold-turkey tomorrow (April 13th) at 250mg. Not much to be done about it. Absolutely loved the med. Although no med is perfect, it seemed to keep my moods fairly stable and even (WooHoo!!!) began dropping the weight from basically the first day. I'm pretty serious about that! It impacted my appetite from the very beginning. In fact, I can now wear MOST of my old pants again....probably could still lose 2-3 pounds more, but we're talking about a 50+ pound weight gain from the dreaded Remeron. All the side effects I had from Topamax occurred only in the beginning, and they really were more of a nusance than anything else. And then they went away. Tingling feet and hands, COLD body, can't think of anything else so it musn't have been too big a deal.
WELL....it appears that our lovely Canadian drug plan is refusing to accept this "exception status" med for me. So instead of paying $5 for a 3-month supply, we'd be looking more at $450 for 3 months. Can't do. Down to 2 pills. I don't understand why they agreed to Neurontin, but not to this med. So time to go loopy again.
AND....if I can't have the Topamax, I'm cold-turkeying off the Remeron as well. Remeron is covered at $5.00, BUT......I can't stop eating on it. And I'm prone to diabetes because of the monster babies I spawned! Lol! And Remeron is the only antidepressant that I can tolerate. SSRI's send me non-stop to the bathroom....for WEEKS! It just never stops. Welbutrin causes panic attacks and high heart rate. Effexor could make me walk right out in front of a car because I'm so DUH. Paxil makes me psychotic. And all the rest just kill my body.
I've had seizures before, but years ago. When I used to drink. I haven't had alcohol for four years now, and I have absolutely no interest in it.
Remeron made my head quiet. Especially at night. It would talk and talk and talk. Of course it was me because....well, who else is in there BUT me, right?? Lol. But me would be talking to me talking to me talking to me. It would get so noisy. I take Seroquel to help me sleep, and it doesn't even stop the noisy head. But the Remeron does.
But if I can't have the Topamax, I can't risk the Remeron. I'm going to be bouncing like crazy. Oh my gosh. And there are NO samples of Topamax. Ha ha ha. I'm going to be so sick. And the worst of the matter is: my 14-year old daughter is visiting for Easter from the 13th to the 17th. And I have to act NORMAL. I'm probably going to use up a whole month's worth of Klonopin in one day! *smirk*
This is going to be hard, guys. Why can't they just approve the Topamax? I'm on the smallest cocktail I've been on yet, and I still have battles that I go through, but.....I SURVIVE the battles. The cocktail works. Dang it.
Anyways, now I'll only be on:
Inderal LA (physical panic)
Clonazepam (psychological panic)
Seroquel (sleep...would rather something better, but don't know what)Good luck on the Topamax!! I think it's a GREAT drug if it's targeting the correct problem.
Be well.
Sandy
Posted by Storm Rider on April 12, 2006, at 17:51:00
In reply to Bye Bye, Topamax, posted by SandyWeb on April 12, 2006, at 16:05:36
> Well, I started Topamax on February 7th and looks as though I will be quitting cold-turkey tomorrow (April 13th) at 250mg. Not much to be done about it. Absolutely loved the med. Although no med is perfect, it seemed to keep my moods fairly stable and even (WooHoo!!!) began dropping the weight from basically the first day. I'm pretty serious about that! It impacted my appetite from the very beginning. In fact, I can now wear MOST of my old pants again....probably could still lose 2-3 pounds more, but we're talking about a 50+ pound weight gain from the dreaded Remeron. All the side effects I had from Topamax occurred only in the beginning, and they really were more of a nusance than anything else. And then they went away. Tingling feet and hands, COLD body, can't think of anything else so it musn't have been too big a deal.
>
> WELL....it appears that our lovely Canadian drug plan is refusing to accept this "exception status" med for me. So instead of paying $5 for a 3-month supply, we'd be looking more at $450 for 3 months. Can't do. Down to 2 pills. I don't understand why they agreed to Neurontin, but not to this med. So time to go loopy again.
>
> AND....if I can't have the Topamax, I'm cold-turkeying off the Remeron as well. Remeron is covered at $5.00, BUT......I can't stop eating on it. And I'm prone to diabetes because of the monster babies I spawned! Lol! And Remeron is the only antidepressant that I can tolerate. SSRI's send me non-stop to the bathroom....for WEEKS! It just never stops. Welbutrin causes panic attacks and high heart rate. Effexor could make me walk right out in front of a car because I'm so DUH. Paxil makes me psychotic. And all the rest just kill my body.
>
> I've had seizures before, but years ago. When I used to drink. I haven't had alcohol for four years now, and I have absolutely no interest in it.
>
> Remeron made my head quiet. Especially at night. It would talk and talk and talk. Of course it was me because....well, who else is in there BUT me, right?? Lol. But me would be talking to me talking to me talking to me. It would get so noisy. I take Seroquel to help me sleep, and it doesn't even stop the noisy head. But the Remeron does.
>
> But if I can't have the Topamax, I can't risk the Remeron. I'm going to be bouncing like crazy. Oh my gosh. And there are NO samples of Topamax. Ha ha ha. I'm going to be so sick. And the worst of the matter is: my 14-year old daughter is visiting for Easter from the 13th to the 17th. And I have to act NORMAL. I'm probably going to use up a whole month's worth of Klonopin in one day! *smirk*
>
> This is going to be hard, guys. Why can't they just approve the Topamax? I'm on the smallest cocktail I've been on yet, and I still have battles that I go through, but.....I SURVIVE the battles. The cocktail works. Dang it.
>
> Anyways, now I'll only be on:
>
> Inderal LA (physical panic)
> Clonazepam (psychological panic)
> Seroquel (sleep...would rather something better, but don't know what)
>
> Good luck on the Topamax!! I think it's a GREAT drug if it's targeting the correct problem.
>
> Be well.
>
> Sandy
>
If the med was prescribed by your doctor why is the insurance company describing it as an 'exception status'.?
I live in Canada too. The provincial medical programme doesn't pay for our medications, but we have a private one, through the company, that does...
it covers prescriptions, semi-private and private coverage when in hospital, home nursing, physio, and so on...
and there has never been a question about prescriptions..
if one is on a provincial coverage plan...
for instance home nursing covered under OHIP for any length of time then certain medications are considered as exceptions and the doctor has to fill out a special form...
perhaps that is an option????
I would look into having your doctor fill out the form and send it to your insurer...kat
Posted by challenged on April 12, 2006, at 19:06:33
In reply to Bye Bye, Topamax, posted by SandyWeb on April 12, 2006, at 16:05:36
> Well, I started Topamax on February 7th and looks as though I will be quitting cold-turkey tomorrow (April 13th) at 250mg. Not much to be done about it. Absolutely loved the med. Although no med is perfect, it seemed to keep my moods fairly stable and even (WooHoo!!!) began dropping the weight from basically the first day. I'm pretty serious about that! It impacted my appetite from the very beginning. In fact, I can now wear MOST of my old pants again....probably could still lose 2-3 pounds more, but we're talking about a 50+ pound weight gain from the dreaded Remeron. All the side effects I had from Topamax occurred only in the beginning, and they really were more of a nusance than anything else. And then they went away. Tingling feet and hands, COLD body, can't think of anything else so it musn't have been too big a deal.
>
> WELL....it appears that our lovely Canadian drug plan is refusing to accept this "exception status" med for me. So instead of paying $5 for a 3-month supply, we'd be looking more at $450 for 3 months. Can't do. Down to 2 pills. I don't understand why they agreed to Neurontin, but not to this med. So time to go loopy again.
>
> AND....if I can't have the Topamax, I'm cold-turkeying off the Remeron as well. Remeron is covered at $5.00, BUT......I can't stop eating on it. And I'm prone to diabetes because of the monster babies I spawned! Lol! And Remeron is the only antidepressant that I can tolerate. SSRI's send me non-stop to the bathroom....for WEEKS! It just never stops. Welbutrin causes panic attacks and high heart rate. Effexor could make me walk right out in front of a car because I'm so DUH. Paxil makes me psychotic. And all the rest just kill my body.
>
> I've had seizures before, but years ago. When I used to drink. I haven't had alcohol for four years now, and I have absolutely no interest in it.
>
> Remeron made my head quiet. Especially at night. It would talk and talk and talk. Of course it was me because....well, who else is in there BUT me, right?? Lol. But me would be talking to me talking to me talking to me. It would get so noisy. I take Seroquel to help me sleep, and it doesn't even stop the noisy head. But the Remeron does.
>
> But if I can't have the Topamax, I can't risk the Remeron. I'm going to be bouncing like crazy. Oh my gosh. And there are NO samples of Topamax. Ha ha ha. I'm going to be so sick. And the worst of the matter is: my 14-year old daughter is visiting for Easter from the 13th to the 17th. And I have to act NORMAL. I'm probably going to use up a whole month's worth of Klonopin in one day! *smirk*
>
> This is going to be hard, guys. Why can't they just approve the Topamax? I'm on the smallest cocktail I've been on yet, and I still have battles that I go through, but.....I SURVIVE the battles. The cocktail works. Dang it.
>
> Anyways, now I'll only be on:
>
> Inderal LA (physical panic)
> Clonazepam (psychological panic)
> Seroquel (sleep...would rather something better, but don't know what)
>
> Good luck on the Topamax!! I think it's a GREAT drug if it's targeting the correct problem.
>
> Be well.
>
> Sandy
>
Sandy,Although I don't live in canada I sympathize with you and know how hard this is for you. I was loopy for the last month for the same reason and just went and picked up my pills for one month that cost me 250 dollars and have been asleep for the past three days getting back on them at 200 mil daily..... I went off cold turkey also.
I am waiting on medical myself for qualification..sheeeeeeesh......take care of yourself!!!I feel your pain......Nettie
Posted by SandyWeb on April 12, 2006, at 19:46:05
In reply to Re: Bye Bye, Topamax » SandyWeb, posted by Storm Rider on April 12, 2006, at 17:51:00
Hi Kat,
"Exception status" are meds listed in each provincial formulary that are not covered by the province's prescription plan IF they are being requested for off-label use.
My doc first tried to just exchange the Neurontin (exception status that WAS approved for me for social anxiety) with the Topamax, as it has been researched positively in this area. Well, no go.
Then he tried a different tactic. The Remeron caused excessive weight gain (and the only antidepressant that I've been able to tolerate), but I'm prone to diabetes because of having gestational diabetes not ONCE but TWICE...with both my kiddos. There was a very real health risk at continuing to gain the weight, PLUS the Remeron disconnected the suicidal thought from suicidal action. He also mentioned I was a rapid cycler, meaning bipolar. Believe me, I know about the bouncing around and both the Neurontin and the Topamax have kept me fairly stable in that regard. And did I mention spending thousands and thousands of dollars on my credit cards when I had to move last year??? Thousands and thousands!!! LITERALLY!!!! But when I came "down" from that, I embarrassingly returned thousands and thousands of dollars worth of goodies. THAT'S humiliation.
So he's trying. But he's not in charge of PharmaCare. And guess what? I'm just another Welfare case. Why would they want to spend countless dollars on a person who can't even hardly leave her own home without a safe person with her? So what if she goes loopy? Only her two cats will take notice, and more money for the the tax-payers.
I know...feel sorry for Sandra-night. I don't have a lot of options. And I don't have a lot of gumption to stand up for myself and try to make my voice heard. Because, truly, I'm just a drain on the medical system. Maybe they didn't realize when they approved the Neurontin that I didn't have a job. Heck if I know.
At least they allow me to have 3-month supply of anti-anxiety meds for $5. Maybe they feel it will just keep me quiet. But I *WANT* the old Sandra back. And even with the doctor's help, PharmaCare's not willing to go the extra mile for me, it seems.
Oh well, such is life. Maybe one day soon Topamax will no longer be classified as an "exception status". Seroquel was taken off that status a number of months ago simply because doctors were prescribing it so much. I use it as a sleep aide.....never would have passed the off-label criteria a year ago. So there's always hope.
Take care.
Sandy
Posted by SandyWeb on April 12, 2006, at 20:04:12
In reply to Re: Bye Bye, Topamax, posted by challenged on April 12, 2006, at 19:06:33
Nettie,
I know everyone is different, but what was your cold-turkey loopiness like? And I hate that I have to stop Remeron at the same time.....or I'll start eating up a storm again.
How did you feel? What did you do to get through it? Any suggestions SINCERELY appreciated! I can't believe my 14-year old daughter is coming to stay with me for the next 5 days. Will she be able to tell??? Do I just chug-a-lug Klonopin all day? What do I do??
I'm so glad you're back on your pills. When they work, we really do know, don't we?
Hugs,
Sandy
Posted by Storm Rider on April 12, 2006, at 20:23:23
In reply to Re: Bye Bye, Topamax, posted by SandyWeb on April 12, 2006, at 19:46:05
> Hi Kat,
>
> "Exception status" are meds listed in each provincial formulary that are not covered by the province's prescription plan IF they are being requested for off-label use.
>
> My doc first tried to just exchange the Neurontin (exception status that WAS approved for me for social anxiety) with the Topamax, as it has been researched positively in this area. Well, no go.
>
> Then he tried a different tactic. The Remeron caused excessive weight gain (and the only antidepressant that I've been able to tolerate), but I'm prone to diabetes because of having gestational diabetes not ONCE but TWICE...with both my kiddos. There was a very real health risk at continuing to gain the weight, PLUS the Remeron disconnected the suicidal thought from suicidal action. He also mentioned I was a rapid cycler, meaning bipolar. Believe me, I know about the bouncing around and both the Neurontin and the Topamax have kept me fairly stable in that regard. And did I mention spending thousands and thousands of dollars on my credit cards when I had to move last year??? Thousands and thousands!!! LITERALLY!!!! But when I came "down" from that, I embarrassingly returned thousands and thousands of dollars worth of goodies. THAT'S humiliation.
>
> So he's trying. But he's not in charge of PharmaCare. And guess what? I'm just another Welfare case. Why would they want to spend countless dollars on a person who can't even hardly leave her own home without a safe person with her? So what if she goes loopy? Only her two cats will take notice, and more money for the the tax-payers.
>
> I know...feel sorry for Sandra-night. I don't have a lot of options. And I don't have a lot of gumption to stand up for myself and try to make my voice heard. Because, truly, I'm just a drain on the medical system. Maybe they didn't realize when they approved the Neurontin that I didn't have a job. Heck if I know.
>
> At least they allow me to have 3-month supply of anti-anxiety meds for $5. Maybe they feel it will just keep me quiet. But I *WANT* the old Sandra back. And even with the doctor's help, PharmaCare's not willing to go the extra mile for me, it seems.
>
> Oh well, such is life. Maybe one day soon Topamax will no longer be classified as an "exception status". Seroquel was taken off that status a number of months ago simply because doctors were prescribing it so much. I use it as a sleep aide.....never would have passed the off-label criteria a year ago. So there's always hope.
>
> Take care.
>
> Sandy
Sandy, whatever else you do, stay on this message board...
I am trying to find out what the paper was that my doctor had to sign when he renewed my prescription for Losec (the laryngologist prescribed it for my vocal cords... and I do not understand his reasoning but anyway...)
it is apparently on some list that requires this document, probably the exception status you mentioned...
every so often I will have a cut or a puncture wound develop infection that leads to treatment at the ER, that leads to IV antibiotics and that leads to home nursing to change the antibiotics (they put me on a pump) and change the dressings and so on; on that system, OHIP takes over the cost of all my meds...
strikes me as stupid because my insurance plan pays for them, and I still have to pay the premiums which is 250 or so a month wasted...
but anyway, this form went into the pharmacy to be on file in case this happens and the province gets antsy about the losec...
if your doctor says you need the med, they should not have the power to question the need...
that is really not acceptable...
who are they to decide what is medically appropriate for you??in the mean time, we are still here and still concerned...
we don't go away...
and you don't either
kat
Posted by challenged on April 12, 2006, at 21:41:39
In reply to Re: Bye Bye, Topamax » challenged, posted by SandyWeb on April 12, 2006, at 20:04:12
> Nettie,
>
> I know everyone is different, but what was your cold-turkey loopiness like? And I hate that I have to stop Remeron at the same time.....or I'll start eating up a storm again.
>
> How did you feel? What did you do to get through it? Any suggestions SINCERELY appreciated! I can't believe my 14-year old daughter is coming to stay with me for the next 5 days. Will she be able to tell??? Do I just chug-a-lug Klonopin all day? What do I do??
>
> I'm so glad you're back on your pills. When they work, we really do know, don't we?
>
> Hugs,
>
> SandyOh Sandy,
Yes it is good to be back on the pills but I am unemployed and on disability due to my illness and know how it feels to have no money and I just put out a chunk of change having no insurance myself. I am really tired right now starting back on them all at once but when I had to stop cold turkey........
OMG
It was not good......Alot of really bad thoughts...deep dark ones......bad dreams.... I stayed away from people and tried not to answer the phone......up one minute and down the next.....my brain was pouridge...i stopped driving...found myself going through red lights like they wern't even there.......couldn't sleep sometimes and when I did it was interrupted every two hours......cried a lot and just made no sense found that my repressed thoughts were all back in play even my cats noticed it .....I could tell by their behaviour towards me...sounds wierd but they are what live with me now since my son is all grown up and in college so I am pretty much alone....I worry about you Sandy and do stay with us here as Kat sugests... I have relyed so much on you all here so very much myself......Take care of yourself......I care!..... and know what you are going through...... hugs back.......Nettie
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