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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Danni on May 12, 2002, at 9:52:19
In reply to Re: topomax » sparkinark, posted by JohnX2 on May 11, 2002, at 20:02:16
Your Dr. started you at 200mg a day!!!!!!!! I started at 25 and after 3 weeks was bumped to 100 and the anxiety was terrible, maybe its to high a dose. I know how the increase made me and I tell you I hated being in my own skin I was sooooo anxious and very shaky.
Posted by Lory on May 31, 2002, at 9:01:02
In reply to Re: Topamax: weight loss/mild depression, posted by normc on April 5, 2002, at 16:22:17
I AM ON TOPAMAX AND HAVE BEEN FOR A FEW MONTHS. I WAS PUT ON IT FOR WEIGHT LOSS AND MOODINESS. I WAS STARTED ON 50MG AND WENT UP BY 50MG UNTIL I RECENTLY REACHED 200MG ON MAY 13, 2002. I STARTED TO BREAK OUT IN A RASH AROUND MY MIDSECTION THAT SEEMED TO GET WORSE AFTER HE INCREASED MY DOSE THIS LAST TIME AND IT AND ABSOLUTELY DROVE ME NUTS!!! MY DOCTOR SAYS IT IS FROM THE TOPAMAX. HAS ANYONE HAD THIS PROBLEM? I HAVE BEEN ON TOPAMAX SINCE BEFORE X-MAS! HE HAS DECREASED IT BY 50MG. IM NOT TO HAPPY BECAUSE I WAS DOING WELL AT LOSING WEIGHT. MY OTHER MEDS HAVE MADE ME GAIN ABOUT 35 LBS. I AM A PSYCHIATRIC NURSE AND HAVE CLIENTS THAT TAKE 30OMG + AND DO REAL WELL. THEY HAVE LOST GREAT AMOUNTS OF WEIGHT.
Posted by Karmagirl on June 3, 2002, at 13:51:37
In reply to Re: topomax, posted by Danni on May 12, 2002, at 9:52:19
My doctor has prescribed Topomax for what she called "pseudo-tumor". It started with me having headaches and pain behind my eyes. The original diagnosis for those symptoms was papilledema. An MRI ruled out a tumor but my spinal tap showed elevated pressure on the brain and the conclusion was the above mentioned pseudo tumor. I am medically considered "morbidly obese" and am looking forward to the weight loss side effect of this drug. Not solely relying on medication to solve a lifelong battle. I have recenly joined Weight Watchers and began to exercise. I haven't started taking the Topomax yet but will be starting tomorrow. Just curious from other obese patients as to their results/success/etc. as it relates to their weight loss on this drug. The headaches have started to subside which has made me hesitant about taking the medication. If the weight loss results are worth the risk of adding medication to my current regimen, then count me in. Not taking any other drugs and would like to remain drug free but if this medication can help me shed this other person I'm carrying around, then bring it on. Would not want to start taking any medication daily if the results aren't going to be worth the risks. I would start at 25 MG and increase at 25 MG per week. Anyone have any advice??
Posted by RES on June 8, 2002, at 13:34:35
In reply to Re: Topamax: weight loss/mild depression, posted by normc on April 5, 2002, at 16:22:17
I went to an endocrinologist who ruled out any metabolic disorders with my high weight (225 at 5'4"), but prescribed Topamax to help with weight loss. I have been on Weight Watchers for almost 2 years and been following it religiously and lost (only) 30 lbs. She started me on 25mg Topamax at night to add 25 mg after one week. I am also taking Zoloft for mild depression and she felt some weight gain could be attributed to SSRIs.
The only side effect she mentioned was the possibility of tingling of the extremities. I do not know if it makes sense to take this only for weight loss, although I really want and need to be thinner. I am one of those people who also tried phen-fen and had some valve damage (which has repaired itself).I feel a bit like a guinea pig, but this doctor is affiliated with a medical school and has a good reputation. After 2 days on 25 mg, I feel no real difference. Is it suppposed to cut your appetitie for all food? Thanks for any feedback.
Posted by Mel1234 on June 8, 2002, at 17:30:01
In reply to Re: Topamax: weight loss/mild depression, posted by RES on June 8, 2002, at 13:34:35
> The only side effect she mentioned was the
> possibility of tingling of the extremities.
Well, don't be surprised if there are quite a few more than that. :-)
> I do not know if it makes sense to take this
> only for weight loss, although I really want
> and need to be thinner.
Well, it does work, although I didn't notice any change in appetite until I got up to 75-100mg, and nothing *really* significant until about 150mg. Don't rush it though; go up slowly.>Is it suppposed to cut your appetitie for all
> food?
Yes, although there are some things it affects more than others. Lots of people, myself included, experience a total loss of taste for soda. Everything carbonated tastes grossly flat, so while I still want a coke, as soon as I try to drink it, I change my mind. :-)Hope this helps.
Posted by RES on June 8, 2002, at 18:43:58
In reply to Re: Topamax: weight loss/mild depression, posted by Mel1234 on June 8, 2002, at 17:30:01
Thanks for the reply. I wonder if any of the people who wrote last year (I just figured out how to search the old postings) are still reading this and could post how their weight loss efforts have gone. My doctor does not want to see me for two months which would leave me at 50 mg of Topamax for weight loss for that time period. I wonder what others' experiences have been on dosage and weight loss. Thanks again.
Posted by littlebaldy29 on June 10, 2002, at 13:01:09
In reply to Re: Topamax: weight loss/mild depression, posted by RES on June 8, 2002, at 18:43:58
I am on 300mg. daily, have been on topamax a little over a month and have already lost 10 pounds. I bought a pair of size 16 pants two weeks ago and can already pull them off without unbuttoning them. I have very little appetite and eat smaller meals and do virtually no snacking. I have the pins and needles in my feet, can't drink soda, and sometimes have brief numbness in my lips when I eat but I don't feel the cognitive side effects that are sometimes associated with it. I am taking Zyprexa with the topamax but will be weaning off and beginning trileptal. Hope this helps!
Posted by RES on June 10, 2002, at 18:56:54
In reply to Re: Topamax: weight loss/mild depression, posted by littlebaldy29 on June 10, 2002, at 13:01:09
Thanks for the info. Ten pounds in a month sounds wonderful to me! I wonder if anyone was prescribed Topamax only for weight loss. I am now on my 4th day of 25mg and feel no real difference, but of course, I am focusing more on my healthy eating and that is good. The dosage my doctor was suggesting I build up to was 50mg. Does anyone have long term experience with Topamax just for weight loss?
Posted by Karmagirl on June 11, 2002, at 13:07:07
In reply to Re: Topamax: weight loss/mild depression, posted by RES on June 10, 2002, at 18:56:54
I have been taking Topomax for 1 week but have also been following the Weight Watchers plan. I started them both the same day and have lost 8 lbs. in 1 week. Be mindful that I am deemed morbidly obese and that I have an entire person to lose so I wouldn't expect this type of weight loss of that's ALL I had to lose. I am only taking 25 MG of Topomax so I contribute my success mostly to the WW program however I took my first increased dosage of 50 MG last night. No noticeable side effects, only a slight decrease in my appetite since I started taking it a week ago. Looking back over some of the older message boards make me hesitant about taking very high dosages, i.e., more than 200 MG. I think that when I get to 100 MG I'll stop there. The question with pills and medical care is always, do the risks outweigh the benefits?
Posted by RES on June 11, 2002, at 14:19:20
In reply to Re: Topamax: weight loss/mild depression, posted by Karmagirl on June 11, 2002, at 13:07:07
Good luck Karmagirl! I have about 1/2 a person to lose-and I have lost and found her many times in my life! I am also doing Weight Watchers with 25 mg Topamax and will weigh in on Sunday. I am trying to focus on eating more protein and fewer refined carbs. What kind of doctor is prescribing the Topamax? How often is he/she monitoring you? I am also reluctant to go up too high, since I certainly do not want to face cognitive side effects., It worries me that Johnson and Johnson withdrew the weight loss drug trials for Topamax, but I do not know what dosage they were using.
Posted by Janey on July 6, 2002, at 10:27:02
In reply to Re: Topamax: weight loss/mild depression, posted by RES on June 11, 2002, at 14:19:20
I just found all these posts because I was researching Topomax. I was given samples of it from my neurologist to tide me over until I get results back from numerous tests. I might possible have a seizure disorder, but hopefully it will be ruled out and it was just a fluke thing, but he gave me the Topomax(50mg) just incase. I also take Prozac (40mg) for a slump I am in, and I must admit, I love the combo. I am 5'6" and 12 weeks ago I weighed 180. The Prozac helped me start losing a good amount of weight, but I started the Topomax 2 weeks ago and now I am down to 160. The only thing is, it seems like my scale has been stuck there for days. I can't drink anything carbonated...it makes me gag, I haven't been able to sleep at all, so I am afraid to see if I can up the dosage.. BUT, sex is great now and I am very motivated to lose more weight. The weightloss alone kind of makes it all worth it. I have read that Topomax can cause memory loss and kidney stones, but on the same note, I have not had one headache in 2 weeks :) Does anyone else have any problems with sleep from the Topomax? I guess that is the biggest negative side effect I have (that and weird BM, but I won't get into that, LOL). Also, I have read that alot of you are taking yours in two daily doses. I hope I didn't miss that from my dr, I just take 2 pills in the am. I go back for followup in a few days, so I will check.
Posted by Hope on July 6, 2002, at 18:31:04
In reply to Re: Topamax: weight loss/mild depression, posted by RES on June 11, 2002, at 14:19:20
I also am a new user to Topamax. I am currently on my 2nd week and have just started 50mg, up from the 25mg. I am considering starting Prozac along with the Topamax for GAD. And of course the weight loss. I have heard so many negative things abour Prozac and weight gain that I am leary. But, I also heard it is probably the least to cause weight gain. How have the side effects been for you? And has the Prozac helped with your anxiety? I would love to hear your experiences. Please e-mail me if you would like to talk further. Since I am new to this it is nice to find someone that shares the same problem. I have put off trying medication for years but am so tired of seeing my life go by and not enjoying it. Thanks for any help.
Posted by janey on July 6, 2002, at 18:50:05
In reply to Re: Topamax: weight loss/mild depression, posted by Hope on July 6, 2002, at 18:31:04
Hope, I never would have thought that I would take anything stronger than Tylenol in my life because I don't like meds, so when my therapist said Prozac, I almost died. Then I realized that I should give it a try and see what happens. Best thing I could have done! I am so much happier and so is the rest of my family, we just enjoy each other so much more now. I have had no side effects from the Prozac except for the weight loss, which is fine by me. Everyone is different on it though. I have a 4 year old and a 22 month old and have tried every diet in the world and every exersize program I could afford, nothing motivated me, mainly due to depression. The Prozac is helping me deal with that depression, but it is also making me have no appetite. I actually have to have a chart on the door to remind me to eat and feed the kids b/c I don't want to get out of control and cause myself more problems. Where I just started, I think it will be a couple of months before my dr and I find the right dosages for me, and I am hoping that both meds are short term. My goal is to not need Prozac after the winter and the Topamax depends on my migranes and seizures.
Posted by Karmagirl on July 8, 2002, at 16:51:43
In reply to Re: Topamax: weight loss/mild depression, posted by janey on July 6, 2002, at 18:50:05
Hi Res! I just wanted to followup and let you know how the combination Topomax/Weight Watchers program was working out. Okay, here we go. It's been 4 weeks and I'm up to 100 mg of Topomax and starting week 5 of WW. I've lost 20 lbs. and this is week 2 of my 100 mg dosage. To refresh you, I started at 25 mg, progressing weekly by 25 mg up to 100 mg. My Dr. had prescribed the Topomax for pseudotumor cerebri and papilledema. The headaches have all but stopped. I have experienced some insomnia but nothing unbearable. My instructions are to take the meds before bedtime so I've started taking them maybe 2-3 hrs. before I plan on going to sleep. That seems to rectify that. Have had some tingling of extremities but nothing overwhelming. Just wanted to followup with you and let you know. Write back...wanting to hear about you too. Hope all is well!
Posted by RES on July 8, 2002, at 20:07:36
In reply to Re: Topamax: Weight loss, posted by Karmagirl on July 8, 2002, at 16:51:43
Hi Karmagirl and all others,
I have been taking 50mg of Topamax plus Weight Watchers for weight loss for 4 weeks now and have lost about 6.5 lbs. I saw an endocrinologist who prescribed the Topamax off label since she felt it has appetite suppressing effects that would be helpful since I have about 80 lbs to lose. I had been strictly following Weight Watchers before and never had that much success in losing. I am also limiting carbs and focusing more on eating protein and some fats. The Topamax at this dosage does not seem to have negative side effects, but does definitely reduce my appetite. I am also on Zoloft for depression. This week I actually gained .4 lbs vs losing over 2 lbs the previous 3 weeks, but I will not get discouraged, since I know I am eating properly. Good luck to all of us who are struggling!
Posted by suji on July 10, 2002, at 15:12:29
In reply to Re: Topamax: Weight loss, posted by RES on July 8, 2002, at 20:07:36
I regret that I don't have anything positive to say about Topamax--but everyone is different so this is just to say this is what I experienced:
I went up from 25mg to 200mg. over several weeks... although weight loss was one of my primary reason for trying Topamax, I didn't lose any weight over the 12-15 weeks I took it (and I have at least 30 lbs or more to lose; most of it gained on Remeron....).The worst part, for me, was my inability to think properly...I "lost" words, couldn't maintain a train of thought, etc., etc. I found this side-effect to be so disturbing that--even if I had lost weight, which I hadn't--I would have stopped this drug.
As I said, though, everyone is different and I certainly hope others have a more positive experience than I did. For those of you who went through what I did--you're not crazy!
:=) (=:
suji
Posted by Karmagirl on July 11, 2002, at 13:27:41
In reply to Re: Topamax: Weight loss/Cognitive Chgs, posted by suji on July 10, 2002, at 15:12:29
When I started my initial research about taking Topomax, I noticed that the cognitive problems began with the higher dosages. When my dosage increased to 100 MG, which I am currently taking and do not plan on increasing above that amt., I did notice some cognitive changes. I lit a cigarette one night and put the match book to my lips and tossed the lit cigarette on the bed instead of the matchbook. Another time, I made a sandwich putting the spread on the napkin and leaving the bread on the counter. The only reason I associate this with the medication is because it took so LONG for me to realize that i had gotten confused. I've noticed some other small changes but nothing really dramatic for me. As with any medication, I guess it boils down to do the benefits outweigh the risks. Suji, I hope you find something that works well for you. I am not taking it primarily for weight loss. I have an entire PERSON to lose---150 lbs. so anything that I lose, I sure won't miss. I am als exercising and doing the WW thing. I've tried everything in the book. I don't think it's the Topomax that's working for me. It's the determination and the fact that my mind is made up to live better. The strength that I've found has been through the Lord and in knowing that I can do all things through Him (Philippians 4:13.) That's what works. We can ALL do this. Stay in the race for it is not given to the swift, but to he that endureth to the end. Good luck all and keep ya heads up!!!
Posted by suji on July 11, 2002, at 21:32:55
In reply to Re: Topamax: Weight loss/Cognitive Chgs, posted by Karmagirl on July 11, 2002, at 13:27:41
Thank you, Karmagirl, for your kind and encouraging words. What a beautiful person you must be to be able to share such thoughts with others!
Do you mind if I say something? I would encourage you not to think in terms of a "whole person to lose"...using this sort of terminology somehow makes the idea of the weight loss seem like a sort of a death...and maybe to some extent it is...it's worth looking at, though, in terms of what weight loss may really mean to our unconscious....does it perhaps mean that we think of our weight loss as in some way our own death? Or is it the death of this unknown--but, oh so intimate--person you feel is with you all the time? I mean no offense at all...it's just that that phrase really started me thinking about the way we talk about stuff like loosing weight and what we might really be saying to ourselves....
Blessings to you,
suji
:=)
Posted by Karmagirl on July 12, 2002, at 16:24:52
In reply to Re: Topamax: Weight loss/Cognitive Chgs, posted by suji on July 11, 2002, at 21:32:55
WOW Suji! You are exactly right! I guess it does sound kind of "ick" saying I have a "person" to lose. I won't defend it because you've corrected me in a way that was gentle enough that I've taken no offense. Let me explain why I said I have a PERSON to lose: All my life, I've been overweight. As a teenager, I used to have very low self esteem. Other kids would tease me and make fun of me. But that was outside of my home. Inside my home, in an African American home, I didn't have to worry about looking like the images in magazines, on tv or being shaped like a baby doll. None of those images were black anyway so I'd never be them regardless of what I did. My role models (mom, grandma, aunts) all had big hips, breasts and thighs. And were beautiful women that taught me to love myself like I was. As my attitude and confidence at home began to spill over into my attitude about myself at school and outside of home, I began to see myself and carry myself differently. I noticed that as I carried myself and saw myself differently, people treated me and saw me differently. From this, I concluded that people see us the way we see ourselves. I'm a big sexy girl and can go in any club and not sit down all night. No one can tell me I'm not the hottest female present:0) There used to be a time when I'd go in with my head down and not be asked to dance a single dance ALL night. I hope this encourages SOMEONE who reads this thread. My desire to lose the weight now is not to look better but to live better and to be more comfortable. The cure for depression, obesity and any ailments are not in pills and doctors alone. No offense Dr. Bob. You da man! (lol) The cure is in you. The cure is in the overcoming and in the knowing that you are greater than what you look like. It's in the knowing that your beauty extends beyond the mirror. It's in a relationship with the Creator that took the time to divinely select you for His purpose. The cure is in knowing you have the authority and the power to still the voices of the enemy when he tells you you're not. (Ephesians 6:10-16) Can anybody tell I'm gonna be a minister someday??? lol Okay. Enough for now. Don't want to be thought of as a fanatic....Just a lover of the Lord and I know first hand what has and IS working for me. KEEP THE FAITH!!!!! Thanks again Suji! I bid you all peace and blessings.
Posted by maaron71 on December 26, 2002, at 18:40:19
In reply to Re: Topamax: weight loss/mild depression, posted by RES on June 8, 2002, at 13:34:35
Now that it is December please let me know how your weight loss ended up? I have been on Prozac for years and argued with my general doctor about the weight gain. I knew it was not normal I went from a size 6 at 125 quickly to a size 10 and have landed at a size 16 at 185. My highest and most depressing was 194. Keep in mind I am only 5'1". I finally took myself off the medicine dropped 20 lbs. I realized not being on the medicine was not wise and the weight has crept back.
After much hesitation I went to a Psychiatrist and he put me on Topamax and Lexapro. I've been on the Topomax for 2 wks and I'm at 50mgs. I've dropped a few lbs., enough to go down a size already. Sodas are nasty, my fingers are tingly, my mouth is dry, and I keep seeing points of light in my right eye, but if I lose weight I'll deal with all the silly things. Please update me on how Topamax worked with your weight loss.
THANKS!
Posted by Karmagirl on December 27, 2002, at 15:08:54
In reply to Re: Topamax: weight loss/mild depression, posted by maaron71 on December 26, 2002, at 18:40:19
I FEEL LIKE A MILLION BUCKS!!! And I look like it to boot!! (lol) I'm down 45 lbs. or so, sodas WILL taste good again and the tingling WILL go away so don't worry. My doctor topped me out at 100 MG of Topomax since I'm only taking it for Pseudotumor cerebri and I don't have seizures or any other problems. I can say that the side effects were a little bothersome in the beginning but they went away after the first month. My dosage increased 25 mg/week and once I got stable at 100 MG they just disappeared. Just saw my neurologist last week and she wants to see me in 1 year and wrote me the RX for 12 months. She is ecstatic with my weight loss and the fact that I have not had a single headache since I started taking the Topomax. Good luck to you and keep me updated as I do the same!!!
Posted by maaron71 on December 29, 2002, at 11:13:10
In reply to Re: Topamax: weight loss/mild depression, posted by Karmagirl on December 27, 2002, at 15:08:54
Thanks so much for letting me know. Some of the side effects are already subsiding in just the last two days, but I increase to 75mg on Tuesday so we'll see. No weight loss yet, but I'm hoping. Topomax is playing double duty for me, I have an arachynoid (sp?) cyst in my brain and have small night tremors and hand trembling during the day. Plus it is helping with mood stabilization. So far I can tell a difference. So I am going to keep on and endure the side effects till they subside. THANKS!
Posted by BarbaraCat on December 30, 2002, at 20:29:22
In reply to Re: topomax, posted by nancy on April 21, 1999, at 12:00:06
Nancy,
I respectfully disagree that Topomax is the mood stabilzer of choice. I was on it for a while and it made my mixed states depression worse. It caused anxiety and inner tension and a constant 'duh' feeling. My drug of choice these days for severe manic depression and mixed states is Lamictal, without a doubt. No weight gain or loss, just a great relief from the awful depression.>In my experience, Topomax is the mood stabilizer of CHOICE (granted, if one has a choice) for any severe manic depressive w/, rapid cycling, mixed states, and/or intolerance to other AEDs.
Posted by FloridaOT on January 26, 2003, at 12:21:36
In reply to Re:topamax weight loss/ diabetes, posted by Lisapd on February 28, 2002, at 23:14:43
> I have just learned of topamax and it's use for lowering blood sugar. Anyone have experience with this usage?
No, I haven't heard that topamax lowers blood sugars but, as a fellow diabetic would sure love to know if this is true! I have been on Topamax 2 weeks, just upped my dose to 75mg last night. Solely on the med for weight loss alone, last ditch effort before gastric bypass surgery. I also have OCD and major depression so, if anything, it helps me out in these areas as well.
Posted by SILLYMIMI on January 30, 2003, at 15:23:31
In reply to Re: Topamax: weight loss/mild depression, posted by Karmagirl on December 27, 2002, at 15:08:54
I am curious about your weight loss. I have degenerative osteoarthritis in both my knees, feet and spine. I will have to have knee replacement very soon, but I will "wear out" the new knees if I do not lose weight. I am trying to decide on gastric bypass now. I am looking at this option, as well. I am like you, I have a "person" to lose. I know that has offend some, but I really don't mind the though of the "death" of that extra person. That person takes up too much space and is beginning to occupy my mind, too. It is very depressing to be in pain all the time. I have had a good self esteem for about 30 years. That is a long story, but post-partum depression was the problem then. I am not a spring chicken, as you can tell by the fact that my knees are "worn out", but I am a very young knee replacement candidate, I do not want to go through that again. I have tried many things to lose weight over the years and have never been successful. I want to go into all of this informed. I do not want to take a medication (no matter how severe or mild the adverse reactions) without being as informed as possible and knowing that the benefits out way the risks. I have enough risk ahead with one surgery, without the possibility of two. Thanks for you input.
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