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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by HMK on March 20, 2002, at 8:15:04
I'm a bipolar II taking Effexor XR, Neurontin, Valium, and Geodon. I am happy with this combo for now but have gained 60 lbs by using Risperdal and need to get the weight off. Are the cognitive side effects of Topamax worth the weight loss? I am taking the bar exam in July and can't afford to be groggy right now but really need something to help me take the weight off. Any insight would be appreciated.
Best wishes,
Heather
Posted by Saffron on March 20, 2002, at 9:15:23
In reply to Topamax questions, posted by HMK on March 20, 2002, at 8:15:04
I'm also bipolar II, just taking topamax, and i've had mostly great results with it. the only times that it stopped working were during a family crisis, a family death, and i think that nothing could have helped me during that time. It makes me feel very centered, it takes away states of that anxiety depression, and it made me feel more like myself than i had in a really long time. but it does have a big time effect on my memory. it's not that it makes you feel groggy at all, its just that i'd forget little things like, what is the name of that thing in the kitchen that's cold and holds all the food? word retention was very hard, though long term memory wasn't a problem. it doesn't ever make you gain weight, but the weight loss comes from the first few weeks as you gradually up the dosage by making you nauseous. after that it just makes no difference either way, but it shouldn't make you gain.
also i upped it by 25mg a week and that seemed to work, when i did it by more it was too much and made me behave strangely. i hope this helps!> I'm a bipolar II taking Effexor XR, Neurontin, Valium, and Geodon. I am happy with this combo for now but have gained 60 lbs by using Risperdal and need to get the weight off. Are the cognitive side effects of Topamax worth the weight loss? I am taking the bar exam in July and can't afford to be groggy right now but really need something to help me take the weight off. Any insight would be appreciated.
>
> Best wishes,
> Heather
This is the end of the thread.
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