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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Leighwit on June 4, 2002, at 18:38:36
Since I'm starting Topamax tomorrow, I was searching through Babble archives and quite frankly, I'm only finding bad press about it. I want to try a mood stabilizer that doesn't cause weight gain (Lamictal is out for that reason) and that's pretty much limited to Topamax.
Has anyone had success with this drug?
I'm sure hoping so!
Laurie
Posted by JohnX2 on June 4, 2002, at 22:02:18
In reply to Topamax Success Stories: Any Good News?, posted by Leighwit on June 4, 2002, at 18:38:36
> Since I'm starting Topamax tomorrow, I was searching through Babble archives and quite frankly, I'm only finding bad press about it. I want to try a mood stabilizer that doesn't cause weight gain (Lamictal is out for that reason) and that's pretty much limited to Topamax.
>
> Has anyone had success with this drug?
>
> I'm sure hoping so!
>
> LaurieIt hasn't been a good mood stabilizer for me, but it has
been the only consistent antidepressant. It makes me
hypomanic and agitated when I augment my lamictal.John
Posted by bobbyy on June 5, 2002, at 6:15:47
In reply to Topamax Success Stories: Any Good News?, posted by Leighwit on June 4, 2002, at 18:38:36
until my latest traumatic outside event, topamax gave
me a middle mood and helped me lose a little weight..
it lifted the oppressive/depressive feelings that lithium
didn't touch...I am also on risperdal,paxil, and klonopin
I don't seem to have any side effects yet..been on
it for over two months now
Posted by Leighwit on June 5, 2002, at 8:50:42
In reply to Re: Topamax Success Stories: Any Good News? » Leighwit, posted by JohnX2 on June 4, 2002, at 22:02:18
>
> It hasn't been a good mood stabilizer for me, but it has
> been the only consistent antidepressant. It makes me
> hypomanic and agitated when I augment my lamictal.
>
> JohnHi John,
Have you taken Topamax alone, then? Or exclusively with Lamictal? The fact that it worked as an antidepressant for you is promising ~ although I don't need any help with agitation. Hopefully that happens because of the mix w/Lamictal.
I hope you're feeling improvements yourself today, John.
Thanks much for your help,
Laurie
Posted by JohnX2 on June 5, 2002, at 15:31:55
In reply to Re: Topamax Success Stories: Any Good News? » JohnX2, posted by Leighwit on June 5, 2002, at 8:50:42
> >
> > It hasn't been a good mood stabilizer for me, but it has
> > been the only consistent antidepressant. It makes me
> > hypomanic and agitated when I augment my lamictal.
> >
> > John
>
> Hi John,
>
> Have you taken Topamax alone, then? Or exclusively with Lamictal? The fact that it worked as an antidepressant for you is promising ~ although I don't need any help with agitation. Hopefully that happens because of the mix w/Lamictal.
>
> I hope you're feeling improvements yourself today, John.
>
> Thanks much for your help,
>
> LaurieLaurie,
Just with Lamictal, which has more of the reputation of
being an AD. I think there is a synergistic effect.Good Luck.
John
Posted by Zo on June 5, 2002, at 23:26:15
In reply to Topamax Success Stories: Any Good News?, posted by Leighwit on June 4, 2002, at 18:38:36
Laurie,It clearly works for some people, and very well, and is considered by some pdocs as a weight loss drug!
So the only way to know is a trial. I got stupid and dark within a few days. . While many meds require a much longer trial than that, all indications were, in two attempts, Tope was not the drug for me. . .Lamictal is! I'm real pleased with it.
Anyway, you either can or cannot benefit from Tope. . good luck!
Zo
Posted by Leighwit on June 6, 2002, at 8:28:49
In reply to Re: Topamax Success Stories: Any Good News? » Leighwit, posted by Zo on June 5, 2002, at 23:26:15
Quite frankly, I don't think there are any posts on Babble detailing any good, mid- or long-term experiences with Topamax as a mood stabilizer or antidepressant on its own merit (although JohnX2 found antidepressant qualities when taken with Lamictal, as I recall.) It's gotten lots of press for weight loss ~ but that's a different issue.
I started it last night. We'll see, I guess ~ but I'm not very optimistic. Compared with Lamictal, I'd say Topamax gets rather bad press here.
Maybe I should take both of them ~ maybe the Topamax could change the rapid-fire weight gain from the Lamictal, if they were taken together (I've already started to loose that six pounds.)
Laurie
Posted by sunniebackthen on June 8, 2002, at 10:37:14
In reply to I don't think there are any (good stories), posted by Leighwit on June 6, 2002, at 8:28:49
I take 200mg of Topamax and honestly the first month was horrible, I didn't think I was going to make it. But I stuck through it and feel wonderful now! I was on Zyprexa before and felt like crap -I wouldn't get out bed to do anything, and now I actually feel like I have a life again. Hope this helps.
Posted by sunniebackthen on June 8, 2002, at 15:24:35
In reply to Re: I don't think there are any (good stories), posted by sunniebackthen on June 8, 2002, at 10:37:14
Sorry I had to repost this message (I think it should be under Topamax Success Stories)
I take 200mg of Topamax and honestly the first month was horrible, I didn't think I was going to make it. But I stuck through it and feel wonderful now! I was on Zyprexa before and felt like crap -I wouldn't get out bed to do anything, and now I actually feel like I have a life again. Hope this helps.
Posted by Leighwit on June 8, 2002, at 17:51:16
In reply to Re: I don't think there are any (good stories), posted by sunniebackthen on June 8, 2002, at 10:37:14
> I take 200mg of Topamax and honestly the first month was horrible, I didn't think I was going to make it. But I stuck through it and feel wonderful now! I was on Zyprexa before and felt like crap -I wouldn't get out bed to do anything, and now I actually feel like I have a life again. Hope this helps.
It helps to know someone has benefited from perserverance with Topamax. I'm not feeling like I'm going to make it to thirty days; quite frankly, I'm not sure if I'll take the fourth dosage at bedtime tonight. I'm not sure if I want to put myself or my family through this. I'm even more agitated than I was before, and definitely feeling darker. This is really not a good thing. I appreciate your writing nonetheless (and all the more!)
laurie
Posted by Ponder on November 12, 2002, at 12:34:14
In reply to Topamax Success Stories: Any Good News?, posted by Leighwit on June 4, 2002, at 18:38:36
I have a new p-doc who is encouraging me to try Topamax. His clinical experience suggests that it is a "sleeper." He commented that Neurontin gets a lot of attention, but has been disappointing; Topamax gets dismissed but can be quite effective for many patients.
Because many of my stalwart and courageous p-babble cohorts have found Topa to be intolerable, I have been afraid of it. Why, then, have I decided to try it? In part because of some intriguing hints that there may be some good synergy between Topamax and Lamictal (which I'm already on) and that being on Lamictal already might ameliorate side-effects of Topa as it is introduced. The experience of JohnX2 has been encouraging in that the combination of L. and T. have been effective for him and have not caused cognitive side effects.
So...a week ago I introduced Topa, not at 50 mg twice a day as my p-doc had prescribed, but at 12.5 mg at bedtime only. I have experienced a reduction in anxiety, have been able to eliminate my sleep meds, and so far have not had cognitive effects. The last couple of nights I have taken about 3/4 of a 25 mg. tablet; tonight will go to 25 mg. If anyone is interested in further reports, I'll be glad to post them. No effect on appetite yet, although this is not a big factor in my interest in this drug.
Posted by EP on November 14, 2002, at 13:38:31
In reply to Toe in the water with Topa, posted by Ponder on November 12, 2002, at 12:34:14
I too started taking topa almost 1 week ago.
started it in order counteract weight gain from Proz and to control compulsive binge eating and bulimic behaviors.
so far it hasn't really helped me out.
i still eat as much as I usually eat, crave sweets, and feel compelled to snack late at night even though i am not hungry.
i've been taking 25mg before going to bed. i'm sleeping fine and waking up like usual, but i'm finding myself enervated when i try to exercise or do anything too physically tasking.
minor pins and needles in my feet. Soda still tastes fine to me.
no noticeable cognitive slowing, but if i really think about it, maybe i have been finding myself at a loss for the right words. not too bad though.
i'm thinking of increasing my dose to 50 mg -- taking 25 mg around 3:00pm and taking another 25 mg at bedtime.
anyone taking topa to control binge eating behaviors?
Has 50mg helped curve anyone's appetite?
There are a bunch of old posts, but not new recent ones.
I'd love to hear how people are doing on the med.
Thanks y'all!
Posted by Sean W. on December 6, 2002, at 8:27:08
In reply to Re: Toe in the water with Topa, posted by EP on November 14, 2002, at 13:38:31
I have battled depression all my life so i finally went to a shrink. HE really seems to care and he put me on Welbutrin sr 200 mgs twice a day and topamax 50mg twice a day.
the 'butrins are ok I guess, they give me headaches but im getting use to it now.
The reason he put me on the Topamax is the "switch" in my brain wants to keep storing fat instead of burning it. I'm only 21 and i weigh 400lb. teh government wont help, so things looked bad.
This shrink said that topamax has a 70% weight loss chance, it should help turn off the switch he said.
so my question is, does anyone here now if topamax really does cuase wieght loss? Will it help to reverse my matabolisim?
Posted by sjb on December 6, 2002, at 9:10:54
In reply to Re: Toe in the water with Topa » EP, posted by Sean W. on December 6, 2002, at 8:27:08
This advice is not realistic, I do not believe. If Topomax REALLY turned off the switch, as you say, people would be clamoring for it, it would be huge news.
I've said this on this board before, but the weight loss effects of Topomax have been overstated. Many folks will loose some weight, as I did, but for me, it was temporary and my appetite returned after a few months.
I do not blame you and your PDoc for wanting to try it. It may help, but I think you should be aware that the appetite supressant feature may not be permanent.
Just my $.02.
I'm really getting tired of the psychiatry profession not coming clean with us, basing reports on 6-week studies (often performed by the manufacturer), Madison Avenue telling us what we should be taking, and all of the perks the PDocs are receiving to peddle drugs.
Ok, I'm done ranting. By all means try the Topomax and I hope and pray it really helps you. I hope I'm dead wrong, actually. I wish you all the best but I don't think Topomax is the answer.
Posted by Ponder on December 6, 2002, at 9:11:54
In reply to Re: Toe in the water with Topa » EP, posted by Sean W. on December 6, 2002, at 8:27:08
Hi, Sean
As you review posts on this board about Topa, I think you'll see that most people who've tried it did, in fact, lose weight on it. The effect seemed to be more from appetite suppression then changes in metabolism. I am currently at 75 mg a day, 50 at night and 25 in the morning. So far, no weight loss, no effect on appetite at all. But I am not experiencing any cognitive dulling either. I am titrating very slowly to try to avoid cognitive side effects. This is, of course, a VERY low dose, much lower than my doctor has prescribed. I'm still working my way up. I've already had some benefits with mood stability.
My medications include Wellbutrin, Topamax, and Lamictal. It seems to be a good combo. Lamictal has good antidepressant properties, no weight gain problems for most people, and some nice synergy with Topamax.
I sincerely wish the best for you and hope you'll keep us posted on your progress.
Ponder
Posted by Sean W. on December 11, 2002, at 19:02:45
In reply to Re: Toe in the water with Topa » Sean W., posted by Ponder on December 6, 2002, at 9:11:54
> Hi, Sean
>
> As you review posts on this board about Topa, I think you'll see that most people who've tried it did, in fact, lose weight on it. The effect seemed to be more from appetite suppression then changes in metabolism. I am currently at 75 mg a day, 50 at night and 25 in the morning. So far, no weight loss, no effect on appetite at all. But I am not experiencing any cognitive dulling either. I am titrating very slowly to try to avoid cognitive side effects. This is, of course, a VERY low dose, much lower than my doctor has prescribed. I'm still working my way up. I've already had some benefits with mood stability.
>
> My medications include Wellbutrin, Topamax, and Lamictal. It seems to be a good combo. Lamictal has good antidepressant properties, no weight gain problems for most people, and some nice synergy with Topamax.
>
> I sincerely wish the best for you and hope you'll keep us posted on your progress.
> Ponder
Well, Been on it a couple more weeks now. I am having a wierd side affect but i dont know which medicine its from.I gets pins and needles in my feet, like they are falling alspeep but they dont, this happens on and off all day.
Also somtiems im not hungry at all and other times i feel mal nurished and starving, but im anemic too, i should have told the doc that.
my sex life is has gone down to almost nothing. It's like it's not even there.
I guess this is all part of the treatemnt.
I don't see the doc for another 5 weeks, but i dont have enough topamax to get me through till then, its hard to get sample bottles here on teh eastern shore and I am very poor right now so I can not afford to buy any.
oh well...
Posted by Ponder on December 12, 2002, at 1:23:53
In reply to Re: Toe in the water with Topa » Ponder, posted by Sean W. on December 11, 2002, at 19:02:45
Sean,
The side-effects you describe sound like Topa, all right. The appetite thing is really weird. When I first started taking Topa I actually got much hungrier for the first couple of weeks, then less as I titrated.Sean, you really shouldn't just let yourself run out of pills and stop taking your meds cold-turkey. I know it's hard to motivate when you're depressed, but you really need to make a phonecall and see what you can do to get enough meds to last until your next visit. After paying your dues with side effects while ramping up, you might as well stick with this until you get some benefit, or at least find out if benefits are on their way.
Hope it works out well. Keep posting.
Posted by Sean W. on December 12, 2002, at 7:53:55
In reply to Re: Toe in the water with Topa, posted by Ponder on December 12, 2002, at 1:23:53
> Sean,
> The side-effects you describe sound like Topa, all right. The appetite thing is really weird. When I first started taking Topa I actually got much hungrier for the first couple of weeks, then less as I titrated.
>
> Sean, you really shouldn't just let yourself run out of pills and stop taking your meds cold-turkey. I know it's hard to motivate when you're depressed, but you really need to make a phonecall and see what you can do to get enough meds to last until your next visit. After paying your dues with side effects while ramping up, you might as well stick with this until you get some benefit, or at least find out if benefits are on their way.
>
> Hope it works out well. Keep posting.The shrink himself called 3 differnt companys trying to get tehm to send a box or two over here to the eastern shore, where i am at. However we just can seem to get any here.
so i have no choice
Posted by viridis on December 15, 2002, at 0:48:58
In reply to Re: Toe in the water with Topa » Ponder, posted by Sean W. on December 12, 2002, at 7:53:55
You do have a choice -- call the company that makes it and tell them your situation. They'll probably get you what you need. The pharmaceutical companies are eager to satisfy their customers and will bend over backwards to keep you on their meds. I doubt your pdoc is trying hard enough.
Posted by Sean W. on December 15, 2002, at 10:31:51
In reply to Re: Toe in the water with Topa » Sean W., posted by viridis on December 15, 2002, at 0:48:58
I don't know...
heres another update. Everyone I know says they think i have lost a few punds but i know they are just trying to give me support. I've only been on the topamax for a month now i don't think that was enough time to lose any wieght.I have noticed I am less hungry for breakfast though, and before i was like starving by the time i woke up for breakfast. I just eat a bagel now and a glass of coke (still working on ditching my cold caffine) I still don't eat lunch, or if i do its very light, usually a salad.
It pisses me off that I ahev to live me life watching everything i eat and staying this big becuase of my matabolism, but people think i eat alot.
Somebody the other day compared me to his brother who was fat and said "my brother will eat a half pound of feta cheese at a time..." and i'm thinking i would never do such a thing.
There is some people who dont care if they are fat and eat whatever, then there are people like me who dont wanna be fat but were doomed either gentically or matabically like I am.
sigh
i have very little faith in this topamax. the doc says it's got a side effect of 70-80% weight loss, but there is no magic pill. At this rate im destined to die.
Posted by Nickee on December 5, 2003, at 1:15:59
In reply to Topamax Success Stories: Any Good News?, posted by Leighwit on June 4, 2002, at 18:38:36
I've been on Topamax for 10 months after I was waken up one morning by the spinning in my head. I found that even when I got up and throughout the day the dizzyness didn't go away. I went to about 4 doctors until I finally went to a Neurologist and he told me I had migraines. I've never had them before and I really didn't have the headaches, but he gave me a prescription for topamax. After being dizzy for 3 solid weeks, I was ready to try anything. Within 2 days of taking the drug the dizzyness stopped! I take 50 mg in the morning and 50 mg at night. I don't restrict my diet and I exercise normal. The only time I ever get a migraine now is when I become extremely stressed out (like the time my dog ate my favorite pair of shoes). A nice side bonus is I've lost 10 lbs and it is staying off. I feel healthy and in great mental shape. The only other drug I'm currently taking is my birth control and the only side effect I experienced with topamax was in the first week with tiggling in my hand and feet. Hope this information helped someone. Best Wishes and Health.
Nicole
> Since I'm starting Topamax tomorrow, I was searching through Babble archives and quite frankly, I'm only finding bad press about it. I want to try a mood stabilizer that doesn't cause weight gain (Lamictal is out for that reason) and that's pretty much limited to Topamax.
>
> Has anyone had success with this drug?
>
> I'm sure hoping so!
>
> Laurie
Posted by Nickee on December 5, 2003, at 1:42:24
In reply to Re: Toe in the water with Topa » viridis, posted by Sean W. on December 15, 2002, at 10:31:51
I know your post is rather old, but I just want to agree with you that a month was way to soon to see any change of weight loss with topamax. I've been on topamax for 10 months and have only recently seen the big jump in my weight loss a month ago. It's been a slow and steady progress, but I guess it wasn't until I saw 10 whole pounds off the scale that I realize I lost that much weight. I didn't go on the drug for weight loss (migranes actually), but it was a nice bonus. I started of with a small dose 25 mg in the morning and 25 mg in the evening and after 2 weeks, my dr. up'ed each dose 25mg.
I have noticed with diet and exercise (maybe 2 times a week if i'm lucky :) it has really motivated me to stay more heathly. It's not an uphill battle anymore since the weight seems to stay off. I've been through a lot of fad type diets and true I don't belive in magic pills, but this one seems pretty darn right for me. Because it doesn't do all the work for you and it doesn't happen all at once. You are still responsible for what you are putting into your body, it just gives you a little more will power than you had before. (Don't get me wrong you'll still crave what you normally crave just not as much and not as often).Hope any of this info helps.
Take Care,
Nicole> I don't know...
>
>
> heres another update. Everyone I know says they think i have lost a few punds but i know they are just trying to give me support. I've only been on the topamax for a month now i don't think that was enough time to lose any wieght.
>
> I have noticed I am less hungry for breakfast though, and before i was like starving by the time i woke up for breakfast. I just eat a bagel now and a glass of coke (still working on ditching my cold caffine) I still don't eat lunch, or if i do its very light, usually a salad.
>
> It pisses me off that I ahev to live me life watching everything i eat and staying this big becuase of my matabolism, but people think i eat alot.
>
> Somebody the other day compared me to his brother who was fat and said "my brother will eat a half pound of feta cheese at a time..." and i'm thinking i would never do such a thing.
>
> There is some people who dont care if they are fat and eat whatever, then there are people like me who dont wanna be fat but were doomed either gentically or matabically like I am.
>
> sigh
>
> i have very little faith in this topamax. the doc says it's got a side effect of 70-80% weight loss, but there is no magic pill. At this rate im destined to die.
Posted by Karen_kay on December 5, 2003, at 13:08:21
In reply to Re: Topamax Success Stories: Any Good News?, posted by Nickee on December 5, 2003, at 1:15:59
You do know that Topamax interacts with Birth control, correct? Your doctor should have told you that... You should be on a birth control with higher levels of estrogen... or you should be on a patch of some sort.. Glad to hear you are doing well on topamax... I am too! :) I'm taking Demulen 1/50 for birth control. .. just wanted to be sure you knew that you couldn't take just a regular birth control like say.. ortho tri cyclen or something because it wouldn't be as effective...
Karen
Posted by MelD on December 5, 2003, at 22:00:52
In reply to Re: Topamax Success Stories: Any Good News? » Nickee, posted by Karen_kay on December 5, 2003, at 13:08:21
I have been on Topamax, 50mg at bedtime for 3 mos now. Even at that low dose i notice a definite reduction in my appetite and cravings. I have NO willpower and have lost 10 lbs just because of the Topamax. I started taking in because i was gaining weight on my AD med, Parnate. Topamax also boosted the AD benefits and i have lots of energy and concentration like i never had before. Its a lovely drug for me. The s/e of tingling in the hands and feet and leg cramps and weakness have passed. Best of luck to you, Melodie
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