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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
[email protected]Shown: posts 146 to 170 of 1838. Go back in thread:
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.
Posted by Karmagirl on February 4, 2003, at 13:36:46
In reply to Re: Topamax: weight loss/mild depression » Karmagirl, posted by SILLYMIMI on January 30, 2003, at 15:23:31
Hi SILLYMIMI! I started with Topomax back in June at 25 MG increased up to 100 MG which is where I have remained.I also started Weight Watchers at the same time. I weighed 365 lbs at 5'8" tall and 33 yrs old. Now I weigh 299, down from a size 30-32 to a size 20-22 dress and feeling fabulous. I think where the Topomax has helped me is that I don't really crave sweets like I used to. Cakes and candies were a REALLY big thing for me and now I can take them or leave them. Now, I never read anywhere that this was EVER a side effect. I went thru the cola being flat but I'd read that that would be a side effect. But NOWHERE did they ever tell me that the Topomax would change my desire for sweets. I'd have to credit the Topomax for about 20% of my success. It's been mostly God and the Weight Watchers program. I stopped going to Weight Watchers for two months and eating whatever I wanted. I'd still lost 3 lbs. from just taking the Topomax when I rejoined Weight Watchers. I don't know if any of this is helpful but I hope so. I can say that my old body was a prison, and even though I've only lost 66 lbs., I thank God that I can see me getting smaller and smaller and the whole world opening up to me even more. I've got a long way to go but every pound is 1 step closer. It's a battle, it's not easy but as long as you stay focused, you will win. When you lose the first VISIBLE pounds, and people start to TELL you that you are losing weight, OH MY GOODNESS, you will never eat another twinkie again!!! LOL!!!! That's ALL the motivation you need. I'd lost 39 lbs. and people started asking me what I was doing and how good I was looking. Girlfriend, I RAN to my WW meetings!! ROFLOL!!! Anyway, I hope my enthusiasm and love for life has sparked something in you. Keep in touch and let me know how it's going. I encourage you to come on in...the water's fine!!!
karmagirlone
Posted by PodWoman on February 4, 2003, at 15:07:12
In reply to Re: Topamax: weight loss/mild depression » SILLYMIMI, posted by Karmagirl on February 4, 2003, at 13:36:46
Hi all,
I have had a mild and manageable (so mild no one diagnosed me until about 1 yr ago)OCD Binge eating disorder all my life until around 10 yrs ago. It's hereditary in my family (the OCD, addictions, anxiety, depression... We're a mess! LOL). Anyhoo, it really came out when I went thru the 1st of two terribly stressful prgnancies (in short, everything that could have gone wrong, did). In the end I have 2 healthy, normal, beautiful children, a boy & a girl. They, unfortunately do not have a healthy Mom. I feel like I have been steadily spiralling down a water slide, occassionally going under, never reaching the bottom. It's been aweful.My diagnoses are: OCD binge eating, GAD and depression. Add to that a history of gestational diabetes, hypothyroidism and migraines... **PHEW** Now you see what I'm talking about.
I am currently taking (and belive me, I have seen a few different Doc's and have taken/tried dozens of different scripts)Lomax, Synthroid, Wellbutrin, Buspar, occational Xanax, and occassional Ambien. Yikes! I'm a walking pharmacy. My main thing has been the INCREDIBLE negative side effects of the SSRI's (sexually speaking). Sorry, call me weird. but I do NOT choose sanity over my sex life. I'm that oddball who wants BOTH! And to boot, I have not only NOT lost any weight on any of the meds...I've gone up to my all time high of 230! I'm 5'9" and 37 yrs old. I need for the sake of health to get down about 50+ lbs. My NEW Doc du jour (shrink) is seeing me tomorrow a.m. for the first time. He has already told my general Doc that Topamax is probably the answer for me. He has seen lots of new studies where patients have benefited from Topamax for Diabetes prevention/treatment AND feels that because of the weightloss componant, it probably will be supported in the near future for just that.
Has anyone out there heard any of this?? Also, what streangths have yielded best results for people? I imagine it depends on the individual. *Sigh*...Hope I hear from one of you tonight! Thanks,
PodWoman
Posted by Karmagirl on February 4, 2003, at 16:30:22
In reply to Topamax long term OCD bing eater » Karmagirl, posted by PodWoman on February 4, 2003, at 15:07:12
Hey Podwoman!! I'm probably not going to be much help with the meds. cause I take the Topomax for pseudotumor syndrome. I suffer from the occasional depression and PMS but never had any meds for it. I got one question for you though? What's eating you? I read an article in a magazine of a bunch of ex-fatties (putting it nicely) and one of them who'd lost like 160 lbs. said that she had to get to the root of why she overate. I thought and prayed about that and asked God to show me why I overate. Just as sure as I asked Him, He did. What he showed me was that being molested as a child, I ate to make myself unattractive to my uncles, cousins and my brothers' friends that all molested me in one way or another. I was a very pretty child and the fat was a way to hide myself since I couldn't really defend myself against older boys and grown men. I figured if I got fat enough, eventually they'd leave me alone. Well it worked, but it worked against me too. I was never able to bring any control into my life and my self esteem was so low that even I left me alone. Now, at 33, I have learned that it's okay to let the attractive me shine, and she IS shining!! TRUST ME!!! (lol) I don't have to hide anymore. I don't know if this is helpful to you or not but I have had good success with the Topomax. I've been posting since I started in June. It paints the picture of where I started and where I am now. I take 100 MG and was hoping my doc would bump me up to a higher dosage when I saw her last month but no haps. She kept me at 100 for the next 12 months and said she'd see me in Oct. unless I have any problems. Let me warn you about the cognitive side effects..I felt a little dull the first few days but it wore off. Let me know how it goes. GOOD LUCK!!
Posted by PodWoman on February 4, 2003, at 17:40:21
In reply to Re: Topamax long term OCD bing eater, posted by Karmagirl on February 4, 2003, at 16:30:22
Hi Karma,
Thanks for the speedy reply. What's eating me? Nothing that I know of....and I think I've done a fair job of investigating this angle through a bonafide eating disorder specialist Psycologist. Don't mean to sound cranky, it's not you. Your suggestion is a good one, just "been there, done that". It's been a frustrating journey to say the least. I have had more therapists of diferent types over the last 10 years...I hate to add them up. I actually did a comprehensive diagnostic with a doc last spring who was able to get me off the Valium (Xanax) my Gen. Prac. doc gave me for panic attacks and tried a BUNCH of different meds to see how I reacted to them and vice versa. I felt like the human Guinea Pig (LOL). I have also prayed A LOT for guidance. I call myself "Podwoman" because that'sd how I feel...Like I'm trapped in another body that looks and acts like me (somewhat)but in reality it's not the "old" or "true" me at all.I was thin and fit until shortly after I got pregnant with my son 10 years ago. Then all my chemistry went haywire. Everything that was under the radar came out full force, along with some new stuff. Basically, the docs tell me I was always a canidate, just waiting for a catylist. It was more like a torpedo!! My husband didn't know me, wondered not IF I would leave him, but WHEN. When I began meds, my son (8 at the time) asked me out of the blue one day, "Why are you being so nice to us?" Pretty touching and sad, eh? He & I talked about it more recently and he said I've been "different" and "better than before" for about a year. Wow. I never knew HOW BAD I had been until this new diagnostic. My husband admits it's been scary at times. **Sigh** I hate to think about all the wasted time when my kids were tiny. Onward and upward...
I'll let you know how my appt goes tomorrow a.m. Thanks for the support,
Podwoman
Posted by Jaynee on February 4, 2003, at 19:21:31
In reply to Re: Topamax long term OCD bing eater, posted by PodWoman on February 4, 2003, at 17:40:21
Topiramate reduces binge-eating behavior
Researchers assess the efficacy of topiramate in the treatment of binge eating in obese patients.This article is at http://www.psychiatrymatters.md
Thought you might be interested.
Posted by PodWoman on February 5, 2003, at 13:47:49
In reply to Re: Topamax long term OCD bing eater, posted by Karmagirl on February 4, 2003, at 16:30:22
Wow. What an eye openner I had this a.m. As frustrating as it has been being the human lab rat for lo these many years/months, this psychiatrist I saw today was amazed to see all the meds I take. His plan? Take me off all but 3 of them (keep the acne, thryroid + Ambien meds)and STOP taking the Wellbutrin, the Valium, the Buspar and the Lexapro. In short, he thinks I have been over medicated and misdiagnosed.
Wow. I feel a bit nervous about potentially going off the deep end, but also relieved to streamline my medicine cabinet. I see him again on Friday (day after tomorrow). We talked about the Topamax and he said we'd talk more about it Friday. He's a big supporter of it for weight loss. He's thinking I might have what is called Atypical depression, and that overeating may be a symtom of this OR/AND physically linked to a benign tumor in my ovary once, fat cell over production (brain-related) or metabolism abnormalities connected to 2 difficult pregnancies.
Does any of this sound familiar to anyone out there?? Please tell me I'm not alone...He was astounded that nurses (practitioners) and general physicians were/are even predtending to dabble in diagnosing psychiatric issues with medication. Frankly, I have to agree...and this is coming from me, the human lab rat.> Hey Podwoman!! I'm probably not going to be much help with the meds. cause I take the Topomax for pseudotumor syndrome. I suffer from the occasional depression and PMS but never had any meds for it. I got one question for you though? What's eating you? I read an article in a magazine of a bunch of ex-fatties (putting it nicely) and one of them who'd lost like 160 lbs. said that she had to get to the root of why she overate. I thought and prayed about that and asked God to show me why I overate. Just as sure as I asked Him, He did. What he showed me was that being molested as a child, I ate to make myself unattractive to my uncles, cousins and my brothers' friends that all molested me in one way or another. I was a very pretty child and the fat was a way to hide myself since I couldn't really defend myself against older boys and grown men. I figured if I got fat enough, eventually they'd leave me alone. Well it worked, but it worked against me too. I was never able to bring any control into my life and my self esteem was so low that even I left me alone. Now, at 33, I have learned that it's okay to let the attractive me shine, and she IS shining!! TRUST ME!!! (lol) I don't have to hide anymore. I don't know if this is helpful to you or not but I have had good success with the Topomax. I've been posting since I started in June. It paints the picture of where I started and where I am now. I take 100 MG and was hoping my doc would bump me up to a higher dosage when I saw her last month but no haps. She kept me at 100 for the next 12 months and said she'd see me in Oct. unless I have any problems. Let me warn you about the cognitive side effects..I felt a little dull the first few days but it wore off. Let me know how it goes. GOOD LUCK!!
>
Posted by PuraVida on February 5, 2003, at 16:57:43
In reply to Re: Topamax long term OCD bing eater, posted by Karmagirl on February 4, 2003, at 16:30:22
Is anyone taking Prozac with Topomax? And, I've heard that a mood stabilizer like Topomax should be taken along with an anti-depressant...? Also, at what time of the day do you take your dose(es)? I'm only on 50 mg, which I take at night, but it seems to make me so tired in the mornings. Thanks -
Posted by FloridaOT on February 5, 2003, at 18:01:19
In reply to Re: Topamax - other meds too? When? , posted by PuraVida on February 5, 2003, at 16:57:43
> Is anyone taking Prozac with Topomax? And, I've heard that a mood stabilizer like Topomax should be taken along with an anti-depressant...? Also, at what time of the day do you take your dose(es)? I'm only on 50 mg, which I take at night, but it seems to make me so tired in the mornings. Thanks -
>PuraVida, I 'm taking 100mg Topamax at bedtime, 20 mg Prozac in the a.m.,and 300mg Wellbutrin in the a.m and personally I'm having the opposite affect. I'm having insomnia with the Topamax, and have started taking 25mg of Amitriptyline at bedtime to sleep. (By the way, I know the insomnia is not from the wellbutrin or the prozac because I have been on the same dosage of both for several years.) So, obviously we react differently to Topamax :) But, I'm also solely taking it for the benefit of weight loss. My psch DXs are OCD and Major Depression. When my Dr. prescribed Topamax though, he said one of the side effects he had seen with his other patients was drowsiness, so I know you're not alone.
Posted by Karmagirl on February 6, 2003, at 9:15:52
In reply to Miss Diagnosed » Karmagirl, posted by PodWoman on February 5, 2003, at 13:47:49
GOOD FOR YOU PODWOMAN!!! Happy to hear about you getting rid of some of those meds. Is this the first crack in the Pod??? LOL!!! When you go tomorrow, GET THE TOPOMAX!! I read the article that Jaynee recommended and it was pretty interesting. I didn't realize that it helped with binge eating. Anyhooo-you asked about difficult pregnanices, well I don't know what you call "difficult", but I had 2 stillborn children. The difficulty about these pregnancies was that my water broke very early (23 & 26 wks) in both. In neither case were they ever fully able to explain why my water broke. I was put on bedrest in hopes that I wouldn't go into labor too soon but I did. Don't know if this helps but if it relates, please let me know.
Don't be nervous about the meds. It's a big step but you can do it. You said in an earlier post you prayed for guidance. So look to your Guide and Helper...WE WILL WIN!! Philippians 4:13
K
Posted by PodWoman on February 6, 2003, at 9:58:16
In reply to Re: Miss Diagnosed, posted by Karmagirl on February 6, 2003, at 9:15:52
Hi Karma,
Thank you. It's Thursday a.m. now & I had blood tests done and have to collect my pee for 24 hours. I have never done this for a doc and am not really sure what they're looking for. Anyone out there have this done, too?I feel a little clearer this morning. Part of it has to be that I took a full Ambien at 10pm when I returned from work and was out cold on the couch around 10:45pm My poor hubby didn't have the heart to wake me to head me toward our bedroom because he knows how little sleep I've been getting lately. Bottom line, I feel pretty good today.
My 2 difficult pregnancies... First one: hypertension, bed rest, breach, induced & w/forceps...I've blocked it all. The 2nd, non-stop vomiting, genetics counseling (possible Down's), amnio, gestational diabetes, induced...Basically everything (almost) that could go wrong, did. Except of course your experience tops mine by far. I am so sorry for what has happened to you. It's a devastating thing. This happened to 2 friends of mine, except they carried full term and it wasn't until the last days that it was discovered something was terribly wrong. Both had to deliver their babies anyway. It was AWEFUL. I'll pray for you, and hopefully you now have more children? Or no?
Got to run but I'll check back later.
--Podwoman
> GOOD FOR YOU PODWOMAN!!! Happy to hear about you getting rid of some of those meds. Is this the first crack in the Pod??? LOL!!! When you go tomorrow, GET THE TOPOMAX!! I read the article that Jaynee recommended and it was pretty interesting. I didn't realize that it helped with binge eating. Anyhooo-you asked about difficult pregnanices, well I don't know what you call "difficult", but I had 2 stillborn children. The difficulty about these pregnancies was that my water broke very early (23 & 26 wks) in both. In neither case were they ever fully able to explain why my water broke. I was put on bedrest in hopes that I wouldn't go into labor too soon but I did. Don't know if this helps but if it relates, please let me know.
>
> Don't be nervous about the meds. It's a big step but you can do it. You said in an earlier post you prayed for guidance. So look to your Guide and Helper...WE WILL WIN!! Philippians 4:13
>
> K
Posted by babs on February 6, 2003, at 18:58:21
In reply to Re: Topamax - other meds too? When? » PuraVida, posted by FloridaOT on February 5, 2003, at 18:01:19
Dear Florida- Your doc is prescribing topomax purely for weight loss? I'd like to know more! My doc and I talked about it because my current med regime has given me an extra 60 pounds. It's the risperdal and I tried to switch to geodon which made me sick as a dog. He wants me to try seroquel next but I like the riusperdal so much...if only it didn't make me gain so much weight. I think my doctor's hesitation is the cognitive dulling of topomax. I just started a PHD program so I really can't be dull.
Posted by JennieInnex on February 8, 2003, at 9:08:39
In reply to Re: topamax, posted by Georgia F on May 29, 1999, at 23:27:30
Posted by maaron71 on February 8, 2003, at 23:32:33
In reply to Re: Topamax long term OCD bing eater, posted by PodWoman on February 4, 2003, at 17:40:21
Oh my, PodWoman! I just read your message. I don't know what your doc ended up giving you, but I have been on my own list of meds and they finally put me on Lexapro, it's a new thread of Paxil and Celexa without all of the bad effects. I felt just like you did. My nickname many moons ago was hyper-spaz. I thought that person was gone, never to come back. I've been looking for her for years. (I can't believe I just starting crying out of happiness.) Since I started taking the combination of Lexapro and Topomax she's back.
The weight loss thing is slow going, at first it started flying off, then I got pnemonia and bronchitis and my gp put me on prednisone twice and it came back on. I'm working on going back down now.
Good Luck to you!
Posted by PodWoman on February 9, 2003, at 20:22:17
In reply to Re: Topamax long term OCD bing eater » PodWoman, posted by maaron71 on February 8, 2003, at 23:32:33
Yeah, I know. Scary, huh?
Actually, I just went off Lexapro (I wrote something else in that original list o' pills...my brain strain). My doc took me off all my meds except my minocycline (acne), synthroid (thyroid) and ambien (to sleep finally) and add the Topamax. That was two days ago. I've gained 2 lbs. but I also got my period Friday while at the pharmacy picking up my Topamax. How's that for timing?As far as the Topamax goes, my doc perscribed 25mg tabs to me and instructed me to boost myself 25mg at a time when I'm sure the current doage is not giving me side effects. So far I have not noticed any and will be at 50mg Monday. I do notice I am less hungery less frequently and more noticably (which I have not read about anywhere yet) when I do eat I seem to get full really fast. Like uncomfortably full to the point where I wouldnt eat out of just the thrill of eating (LOL)if you paid me. It's actually uncomfortable. Example: Special treat made by my chef (really is a chef by trade...dont get me started) hubby: chipwiches (freshly baked choc. chip cookies w/ice cream). I couldnt eat the whole thing easily. I actually did but it was a learning experience (I won't do it again...it was tooooo much. Whereas I would have eaten the whole thing before).
So now I await the monthly cycle to wheel its way away so this weight loss can commence. Any and all insight, thoughts, support or advice is welcomed.
I said to my doc on Friday "I really want to try the Topamax. I hate eating all the time." He said "No you don't. Eating's great. Everyone loves eating, food's great. You hate feeling hungry." How right he is.
> Oh my, PodWoman! I just read your message. I don't know what your doc ended up giving you, but I have been on my own list of meds and they finally put me on Lexapro, it's a new thread of Paxil and Celexa without all of the bad effects. I felt just like you did. My nickname many moons ago was hyper-spaz. I thought that person was gone, never to come back. I've been looking for her for years. (I can't believe I just starting crying out of happiness.) Since I started taking the combination of Lexapro and Topomax she's back.
>
> The weight loss thing is slow going, at first it started flying off, then I got pnemonia and bronchitis and my gp put me on prednisone twice and it came back on. I'm working on going back down now.
>
> Good Luck to you!
Posted by karmagirl on February 10, 2003, at 16:37:56
In reply to Re: Topamax long term OCD bing eater, posted by PodWoman on February 9, 2003, at 20:22:17
Hi Podwoman! Has cola started to taste flat yet? (LOL) It BLEW ME AWAY the first time I ever had cola after taking the topomax and it was as fizzy as water!!! Also, the tingling sensation in my hands and feet was BIGGER(?) than your typical tingling sensation. It was a nuisance but those were the only side effects I experienced when I started taking it. I did have some cognitive dullness but it was equivalent to my college days as a pothead so I wasn't bothered by it!! LOL It went away and wasn't really that noticeable, nor did it effect my work. I work in a very high tech environment and never missed a beat. Probably the dumbest thing I did was light a cigarette and put the match to my lips and tossed the cig in the ashtray instead of the other way around. At least I had sense enough to blow it out first. I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that I can't eat as much as I used to. I DO get full MUCH quicker than I used to. I've decided to use that to my advantage though. If I go out to eat, I ALWAYS get a salad first and I ALWAYS split my food in half BEFORE I eat. Before the Topomax, girlfriend I could go with the best of the Big Girl Posse! No buffet was safe....But now, I just can't hold as much without hurting myself. I don't even try. Why bother when I want to get rid of the weight anyway. I used to feel compelled to eat everything on my plate, that's why I automatically separate my food right down the middle and get a to-go box right up front. I don't have to look at food left on the plate and I'm not wasting it because it will be a meal later on. FYI, I'm down another 2.4 lbs. last week bringing me a little closer to my goal. THANK GOD!!! Weight Watchers is not for everyone but it has really been a blessing to me. I can clearly see through the eyes of faith that I am going to get there because I am who God says I am. And so are you. Do you know who God says you are? (Romans 8:37) Yes, you do. Believe what He says and ignore all the other voices. I think the One that made you would know more about you!!! LOL Be encouraged and expect GREAT things to happen...when you expect it to happen, it will.
karmagirl
Posted by PodWoman on February 11, 2003, at 12:10:15
In reply to Re: Topamax long term OCD bing eater, posted by karmagirl on February 10, 2003, at 16:37:56
Hi K-girl!
I haven't actually had any Coke or Pepsi yet but I'll let you know! LOL I have noticed a few brain farts where I get my thoughts and words mixed up (my hubby and kids think it's funny) and yes--it is just like the old pothead days...good fodder for a laugh or two!Also, my periods are a bit longer (5 days instead of my ususal 3-4) and more intense: heavier, achier). That could just be "normal" for me as one of the previous med I was taking "helped" with PMS and menstral symptoms (I forget which one).
I have tried WW and have failed at it, just like I have failed at every diet on the planet...and then some (LOL!). I actually have an online WW account which has remain unused for a while now...I was thinking I would scrap it for now. I am happy simply eating less because my body allows it...It's a beginning. And a blessing where all else has failed. As someone else in this thread once said, "I can see a light at the end of the tunnel...and it's not a train coming!"
--Podwoman
Posted by karmagirl on February 11, 2003, at 13:13:00
In reply to Re: Topamax long term OCD bing eater » karmagirl, posted by PodWoman on February 11, 2003, at 12:10:15
Hi PWOMAN!! I was having brain farts before the meds so it just blended right in!!! LOL!! Let me know how it works for you. Eating less is a great thing. I noticed that around that "time" of the month I didn't have to have MASSIVE amts. of chocolate or sweets so that has helped and the binge control has DEFINITELY worked in my favor. Keep me posted with your success cause I KNOW that's gonna be the outcome for you. Good luck to ya and keep your head up!!
Karmachickie----
Posted by PodWoman on February 11, 2003, at 14:36:05
In reply to Re: Topamax long term OCD bing eater, posted by karmagirl on February 11, 2003, at 13:13:00
Karmagirl, you ROCK!
I'm feeling SO hopeful today! I've got tunes on the radio going, my creative juices are flowing (I have an eBay store), I'm actually getting things DONE instead of eating all day long. What a nice feeling!
How long have you been on Topamax? Since June? By the way, way to go on that 2+ lbs!!! Fantastic! How much does that make for you now? Are you still at 150 mgs? I think my 2 dogs are wondering what's up and they'll probably get fatter as I lose weight due to the fewer trips back and forth to the kitchen from my office (they follow me every where---and I mean EVERYWHERE). LOL!! It's too darn cold to take them out right now anyway (5 F).
Did anyone watch Oprah yesterday with weightloss stories of HUNDREDS of pounds?? Jeepers...Now that's what I call a miracle! These poor souls were at their personal bottoms...been there, done that.
Anyway, thanks again for the note, KG...I have come to look forward to your cheerful support! It's nice to have a cyber-friend out there who understands!
---Podwoman
Posted by karmagirl on February 11, 2003, at 17:42:26
In reply to Re: Topamax long term OCD bing eater, posted by PodWoman on February 11, 2003, at 14:36:05
I'm SOOOOO excited for you Podwoman!! Glad to hear how well things are going for you. Love Dr. Bob's website but email me at myname1atyahoodotcom so we can chat more freely than posting. I'm still at 100 MG for the Topomax and that's as high as I will go. At least for now. My doc thinks that's high enough. I missed Oprah yesterday but I wanted to see it. I KNOW it was inspiring to see people who'd lost so much. I'm telling you girlfriend, just the smallest changes in your diet can make such a HUGE difference. For example the splitting of a meal in half like I mentioned in my post yesterday. Oh my goodness, I am so excited about life and the freedom that I feel. Wanna hear the funny part? I'm still almost 300 lbs!!! LOL But I'm 63 lbs. lighter than when I started back in June and I can see that I WILL get where I want to be...Not sure where that is but we can get there together. I just wanna feel better and not let EVERY move I make be a struggle. At 360 lbs. (June 02, to 297 (current) I'm telling you, it's like a whole world has opened up to me. Wanna hear the cutest thing?? I feel like SUCH a lady...because I CAN CROSS MY LEGS...WITHOUTH HOLDING THE OTHER ONE ON TOP!!!! LOL!! Call me crazy, but the first time I realized I was crossing my legs and I didn't HAVE to hold it, I almost cried. All I could think was how good God was for sparing my life to let me get to see that day. Yes, God is in even the smallest of miracles. And if my life would've been over at that moment, I would've passed on happy. It's a great journey, it's not easy, but it will change your life. The reward is like being let out of prison. I'm SO excited that I just want to tell every person I see that they can do it. If I can do it, ANYBODY can do it!! LOL I'm the BAG-O-BINGER..meaning i eat the whole BAG-O-ANYTHING when I would binge!! (lol) Any tips, recipes, ideas, common sense (not much of that left--hehe) but whatever resources I have, I'm willing to share. Email me and keep me posted!!!
karmagirl1
Posted by babs on February 13, 2003, at 19:29:59
In reply to Re: Topamax long term OCD bing eater, posted by karmagirl on February 11, 2003, at 17:42:26
Hi Ladies- What a great crew you are! My pdoc just prescribed Topamax to hopefully help me with the 60 pounds I've gained from my current meds. I am going to start at 25 mg and move up to 50. I haven't taken it yet and I'm a littl;e scared because I just had a horrible reaction to geodon. So, what do I need to know- irritability, insomnia, sedation, anxiety, its nickname as dopeamax because of cognitive dulling? Tell me everyhting! And what's this about coke suddenly tasting gross? I am positively addicted to diet Coke and drink too much so this might be a good thing! Thanks, babs
Posted by JennieInnex on February 13, 2003, at 19:48:23
In reply to joining the topamax club, posted by babs on February 13, 2003, at 19:29:59
Hello Everyone! I too just started taking Topamax. However, I am already up to 300mg a day. I have just started to notice quite a bit of depression. Is this normal? Maybe it is withdrawal from my depakote??? I have been on a VERY large dose of that and have been tapering down to none for weight loss. I have a seizure disorder due to head trauma.
Posted by FloridaOT on February 14, 2003, at 8:08:21
In reply to joining the topamax club, posted by babs on February 13, 2003, at 19:29:59
> Hi Ladies- What a great crew you are! My pdoc just prescribed Topamax to hopefully help me with the 60 pounds I've gained from my current meds. I am going to start at 25 mg and move up to 50. I haven't taken it yet and I'm a littl;e scared because I just had a horrible reaction to geodon. So, what do I need to know- irritability, insomnia, sedation, anxiety, its nickname as dopeamax because of cognitive dulling? Tell me everyhting! And what's this about coke suddenly tasting gross? I am positively addicted to diet Coke and drink too much so this might be a good thing! Thanks, babs
Hi Babs! Sorry I haven't responded sooner. I am currently at 100mg strictly for weightloss. Personally, I have not had the "soda tasting wierd" side effect(Thank goodness, because, I live on diet soda) or, the cognitive dulling(knock on wood). I am an Occupational Therapist in a fast paced rehab facility working 10 to 12 hour shifts. I've been on the Topamax for 1 month (started @ 25mg and increased dosage every week) and have lost 5 pounds without any effort on my behalf. The medication has decreased my appetite and cravings tremendously. I don't even feel like snacking between meals. I love this stuff!!! I know other people have had drowsiness but, as for me I've been given more energy and had to start taking my dosage in the a.m. because it was giving me insomnia taking it at night.
My response to this med is not the norm, I know. Just goes to show you how it can effect everyone differently. And how it can effect the person whom is taking it strictly for weight loss.
Oh, and one more thing to throw into the mix... Has anyone out there noticed increased libido? I am a newly wed and unfortunately for my new husband, the prozac and wellbutrin had greatly deminished my sexual desire, but since taking the Topamax it has gradually come back.
Everybody have a great day! FloridaOT
Posted by PodWoman on February 14, 2003, at 8:18:55
In reply to Re: joining the topamax club » babs, posted by FloridaOT on February 14, 2003, at 8:08:21
Hi--
I've only been on the Topamax one week (exactly). Lost 4.5 lbs and yes carbonated drinks taste a little tinny. Libido? What's that? LOL Just kidding. Mine came back, but that's because I'm 3 weeks off 4 meds that wiped mine off the face of the earth. Yea! Last night was an early Valentine's present.... :) As far as the "Dope-a-max" a name which I LOVE by the way, it's fodder for some amusement but I'm told it should go away. As for fatigue, yes, it makes me tired. But for me it's at odd times, and not all the time. It hits me mid day then late afternoon. I take my med at bedtime. My appetite is close to nil. I crave watery foods like celery, grapes...and salt for some reason. Weird. I also have forearm tingling and numbness, like they fell asleep. It's off and on about 12 hrs after I take the meds.
Good luck! Oh by the way---My shrink tells me 150-200g minimum are when you'll see (anyone will see) real results with this drug).
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