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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by galkeepinon on July 13, 2003, at 0:12:06
In reply to Re: Topamax Weight Loss Advice?????, posted by Nycole on July 12, 2003, at 23:59:24
Hi Nycole, I'm usually a very outgoing, social person but since I started the Topamax-yes I do believe, for me, that the loss of motivation to do things such as get dressed, look nice, put make up on,etc. is from the Topamax. BUT, I was also in the hospital for 3 weeks-my routine was put on hold. As my dosage was increased, yes my motivation dwindled-only to a small degree-and it is getting better. For you, you have to compare your feelings before and after you started your Topamax personally. That would be your best bet. Yes, I have read numerous articles and drug sheets that loss of motivation was a side effect that one could get, unfortunately. In regards to the Pepsi Cola, I liked Diet Coke, and I lost the taste for it too, and I don't miss it anymore-I never thought about it much and it never dawned on me "wow-I don't even care, I just don't drink it now" Maybe that will happen for you-I don't know. It's amazing how without taste what we can do. I mean sometimes those sodas is what contributes to our weight ya know? The sodium, sugar, empty calories-think about it. So, if we can't taste it or it tastes bad, we're less likely to want to drink it, and that will add to our decrease in weight (at least partially anyhow)
The Effexor is going ok so far-feeling better-still only on 75mg-see my doc next week-I'll see what he says.
So good to hear from you-and remember, I wanna hear when you start to see the scale or the weight come off;) I'm sure I will.
Hang in there.Gal
> Gal,
> Do you think the "loss of motivation" to do things and be in social setting, etc. is from the Topamax?? I just thought it was from my depression and I was hoping the Topamax was going to eventually make it better. I wasn't really thinking it might be caused by the Topamax. Had you heard that was a side effect?? I've sure had all the other side effects, that's for sure. Before I started Topamax, my biggest addiction in the world was Pepsi Cola and boy did Topamax ruin that for me!! I miss it so much!! But if the weight loss thing comes through and I continue to get better with the depression it will be worth it. I do still have quite a ways to go with the depression. But I know I have to be patient. I am on 150 mg. a day right now and 300 of Effexor. How are you doing on the Effexor?? Any side effects? You shouldn't have any...it's a good drug.
>
> Nycole
Posted by Stacy Louisa Beus on July 13, 2003, at 9:19:33
In reply to Re: Topamax Weight Loss Advice?????, posted by LBcats on July 11, 2003, at 22:15:14
my weight loss has been so slow, I do appreciate it though don't get me wrong. I could never have lost an ounce without topamax I know that. But I only lose 5 pounds a month at the most. That gets very depressing seeing as I need to lose another 100 pounds. I have only lost about 45 or maybe 40 pounds pounds since last august. At that speed it will be years before I will ever get my figure back. I am insulin resistant also and bipolar. Great combination. some days my depression is so great I could cry all day if I gave in, but thank god I have a job and kids and a wonderful boyfriend that absolutely saves me. Otherwise who knows where I would be?! Well thank you for listening!
Stacy
Posted by Stacy Louisa Beus on July 13, 2003, at 11:57:37
In reply to Re: Topomax-Should I or shouldn't I????, posted by dddiane on July 4, 2003, at 5:18:59
I hate more than anything to feel this cranky and seriously b#*@(y! My poor family. I am in a rage and then all I want to do is cry. Sense taking the topomax at 200 mg at least I can sleep at night ~ but I do have to force food down my throat. I wish I never had to eat. Its such a necessary evil to me. I am always thirsty but not hungry.
Posted by Stacy Louisa Beus on July 13, 2003, at 12:01:05
In reply to Re: Topamax Weight Loss Advice????? » Nycole, posted by LBcats on July 6, 2003, at 20:10:43
could you tell me how long you have been on topomax and how many mg?
thankx
stacy
Posted by Nycole on July 13, 2003, at 15:06:02
In reply to Re: Topamax Weight Loss Advice?????, posted by Stacy Louisa Beus on July 13, 2003, at 12:01:05
I have been on Topamax a little over 3 weeks now. I am only on 150 mg. I am kind of new at the whole Topamax thing. Other people on here know a lot more about it than I do and can help a lot more but I'll help you out as much as I can.
:)Nycole
Posted by galkeepinon on July 13, 2003, at 15:46:25
In reply to Re: Topamax Weight Loss Advice?????, posted by Nycole on July 13, 2003, at 15:06:02
Posted by galkeepinon on July 13, 2003, at 18:40:12
In reply to Re: Topomax-Should I or shouldn't I????, posted by Stacy Louisa Beus on July 13, 2003, at 11:57:37
Stacy, I have felt that way while starting Topamax-some days are better than others-I don't know why this happens. Sometimes I wonder if the Topamax is causing it. But I continue and go with it and try to calm down-it usually passes.
Do you take your whole 200mg of Topamax at night? Like right before you hit the pillow or like an hour or 2 before? I'm trying to figure a time I can take it so I really can start maybe sleeping better. Now, how long has it been since you started the Topamax.
Look forward to hearing from you and please hang in there-I know it's tough-believe me-I'm here for ya!Gal
> I hate more than anything to feel this cranky and seriously b#*@(y! My poor family. I am in a rage and then all I want to do is cry. Sense taking the topomax at 200 mg at least I can sleep at night ~ but I do have to force food down my throat. I wish I never had to eat. Its such a necessary evil to me. I am always thirsty but not hungry.
Posted by LBcats on July 13, 2003, at 19:07:30
In reply to Re: Topamax Weight Loss Advice????? LBcats, posted by KRM123 on July 12, 2003, at 11:54:38
>Hi KRM,
I'm not really sure about whether it makes you stupid in the future or not. But I do find that when I get depressed, I find myself getting forgetful, again. I tend to blame it on the topomax although most people tell me that's part of being depressed. Right now I'm going through some depression and I'm having a very hard time concentrating so I start blaming it on the topamax. But overall, I love my topomax and I wouldn't give it up for anything. At least not for now. Good luck. I say you should at least give it a try.
LindaLB,
> Thanks for the info. I really hope I don't get the side effects too severely. I am waitressing right now so to forget things would be a major problem. I am just really concerned about controlling my appetite so I'll try anything. I know a girl who is on it and she is Bipolar. I am going to see the same Dr. as her. I hope he'll think it's okay that I take it. Do you think long term use of Topamax can make a person "stupid" since the side effects are like that? I always worry about what these drugs are going to do to me in the future...but I just can't dwell on it I guess.
>
>
> Not all Doc's will use Topomax although because most people who are depressed feel better about themselves if they lose weight, doc's are more likely to use it. However, the drug does have side effects. And it's not meant for everybody in terms of therapeutic effects. I am bipolar so for me it works great.
> > If you want to start on it, do it now because the worst side effect is the "stupids" or loss of memory, disorientation. Sometimes they call topomax, dopiemax or other stupid names like that because it does give you the stupids for awhile. You forget what you are talking about and can't remember who you are. I forgot my husband's name several times can you believe that? Anyway, it took about 6-8 weeks to get over all the effects completely. I started at 25-50 mg a day and I am up to 200 mg a day and the only side effect still with me is the loss of appetite.
> > good luck
>
Posted by LBcats on July 13, 2003, at 19:20:15
In reply to Re: Topamax Weight Loss Advice?????, posted by Stacy Louisa Beus on July 13, 2003, at 9:19:33
>Stacy,
You seem to have so much to be thankful for. Sometimes we focus on what is so wrong with us, we forget about everything that we have. When I get like this, I make myself write up a gratitude list. It amazes me to think about all the things I take for granted. I know weight is important because it is to me too, but life is full of love and right now am have been totally depressed and I have to find time to make myself feel better. I also like helping others feel better. I helps me. I may lose my job. I just had a guy hit my car from behind today and my back hurts and I could go on and on. But you know what, I won't. I think that things will work themselves out and I will be okay. I have to have faith. Hang in there Stacy. The weight will come off eventually.
Lindamy weight loss has been so slow, I do appreciate it though don't get me wrong. I could never have lost an ounce without topamax I know that. But I only lose 5 pounds a month at the most. That gets very depressing seeing as I need to lose another 100 pounds. I have only lost about 45 or maybe 40 pounds pounds since last august. At that speed it will be years before I will ever get my figure back. I am insulin resistant also and bipolar. Great combination. some days my depression is so great I could cry all day if I gave in, but thank god I have a job and kids and a wonderful boyfriend that absolutely saves me. Otherwise who knows where I would be?! Well thank you for listening!
> Stacy
Posted by LBcats on July 13, 2003, at 19:25:49
In reply to Re: Topamax Weight Loss Advice?????, posted by Stacy Louisa Beus on July 13, 2003, at 12:01:05
>Stacy, I wasn't sure If you were refering to me. I have been on topomax for almost 5 months and I am on 200mg. I take 100 in the a.m. and 100 at night.
Lindacould you tell me how long you have been on topomax and how many mg?
> thankx
> stacy
Posted by galkeepinon on July 13, 2003, at 20:58:01
In reply to Re: Topamax Weight Loss Advice?????, posted by LBcats on July 13, 2003, at 19:20:15
There's also a great book out there called
"ATTITUDES OF GRATITUDES-HOW TO GIVE AND RECEIVE JOY EVERY DAY OF YOUR LIFE"
by MJ RyanI really enjoy it:) Hope you will too!
Gal
> >Stacy,
> You seem to have so much to be thankful for. Sometimes we focus on what is so wrong with us, we forget about everything that we have. When I get like this, I make myself write up a gratitude list. It amazes me to think about all the things I take for granted. I know weight is important because it is to me too, but life is full of love and right now am have been totally depressed and I have to find time to make myself feel better. I also like helping others feel better. I helps me. I may lose my job. I just had a guy hit my car from behind today and my back hurts and I could go on and on. But you know what, I won't. I think that things will work themselves out and I will be okay. I have to have faith. Hang in there Stacy. The weight will come off eventually.
> Linda
>
> my weight loss has been so slow, I do appreciate it though don't get me wrong. I could never have lost an ounce without topamax I know that. But I only lose 5 pounds a month at the most. That gets very depressing seeing as I need to lose another 100 pounds. I have only lost about 45 or maybe 40 pounds pounds since last august. At that speed it will be years before I will ever get my figure back. I am insulin resistant also and bipolar. Great combination. some days my depression is so great I could cry all day if I gave in, but thank god I have a job and kids and a wonderful boyfriend that absolutely saves me. Otherwise who knows where I would be?! Well thank you for listening!
> > Stacy
>
>
Posted by KRM123 on July 13, 2003, at 21:28:52
In reply to Re: Topamax Weight Loss Advice????? LBcats, posted by LBcats on July 13, 2003, at 19:07:30
thanks LB... I hope that the Topamax starts making you feel better soon. I am going to ask my Dr. about it next week. I think I am also going to switch from Zoloft to Effexor. I can't lose an ounce of weight! I'm not really gaining though so that is a good thing...but if I don't lose at least 8 lbs by the end of August then I'm going to have to buy all new clothes. I'm just living in my sweats now and then my work uniform. I know I can't expect these meds to work instantly. I've been sick for a long time now but have made vast improvment in just the last 2 months. Are you on Effexor also? or some other med? I have heard that Effexor and Wellbutrin are less likely to cause weight gain compared to the SSRI's. I am going to be soooo happy when this weight comes off!
> >Hi KRM,
> I'm not really sure about whether it makes you stupid in the future or not. But I do find that when I get depressed, I find myself getting forgetful, again. I tend to blame it on the topomax although most people tell me that's part of being depressed. Right now I'm going through some depression and I'm having a very hard time concentrating so I start blaming it on the topamax. But overall, I love my topomax and I wouldn't give it up for anything. At least not for now. Good luck. I say you should at least give it a try.
> Linda
>
> LB,
> > Thanks for the info. I really hope I don't get the side effects too severely. I am waitressing right now so to forget things would be a major problem. I am just really concerned about controlling my appetite so I'll try anything. I know a girl who is on it and she is Bipolar. I am going to see the same Dr. as her. I hope he'll think it's okay that I take it. Do you think long term use of Topamax can make a person "stupid" since the side effects are like that? I always worry about what these drugs are going to do to me in the future...but I just can't dwell on it I guess.
> >
> >
> > Not all Doc's will use Topomax although because most people who are depressed feel better about themselves if they lose weight, doc's are more likely to use it. However, the drug does have side effects. And it's not meant for everybody in terms of therapeutic effects. I am bipolar so for me it works great.
> > > If you want to start on it, do it now because the worst side effect is the "stupids" or loss of memory, disorientation. Sometimes they call topomax, dopiemax or other stupid names like that because it does give you the stupids for awhile. You forget what you are talking about and can't remember who you are. I forgot my husband's name several times can you believe that? Anyway, it took about 6-8 weeks to get over all the effects completely. I started at 25-50 mg a day and I am up to 200 mg a day and the only side effect still with me is the loss of appetite.
> > > good luck
> >
>
>
Posted by LBcats on July 14, 2003, at 6:38:47
In reply to Re: Topamax Weight Loss Advice????? LBcats, posted by KRM123 on July 13, 2003, at 21:28:52
>Hi KRM
yes, I am on Effexor. To me it has been one of the best combinations ever. I still take a little bit of depakote just because I get completely manic sometimes put the doc plans to get me off of it soon because I want to make sure it's not keeping any weight on me. It tends to do that. The effexor is what they give me for depression and sometimes when my depression gets out of hand it just gets out of hand. I'm going through some rough times so I may have to increase my effexor but I have to follow my own advice and be grateful for what I have. Good luck on Topomax. It's a wonder drug. I love it.
Lindathanks LB... I hope that the Topamax starts making you feel better soon. I am going to ask my Dr. about it next week. I think I am also going to switch from Zoloft to Effexor. I can't lose an ounce of weight! I'm not really gaining though so that is a good thing...but if I don't lose at least 8 lbs by the end of August then I'm going to have to buy all new clothes. I'm just living in my sweats now and then my work uniform. I know I can't expect these meds to work instantly. I've been sick for a long time now but have made vast improvment in just the last 2 months. Are you on Effexor also? or some other med? I have heard that Effexor and Wellbutrin are less likely to cause weight gain compared to the SSRI's. I am going to be soooo happy when this weight comes off!
>
>
>
>
>
> > >Hi KRM,
> > I'm not really sure about whether it makes you stupid in the future or not. But I do find that when I get depressed, I find myself getting forgetful, again. I tend to blame it on the topomax although most people tell me that's part of being depressed. Right now I'm going through some depression and I'm having a very hard time concentrating so I start blaming it on the topamax. But overall, I love my topomax and I wouldn't give it up for anything. At least not for now. Good luck. I say you should at least give it a try.
> > Linda
> >
> > LB,
> > > Thanks for the info. I really hope I don't get the side effects too severely. I am waitressing right now so to forget things would be a major problem. I am just really concerned about controlling my appetite so I'll try anything. I know a girl who is on it and she is Bipolar. I am going to see the same Dr. as her. I hope he'll think it's okay that I take it. Do you think long term use of Topamax can make a person "stupid" since the side effects are like that? I always worry about what these drugs are going to do to me in the future...but I just can't dwell on it I guess.
> > >
> > >
> > > Not all Doc's will use Topomax although because most people who are depressed feel better about themselves if they lose weight, doc's are more likely to use it. However, the drug does have side effects. And it's not meant for everybody in terms of therapeutic effects. I am bipolar so for me it works great.
> > > > If you want to start on it, do it now because the worst side effect is the "stupids" or loss of memory, disorientation. Sometimes they call topomax, dopiemax or other stupid names like that because it does give you the stupids for awhile. You forget what you are talking about and can't remember who you are. I forgot my husband's name several times can you believe that? Anyway, it took about 6-8 weeks to get over all the effects completely. I started at 25-50 mg a day and I am up to 200 mg a day and the only side effect still with me is the loss of appetite.
> > > > good luck
> > >
> >
> >
>
>
Posted by Stacy Louisa Beus on July 14, 2003, at 8:29:08
In reply to Re: Topomax-Should I or shouldn't I???? » Stacy Louisa Beus, posted by galkeepinon on July 13, 2003, at 18:40:12
I take the whole 200 mg right before bed because it knocks me out. I get so tired sometimes I stutter. So I dont like being around people. Somebody else suggested that maybe the crankyness is from my welbutrin? I take 300mg The funny thing is is that I am the QUEEN of sensitivety. Which I do not like. So I do cry easier than other people. Is any of this realitve to being bipolar and inulin resistan? I am not losing weight as fast as everyone else has been reporting either!
Stacy
Posted by Stacy Louisa Beus on July 14, 2003, at 8:39:08
In reply to Re: Topamax Weight Loss Advice?????, posted by LBcats on July 13, 2003, at 19:20:15
Things can always be worse, they have been before. Like before I was treated for some of my problems. I was just feeling down because of how slow it has been coming off for me and how fast everyone said it was for them you know.
Posted by Stacy Louisa Beus on July 14, 2003, at 8:40:47
In reply to Re: Topamax Weight Loss Advice?????, posted by LBcats on July 13, 2003, at 19:25:49
doesnt that make you sleepy during the day to take it in the morning?
Posted by cerodwen on July 14, 2003, at 18:06:04
In reply to Re: Topamax Weight Loss Advice?????, posted by Stacy Louisa Beus on July 14, 2003, at 8:40:47
i take 200 mg of topamax at night, before bed. I've been taking it for at least 2 years now, but i still think that i have effects of the "dopimax" syndrome thing. I have trouble remembering words and with focus and concentration. I also have problems with depression so that may be due to that as well. However topamax helped me to lose the 100+ lbs I gained while on Lithium (this drug does not work with my body chemistry) so that was a very helpful thing for me, and I like to take it because it helps to keep my weight down and so many of the mood stabilizer meds cause so much puffing up. Does anyone have a regular mood stabilizer they'd recommend to take in conjunction with Topamax? Right now I'm taking the 200mg of the Topamax at night as a mood stabilizer and 10mg of Lexapro in the morning to help with social anxiety and depression.
I am looking for an all-around mood stabilizer, because i've heard topamax doesn't really work on its own and I had a manic/mixed episode in april when I was taking just topamax.
Posted by LBcats on July 14, 2003, at 21:22:46
In reply to Re: Topomax-Should I or shouldn't I????, posted by Stacy Louisa Beus on July 14, 2003, at 8:29:08
>Stacy, My doc told me that it's best to separate the doses because you're less likely to get the "stupids". Anyway that's what she told me. I'm not sure about the sensitivity. That might be the wellbutrin since I think the topomax makes me less sensitive.
Good luck
LindaI take the whole 200 mg right before bed because it knocks me out. I get so tired sometimes I stutter. So I dont like being around people. Somebody else suggested that maybe the crankyness is from my welbutrin? I take 300mg The funny thing is is that I am the QUEEN of sensitivety. Which I do not like. So I do cry easier than other people. Is any of this realitve to being bipolar and inulin resistan? I am not losing weight as fast as everyone else has been reporting either!
> Stacy
Posted by LBcats on July 14, 2003, at 21:29:54
In reply to Re: Topamax Weight Loss Advice?????, posted by Stacy Louisa Beus on July 14, 2003, at 8:40:47
>I take a lot of effexor which makes me kind of hyper (300 mg) and I'm kind of hyper (manic) to begin with, so no it doesn't.
I'm thinking about asking for more during the day because I'm still kind of manic.
Ofcourse, I may be taking too much effexor. Who knows. Because if I lower my effexor then I get depressed. Doc's usually have lots of problems with my moods. (they go up and down so much)
Lindadoesnt that make you sleepy during the day to take it in the morning?
Posted by LBcats on July 14, 2003, at 21:45:17
In reply to effects of topamax, posted by cerodwen on July 14, 2003, at 18:06:04
>I think It works good with depakote but depakote can make you can weightat high doses. I take depakote now (a small dose)and with this small dose I have not gained weight (250 mg a day) and have not had any manic/mixed episodes. I've had these manic mixed episodes in the past.
My doc was surprised at how well the depakote and the topomax worked together but I insisted on getting off the depakote because of the weight gain. So far so good at 250 mg.
Try topomax 100 mg during the day. That works better for me then the other 100 at night.
later
Linda
i take 200 mg of topamax at night, before bed. I've been taking it for at least 2 years now, but i still think that i have effects of the "dopimax" syndrome thing. I have trouble remembering words and with focus and concentration. I also have problems with depression so that may be due to that as well. However topamax helped me to lose the 100+ lbs I gained while on Lithium (this drug does not work with my body chemistry) so that was a very helpful thing for me, and I like to take it because it helps to keep my weight down and so many of the mood stabilizer meds cause so much puffing up. Does anyone have a regular mood stabilizer they'd recommend to take in conjunction with Topamax? Right now I'm taking the 200mg of the Topamax at night as a mood stabilizer and 10mg of Lexapro in the morning to help with social anxiety and depression.
>
> I am looking for an all-around mood stabilizer, because i've heard topamax doesn't really work on its own and I had a manic/mixed episode in april when I was taking just topamax.
>
>
Posted by cerodwen on July 14, 2003, at 22:09:50
In reply to Re: effects of topamax, posted by LBcats on July 14, 2003, at 21:45:17
Thanks so much. Your message gives me hope. I want so much to be at a place where I can really rely on myself without fear and know that my medication and my therapy and my psychiatrist and the work that I do to keep my brain and mind and heart all in check all that work and thought is ENOUGH.
So I can breath freely and stop looking over my shoulder and so I can talk and laugh and not have my mom say, "stop laughing you're manic"
Anywyas thanks for the depakote advice, if anyone has waded through above rant, who else is taking depakote + topamax + (possibly) lexapro and has comments ?
I hate the blood tests, HATE needles, but if this is a reliable combo, I will take the plunge...
-Deirdre
Posted by ROO on July 15, 2003, at 9:13:02
In reply to Re: effects of topamax » LBcats, posted by cerodwen on July 14, 2003, at 22:09:50
I think topamax and lamictal would be a good combo for
you (and one I am thinking of trying if I _have_ to
go back on a mood stabilizer). The lamictal might help
with the depressive parts of the topamax and it's also more
high energy...might counteract the sleepiness thing.
I've heard of other people doing well on this combo. You're
not likely to gain weight on the lamictal either...especially
taking the topamax along with it.
Posted by Stacy Louisa Beus on July 15, 2003, at 23:23:18
In reply to effects of topamax, posted by cerodwen on July 14, 2003, at 18:06:04
oboy that dopimax part sounds like me. It tends to get worse when I am tired. I feel so stupid when I try to speak, that sometimes I just want to cry.
Posted by Stacy Louisa Beus on July 15, 2003, at 23:26:22
In reply to Re: Topomax-Should I or shouldn't I????, posted by LBcats on July 14, 2003, at 21:22:46
But when you seperate it like that are you sleepy in the morning? or grogy during the day?
Posted by galkeepinon on July 15, 2003, at 23:27:28
In reply to Re: effects of topamax, posted by Stacy Louisa Beus on July 15, 2003, at 23:23:18
hi Stacy, hang in there it should pass-it did with me.
> oboy that dopimax part sounds like me. It tends to get worse when I am tired. I feel so stupid when I try to speak, that sometimes I just want to cry.
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