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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Nitro on September 30, 2003, at 9:46:53
In reply to Re: new to topamax, need some advice, posted by rainy on September 30, 2003, at 4:26:06
> Nissy and Nitro I'm going to barge in here about high protein diets and Topamax. I think it's not a good idea to combine the two because one of the adverse effects of Topamax is kidney stones. I guess those suckers hurt. Since high protein diets put a load on the kidneys, maybe the combination of medication and diet puts too much stress on that part of our system and makes us more suseptible to any renal malfunction that is waiting to happen. Just a thought. Rainy.
>
> Rainy that makes sense. I hadn't tied the two things together, the high protein and kidney stones. I had read about the kidney stones warning in several places though. Thank you! Nitro.
Posted by HS on September 30, 2003, at 9:50:50
In reply to Re: new to topamax, need some advice » Jenni H, posted by platinumbride on September 30, 2003, at 7:23:47
Hi
I'm new to this thread - I am joining you from the Effexor XR group, which I am on as well for depression. I suffer from generalised anxiety disorder and panic disorder as well as depression - my psy thinks I might be bipolar, but the jury is still out on that one.
Many people here seem to be discussing the weightloss side of things (which obviously I would also be very happy to experience). Is there anyone else out there with similar problems to me and if so, what have your experiences been?
Hetty
Posted by platinumbride on October 1, 2003, at 8:14:22
In reply to Topamax for anxiety/panic/bipolar?, posted by HS on September 30, 2003, at 9:50:50
> Hi
>
> I'm new to this thread - I am joining you from the Effexor XR group, which I am on as well for depression. I suffer from generalised anxiety disorder and panic disorder as well as depression - my psy thinks I might be bipolar, but the jury is still out on that one.
>
> Many people here seem to be discussing the weightloss side of things (which obviously I would also be very happy to experience). Is there anyone else out there with similar problems to me and if so, what have your experiences been?
>
> HettyHetty,
To be frank, I am BipolarII. So many of the depression meds and mood stablizers have been culprits in weight gain (OK, OK, so has my great fork to mouth exercising!!!), that when my shrink mentioned topomax as a potentially new option for a mood stablizer I jumped on it.
I just came off of a wave of hypomania, shot down by seroquel (a drug I will never take again, if I can help it). I guess I am so obsessed with the weight loss thing and the side effects (headache and losing words for me) of the topamax, that I haven't paid attention to other things. Most of my horrific anxiety has been abated for a while, though it certainly rears its ugly head when it wants to. The same is true of panic. Mood swings I toss up, for the most part, to being a woman <smiles>. Oh, and being fat.
With meds it is always a "luck of the draw" thing. That is why it is important to have a shrink who isn't waiting for us to leave so he can go play golf. Lamictal is a big anticonvulsant (as is tompamax) used as a mood stablizer (for bipolar symptoms). Well, for me, I guess it has helped with some of the devastating depression, but not the highs that are a little over the top...that's why I needed the seroquel to get me sleeping again.Please keep me posted (no pun intended). There are a bunch of options out there...
Posted by Jessica Smith on October 1, 2003, at 17:10:33
In reply to Re: new to topamax, need some advice, posted by rainy on September 27, 2003, at 6:29:35
I'm 21 years old and I have always had weight problems. At my last doctors appointment, my doctor prescribed topamax to help aide me in weightloss. Im also diabetic. I have gained 30lbs since last november. I also have horrible mood swings, but i have never been diagnosed with any mood disorders. Im hoping topamax will help me control them. Does anyone out there have any suggestions or warnings that would be helpful for me? Thanks, Jessica
Posted by Carol F on October 7, 2003, at 16:09:50
In reply to Re: Topamax and Effexor XR, posted by KimberlyDi on August 9, 2003, at 13:21:49
I am a manic depressive and currently on Effexor and have been since 2001. I am also an epileptic and not currently on medication for seizures as I do not like the side effects of the medications that I've been on. I've just heard about Topomax. (It's kind of strange that neither my psychiatrist or my neurologist have ever mentioned this drug.)
It sounds good to me and I could certainly use the weight loss that comes with it.
I am wondering if it is ok to take both Effexor and Topomax and if anyone knows how the 2 work together?
Posted by platinumbride on October 7, 2003, at 16:40:20
In reply to Re: Topamax and Effexor XR, posted by Carol F on October 7, 2003, at 16:09:50
I guess since you are on no anticonvulsants it may not have occured to anyone as an option, perhaps????????
I have no idea about interactions, but maybe if you email www.orthomcneil.com, the makers of topamax, they could tell you.......or maybe whoever it is who makes effexor. I forgot the drug company who does that one.
Diane
Posted by Nitro on October 7, 2003, at 16:50:29
In reply to Re: Topamax and Effexor XR, posted by Carol F on October 7, 2003, at 16:09:50
I think there are some posts from awhile back about Effexor and Topamax being used together. You may want to go back and read if you have some time.
I have been on the topamax 4 weeks now, with no migraines. I am so happy, after an average of 5 per week this is good. My appetite is decreased but that is the only side effect. Nitro
Posted by Nissy on October 8, 2003, at 8:55:59
In reply to Re: Topamax and Effexor XR, posted by Nitro on October 7, 2003, at 16:50:29
I currently take both of these drugs. The only problem I have run into is actually taking them in the morning at the same time. I was getting tingleing in my fingers and face when I would. So since I started to take them a couple hours apart I haven't had that problem.
Nissy :)
Posted by Kristine on October 8, 2003, at 12:16:19
In reply to Re: Topamax for anxiety/panic/bipolar? » HS, posted by platinumbride on October 1, 2003, at 8:14:22
Hello,
I am a 29 year old woman who has had several rounds on meds for depression and anxiety. I am also on Levoxyl for my thyroid...it seems that no doctor has the same answer and that it is just a "crap shoot" (please excuse the term) of sorts to diagnose and treat my symptoms. My mother is severly Bi-polar and the though of becoming Bi-Polar scares me to death. Through my Thyroid and depression stuff I have gone from a healthy 130#'s to an obese 250#'s with really bad mood swings and as my young daughter puts it I have become the beast of our house. I have just read this complete thread and am looking up my doctors phone number right now to get the Topomax. I however, do not suffer from epilepsy and am afraid that my doc won't prescribe the meds for me...does anyone have any words of wisdom regarding how to bring this up to my doc?
Thanks,
Kristine
Posted by Cybele on October 9, 2003, at 22:17:02
In reply to Re: Topamax , posted by Kristine on October 8, 2003, at 12:16:19
You wrote, "I have just read this complete thread and am looking up my doctors phone number right now to get the Topomax. I however, do not suffer from epilepsy and am afraid that my doc won't prescribe the meds for me...does anyone have any words of wisdom regarding how to bring this up to my doc?"
Check out this article:
http://www.psycheducation.org/depression/doctalk.htm
Posted by bossCmom on October 12, 2003, at 23:28:11
In reply to Re: Topamax , posted by Kristine on October 8, 2003, at 12:16:19
I have been part of a research study (no drug testing) just following the side effects of the most commonly used medication to treat bipolar disorder and also their effectiveness for about three years now. (traslated-free dr. visits) So I have been on Topomax for two years now and I am up to 200 mgs at night. The rest of the time I was taking fish oil because I was pregnant. I am still taking the fish oil (omega-3 fatty acids) along with the topomax but unlike some of you I have not experienced any signifigant weight loss, which I majorly need to do. and I still have the problem of binge eating at times, even though I have no real appetite.
Posted by platinumbride on October 13, 2003, at 4:55:20
In reply to Re: Topamax , posted by bossCmom on October 12, 2003, at 23:28:11
god that sux.........sobering......but thanks for the honsety.
I have my bingeing too.......and appetite is sporadic. I am waiting for the day when all of the pants don't fit. But I know it may not happen, just as all ADs don't work.......sigh
Diane
Posted by rainy on October 13, 2003, at 7:53:22
In reply to Re: Topamax , posted by Kristine on October 8, 2003, at 12:16:19
Here are more sobering thoughts. I went off Top over a month ago because of severe stupids. I've still got them. Immediately I wanted to binge on carbs and I haven't had a sweet tooth in years! Of course the pounds are jumping on. Also, my hair is still falling out in long strands (I'm still on 100 mgs lamictal). How long does Top hair loss continue and how long does it take to stop being confused and disoriented? I mean unusually so. I wish all of you who are starting medication well. Quitting has issues, too.
Posted by sarita0001 on October 13, 2003, at 9:46:33
In reply to Re: Topamax , posted by rainy on October 13, 2003, at 7:53:22
hi Kristine-
The hair loss probably is from going off Topamax but could also be happening because of the Lamictal. There have been a couple posts here about that. Good Luck.
Sara
Posted by redscarlet on October 13, 2003, at 20:06:37
In reply to Re: Topamax , posted by rainy on October 13, 2003, at 7:53:22
I've been on Topamax for over two years and have had BAD hair loss the whole time. Taking all kinds of vitamins for it has not helped. I take biotin along with a hair vitamin, I just now (this past week) added the zinc and selenium and also MSM to the mix, hoping it will make some difference. I do take a lot of other vitamins as well, a multi, co-q10, E, C, B12, calcium, anti-oxidants, omega3....I don't eat all that well (who does?), so I feel I should at least try to get in some vitamins everyday. If anyone else has good response from a vitamin combination that has slowed or stopped hair loss PLEASE tell, desperate here. Thanks
P.S. I do make sure I get enough protein every day. You got any other ideas ????
Posted by Haleyr on October 13, 2003, at 20:15:27
In reply to Re: Topamax , posted by redscarlet on October 13, 2003, at 20:06:37
> Can you please tell me how many mgs of topamax you were taking when you noticed the hair loss and when did it start? I am taking it for about 2 mths and am taking 150 mgs and havent noticed that side effect yet. Thanks for your info. Haley R.
I've been on Topamax for over two years and have had BAD hair loss the whole time. Taking all kinds of vitamins for it has not helped. I take biotin along with a hair vitamin, I just now (this past week) added the zinc and selenium and also MSM to the mix, hoping it will make some difference. I do take a lot of other vitamins as well, a multi, co-q10, E, C, B12, calcium, anti-oxidants, omega3....I don't eat all that well (who does?), so I feel I should at least try to get in some vitamins everyday. If anyone else has good response from a vitamin combination that has slowed or stopped hair loss PLEASE tell, desperate here. Thanks
>
> P.S. I do make sure I get enough protein every day. You got any other ideas ????
>
>
Posted by redscarlet on October 13, 2003, at 20:51:44
In reply to Re: Topamax » redscarlet, posted by Haleyr on October 13, 2003, at 20:15:27
Sorry I don't remember at what milligram the hair loss started but I have had it the whole time with no let up at all, I'm on 200mgs and have been at that for two years. My hair has thinned so much due to the loss and it's turned to straw (this stuff also make's your hair dry...UGH !). Not everyone has the hair loss side effect and this may not happen to you, wishing you the best... :-)
Posted by rainy on October 13, 2003, at 23:19:59
In reply to Re: Topamax » rainy, posted by sarita0001 on October 13, 2003, at 9:46:33
Boy, these psych meds really mess with us. Sara, I think it is the Lamictal that is causing hair loss since it didn't start until I went up to 300 mgs of that stuff per day. That's also when the suicidal ideation began. The doctor took me off Topamax because I was disoriented and almost mute, but has kept me on 150 mgs of the road-map-on-the-head-making-damn-Lamictal. Unlike RedScarlets', my remaining hair has become so oily that I get to wash it down the drain every day. The guy who shapes it every now and then told me that rinsing with cool to cold water after each shampoo may slow hair loss. I can't tell but that's my Topamax/Lamictal Hint. Thanks, all of you, for your information. What about the problems dredging up words? How long does that go on after going off? Take all of this with a salt shaker Haley--I had no trouble until I went up to 350 mgs and then all hell broke loose, but I still think that for me the hair part is the Lamictal.
Posted by tug on October 21, 2003, at 19:22:05
In reply to Re: Topmax for Migraines » Sprgrvr, posted by Snoozy on June 24, 2003, at 14:46:05
I have had great results in reducing my migraines by taking 50mg of Nortriptylin every evening. I had gotten to the point where a trip to the emergency room and 2 shots of morphine would not even dull the pain. I have tried all of the usual medications (Imitrex, Maxalt, Relpax, plus every -cet you can imagine). The Nortriptylin is a godsend for me.
I also take 225mg of Effexor daily for PTSD and depression. That has resulted in a 20lb weight gain and am interested in adding Topomax to the mix. By reading some of the threads it sounds like I could replace the Effexor with the Topomax. Any thoughts on that?
Thanks!
Tug
Posted by Nitro on October 22, 2003, at 9:56:10
In reply to Effexor, Nortriptylin and Top-- Migraines, PTSD, posted by tug on October 21, 2003, at 19:22:05
> I have had great results in reducing my migraines by taking 50mg of Nortriptylin every evening. I had gotten to the point where a trip to the emergency room and 2 shots of morphine would not even dull the pain. I have tried all of the usual medications (Imitrex, Maxalt, Relpax, plus every -cet you can imagine). The Nortriptylin is a godsend for me.
>
> I also take 225mg of Effexor daily for PTSD and depression. That has resulted in a 20lb weight gain and am interested in adding Topomax to the mix. By reading some of the threads it sounds like I could replace the Effexor with the Topomax. Any thoughts on that?
>
> Thanks!
>
> TugI have been taking Topomax, 25 mg morning & night since 9/10 and have had great results, was having up to 5 migraines per week, just constant, and they have gone away. I am quite impressed with the results of the topomax with no side effects other than occassional slight tingling and slight loss of appetitie which i don't think is anything to complain about. Of course I am on low dosage and it is working for me so I am lucky. Good luck to you - I know how debilitating migraines are, have had them for more than 20 years and this is the first time I am free of them - 6 weeks today!!! Nitro
Posted by Liligoth on October 24, 2003, at 1:57:24
In reply to Effexor, Nortriptylin and Top-- Migraines, PTSD, posted by tug on October 21, 2003, at 19:22:05
hey Nortriptyline prevents my migraines too!! it's a miracle isnt it. I just love it & will hopefully stay on it for life for this effect. strangely this was an unforseen effect. did your doc know it would help with the migraines?
Posted by tug on October 24, 2003, at 17:32:29
In reply to Re: Effexor, Nortriptylin and Top-- Migraines, PTSD » tug, posted by Liligoth on October 24, 2003, at 1:57:24
> hey Nortriptyline prevents my migraines too!! it's a miracle isnt it. I just love it & will hopefully stay on it for life for this effect. strangely this was an unforseen effect. did your doc know it would help with the migraines?
>
Actually it was my neurologist who presecribed the nortriptylin. I thought I had MS because of the vertigo and some other symptoms. I went to see the local MS Specialist and he got rid of the vertigo and the migraines with the nortriptylin. If I do have a breakthrough migraine, (every once in a while) I take indomethiacin and that seems to knock them right out. It's like having a new life!! Glad to hear I'm not the only one having success with this.Cheers!
Posted by tug on October 27, 2003, at 21:40:30
In reply to Re: Effexor, Nortriptylin and Top-- Migraines, PTSD » tug, posted by Liligoth on October 24, 2003, at 1:57:24
> hey Nortriptyline prevents my migraines too!! it's a miracle isnt it. I just love it & will hopefully stay on it for life for this effect. strangely this was an unforseen effect. did your doc know it would help with the migraines?
> Yes, my neurologist presecribed it specifically to prevent migraines. A miracle drug from my perspective!! He's the best nuerologist I have seen.
Posted by Lyra on October 29, 2003, at 8:16:16
In reply to What worked for my hairloss, posted by Rainbowlight on September 18, 2003, at 18:26:13
I had hair loss on Depakote- doc said it was because it blocked absorbtion of zinc and selenium. I now take 200 mg. of selenium and 100 mg of zinc a day and hair came back.
Posted by redscarlet on October 29, 2003, at 8:55:47
In reply to Re: What worked for my hairloss, posted by Lyra on October 29, 2003, at 8:16:16
Thank You for this info on the vitamins. I just recently added the zinc and selenium to my vitamin regiment but I was only taking them at 100mgs each a day so I will increase to the 200mgs each a day. I hope I have the same effect and stop some of this massive hair loss !!!
Thanks again... :-)
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