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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by 80srockmom on February 25, 2003, at 21:28:17
In reply to Re: Topamax Experiences?, posted by whitman on February 1, 2003, at 18:45:07
I'm reading a few of these posts and I know that we're discussing the effects of Topamax being used for depression or similar, but what in the world is this going to do for my 4-year-old. I'm really concerned. She's being treated of course, for epilepsy seizures. But, the doctors are certain that the side effects will not be of danger to her. She's only 4 years old and reading some of the things here with you who are on Topamax as adults are very - not horrifying - but concerning. I feel as if I should demand that she be taken off Topamax and put on something else. My thinking actually is that maybe I should try Topamax for my mild depression as I've been diagnosed clinically depressed. Very interesting stories to say the least. So, what's your opinion? Being on it, do you think it's a drug to be used on small children like my daughter of 4-years-old? Certainly I do not like her having the possibility of having side effects like rash, eye pressure, blurred vision, concentration difficulties, etc. This is concerning to me. I think I might have them start her on something else. There are not a lot of message boards which talk about children on Topamax. I found this one though and ... well, here I am. All opinions welcome. :-)
Posted by Ame Sans Vie on February 26, 2003, at 10:50:23
In reply to Topamax for 4-year-old???, posted by 80srockmom on February 25, 2003, at 21:28:17
FWIW, the book I have listed Topamax as useful for petit mal seizures, in adults. In my (non-professional) opinion, while having your daughter on this drug probably poses little risk, you're right-- the side effects probably aren't worth it. From what I understand, phenobarbital is quite often a treatment of choice (and most efficacious) for all types of seizures in children. I would probably bring this up to the prescribing physician.
Posted by delna on March 12, 2003, at 1:23:27
In reply to Re: BAD Topamax Experiences? , posted by Bob on March 5, 2001, at 1:56:48
I'm one of the unlucky persons ( case 25 according to the FDA) who got closed angle glaucoma and eye pressure went soaring. dont want to scare anyone just to say that when u get this side effect YOU KNOW it. its not minor blurring it is very obvious -u just cant see very well and the blurring is extereme even in early stages. well just posting this as i have seen many posts in the past about people worrying whether or not they are developing symptoms of glucoma. also stopping the drug and eye drops solve the prob rapidly.
just wanted to share.
thanks
Posted by PuraVida on March 13, 2003, at 0:23:39
In reply to BAD Topamax Experiences? , posted by delna on March 12, 2003, at 1:23:27
I'v been on Topa for about 6 months, I think, orignally at 25, up to 50, with Serzone, 400. I was having a problem of waking up after four hours of sleep - my brain more alive than ever, my body, slower. Couldn't get back to sleep. Didn't have much of a problem with cognitive slowing, but have had what I might call a Topa "build up" where I get numbness in the tips of my toes, and face, esp. my lips. And sinus type stuff. That has bugged me. And having to pee in the middle of the night. But it comes and goes. And... (lots of stuff!) lately I have been waking up early, as if I had been drunk the night before. Seems like I'm hungry, things are sharp and focused, but I'm not (?) then I go back to sleep, and when I wake its like a hangover - I'm all tired, blurry eyed - feeling poor and wishing I could get moving. Don't know. I begged my doc to go on it last spring - but now I want to go off because I haven't had these side efects before - now I'm off the Serzone and on Effexor Xr 75 and Topa 25 and have too many side effects and still depression. Serzone was good - I was just on it so long...
PV
Posted by Stacy Louisa Beus on March 13, 2003, at 7:18:32
In reply to Re: BAD Topamax Experiences? , posted by PuraVida on March 13, 2003, at 0:23:39
> I'v been on Topa for about 6 months, I think, orignally at 25, up to 50, with Serzone, 400. I was having a problem of waking up after four hours of sleep - my brain more alive than ever, my body, slower. Couldn't get back to sleep. Didn't have much of a problem with cognitive slowing, but have had what I might call a Topa "build up" where I get numbness in the tips of my toes, and face, esp. my lips. And sinus type stuff. That has bugged me. And having to pee in the middle of the night. But it comes and goes. And... (lots of stuff!) lately I have been waking up early, as if I had been drunk the night before. Seems like I'm hungry, things are sharp and focused, but I'm not (?) then I go back to sleep, and when I wake its like a hangover - I'm all tired, blurry eyed - feeling poor and wishing I could get moving. Don't know. I begged my doc to go on it last spring - but now I want to go off because I haven't had these side efects before - now I'm off the Serzone and on Effexor Xr 75 and Topa 25 and have too many side effects and still depression. Serzone was good - I was just on it so long...
>
> PVWhat time of the day do you take topamax? I felt horrible until I took it at night right before bed. For me it puts me out. I get the numbness too. And the blurry eyes. I take 100 mg.
Posted by PuraVida on March 13, 2003, at 14:50:31
In reply to Re: BAD Topamax Experiences? » PuraVida, posted by Stacy Louisa Beus on March 13, 2003, at 7:18:32
I take it right before bed, then wake up four hours later. I was up to 50, same thing. I tried to go up to 75 after months of being at 50, and that really kicked in all of the other symptoms. Back to 50, now 25, and they still bother me.
PV
Posted by MimiJean on May 23, 2003, at 19:31:15
In reply to Re: Topomax-Should I or shouldn't I????, posted by LilyB on October 15, 2002, at 15:06:11
Hello. This is a *very* educational bulletin board. I'm glad I ran across it. Thank you all.
I am a 55 y/o female health care worker and a recovering drug addict/alcoholic. I've been bulimic since I was 18. The bulimia is worse when I'm not using drugs/alcohol. I'm currently on Wellbutrin 150SR b.i.d.
No one seems to know much about treating bulimia, so my pdoc has given me whatever I ask for. Been on Klonopin, Xanax, Zyprexa, Seroquel. Took Wellbutrin and Zoloft for a few years. Took Prozac in 1990 and it pooped out on me. Have tried almost every other AD out there except Celexa.
After reading your postings I have decided to ask my pdoc for Topamax. Will probably take it with the Wellbutrin or switch to Celexa depending upon his recommendations. He's quite knowledgeable in psychopharmacology, but, as I said, few are helpful when it comes to bulimia.
Thanks in advance for any comments or suggestions.
MimiJean
Posted by PuraVida on May 23, 2003, at 21:27:20
In reply to Re: BAD Topamax Experiences? » PuraVida, posted by Stacy Louisa Beus on March 13, 2003, at 7:18:32
Sorry - haven't been on the board in awhile. I took it before bed, as well. Things haven't been a whole lot different w/o it - actually better cuz of no side effects - same for me w/Nuerontin, where I got headaches. However, no side effects to speak of from any of the AD's I've tried.
WC
> What time of the day do you take topamax? I felt horrible until I took it at night right before bed. For me it puts me out. I get the numbness too. And the blurry eyes. I take 100 mg.
Posted by whittba on May 28, 2003, at 22:46:47
In reply to Re: BAD Topamax Experiences? » Stacy Louisa Beus, posted by PuraVida on May 23, 2003, at 21:27:20
Nothing dramatic to say, guess just a followup. Been on Topamax since Dec 2002 I believe. Have been on Effexor since 1994, tried other AD's off and on w/o success. I'm up to 300 mg of Effexor, 200 mg. of Topamax, 3 mg of Xanax (other drugs for other reasons Neurontin 3 X day, 300 mg, premarin .625 X 2 a day, smz/tmp 1/2 tab, ) For the past three months I have been extremely sleepy so I took a sleep study, been falling asleep during the day with my eyes open, you know jerking, standing up to. Personally I think I'm withdrawing from reality OR I'm dying of something they (the docs haven't or aren't looking for). Sugar was high so they did diabeties test, thyroid test for sleep study, cbc, I've also have chronic UTI for past month, been on Cipro, amoxicylin, Cipro, Keflex and seeing a Urologist tomorrow (I've been keeping these at bay by taking the 1/2 tab of smz but that appears not to be working anymore).
Anyway, I don't believe the topamax is the cause of any of my sleep or urinary problems it has helped my mood swings somewhat, I would like to try a higher dose but until I find out what is causing my other problems I can't increase any meds. I have lowered the xanax, topamax, effexor at different intervals to see if they were the culprit and they are not. I can't seem to get a Doctor to believe or is it understand how MAJORLY important that I can't sleep and work at the same time, lol.....if I'm not asleep, I'm not in a full state of consciousness or alert, lack of memory, etc.. I'm afraid I'm going to loose my job. I'm seeing my regular doc tomorrow after the Urologist and tell him just that and I guess demand certain tests, some ideas I have are chronic fatigure syndrome, mono <-- although I don't believe, Hepititis A, B, C.....anybody have any ideas?
Posted by Silver Fox on June 4, 2003, at 5:24:47
In reply to Topamax Experiences?, posted by Kingfish on January 4, 2001, at 7:29:48
I've been using Topamax for several months for Diabetes control in my feet and hands. It's to control pain in my feet and hands for my nerve endings. I use 400 mg per day total, but I'm experiencing some memory loss, some vision problems, taste problems, but it's not doing much for the pain, the pain is getting worse and I'm not sure what to do next. I'm now disbled from my work, age 61, was taking another medication with Topamax but had to get off it, it was taking over my brain power altogether, and I had to get off it, rather put up with the pain. . .
Posted by shoee on June 10, 2003, at 2:08:57
In reply to Topamax for 4-year-old???, posted by 80srockmom on February 25, 2003, at 21:28:17
My 11 year old son has just started Topamax (only 25 mgs a day to increase 25 mgs every week until up to 200 mgs a day) for Tourette's mainly and depression as secondary reason. He is very moody and I am now wondering if that will get worse with Topamax. Would like to hear from anyone who is further along on Topamax for depression and especially tourette's. So far Topamax doesn't seem to be helping either one, how long will it take for it to get in his system and start to help?
Posted by LoriCA on June 20, 2003, at 16:49:18
In reply to BAD Topamax Experiences? , posted by delna on March 12, 2003, at 1:23:27
Would anyone who's experienced vision loss due to Topamax please write here or email me downeylane@earthlink.net; I am getting no help on this from Dr.s.
Posted by Nycole on June 28, 2003, at 0:52:38
In reply to Re: Topamax Experiences?, posted by phillybob on January 21, 2001, at 21:19:58
I have just started to take Topamax about a week and a half ago (I am up to 100 mg.) and I have exerienced some of the negative side effects people talk about on here while on Topamax, but can some give some GOOD effects of it?? Reasons I should stick it out and stay on it?? Is it worth waiting it out 3 weeks to a month for the good side of it?? I need to hear some good stuff to get me through this or I better stop reading all these. Please Help!!
Posted by LBcats on June 28, 2003, at 9:21:03
In reply to Can Anyone Tell me of GOOD Topamax Experiences??, posted by Nycole on June 28, 2003, at 0:52:38
One of the good side effects of topomax for me was the weight loss. I lost 20 lbs. The other thing is the side effects do go away eventually and the medicatioon does its job. I feel energetic,not depressed or down. I used to take depakote which made me feel sluggish and I don't feel that way anymore. The only bad thing is that it took about 3 weeks before the major side effects went away (cognition problems)and about 2 months before the minor side effects went away. (stuff like tingling in the legs, loss of appetite, etc.)
Posted by whitman on June 28, 2003, at 9:28:23
In reply to Re: Can Anyone Tell me of GOOD Topamax Experiences??, posted by LBcats on June 28, 2003, at 9:21:03
Posted by LBcats on June 28, 2003, at 18:52:50
In reply to what dose were you at that you lost 20 lbs.? (nm) » LBcats, posted by whitman on June 28, 2003, at 9:28:23
Well my doc started me at 25 mg pill one in the a.m. and one at night and gradually increased it to 200mg. 100mg in the a.m. and 100 at night. I felt nauseated most of the time, so I didn't eat or I just didn't feel hungry. I had a craving for very healthy foods like for fruits, yogurt and very thirsty. I couldn't drink sodas cause they tasted like metal so I drank lots of water. The weight loss started about a month into the start of topomax but my doctor was very slow at increasing so I was still on 50 mg a day. He said that if you take the increase slow you avoid the cognitive side effects a little bit. Those were the ones that bothered me the most because of my job. I have never really gotten my appetite back. I eat a lot less now and I don't plan on giving up topomax. I do want you to know I take it with effexor (I am bi-polar) and I am being weaned off (still)from depakote. I'm sure if I get off depokote I could probably lose more weight as depakote is a weight gainer. I hear not all people lose weight on topomax but some people do. I did and I was also one of the lucky ones that hadd iit woork well for me as well. Good luck
Posted by Zenclearer on June 29, 2003, at 10:42:21
In reply to Re: what dose were you at that you lost 20 lbs.?, posted by Nycole on June 28, 2003, at 23:18:06
What does Topamax so therapeutically for those without epilepsy, who take it?
I know that it's used more often for migraine control, yes? For what else?
Are the press reports true, those that say it makes you dumb and thin? Does it make one sluggish? Slow-thinking etc?
Is it ever used for ADD? Seems as though it would offer the exact opposite effect of an ADD med.
Posted by galkeepinon on June 29, 2003, at 13:45:16
In reply to Re: what dose were you at that you lost 20 lbs.?, posted by Nycole on June 28, 2003, at 23:17:46
hi Nycole,
I posted about being a new user of Topamax and I have had some good side effects from it. It has helped my moods wonderfully. I have been on Lamictal, Depakote and 9 days on Lithium. Right now I have been on Topamax for 2 months. I'm on it solo and I take 100mg at am and 100mg at pm. I feel calm, I don't get anxious, I am less worried, less hurried, I've lost 25 Lbs. and the cognitive/no motivation is slowly dissipating.
I am also on Effexor XR which I am hoping to increase when I see my doctor Wednesday. I have the option of starting the Lamictal in conjunction with my current med combo, but I will see what my doctor thinks. All these benefits I speak of took about 6 weeks to kick in, try to be patient, I honestly feel that Topamax is working for me, but everybody is different, and it may help you if you give it a chance, and I hope it does. Hang in there and if you need anything, I'm here for you.
Gal
> Thanks, LBCats, for your help with this! All I have read so far are terrible side effects and bad things about Topamax, but I didn't want to give up on it until I heard some good things. I also take Effexor XR...300 mg. and I am increasing the topamax slowly...currenty at 100 mg. I have severe clinical depression that comes in waves and right now it is very very bad so I am praying that the topamax will kick in and work soon. I have been on it for a week and a half so I know I still have some waiting time, but I needed to know if it was worth waiting for. Thanks again for your help! And if anyone else has good success stories about Topamax, please share...Thanks!!
Posted by jellybean on June 29, 2003, at 14:27:46
In reply to Re: what dose were you at that you lost 20 lbs.? » Nycole, posted by galkeepinon on June 29, 2003, at 13:45:16
Posted by galkeepinon on June 29, 2003, at 18:54:28
In reply to Re: what dose were you at that you lost 20 lbs.? (nm) » galkeepinon, posted by jellybean on June 29, 2003, at 14:27:46
The weight loss started slowly, the first week at 25mg 3x a day, I noticed right away my appetite decreased, but when I hit about the 4th week on 100mg, I noticed the weight loss faster, and as I went to 150mg-even faster and now at 200mg-even faster. All along, my appetite was decreasing quite rapidly in the process. There's a lot that comes into play though here also.
Hope this helped.
Let me know how you do.
Gal
Posted by Stacy Louisa Beus on June 30, 2003, at 20:50:28
In reply to Re: what dose were you at that you lost 20 lbs.?, posted by Zenclearer on June 29, 2003, at 10:42:21
> What does Topamax so therapeutically for those without epilepsy, who take it?
>
> I know that it's used more often for migraine control, yes? For what else?
>
> Are the press reports true, those that say it makes you dumb and thin? Does it make one sluggish? Slow-thinking etc?
>
> Is it ever used for ADD? Seems as though it would offer the exact opposite effect of an ADD med.Mine is used for ADD and so its more for a mood stabilizer and migrane's. If I don't take it at night I am pretty cranky though, because I do get very tired with it. I am pretty high strung. I am on 200 mg. and 300 mg Wellbutrin.
Thankx
Stacy
Posted by zenclearer on June 30, 2003, at 21:43:44
In reply to Re: what dose were you at that you lost 20 lbs.?, posted by Stacy Louisa Beus on June 30, 2003, at 20:50:28
Does it make you feel dumb, like they say? What does it make you feel?
Posted by Stacy Louisa Beus on June 30, 2003, at 22:13:41
In reply to Re: what dose were you at that you lost 20 lbs.? » Stacy Louisa Beus, posted by zenclearer on June 30, 2003, at 21:43:44
Yes actually when I am tired it is hard for me to get my words out. The nick name I have heard is dopamax because you feel so dopy. I truly feel less hungry which is what I really like about it. And that I sleep better at night.
Posted by galkeepinon on June 30, 2003, at 23:21:52
In reply to Re: what dose were you at that you lost 20 lbs.?, posted by Stacy Louisa Beus on June 30, 2003, at 20:50:28
Stacy, can I ask you, do you feel that taking the antidepressant (Wellbutrin) and the mood stabilizer/anti-epileptic (Topamax) has benefited you? I ask because I posted earlier about feeling good one day on just the Topamax alone then taking it with my Effexor and feeling a little depressed-this has happened before when I take a mood stabilizer with an antidepresant. It is baffling me. I am bipolar and I am trying to figure out if all I need is a mood stabilizer-just wanting to learn about others' experiences. I have a friend who is only on Lamictal but she also takes Topamax and does well. No antidepressant. I, like you get cranky too, and so many people have complimented how calm I seem and how much I have seemed to just have slowed down overall which is good. (2 months now at 200mg) I am pretty high strung too. Can I ask what you think and how did you do in the beginning of treatment with Topamax? Did you have any side effects, I guess if you did, you stuck them out? I wanted to reply to your post, you sound like me I hope you don't mind.
Would love to have you reply.
Thanks so muchGal
> Mine is used for ADD and so its more for a mood stabilizer and migrane's. If I don't take it at night I am pretty cranky though, because I do get very tired with it. I am pretty high strung. I am on 200 mg. and 300 mg Wellbutrin.
> Thankx
> Stacy
Posted by dddiane on July 1, 2003, at 6:52:52
In reply to Re: what dose were you at that you lost 20 lbs.? » Stacy Louisa Beus, posted by zenclearer on June 30, 2003, at 21:43:44
> Does it make you feel dumb, like they say? What does it make you feel?
Zen,
I have taken Topamax for bipolar I for 7 months now, and the first two were the most difficult in the cognitive department. I was VERY leery of Topamax after reading about "word-switching" "loss of words" "cognitive dulling" and hearing it called dopamax and stupamax.
I guess everyone is different in their response to these drugs. I have had no word switching, some forgetfulness in the first two months, some flaky spelling, but it just isn't bad, and it really gets better with time. Now by contrast, Tegretol made me really stupid and hyper at the same time, and I took it for years. It would be talking to someone and completely forget what I was saying. The word switching was so bad everyone would be exasperated with me. At work I could never remember anything and had to ask the same question over & over. And it iced my memory. At other times my mind would be very sharp. I was an intellegent, senile person on that drug.
But it was the best thing going for many years, and it beat being crazy. So the "dumb" aspect of Topamax is a walk in the park for me. I have my mind back.
Thin? I lost 28lbs on Topamax, but 25lbs was weight I gained on other psych drugs I was trying out after I became intolerant of Tegretol.
That's my story anyway. :)
Diane
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