Posted by Greg on March 14, 2003, at 8:09:58
In reply to Topamax-help!, posted by SJMA on March 13, 2003, at 13:24:31
Hi SJMA,
I've been on Topamax for about 2 1/2 years and found it to be an excellent med for mood swings. Yes the cognitive dulling was an issue, a doctor will (or should) titrate you up slowly on this med, and you will experience dulling (or a case of the stupids as I call it) at each dose increase. They generally only last a day or two, at least that was the case with me and a few people I've spoken with. Once I reached my target dose of 200 mgs (100 am, 100 pm) I had 2 or 3 flare-ups of dulling in the following 3 or 4 weeks that lasted a couple of days each and that was it. I haven't had any since. I'm glad I stuck it out, it was definitely worth it.
As far as the weight loss, you can expect some, but it will probably be minimal. Maybe 7-10 pounds max. But if you couple that with a good healthy diet and some exercise, even if it's just a good walk everyday, you should see some significant loss. I've lost about 45 pounds.
About depression, I don't think the the Top on its own does anything for my depression. I have Bipolar II and I also take Zyprexa (5 mgs) which I think really controls most of my symptoms. But as I said, the Topamax is excellent for mood swings, at least for me.
Well, that's all I can think of. If you have any questions please feel free to ask. I hope this info was of some help.
Good luck,
Greg> I have been debating trying Topamax to treat a variety of symptoms I have. Depression, some binge eating, and mood swings from PMDD. I noticed several people were posting about their early experiences with it, and complaining of cognitive dulling, and I was watching to see how that went long term. Unfortunately, the posters stopped posting. Has anyone had long term success with this drug for depression? When/Did the cognitive dulling ever go away?
poster:Greg
thread:208761
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030314/msgs/209007.html