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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 17 of 17. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by TrishP on December 13, 2006, at 7:37:35
Ok - I really want to stop this binge eating I am having with the Abilify. I have taken Topamax in the past and it helped me lose the 30 lbs I got from Celexa. But, after 2 years on Topamax I had to stop due to UTI like problems.
Is there anyway to keep this from happening? I would really like to try Topamax again and lose some of the Abilify weight I have added.
What if I started at 25 mg and very slowly worked my way up? Drink tons of water? What about taking some antacids?
On Topamax it feels like I have an acidic bladder.
Posted by polarbear206 on December 13, 2006, at 9:12:27
In reply to Topamax/UTIs..., posted by TrishP on December 13, 2006, at 7:37:35
> Ok - I really want to stop this binge eating I am having with the Abilify. I have taken Topamax in the past and it helped me lose the 30 lbs I got from Celexa. But, after 2 years on Topamax I had to stop due to UTI like problems.
>
> Is there anyway to keep this from happening? I would really like to try Topamax again and lose some of the Abilify weight I have added.
>
> What if I started at 25 mg and very slowly worked my way up? Drink tons of water? What about taking some antacids?
>
> On Topamax it feels like I have an acidic bladder.
You can take cranberry pills to help prevent urinary tract infections. I work in a long-term care facility and we give them to many of our patients for this.
Posted by polarbear206 on December 13, 2006, at 9:22:36
In reply to Topamax/UTIs..., posted by TrishP on December 13, 2006, at 7:37:35
> Ok - I really want to stop this binge eating I am having with the Abilify. I have taken Topamax in the past and it helped me lose the 30 lbs I got from Celexa. But, after 2 years on Topamax I had to stop due to UTI like problems.
>
> Is there anyway to keep this from happening? I would really like to try Topamax again and lose some of the Abilify weight I have added.
>
> What if I started at 25 mg and very slowly worked my way up? Drink tons of water? What about taking some antacids?
>
> On Topamax it feels like I have an acidic bladder.
Here is a linkhttp://www.cam.org.nz/Treatment%20Methods/Herbal%20Medicine/cranberry.htm
Posted by Phillipa on December 13, 2006, at 10:13:38
In reply to Re: Topamax/UTIs..., posted by polarbear206 on December 13, 2006, at 9:22:36
Cranberry juice is good for the bladder and proper hygiene not to say you're not practicing it. And lots of water. Love Phillipa
Posted by TrishP on December 13, 2006, at 10:42:18
In reply to Re: Topamax/UTIs..., posted by Phillipa on December 13, 2006, at 10:13:38
> Cranberry juice is good for the bladder and proper hygiene not to say you're not practicing it. And lots of water. Love Phillipa
Ok - after only 25mg of Topamax I am hurting!
I can't take the Topamax anymore.
Is there anything I can take to control my hunger while on Abilify?
Posted by Maxime on December 13, 2006, at 12:09:58
In reply to Topamax out (ouch!), posted by TrishP on December 13, 2006, at 10:42:18
I had two UTIs on Topomax. Then I drank and drank so much water and they stopped. Oh and I took cranberry juice pills.
Do you exercise? Maybe that will help with your hunger and keep the weight away.
Yeah, I could give you diet tips, but they would kill you.
Not to sound rude, but can you just not give in to the hunger. Do you have to eat every time you are hungry? I'm really sorry, I didn't know how else to ask that. Stay away from sugar and carbs which will make you more hungry. Drink lots of water. Keep fresh veggie cut up and ready to eat.
Have you had your blood sugar tested? I know you have had weight gain from meds etc, it might be wise to make sure you don't have diabetes (which would cause weight loss and not weight gain, but it's important).
Other than the Abilify, what are your options? Is the Abilify helping you?
Sorry for all the questions.
Maxime
> > Cranberry juice is good for the bladder and proper hygiene not to say you're not practicing it. And lots of water. Love Phillipa
>
> Ok - after only 25mg of Topamax I am hurting!
>
> I can't take the Topamax anymore.
>
> Is there anything I can take to control my hunger while on Abilify?
Posted by TrishP on December 13, 2006, at 13:28:21
In reply to Re: Topamax out (ouch!) » TrishP, posted by Maxime on December 13, 2006, at 12:09:58
> I had two UTIs on Topomax. Then I drank and drank so much water and they stopped. Oh and I took cranberry juice pills.
>
> Do you exercise? Maybe that will help with your hunger and keep the weight away.
>
> Yeah, I could give you diet tips, but they would kill you.
>
> Not to sound rude, but can you just not give in to the hunger. Do you have to eat every time you are hungry? I'm really sorry, I didn't know how else to ask that. Stay away from sugar and carbs which will make you more hungry. Drink lots of water. Keep fresh veggie cut up and ready to eat.
>
> Have you had your blood sugar tested? I know you have had weight gain from meds etc, it might be wise to make sure you don't have diabetes (which would cause weight loss and not weight gain, but it's important).
>
> Other than the Abilify, what are your options? Is the Abilify helping you?
>
> Sorry for all the questions.
>
> Maxime
>
>
> > > Cranberry juice is good for the bladder and proper hygiene not to say you're not practicing it. And lots of water. Love Phillipa
> >
> > Ok - after only 25mg of Topamax I am hurting!
> >
> > I can't take the Topamax anymore.
> >
> > Is there anything I can take to control my hunger while on Abilify?
>
>
The Abilify is really working pretty good for me. I take Cogentin and Xanax if I feel the akathesia. I sleep great and sex is wonderful!!!So - I guess if the only side effect I am having now is a little water retention and extreme hunger I can figure out a better way to deal with it. One good thing about Abilify is that I have the will and energy to exercise - which I haven't felt in a very long time.
Posted by Phillipa on December 13, 2006, at 20:01:04
In reply to Re: Topamax out (ouch!), posted by TrishP on December 13, 2006, at 13:28:21
Trish trust me how you feel is way more important than looks. I'd give anything to feel good. Love Phillipa listen to Maxie on this one. I totally agree
Posted by Farkus on December 13, 2006, at 21:18:50
In reply to Topamax/UTIs..., posted by TrishP on December 13, 2006, at 7:37:35
Have you been checked for that?
Have you had urinary difficulties with some other meds also?It's just a thought as I have known people who had flare ups of their interstitial cystitis with different med changes or additions.
Sorry ---- urinary symptoms are miserable.
Posted by Phillipa on December 13, 2006, at 21:38:48
In reply to Interstitial Cystitis? » TrishP, posted by Farkus on December 13, 2006, at 21:18:50
Very painful too. I knew a girl who had it and got addicted to pain pills. Can't it now be surgically treated? Love Phillipa
Posted by TrishP on December 14, 2006, at 6:22:52
In reply to Interstitial Cystitis? » TrishP, posted by Farkus on December 13, 2006, at 21:18:50
> Have you been checked for that?
> Have you had urinary difficulties with some other meds also?
>
> It's just a thought as I have known people who had flare ups of their interstitial cystitis with different med changes or additions.
>
> Sorry ---- urinary symptoms are miserable.About the IC thing - I think that it is caused by medications - not necessarily a phyical condition. I never had ANY problems with my bladder or urinary tract until 18 years on SSRIs or drugs like Topamax or Zonegran. I've been through all the ugly IC tests with the Urologists and they are inconclusive (which means IC). When I ask ANY doctor, they all tell me that these drugs DO NOT cause bladder or urinary problems. When I look at the side effects I do see thatd 1 - 2 % of the population gets dysuria and other bladder/urinary problems. So why do the doctors deny that these drugs cause these problems? The weird part about the IC is that the docs like to perscribe SSRIs to help with the pain and depression caused by IC. For me, these are the exact drugs that cause the IC. I haven't had a problem with IC since I stopped taking SSRIs. Someone said something about neurgenic bladder, which I believe is the cause of IC. I'm no doctor, but I know bladder pain.
It's frustrating when you have to educate the doctors out there. When I make them look up the symptoms they almost always come back to me and say "Oh, yea, you're right, it can cause urinary problems."
Posted by Farkus on December 14, 2006, at 7:15:47
In reply to Re: Interstitial Cystitis?, posted by TrishP on December 14, 2006, at 6:22:52
>> When I ask ANY doctor, they all tell me that these drugs DO NOT cause bladder or urinary problems. When I look at the side effects I do see thatd 1 - 2 % of the population gets dysuria and other bladder/urinary problems. So why do the doctors deny that these drugs cause these problems?
<< I agree with you. I think any number of drug metabolites cause bladder irritation and disruption of function in persons who are proned to such. I also don't think it should be discounted the finding of urine retention making for a UTI setup.I wish I had something to add that could be helpful but I don't. I'm sorry this happens and is happening to you.
Posted by Quintal on December 17, 2006, at 16:47:14
In reply to Re: Interstitial Cystitis?, posted by TrishP on December 14, 2006, at 6:22:52
Trish, have you tried taking hydroxyzine with an SSRI to help relieve the bladder pain? I happened to come across this when I was searching for some info on hydroxyzine. It seems people get a good response to this drug from interstitial cystitis.
http://www.ic-network.com/forum/showthread.php?t=18184&goto=nextoldest
Posted by khfreibe on December 19, 2006, at 10:11:26
In reply to Re: Interstitial Cystitis? » TrishP, posted by Farkus on December 14, 2006, at 7:15:47
> >> When I ask ANY doctor, they all tell me that these drugs DO NOT cause bladder or urinary problems. When I look at the side effects I do see thatd 1 - 2 % of the population gets dysuria and other bladder/urinary problems. So why do the doctors deny that these drugs cause these problems?
I don't know which doctors you are asking, but my doctors both told me about the kidney/bladder related side effects of topamax before prescribing it to me. You have to drink a lot of water on it, that's what they told me years ago when I was on it and that's what they told me again yesterday when I started to take it again.
Kim
>
> << I agree with you. I think any number of drug metabolites cause bladder irritation and disruption of function in persons who are proned to such. I also don't think it should be discounted the finding of urine retention making for a UTI setup.
>
> I wish I had something to add that could be helpful but I don't. I'm sorry this happens and is happening to you.
Posted by halcyondaze on December 19, 2006, at 21:17:17
In reply to Re: Interstitial Cystitis?, posted by TrishP on December 14, 2006, at 6:22:52
> > Have you been checked for that?
> > Have you had urinary difficulties with some other meds also?
> >
> > It's just a thought as I have known people who had flare ups of their interstitial cystitis with different med changes or additions.
> >
> > Sorry ---- urinary symptoms are miserable.
>
> About the IC thing - I think that it is caused by medications - not necessarily a phyical condition. I never had ANY problems with my bladder or urinary tract until 18 years on SSRIs or drugs like Topamax or Zonegran. I've been through all the ugly IC tests with the Urologists and they are inconclusive (which means IC). When I ask ANY doctor, they all tell me that these drugs DO NOT cause bladder or urinary problems. When I look at the side effects I do see thatd 1 - 2 % of the population gets dysuria and other bladder/urinary problems. So why do the doctors deny that these drugs cause these problems? The weird part about the IC is that the docs like to perscribe SSRIs to help with the pain and depression caused by IC. For me, these are the exact drugs that cause the IC. I haven't had a problem with IC since I stopped taking SSRIs. Someone said something about neurgenic bladder, which I believe is the cause of IC. I'm no doctor, but I know bladder pain.
>
> It's frustrating when you have to educate the doctors out there. When I make them look up the symptoms they almost always come back to me and say "Oh, yea, you're right, it can cause urinary problems."I didn't have any urinary symptoms, apart from childhood, until I was 18 and started SSRIs. Went off SSRIs, and guess what? The bladder problems remained. Now I have chronic IC at twenty-four. Actually, my urologist is examining a causal link between SSRIs and the development of IC.
Posted by TrishP on December 20, 2006, at 6:14:00
In reply to Re: Interstitial Cystitis?, posted by halcyondaze on December 19, 2006, at 21:17:17
> > > Have you been checked for that?
> > > Have you had urinary difficulties with some other meds also?
> > >
> > > It's just a thought as I have known people who had flare ups of their interstitial cystitis with different med changes or additions.
> > >
> > > Sorry ---- urinary symptoms are miserable.
> >
> > About the IC thing - I think that it is caused by medications - not necessarily a phyical condition. I never had ANY problems with my bladder or urinary tract until 18 years on SSRIs or drugs like Topamax or Zonegran. I've been through all the ugly IC tests with the Urologists and they are inconclusive (which means IC). When I ask ANY doctor, they all tell me that these drugs DO NOT cause bladder or urinary problems. When I look at the side effects I do see thatd 1 - 2 % of the population gets dysuria and other bladder/urinary problems. So why do the doctors deny that these drugs cause these problems? The weird part about the IC is that the docs like to perscribe SSRIs to help with the pain and depression caused by IC. For me, these are the exact drugs that cause the IC. I haven't had a problem with IC since I stopped taking SSRIs. Someone said something about neurgenic bladder, which I believe is the cause of IC. I'm no doctor, but I know bladder pain.
> >
> > It's frustrating when you have to educate the doctors out there. When I make them look up the symptoms they almost always come back to me and say "Oh, yea, you're right, it can cause urinary problems."
>
> I didn't have any urinary symptoms, apart from childhood, until I was 18 and started SSRIs. Went off SSRIs, and guess what? The bladder problems remained. Now I have chronic IC at twenty-four. Actually, my urologist is examining a causal link between SSRIs and the development of IC.Halcyondaze - are you taking anything now? What meds?
Posted by halcyondaze on December 20, 2006, at 13:44:53
In reply to Halcyondaze ... IC?, posted by TrishP on December 20, 2006, at 6:14:00
I'm currently taking Parnate, which has basically cured my IC symptoms. I'm borderline, so tricyclic made me angry/irritable and have a history of anorexia, so the weight gain I experienced on various tricycics was not the best, either.
My primary symptoms were: bed wetting (happens only on meds, not at baseline), urinary frequency/urgency (started on meds, now happens at baseline too), and bladder pain (again, started on meds and now happens at baseline).
For a long time, I was delicately balancing on Nortriptyline or Desipramine and Seroquel and Trileptal. Raising the Seroquel/Trileptal caused bladder symptoms, so it meant titrting the TCA, which got annoying after a year.
Drugs that have caused nighttime urinary incontinence for me include: All SSRIs/SNRIs (you name 'em, I've been on 'em - even Cymbalta, supposedly effective for bladder symptoms, caused enuresis), Lamictal, Trileptal, Zonegran, Topamax, Seroquel, Risperdal, Zyprexa, Ambien, Lunesta.
The only drugs that have "cured" me of this are Adderall (could take anything with Adderall and it had zero effect on my bladder; however, I was abusing it in supra-therapeutic doses and it was not prescribed so not a real option for me in any sense) and Parnate (with which I now take Seroquel and Lunesta for sleep and have absolutely zero bladder problems.
I think that there is something curative about Adderall and Parnate; perhaps it has to do with dopamine. IC is so poorly understood but I have found research on amphetamines and IC:
1: Clin Exp Obstet Gynecol. 2005;32(4):247-9. Links
A novel highly effective treatment of interstitial cystitis causing chronic pelvic pain of bladder origin: case reports.
Check JH, Katsoff B, Citerone T, Bonnes E.
The University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School at Camden, Cooper Hospital/University Medical Center Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility, Camden, NJ, USA.PURPOSE: To determine if a very effective therapy for idiopathic orthostatic cyclic edema--dextroamphetamine sulfate--would alleviate symptoms of chonic pelvic pain of bladder origin/interstitial cystitis. METHODS: Two women with interstitial cystitis that had been refractory to various therapies were treated with dextroamphetamine sulfate (20 mg/day) without any other treatment. The diagnosis of idiopathic edema was made by abnormal water load test and interstitial cystitis diagnosed by elevated scores on the pelvic pain and urgency and frequency symptom scale. RESULTS: Both patients quickly improved their bladder symptoms and all pain and urgency was gone within a week. The interstitial cystitis remained in remission as long as the women stayed on their medication. One woman proved Koch's postulates by stopping the medication because of forgetting it and symptoms resumed quickly only to disappear again upon resuming therapy. CONCLUSIONS: Dextroamphetamine sulfate can be a very effective therapy for recalcitrant cases of interstitial cystitis. Prospective placebo controlled studies are needed to determine what percentage of patients with this debilitating condition have concomitant idiopathic edema as determined by abnormal water load test and how well a larger series will respond to this novel therapy.
I'm thinking that there must be some correlation. At any rate, I'm just happy to have found a drug that enables me to live without IC controlling my life.
This is the end of the thread.
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