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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by California_Princess on September 15, 2003, at 14:57:17
In reply to Re: Topamax Weight Loss Advice?????, posted by Bear on September 13, 2003, at 13:09:52
Bear,
From what I've read for weight loss to start occuring your dosage needs to be up around 200mg daily. However, I've read that it might takes months to get up that high. If you increase it slower you get less side affects.Of course I only know what I read.
Melissa
Posted by California_Princess on September 15, 2003, at 14:59:31
In reply to Topomax made me manic, posted by LBcats on September 14, 2003, at 9:09:23
LBCats,
I've heard that also about Topomax. It seems to work well for some and other not at all. Very strange. It's almost 50/50.
Melissa
Posted by California_Princess on September 15, 2003, at 15:06:21
In reply to Re: Topamax Experiences? » Lexie, posted by tees on September 14, 2003, at 18:21:40
Tees,
thank you for your your experience with the drug. I've heard a lot of BAD about the drug. More bad than good. At first I was very excited that I found a drug that I might be willing to take WITH THE ADDED SIDE AFFECT OF LOSING WEIGHT. But now I think I will add Topomax to the list of drugs I will not take. :O(I only have until the 22nd to come up with something. I'm trying to read all that I can on different drugs so that I will have a small list of what I will take when I go to the Dr.s.
Back to the internet....
Melissa
Posted by Ethel Basset on September 15, 2003, at 23:36:03
In reply to Re: Topamax Weight Loss Advice?????, posted by California_Princess on September 15, 2003, at 15:06:21
Hi
I also thank you, Tees, for your input. I have taken Topamax twice and quit. My endocrinologist started me on it for weight loss and I was very encouraged, too. She went to a diabetes convention where they all raved about Topamax's positive benefits. It was also supposed to have cognitive benefits, too. Not for me. I had many of your related side effects, plus more. The most uncomfortable side effect was the memory loss. I hated that, plus the feeling of being depersonalized.
California_Princess, if you find anything that is good for depression and weight loss, let us know. I am getting discouraged. Wellbutrin, Meridia, Topamax, Xenical...none of these have worked. The ADs relieve the depression but they make me gain weight which is even more depressing. I hear they are doing alot of great research on new weight loss meds, so let's hope they find something.
Posted by Lily83 on September 16, 2003, at 12:29:58
In reply to Re: Topamax Weight Loss Advice?????, posted by Ethel Basset on September 15, 2003, at 23:36:03
My doctor started me on Topamax about 3 months ago to supplement a new migraine medicine i was trying out. He told me that the bonus to using Topamax would be that I would find myself losing "a great deal of weight" (his exact words). Obviously I was excited even though I am only about 30 lbs overweight (my doctor is obsessed with me losing at least 50 lbs which I think is just too much...but anyhow...)
So I started the topamax and right away he began increasing my dosage even though I was unsure about the side effects that I noticed right away (tingling in my feet, fingers and face mostly) When I got up to 300 mg a day, I noticed the migraines were MUCH less frequent and I had already lost 20 lbs (in about 2 months time). The only problem was that my concentration and memory were shot and my vision was getting increasing blurry or doubled at times. I also noticed that where I had once had tingling I complained more of a numbness and weakness. My doctor now wants me to increase to 400 mg a day and I'm not sure if I should. He thinks that my "side effects" are simply part of my migraines even though I don't have a migraine at the time I have the side effects.
Do any of you out there have similar complaints? What do you guys think out there? Anything would help me out :)
Posted by California_Princess on September 16, 2003, at 13:35:15
In reply to Re: Topamax Weight Loss Advice?????, posted by Ethel Basset on September 15, 2003, at 23:36:03
I certainly will let everyone know it I find something good for weight loss AND depression/moon swings. My problem is not a diet problem but a mental problem that has caused me to gain and gain. I’ve fought that admission for years thinking it’s better to hate myself for being a will-less, out of control fatty. I guess it was better to find fault for not having self control then to admit the REAL problem, compulsive binge eating during my manic cycles.
Over this last week since I finally got the confirming diagnosis as having Bi-Polar Disorder I’ve had that “ah ha moment” that Oprah is always talking about. It’s been a break though for me. I remember a show she did with Dr. Phil that she said you will not be able to lose weight for good until you find, or come to terms with WHY you’re overweight in the first place. Then once you have found the reason, work on that new found reason.
I have always been thinking, “Ah uh, sure…. I am fat because I’m an out of control, big, fat, looser.” But now, since I have been really looking back at my life, I can CLEARLY see distinctive patterns woven through my whole life. When I’m manic I either binge like crazy, (not only on food, but spending too) or join a new gym and start a new diet. These two “mini cycles” compete with one another the whole time I’m manic. Needless to say, the relatively short binging cycles cause me to gain more weight than I loose during the relatively short “diet & exercise” cycles. So I gain… and gain… and gain.
I don’t understand why I haven’t seen it before now! I’m 35 years old and it’s like I’ve just now “grown up” enough to see me for who I am and to inspect my life for what it is!
For the most part, I LOVE my manic cycles because I can get so much more done. It’s like I’m really living! I’m more creative and have the focus and energy to spend writing or painting and the possibilities are endless for me. And the best part, I’m HAPPY! Unfortunately, that creative energy and happiness comes with a heavy price: compulsion.
If I can just learn how to control that compulsion and lessen my depressed cycles I will be almost “normal”! :O)
But I don’t know if that’s even possible…
Melissa
Posted by California_Princess on September 16, 2003, at 13:42:16
In reply to Topamax side effects, posted by Lily83 on September 16, 2003, at 12:29:58
Lily,
FIND ANOTHER DR!!!The symptoms you are describing are classic side affects of Topomax. Have you had any problems with Kidney Stones? Your Dr. should know the difference between migraines and the side affects of the drug he has you on.
Do a search on the name "Topomax", (www.google.com) and you will come up with a plethora of info on Topomax. That's where I'm doing my research on different drugs.
Many here on this board have been on, or are on now, Topomax and they can tell you about the side affects also.
Be careful, Lily. And start looking around for another Dr.!
Melissa
Posted by LBcats on September 16, 2003, at 19:27:58
In reply to Re: Topamax Weight Loss Advice?????, posted by California_Princess on September 16, 2003, at 13:42:16
>Lily,
I agree with Melissa. The side effects aren't worth it. I'm seeing my doc tomorrow and I plan on asking her to take me off of it. I'm tired of not remembering stuff and not being able to articulate, period. I believe that maybe this drug is for some but you seem to have the classic side effects.
LindaLily,
> FIND ANOTHER DR!!!
>
> The symptoms you are describing are classic side affects of Topomax. Have you had any problems with Kidney Stones? Your Dr. should know the difference between migraines and the side affects of the drug he has you on.
>
> Do a search on the name "Topomax", (www.google.com) and you will come up with a plethora of info on Topomax. That's where I'm doing my research on different drugs.
>
> Many here on this board have been on, or are on now, Topomax and they can tell you about the side affects also.
>
> Be careful, Lily. And start looking around for another Dr.!
>
> Melissa
>
Posted by Bear on September 16, 2003, at 20:42:34
In reply to Topamax side effects, posted by Lily83 on September 16, 2003, at 12:29:58
> My doctor started me on Topamax about 3 months ago to supplement a new migraine medicine i was trying out. He told me that the bonus to using Topamax would be that I would find myself losing "a great deal of weight" (his exact words). Obviously I was excited even though I am only about 30 lbs overweight (my doctor is obsessed with me losing at least 50 lbs which I think is just too much...but anyhow...)
>
> So I started the topamax and right away he began increasing my dosage even though I was unsure about the side effects that I noticed right away (tingling in my feet, fingers and face mostly) When I got up to 300 mg a day, I noticed the migraines were MUCH less frequent and I had already lost 20 lbs (in about 2 months time). The only problem was that my concentration and memory were shot and my vision was getting increasing blurry or doubled at times. I also noticed that where I had once had tingling I complained more of a numbness and weakness. My doctor now wants me to increase to 400 mg a day and I'm not sure if I should. He thinks that my "side effects" are simply part of my migraines even though I don't have a migraine at the time I have the side effects.
>
> Do any of you out there have similar complaints? What do you guys think out there? Anything would help me out :)I have some tingling in my feet and fingers and sometimes around my mouth and I JUST started at 200mgs a day. I dont know how much I lost. I dont think it's much. I promised myself I wouldnt weigh in till end of Sept. But it's becoming less. My dosage has been raised slowly. In three weeks time Ill be up to 300mgs. Ill keep you posted. I hope like HELL I can lose 50 lbs!!! Ill live with the tingling! ;)
Posted by galkeepinon on September 16, 2003, at 20:47:38
In reply to Re: Topamax side effects, posted by Bear on September 16, 2003, at 20:42:34
Bear~good luck with the Topamax! I got the tingling bad in my feet~but far better was the weight loss I had as a result on Topamax. The tingling was peas compared to losing 25 pounds.
Take care and good luck:-)
> I have some tingling in my feet and fingers and sometimes around my mouth and I JUST started at 200mgs a day. I dont know how much I lost. I dont think it's much. I promised myself I wouldnt weigh in till end of Sept. But it's becoming less. My dosage has been raised slowly. In three weeks time Ill be up to 300mgs. Ill keep you posted. I hope like HELL I can lose 50 lbs!!! Ill live with the tingling! ;)
Posted by Bear on September 16, 2003, at 20:59:01
In reply to Re: Topamax side effects » Bear, posted by galkeepinon on September 16, 2003, at 20:47:38
> Bear~good luck with the Topamax! I got the tingling bad in my feet~but far better was the weight loss I had as a result on Topamax. The tingling was peas compared to losing 25 pounds.
> Take care and good luck:-)
>The feet CAN be very annoying!!! But, the weight loss FAR outweighs a little tingling!!! Im waiting till end of Sept. for the BIG weigh in, cause I want to give it time to kick in, but we'll see. I have no other side effects so far, Im in about 4-5 weeks, just started at 200mgs, the magic number, as I understand it. so we'll see. Thanks for the good wishes!! :o)~~
Bear
Posted by galkeepinon on September 16, 2003, at 21:16:58
In reply to Re: Topamax side effects, posted by Bear on September 16, 2003, at 20:59:01
Cool!! I'd be interested in how much weight you lost if you feel comfortable sharing.
You've got discipline regarding waiting to weigh yourself hehehe. I was weighing myself everyday on Topamax. lol
:-)
> The feet CAN be very annoying!!! But, the weight loss FAR outweighs a little tingling!!! Im waiting till end of Sept. for the BIG weigh in, cause I want to give it time to kick in, but we'll see. I have no other side effects so far, Im in about 4-5 weeks, just started at 200mgs, the magic number, as I understand it. so we'll see. Thanks for the good wishes!! :o)~~
>
> Bear
Posted by Nissy on September 17, 2003, at 14:51:12
In reply to Topamax side effects, posted by Lily83 on September 16, 2003, at 12:29:58
Hi there,
First off I think you need to really make your Doctor understand that you feel that he is not listening to you. Explain yourself and what you are feeling to him.
I take 25 mg in the morning and 50 mg at bedtime and I noticed I sometimes have tingling in the morning and sometimes I do not. This is a very low dose to experience tingling too. I found that when I was taking it with my effexor it always made me tingle. So if I keep it seperated from the effexor I usually do ok. I want to go up in dosage and my doctor wants to go slowly up to avoid any side effects.
Just be open with your Doctor and hopefully that will take care of things for you.
Good luck to you,
Nissy
Posted by galkeepinon on September 18, 2003, at 5:59:30
In reply to Re: Topamax Weight Loss Advice?????, posted by California_Princess on September 16, 2003, at 13:35:15
You sound like me......except the manic area, (and I might add I was diagnosed with BP II in 199~which I don't fully agree with but........) lol
I can relate to you 100% I binge when I'm happy, stressed, angry, but never when I'm depressed, just don't feel like eating then. Guess that could explain my increased appetite on Lexapro all of the sudden, must be feeling happy, I certainly don't eat when I'm depressed.
I'm looking at buying Dr. Phil's new book, but dang it's just ANOTHER book/method to lose weight~whadddya do?
How can we beat this stuff?
I honestly do think it's possible, don't ever give up hope my friend, I pray everyday for it!!!!
Keep posting:-)> I certainly will let everyone know it I find something good for weight loss AND depression/moon swings. My problem is not a diet problem but a mental problem that has caused me to gain and gain. I’ve fought that admission for years thinking it’s better to hate myself for being a will-less, out of control fatty. I guess it was better to find fault for not having self control then to admit the REAL problem, compulsive binge eating during my manic cycles.
>
> Over this last week since I finally got the confirming diagnosis as having Bi-Polar Disorder I’ve had that “ah ha moment” that Oprah is always talking about. It’s been a break though for me. I remember a show she did with Dr. Phil that she said you will not be able to lose weight for good until you find, or come to terms with WHY you’re overweight in the first place. Then once you have found the reason, work on that new found reason.
>
> I have always been thinking, “Ah uh, sure…. I am fat because I’m an out of control, big, fat, looser.” But now, since I have been really looking back at my life, I can CLEARLY see distinctive patterns woven through my whole life. When I’m manic I either binge like crazy, (not only on food, but spending too) or join a new gym and start a new diet. These two “mini cycles” compete with one another the whole time I’m manic. Needless to say, the relatively short binging cycles cause me to gain more weight than I loose during the relatively short “diet & exercise” cycles. So I gain… and gain… and gain.
>
> I don’t understand why I haven’t seen it before now! I’m 35 years old and it’s like I’ve just now “grown up” enough to see me for who I am and to inspect my life for what it is!
>
> For the most part, I LOVE my manic cycles because I can get so much more done. It’s like I’m really living! I’m more creative and have the focus and energy to spend writing or painting and the possibilities are endless for me. And the best part, I’m HAPPY! Unfortunately, that creative energy and happiness comes with a heavy price: compulsion.
>
> If I can just learn how to control that compulsion and lessen my depressed cycles I will be almost “normal”! :O)
>
> But I don’t know if that’s even possible…
> Melissa
>
Posted by Bob on September 18, 2003, at 11:43:38
In reply to Re: Topamax Weight Loss Advice????? » California_Princess, posted by galkeepinon on September 18, 2003, at 5:59:30
> You sound like me......except the manic area, (and I might add I was diagnosed with BP II in 199~which I don't fully agree with but........) lol
> I can relate to you 100% I binge when I'm happy, stressed, angry, but never when I'm depressed, just don't feel like eating then. Guess that could explain my increased appetite on Lexapro all of the sudden, must be feeling happy, I certainly don't eat when I'm depressed.
> I'm looking at buying Dr. Phil's new book, but dang it's just ANOTHER book/method to lose weight~whadddya do?
> How can we beat this stuff?
> I honestly do think it's possible, don't ever give up hope my friend, I pray everyday for it!!!!
> Keep posting:-)
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> > I certainly will let everyone know it I find something good for weight loss AND depression/moon swings. My problem is not a diet problem but a mental problem that has caused me to gain and gain. I’ve fought that admission for years thinking it’s better to hate myself for being a will-less, out of control fatty. I guess it was better to find fault for not having self control then to admit the REAL problem, compulsive binge eating during my manic cycles.
> >
> > Over this last week since I finally got the confirming diagnosis as having Bi-Polar Disorder I’ve had that “ah ha moment” that Oprah is always talking about. It’s been a break though for me. I remember a show she did with Dr. Phil that she said you will not be able to lose weight for good until you find, or come to terms with WHY you’re overweight in the first place. Then once you have found the reason, work on that new found reason.
> >
> > I have always been thinking, “Ah uh, sure…. I am fat because I’m an out of control, big, fat, looser.” But now, since I have been really looking back at my life, I can CLEARLY see distinctive patterns woven through my whole life. When I’m manic I either binge like crazy, (not only on food, but spending too) or join a new gym and start a new diet. These two “mini cycles” compete with one another the whole time I’m manic. Needless to say, the relatively short binging cycles cause me to gain more weight than I loose during the relatively short “diet & exercise” cycles. So I gain… and gain… and gain.
> >
> > I don’t understand why I haven’t seen it before now! I’m 35 years old and it’s like I’ve just now “grown up” enough to see me for who I am and to inspect my life for what it is!
> >
> > For the most part, I LOVE my manic cycles because I can get so much more done. It’s like I’m really living! I’m more creative and have the focus and energy to spend writing or painting and the possibilities are endless for me. And the best part, I’m HAPPY! Unfortunately, that creative energy and happiness comes with a heavy price: compulsion.
> >
> > If I can just learn how to control that compulsion and lessen my depressed cycles I will be almost “normal”! :O)
> >
> > But I don’t know if that’s even possible…
> > Melissa
> >
>
>
Have you ever noticed how many of the most successful and energetic/vibrant people out there seem to go through life in a perpetually hypomanic state? I agree with you that manic (or at least hypomanic) states are great for me. I can clean my house, and even do more than one thing in a day without having to go straight to bed. There's no other way to live, really.
Posted by Bear on September 19, 2003, at 12:53:03
In reply to Topamax side effects, posted by Lily83 on September 16, 2003, at 12:29:58
> My doctor started me on Topamax about 3 months ago to supplement a new migraine medicine i was trying out. He told me that the bonus to using Topamax would be that I would find myself losing "a great deal of weight" (his exact words).
When I got up to 300 mg a day, I noticed the migraines were MUCH less frequent and I had already lost 20 lbs (in about 2 months time). >May I ask a question?
What were you eating in those 2 months?
Lettuce leaves only? And 23 hours of exercise a day? Eating normally but sensibly? Eating 3 meals a day? Eating anything? Just curious how this thing makes you lose....Im now at 200mgs a day and eating maybe 1-2 meals a day but Im 3/4 disabled from an accident so exercise is not a poss. Thanks.
Oh! This is open to anyone who's lost on Topamax.
Cheers
Bear
Posted by galkeepinon on September 20, 2003, at 0:50:06
In reply to Re: Topamax side effects, posted by Bear on September 19, 2003, at 12:53:03
When I was on Topamax, I just had NO appetite. I ate anything, but I had cravings for healthy food. It was odd. I didn't exercise either~nope none at all, and I still managed to lose 25.
I think Topamax was great for the weight issue, I may ask my doc to go back on it for the moods also. But that's just my experience here, and no, I ate more than lettuce leaves........
:-)May I ask a question?
>
> What were you eating in those 2 months?
>
> Lettuce leaves only? And 23 hours of exercise a day? Eating normally but sensibly? Eating 3 meals a day? Eating anything? Just curious how this thing makes you lose....Im now at 200mgs a day and eating maybe 1-2 meals a day but Im 3/4 disabled from an accident so exercise is not a poss. Thanks.
>
> Oh! This is open to anyone who's lost on Topamax.
>
> Cheers
> Bear
Posted by LBcats on September 20, 2003, at 11:28:14
In reply to Re: Topamax side effects » Bear, posted by galkeepinon on September 20, 2003, at 0:50:06
>I just stopped taking topomax and I had no appetite either. I was on 300 mg a day. I didn't exercise either. I lost about 25 pounds as well. I also had cravings for healthy food but I also ate food that was fattening every now and then and I just kept losing weight. I stopped taking it because it wasn't controlling my moods. I'm back on depakote. Also, the Side effects like being dopey and the tingling of the feet; all that was too much for me.
good luck
LindaWhen I was on Topamax, I just had NO appetite. I ate anything, but I had cravings for healthy food. It was odd. I didn't exercise either~nope none at all, and I still managed to lose 25.
> I think Topamax was great for the weight issue, I may ask my doc to go back on it for the moods also. But that's just my experience here, and no, I ate more than lettuce leaves........
> :-)
>
>
>
> May I ask a question?
> >
> > What were you eating in those 2 months?
> >
> > Lettuce leaves only? And 23 hours of exercise a day? Eating normally but sensibly? Eating 3 meals a day? Eating anything? Just curious how this thing makes you lose....Im now at 200mgs a day and eating maybe 1-2 meals a day but Im 3/4 disabled from an accident so exercise is not a poss. Thanks.
> >
> > Oh! This is open to anyone who's lost on Topamax.
> >
> > Cheers
> > Bear
>
>
Posted by California_Princess on September 20, 2003, at 12:41:51
In reply to Re: Topamax side effects, posted by LBcats on September 20, 2003, at 11:28:14
This is so very interesting that weight loss is a side affect with the Topomax. I have my appt with the Dr. this Monday and I will talk with him about Topomax. I guess I just need to take and see how it affects me. I hate being a Guinea Pig... I there aren't any other ways to know how it will affect me.
Melissa
Posted by Stacy Louisa Beus on September 21, 2003, at 5:35:00
In reply to Topamax side effects, posted by Lily83 on September 16, 2003, at 12:29:58
Not to be rude, but your doctor scares me. He obviously doesn't care about your concerns, which are huge red flags. Get a second medical opinion as soon as possible. Listen to your gut instinct~ never ignore your self.
Posted by Lily83 on September 22, 2003, at 8:23:32
In reply to Re: Topamax side effects » Lily83, posted by Stacy Louisa Beus on September 21, 2003, at 5:35:00
I've tried telling him that he's not listening to me...even brought back-up with me to the doctor's office to make sure I wasn't losing my mind lol. Have recently looked into switching doctors altogether (this isn't my first problem with him)...up to 400 mg on the topamax...tried to cut back and the migraines came back even worse so I'm going to wait until I see my new doctor and see what he can do to fix this situation. On the plus side ( I think ) weight keeps coming off although I'm still not convinced that weight loss without trying is healthy or not somehow connected to selling my soul to the devil (just kidding lol)
Posted by susi on September 23, 2003, at 12:17:39
In reply to Re: Topamax Experiences? » Sammy, posted by Krazy Kat on September 26, 2001, at 9:45:36
Posted by susi on September 23, 2003, at 12:43:12
In reply to Sinus problem anyone? (nm), posted by susi on September 23, 2003, at 12:17:39
OK, sorry about the above post...here I go again....I am currently taking 200 topa in the pm, 25 paxil cr in the am..i have the usual side effects, yes, weight loss, can't drink carbinated bev., and no way on the alcohol the taste is awful (just heard topa is now being used as an antabuse drug now), and now it is even cause a major change in my taste buds...but what is causing me the most distress is the posibilty of a sinus problems. I am not sure if it is but in reading the posts here I have seen some reference to sinus problems and I would like to hear if others have had problems in this area of course doctors won't draw the connection. And, in doing my own research I can't find any connection at all, but we all know this type of researchi is the best. I have been on the drugs for 5 months and find even the above side effects to be worth staying on topa, but the sinus stuff is wearing me out, and if it is because of the drug I may need to change directions....any thoughts?
Posted by sarita0001 on September 23, 2003, at 14:32:39
In reply to Re: Sinus problem anyone? » susi, posted by susi on September 23, 2003, at 12:43:12
Hi,
I was on Tmax for 4 months and I did have the sinus problem, mostly stuffiness and sinus headaches. For a short time, I also had a runny nose all the time.
I have a friend on 400 mg and she often has a runny nose, so I think the Tmax does do something to that part of the body. I also do remember reading that somewhere as a side effect.
You could call Ortho Mc Neil, their number is on the Topamax website and ask them if that is common.
Best,
S
Posted by California_Princess on September 23, 2003, at 20:48:37
In reply to Re: Sinus problem anyone?, posted by sarita0001 on September 23, 2003, at 14:32:39
Well, the dr put me on Topomax yesterday when I saw him for the first time. He said for me to start with 25 mg twice a day but I cut my pill in half this morning and will sticking with 12.5 mg twice a day until I feel used to any side affects. I felt kind of weird this morning but couldn't be sure if it was the Topo or my panic disorder.... :O( I sure hope I can lose wight and stay stabelized mood wise!!!!!
Melissa
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