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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Aleese on March 5, 2006, at 18:05:47
In reply to Re: Topomax for Migraines- Generic?? » Aleese, posted by Storm Rider on March 3, 2006, at 20:09:41
does anyone else have the problem where soda taste weard or diff to them because of Topamax?
Posted by Storm Rider on March 5, 2006, at 23:08:35
In reply to Re: Topomax for Migraines- Generic??, posted by Aleese on March 5, 2006, at 18:05:47
> does anyone else have the problem where soda taste weard or diff to them because of Topamax?
Soft drinks take on a strange taste when one is taking topomax but after a while I found that either I no longer was interested in 'sodas' or soft drinks so it didn't matter.
I think that they fell into the classification of foods and beverages that were affected by the topomax effect.and I forgot or overlooked or simply have become used to the one side effect that I do have from the topomax...
there is sometimes a slight tingling in my hands that my doctors tell me is caused by it and is normal from it...not as intense as with the tegretol but noticeable at times...
different to the numbness that happens as a warning that I am going to have a seizure at some time during the coming 12 hours ...
but like the feeling one has when one's hand 'goes to sleep'as for the soda taste thing.. that will either pass or not matter...
it is especially noticeable with the diet drinks I found
Posted by Aleese on March 6, 2006, at 14:33:06
In reply to Re: Topomax for Migraines- Generic?? » Aleese, posted by Storm Rider on March 5, 2006, at 23:08:35
I to have tingling but in my feet!1 How long does it take before it really gets in your system real good?
Posted by biogurl on March 8, 2006, at 21:50:22
In reply to Re: Topomax for Migraines- Generic??, posted by Aleese on March 3, 2006, at 16:26:33
I found a website that will be helpful for everyone here. Please pass it around to everyone that you talk to on the site.
www.ratemds.com
Posted by Aleese on March 9, 2006, at 8:50:55
In reply to Re: Topomax for Migraines- Generic?? » Aleese, posted by Storm Rider on March 5, 2006, at 23:08:35
How long does it take before the topomax makes you not as hungary and allt aht?
Posted by storm rider on March 9, 2006, at 10:35:02
In reply to Re: Topomax for Migraines- Generic??, posted by Aleese on March 9, 2006, at 8:50:55
> How long does it take before the topomax makes you not as hungary and allt aht?
I rather imagine that varies from person to person...
and it isn't so much a case of not being hungry as not having the cravings to eat all the time...
at least that was how it worked for me.
I was eating when I didn't know what else to do or was bored or stressed...
When I find myself with nothing to do or things not working according to plan, I have to react and when I am at work, I cannot get up and walk out of the office or the newsroom or whatever...
so when someone says he is going out for pop and a bag of chips, do you want something, why not? better get chips and a chocolate bar, maybe two...
and often when I was working odd hours I would find myself feeling the quiet and the boredom in front of the fridge, taking out the ingredients for a sandwich... I wasn't hungry, but it was something to do when there was no one to talk with...
the meds I was on didn't help as they caused weight gain all by themselves...
so between me and them it was balloon city...within days of starting topomax I noticed that I had lost three pounds...
and it kept coming off slowly and steadily...
nothing dramatic, no fifty pounds in a month the way some of the television ads proclaim, but that is highly dangerous...something in the medication curbs the interest in junk food and binging... I don't understand it, but from a person who was eating whent here was nothing else to do... I liked the way it worked...
and it stopped my headaches and my seizures too...
bonus!
Posted by Aleese on March 10, 2006, at 21:26:02
In reply to ratemds.com, posted by biogurl on March 8, 2006, at 21:50:22
If you have taken Topomax in the past and had to stop for a few months for some reason and then got back on it do the affects of the drug change if so why would they?
Posted by storm rider on March 10, 2006, at 21:38:27
In reply to If you were on Topomax and had to stop for a few m, posted by Aleese on March 10, 2006, at 21:26:02
> If you have taken Topomax in the past and had to stop for a few months for some reason and then got back on it do the affects of the drug change if so why would they?
How do you mean, 'Would the effects change'?
I have had to quit taking it for varying lengths of time while tests were run and when I started back on topomax, it still worked to curb seizures and it still worked to stop migraines...
however when the neurologist decided to cut back on the dosage when I told him I would no longer take tegretol the migraines started again; my doctor then told me to return to the original dosage and when I reached the original amount the migraines stopped...
does that help?
Posted by Aleese on March 10, 2006, at 22:51:26
In reply to Re: If you were on Topomax and had to stop for a f » Aleese, posted by storm rider on March 10, 2006, at 21:38:27
> > If you have taken Topomax in the past and had to stop for a few months for some reason and then got back on it do the affects of the drug change if so why would they?
>
> How do you mean, 'Would the effects change'?
>
> I have had to quit taking it for varying lengths of time while tests were run and when I started back on topomax, it still worked to curb seizures and it still worked to stop migraines...
> however when the neurologist decided to cut back on the dosage when I told him I would no longer take tegretol the migraines started again; my doctor then told me to return to the original dosage and when I reached the original amount the migraines stopped...
> does that help?Thank You for your response!!I just mean I was only on it for 2 weeks last time and it worked for my migranes and it also seemed to start curbing my appetite. i have now been on it for 10 days and it does help a bit with migranes but I dont see a change in appetite at all maybe I am jumping the gun? I just heard before that the affects change if you get off and then return or maybe I didn't hear correctly as I do that from time to time!!!
Posted by Dr. Bob on March 11, 2006, at 10:28:28
In reply to ratemds.com, posted by biogurl on March 8, 2006, at 21:50:22
> www.ratemds.com
Thanks for contributing, but I'd like to redirect follow-ups regarding mds rather than meds to Psycho-Babble Social. Here's a link:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20060310/msgs/618771.html
Thanks,
Bob
Posted by storm rider on March 11, 2006, at 15:37:01
In reply to Re: If you were on Topomax and had to stop for a f, posted by Aleese on March 10, 2006, at 22:51:26
I just heard before that the affects change if you get off and then return or maybe I didn't hear correctly as I do that from time to time!!!
>Remember that this is a medication that is used as much for its side effect effects as for its initial reason for development...
and it is important to remember that it is taken slowly and to allow the med to build up slowly in the system or it will not work properly at all...
instead it will cause all sorts of unwanted and unwelcome side effects... indeed it will lead to other health problems...if you are taking it for migraine it will start to work rather quickly from what I have learned;
if it is for weight loss, then it has to be allowed to do its work over a longer period of time...
when one stops taking it, the weight simply piles on again...
and that adds to the emotional problems that some people are taking it for...life is indeed a circle game...
Posted by Aleese on March 11, 2006, at 18:20:34
In reply to Re: If you were on Topomax and had to stop for a f » Aleese, posted by storm rider on March 11, 2006, at 15:37:01
> I just heard before that the affects change if you get off and then return or maybe I didn't hear correctly as I do that from time to time!!!
> >
>
> Remember that this is a medication that is used as much for its side effect effects as for its initial reason for development...
> and it is important to remember that it is taken slowly and to allow the med to build up slowly in the system or it will not work properly at all...
> instead it will cause all sorts of unwanted and unwelcome side effects... indeed it will lead to other health problems...
>
> if you are taking it for migraine it will start to work rather quickly from what I have learned;
> if it is for weight loss, then it has to be allowed to do its work over a longer period of time...
> when one stops taking it, the weight simply piles on again...
> and that adds to the emotional problems that some people are taking it for...
>
> life is indeed a circle game...
>
I am taking it for both weightloss and migranes and I am on 100 mgs a day I hope my Dr. has me on the correct dosage. What do you think?
Posted by SandyWeb on March 17, 2006, at 8:03:56
In reply to Re: If you were on Topomax and had to stop for a f, posted by Aleese on March 11, 2006, at 18:20:34
Hi all,
I've been on Topamax for almost 1.5 months now, and it is great! My doctor and I have worked me up to 100mg at night and 100mg in the morning so far, and we'll probably keep going up to 400mg unless I start having difficulties. I take it mainly for two reasons: to combat the massive weight I've gained from Remeron (over 50 pounds, and I'm prone to diabetes since I had gestational diabetes with both my babies), and for mood stabilization (which gabapentin was doing until it pooped out about 6 months ago).
I find Topamax to be a very clean, clear-headed, non-dopey, alert, "brings back the old Sandy"-type med. I really like it. Very few side effects, which mainly only occurred within the first few days and then went away.
That being said......I do have one side affect that is NOT going away and is bothering me A LOT. I AM FREEZING....ALL THE TIME. My whole body. My hands, my nose, my legs, my face, my feet, EVERYTHING. I'm constantly drinking hot coffee, and that helps for the time. I have the heater blasting, but that doesn't seem to help matters because I'm sweating my family!!!! I'm bundled in winter clothes, and even wear a hat inside the house at times. I mean, I'M COLD!
I'm almost scared to take my temperature. If it's too low, I may have to stop the Topamax, right? But this med is almost like a lifesaver. Even my sister says that she sees the old Sandra that she used to know. I feel me too! Argh!
Has anyone had this happen? Is this just a side effect that takes quite some time to adjust to? Or do I need to live inside my quilt from now on??
I'd greatly appreciate hearing from any of you. I really love this medication! I've read about hyPERthermia, but not hyPOthermia. Any words of wisdom? Should I become the crazy cat lady and surround myself with a bunch of warm purring kitty cats?? *smile*
Hugs,
Sandy
Posted by bridgey1128 on March 17, 2006, at 9:46:16
In reply to TOPAMAX and Hypothermia, posted by SandyWeb on March 17, 2006, at 8:03:56
That's an interesting problem. I am a very hotnatured person by nature so I have found that taking the Topamax makes me quite comfortable if a little chilly sometimes. Although, I would MUCH rather be cold than hot ANYDAY! I think it changes one's PERCEPTION of cold rather than our actual temperature because I have had my temperature taken and it hasn't changed up or down. I am not sure why this is a side effect or if it changes maybe circulation? Talk to your Dr about it. Kitty cats help. :) SO take 6 cats and call your Dr in the morning. :D
Posted by rainy on March 17, 2006, at 10:06:04
In reply to Re: TOPAMAX and Hypothermia, posted by bridgey1128 on March 17, 2006, at 9:46:16
Aha! Although I begin to gripe and complain when it gets much above 75 F. outside and insist on sleeping in a 60 degree room with two cats and a husband, I'm freezing to death this winter.
I thought it was poor circulation since it's been to cold (in NJ? not likely) to walk much--it never occured to me to pin it on Topamax--I take 400 mgs a day. Tingling hands after two years of no such symptoms, yes. But layers and layers of clothes? Nah. A contractor who should be sued although I'm sure he's dead by now.
rainy
Posted by storm rider on March 17, 2006, at 11:07:35
In reply to TOPAMAX and Hypothermia, posted by SandyWeb on March 17, 2006, at 8:03:56
> Hi all,
>
> I've been on Topamax for almost 1.5 months now, and it is great! My doctor and I have worked me up to 100mg at night and 100mg in the morning so far, and we'll probably keep going up to 400mg unless I start having difficulties. I take it mainly for two reasons: to combat the massive weight I've gained from Remeron (over 50 pounds, and I'm prone to diabetes since I had gestational diabetes with both my babies), and for mood stabilization (which gabapentin was doing until it pooped out about 6 months ago).
>
> I find Topamax to be a very clean, clear-headed, non-dopey, alert, "brings back the old Sandy"-type med. I really like it. Very few side effects, which mainly only occurred within the first few days and then went away.
>
> That being said......I do have one side affect that is NOT going away and is bothering me A LOT. I AM FREEZING....ALL THE TIME. My whole body. My hands, my nose, my legs, my face, my feet, EVERYTHING. I'm constantly drinking hot coffee, and that helps for the time. I have the heater blasting, but that doesn't seem to help matters because I'm sweating my family!!!! I'm bundled in winter clothes, and even wear a hat inside the house at times. I mean, I'M COLD!
>
> I'm almost scared to take my temperature. If it's too low, I may have to stop the Topamax, right? But this med is almost like a lifesaver. Even my sister says that she sees the old Sandra that she used to know. I feel me too! Argh!
>
> Has anyone had this happen? Is this just a side effect that takes quite some time to adjust to? Or do I need to live inside my quilt from now on??
>
> I'd greatly appreciate hearing from any of you. I really love this medication! I've read about hyPERthermia, but not hyPOthermia. Any words of wisdom? Should I become the crazy cat lady and surround myself with a bunch of warm purring kitty cats?? *smile*
>
> Hugs,
>
> Sandy
>Sandy, a couple of things come to mind...
first of all, there is a tingling effect that comes with taking topomax... pins and needles in the extremities...
and if you are prone to diabetes there may be a circulation problem...
has anyone looked into that?that said, the sense of being cold may be adjustment to the weight loss and the loss of insulation
I hate warm weather, always have said I would happy spending winters in this Northern Ontario climate then heading to the Arctic about the first of April...
however, I do find that I feel the cold more now that I have lost so much weight...
the only advice I can give...and I am diabetic by the way, with the accompanying circulation problems... not much left to go wrong, although I still have my tonsils and appendix LOL...
is to follow the recommendations I have been given...
for one thing don't use bath oil... that is really not a great idea apparently...
if your feet are cold, take a good penetrating foot cream and massage the entire foot with it
then wear a sock that is not ribbed with nylon or elastic, a warm one.. cosy type <s>
layered cosy clothing helps too...
clothing that lets your body breathe and feel comfortable...I find that I am more comfortable in soft knit sweaters ... I have to dress for work... the goldfish bowl routine... but I try to choose dress fabrics that are soft and comfortable and feel warm to the skin...
well I know what I mean LOLand it does get better...
I keep sheepskin type throws on the couch so I can snuggle into them to read or script my shows...
they look rather attractive against the neutral couch and they are practical too...
it is a matter of comfort and success for you...
the success in achieving stabilisation is vital and the comfort is a vital part of it...you will beat it, I promise...
kat
Posted by Caedmon on March 17, 2006, at 13:17:02
In reply to TOPAMAX and Hypothermia, posted by SandyWeb on March 17, 2006, at 8:03:56
Interestingly, yes, I have been suspecting Topamax as reducing my ability to withstand this latest winter. I thought for a while that maybe I was hypothyroid, but TSH levels said no. I am naturally a cold-weather-dweller, so it's been a surprising event.
I'm starting on Lamictal and will be reducing my Topamax dose, but of course this is over the Spring. When it gets warm. So, who knows!
Posted by SLS on March 19, 2006, at 9:40:27
In reply to TOPAMAX and Hypothermia, posted by SandyWeb on March 17, 2006, at 8:03:56
I know exactly what you are talking about. Depression leaves me feeling cold all of the time. I feel fine when I respond to an antidepressant.
There have been a few times when I have had this reaction to antidepressants when first starting them or upon a dosage increase. The tip of your nose gets particularly cold. My guess is that, for me, this is the result from a change in the way the brain is managing your autonomic nervous system. Too much sympathetic and/or too little parasympathetic. This tends to shunt blood away from the skin and force it into the muscles.
As for Topamax, I'm not sure what's going on. However, I doubt that you will have to discontinue it. If anything, Topamax is supposed to raise body temperature. As was suggested earlier, it might be a good idea to have your thyroid checked. Hopefully, this thing will resolve on its own given more time. 1.5 months is still pretty early on. Sometimes certain side effects from antidepressants disappear or mitigate after 3 or more months. When I first started taking Parnate, my hands, feet, and the tip of my nose were freezing cold. This side effect completely disappeared after a few months.
What other drugs are you taking?
My advice is to talk to your doctor and do some Googling.
- Scott
Posted by Aleese on March 19, 2006, at 16:03:43
In reply to Re: TOPAMAX and Hypothermia » SandyWeb, posted by SLS on March 19, 2006, at 9:40:27
How long before anyone noticed any weight loss if at all?
Posted by SandyWeb on March 19, 2006, at 16:42:21
In reply to Re: TOPAMAX and Hypothermia, posted by Aleese on March 19, 2006, at 16:03:43
Oh my gosh, I noticed the weight loss within days!!! I am absolutely thrilled!! I'm now on 200mg, and I've gone from a size 14 to a size 10 pants. Can you say, "Happy, happy, happy?" I've always been a slim girl, around 105 pounds. After my gigantic babies (8' 6" and 9' 3"....I know...ouch!), I went back down to 105 pounds. But then I decided I didn't like the boney look, so decided to go up to 115-120 pounds. What a great size!!!!! I wouldn't ever want to go lower than that. My bones don't hurt people! Lol!!!!
I don't expect to get back down to 115 pounds, but I don't have a bathroom scale. All I know is that the pounds are definately coming off daily....and I'm constantly pulling my pants up!! But, alas, my breasts are getting smaller.
I would be happy to end up at 130 pounds. I'm actually starting a Stepper program tomorrow. I've been so inactive for the past couple of years. Thought I might have a heart attack with all this added weight!!! Lol! I gained over 50 pounds on Remeron. The Topamax just basically makes me forget to eat. So I drink water (don't want those dreaded kidney stones), cup of soups, Diet Pepsi, hard sugarless candy to suck on, oh and I'll indulge in a TV dinner from time to time. At some point I know my body is going to begin to feel hungry, so I'll have to figure out some sort of nutritional meal menu. For now, starvation is great! Lol.
Still freezing too.
Sandy
Posted by rainy on March 19, 2006, at 16:50:29
In reply to Re: TOPAMAX and Hypothermia » SandyWeb, posted by Caedmon on March 17, 2006, at 13:17:02
Aleese, some people don't lose weight on Topamax. Many who do begin to notice weight loss at about 200 or 225 mgs. But that's just a ball park figure, too. If you're really wanting to lose weight, be sure to be watching calories and exercise and all that boring stuff.
rainy
Posted by SandyWeb on March 19, 2006, at 16:53:43
In reply to Re: TOPAMAX and Hypothermia » SandyWeb, posted by SLS on March 19, 2006, at 9:40:27
SLS asked:
If anything, Topamax is supposed to raise body temperature.What other drugs are you taking?
-----------------
Hi Scott,
Yes, I've heard that Topamax causes problems with the inability to sweat (particularly in peds), and thus their body temperature raises. But I still can't find anything lengthy on hypothermia in adults. Today hasn't seemed as cold as most days, so.......fingers crossed. I'm really hoping that it's a side effect that takes a little longer than most to correct itself. Because it sure is difficult to deal with in the winter! Brrrzzzyyyy.
The other meds I'm on are:
Topamax: 100mg morning and 100mg evening
Inderal LA: 80mg morning and 80 evening
Remeron: 45mg evening
Seroquel: 100mg evening
clonazepam: 2mg morning and 2mg afternoon
Have a great day!!Sandy
Posted by Aleese on March 20, 2006, at 11:43:59
In reply to Re: TOPAMAX and Hypothermia » Aleese, posted by SandyWeb on March 19, 2006, at 16:42:21
> Oh my gosh, I noticed the weight loss within days!!! I am absolutely thrilled!! I'm now on 200mg, and I've gone from a size 14 to a size 10 pants. Can you say, "Happy, happy, happy?" I've always been a slim girl, around 105 pounds. After my gigantic babies (8' 6" and 9' 3"....I know...ouch!), I went back down to 105 pounds. But then I decided I didn't like the boney look, so decided to go up to 115-120 pounds. What a great size!!!!! I wouldn't ever want to go lower than that. My bones don't hurt people! Lol!!!!
>
> I don't expect to get back down to 115 pounds, but I don't have a bathroom scale. All I know is that the pounds are definately coming off daily....and I'm constantly pulling my pants up!! But, alas, my breasts are getting smaller.
>
> I would be happy to end up at 130 pounds. I'm actually starting a Stepper program tomorrow. I've been so inactive for the past couple of years. Thought I might have a heart attack with all this added weight!!! Lol! I gained over 50 pounds on Remeron. The Topamax just basically makes me forget to eat. So I drink water (don't want those dreaded kidney stones), cup of soups, Diet Pepsi, hard sugarless candy to suck on, oh and I'll indulge in a TV dinner from time to time. At some point I know my body is going to begin to feel hungry, so I'll have to figure out some sort of nutritional meal menu. For now, starvation is great! Lol.
>
> Still freezing too.
>
> Sandy
>I am onl at 50 mg a day maybe thats why I dont see or feel a difference? I am hoping an up dosage will help that part.
Posted by Aleese on March 20, 2006, at 11:47:21
In reply to Re: TOPAMAX and Hypothermia » Caedmon, posted by rainy on March 19, 2006, at 16:50:29
> Aleese, some people don't lose weight on Topamax. Many who do begin to notice weight loss at about 200 or 225 mgs. But that's just a ball park figure, too. If you're really wanting to lose weight, be sure to be watching calories and exercise and all that boring stuff.
>
> rainy
>
> Well I am only on 50 mgs a day but I am hoping once I go up that my appetite will change. I did notice 1 change and that is I can no longer drink soda (my passion) and I am drinking more water (along with lemonade) i am just tired of this weight thing since it was never an issue until my first son!!!
Posted by rainy on March 20, 2006, at 13:04:57
In reply to Re: TOPAMAX and Hypothermia, posted by Aleese on March 20, 2006, at 11:47:21
Yeah, soft drinks lost their fizz for me too. I didn't start to lose weight until I was at 225 mgs and then it was as much to do with the fact that I wasn't eating because I was depressed as with the topamax.
I guess everybody's metabolism is different--50 mgs might not help you lose but then if you gave up the lemonade, who knows? Topamax isn't a diet pill, though and some people have been disappointed that it didn't cause them to shed pounds at even higher doses. I figure I lost about ten pounds on it but then I'm careful about what I eat and I exercise daily. (usually.) I lost more pounds because of depression than durn old expensive Topamax.
Speaking of which, there's a bitter wind blowing and I guess I'll go walk around the durn old expensive mall on this first day of spring while the foolish daffodils in our back yard hide their heads from the icy air.
rainy
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