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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by LKA on July 15, 2003, at 21:04:50
In reply to Re: topomax (for everyone chatting 6-24) Snoozy, posted by Podwoman on July 15, 2003, at 20:47:39
Why do we have the hair loss. I cut my dose because I was losing hair and it worried me so.
Posted by Podwoman on July 15, 2003, at 21:12:37
In reply to Re: topomax (for everyone chatting 6-24) Snoozy, posted by LKA on July 15, 2003, at 21:04:50
Hair loss is one side effect I was lucky enough to not get. Probably the ONLY side effect I didn't get! LOL So sorry, can't speak to that.
---->Podwoman
Posted by Chuck Lehmann on July 18, 2003, at 14:58:21
In reply to Re: topomax, posted by Jane Jones on July 7, 2003, at 18:36:54
Yes topamax causes some diarrhea following the consumption of food with high fat or a carbohydrate with a high glycemic index. The diarrhea starts hardly before the meal is done....but just once or twice and your done. If I just eat a steak and salad I have no diarrhea. Topamax does not effect the desire to eat. Topamax effects the digestion of food differently than your nomal matabolism and stays in your body for several days after you stop taking the medication. Topamax liberates fat stores and metabolizes the fat into carbohydrates, almost like in ketosis. But advoid the adkins diet while taking topamax...or you may get kidney stones because of the high purines. Most of the bad side effects of topamax can be avoided if you understand how it works and how your body works. Best advice...take it before bed and drink plenty of water and drink water throughout the night. It is most potent two hours after you take the drug.
Posted by LKA on July 18, 2003, at 15:10:21
In reply to Re: topomax-diarrhea » Jane Jones, posted by Chuck Lehmann on July 18, 2003, at 14:58:21
Wow that is interesting. I also had the diarrhea when I upped my dose of topomax but I went back down simply because of the hair loss. I am still losing but it is slowing down. My doctor wanted me to take one pill at night and one pill in the morning. Will my body eventually get used to it if I give it another go? I wondered about cutting the pill in half and trying 1-1/2 pills. I take it for migraines.
Posted by Podwoman on July 18, 2003, at 15:28:53
In reply to Re: topomax-diarrhea » Jane Jones, posted by Chuck Lehmann on July 18, 2003, at 14:58:21
I don't know where you are getting your information, but you are WAY off about how Topamax performs! It operates on an area of your brain which is associated with siezures and migraines. It does NOT have any effect on your stomach contents! Check your sources! If you are experiencing diarrhea, you should talk to your doctor. You may be having an adverse reation to the medication. Diarrhea is listed as one of those reactions as a BAD reaction to the medicine. You sound more like you're describing Xenical!
----Podwoman
Posted by Podwoman on July 18, 2003, at 15:30:49
In reply to Re: topomax-diarrhea, posted by LKA on July 18, 2003, at 15:10:21
DONT cut your pills: they are designed to dissolve at a certain rate and DONT self-medicate! THIS IS BRAIN MEDICATION. Treat it respect! If you are unhappy with the side effects TALK TO YOUR DOCTOR!
--->Podwoman
Posted by galkeepinon on July 19, 2003, at 14:25:43
In reply to Re: topomax-diarrhea, posted by Podwoman on July 18, 2003, at 15:28:53
I had diarrhea really bad when I first started on Topamax and it went away. My doctor said it was a side effect and wasn't too worried. It eventually went away-he must have been right.
No problemo now-works great.
> I don't know where you are getting your information, but you are WAY off about how Topamax performs! It operates on an area of your brain which is associated with siezures and migraines. It does NOT have any effect on your stomach contents! Check your sources! If you are experiencing diarrhea, you should talk to your doctor. You may be having an adverse reation to the medication. Diarrhea is listed as one of those reactions as a BAD reaction to the medicine. You sound more like you're describing Xenical!
>
> ----Podwoman
Posted by Tracilla on July 28, 2003, at 13:41:40
In reply to Re: topomax-diarrhea » Jane Jones, posted by Chuck Lehmann on July 18, 2003, at 14:58:21
> Yes topamax causes some diarrhea following the consumption of food with high fat or a carbohydrate with a high glycemic index. The diarrhea starts hardly before the meal is done....but just once or twice and your done. If I just eat a steak and salad I have no diarrhea. Topamax does not effect the desire to eat. Topamax effects the digestion of food differently than your nomal matabolism and stays in your body for several days after you stop taking the medication. Topamax liberates fat stores and metabolizes the fat into carbohydrates, almost like in ketosis. But advoid the adkins diet while taking topamax...or you may get kidney stones because of the high purines. Most of the bad side effects of topamax can be avoided if you understand how it works and how your body works. Best advice...take it before bed and drink plenty of water and drink water throughout the night. It is most potent two hours after you take the drug.
i am going off topamax mostly b/c of no desire to eat and terrible diarrhea....i have lost 20 pounds in less than 3 months and can't lost anymore....i was not overweight to begin with.
my doc wants to try elavil and other antidepressants. i have tried everything for migraines and am sick of drugs. i think i will just try B2 (400 mg) a day for awhile until i can get into the headache clinic and maybe try botox. anyone tried botox ??
Posted by WynterW on August 4, 2003, at 23:39:22
In reply to Re: topomax-diarrhea, posted by Podwoman on July 18, 2003, at 15:28:53
I have recently started Topomax. I am not experiencing side effects as you have mentioned. Mine seem to be somewhat opposite. At what dosage have you normally experienced weight loss? Wynter
Posted by Podwoman on August 5, 2003, at 21:59:27
In reply to Re: topomax-diarrhea, posted by WynterW on August 4, 2003, at 23:39:22
Around 150 mg is what I've experienced and have heard of others starting to lose. I actually went off it due to rash. Am on Zonisamide (Zonagran) now for weight loss. Good luck!
Anyone else out there on Zonisamide for weight loss?
--->Podwoman
Posted by WynterW on August 5, 2003, at 23:19:12
In reply to Re: topomax-diarrhea/weight loss, posted by Podwoman on August 5, 2003, at 21:59:27
Thanks. I have only recently heard about this rash and dermatitis thing. I already had a rash before the Topomax! Hope your new med works out!
Wynter
Posted by Vivienne on August 7, 2003, at 20:23:18
In reply to Podwoman, posted by WynterW on August 5, 2003, at 23:19:12
'Allo all, new here - found this actually, by googling side effects for Topamax and lo and behold, here I am.
Have been taking Effexor XR since March 2000, and yesterday I informed my dr. that I wasn't sure if it was working anymore - I'm constantly exhausted and lethargic, uninterested in things, yet not blue or sad - and eating anything and everything that isn't nailed down! He asked me if he'd ever talked to me about Topamax, and I said no, so we talked about it and agreed that I would start it.
So I started today - 25 mg. this morning, and 25 mg. this afternoon - I'm on an 8 am and 4 pm schedule so far. Next week I'll go up to two 25 mg. pills in the am and two in the afternoon and so on each week until I'm up to 200 mg/day.
Has anyone else been taking it with Effexor XR? If so, with what kind of results?
I have to admit, the thing about the weight loss was a hook - just 4 years ago I was 127 lbs.; I've since ratcheted up to <sigh> 170 lbs. I did read about it helping with binge eating, which seems to be what I do - I eat and eat and eat - well beyond being full, and it's usually junk when I do eat like that. Bahh.
Alrighty, I'm finished bending your ear(s). :) Lovely to meet you all!
'Til we meet again...
Vivienne
Posted by KimberlyDi on August 9, 2003, at 13:21:49
In reply to Topamax and Effexor XR, posted by Vivienne on August 7, 2003, at 20:23:18
Welcome Viv,
This is a great board. Effexor hasn't pooped out on me yet. I've only been on it 3 months. But, my insurance company will only cover it up to a certain amount and my p-doc has prescribed over that amount. I need to find something else that works well with Effexor.I've heard that Topamax is great for weight loss. Good luck in finding the info you need.
KDi in Texas
> 'Allo all, new here - found this actually, by googling side effects for Topamax and lo and behold, here I am.
>
> Have been taking Effexor XR since March 2000, and yesterday I informed my dr. that I wasn't sure if it was working anymore - I'm constantly exhausted and lethargic, uninterested in things, yet not blue or sad - and eating anything and everything that isn't nailed down! He asked me if he'd ever talked to me about Topamax, and I said no, so we talked about it and agreed that I would start it.
>
> So I started today - 25 mg. this morning, and 25 mg. this afternoon - I'm on an 8 am and 4 pm schedule so far. Next week I'll go up to two 25 mg. pills in the am and two in the afternoon and so on each week until I'm up to 200 mg/day.
>
> Has anyone else been taking it with Effexor XR? If so, with what kind of results?
>
> I have to admit, the thing about the weight loss was a hook - just 4 years ago I was 127 lbs.; I've since ratcheted up to <sigh> 170 lbs. I did read about it helping with binge eating, which seems to be what I do - I eat and eat and eat - well beyond being full, and it's usually junk when I do eat like that. Bahh.
>
> Alrighty, I'm finished bending your ear(s). :) Lovely to meet you all!
>
> 'Til we meet again...
>
> Vivienne
Posted by loopie on August 27, 2003, at 1:06:26
In reply to topomax, posted by Ellen Brodie on April 19, 1999, at 15:58:40
> I have recently been diagnosed with manic depression. I refused to be put on lithium or depakote. Because of the weight gain side effects I believe that would increase my depression. I also struggle with an eating diisorder. My doctor has me on topomax and klonopin. Has anyone had any luck with these drugs. The klonopin seems to give me an instant calm from the depression, but this is such an evil disease. Topomax is suppose to do the opposite from depakote in terms of instead of weight gain it has weight loss side effects. Has anyone had any experience with these? Ellen
Ellen,
I haven't seen anything from you on the thread as of late. I noticed that you were put on klonopin and topomax. Can you tell me what the results were for you? I am taking my 1st dose of topomax tonight. I am on klonopin as well. Have been for 7 years. Been on tons of anti depressents for years as well. The anti depressents have fizzeled out on me. I am discouraged. My doc and I are trying something different. The mild bi-polar thing. I am over weight but that is not my main concern for this med. I just want to be calm. Not lash out at others like a wacko! Don't even wish to be happy any more. Just content. Lessen the anger and anxioty. I have read lots of messages about tingleing feet, hands, and aching legs. What if all of that stuff is occurring BEFORE topomax? Are you on the same meds since 99 or have you changed? Curious.
Posted by rainy on September 5, 2003, at 6:36:30
In reply to Re: topomax, posted by loopie on August 27, 2003, at 1:06:26
I've been on Topamx 300 mgs, buproprion 400 mgs and lamictal 200 since 8/14--the lamictal 200 mgs for about three weeks. Bipolar II, replacing major depressive disorder. During this time I've been almost completely anorexic, not a disorder--just can't eat. Recent move, horrible heat, etc. I'm losing my hair hand over fist and have begun to decrease the lamictal on my own--I see my brand new pdoc on 8/8. Suggestions? Help!
Posted by Podwoman on September 5, 2003, at 6:46:28
In reply to Re: topomax » loopie, posted by rainy on September 5, 2003, at 6:36:30
The hairloss is a side effect of the Topamax, no doubt. And possibly the loss of appetite. From my experience w/it, it kills it completely. If I had hair loss, however, I would go off it. Not everyone gets hairloss...I didnt on higher doses than you. Do you take it for migraines? Seizures?
Good luck and don't alter your medication until you talk to your doctor. Topamax needs to be tapered, or so I'm told.
---Podwoman
Posted by Nitro on September 12, 2003, at 12:49:27
In reply to Re: Topmax for Migraines, posted by starlight on June 24, 2003, at 11:21:08
I was just prescribed Topomax yesterday by the neurologist for migraines. I have been using Imitrex sucessfully for years to relieve my migraines, but the last six months have seen an increase to about 5 per week some weeks and so the doc is trying to see if the Topomax approach would help. After seeing some of the side effects he didn't mentioned it kind of freaked me out! He did start me at 25 mg for the first 4 days, then gradually increasing, so that the side effects are minimized. He told me the only side effects he has seen are tingling in extremeties and nausea. I am a pretty healthy sturdy woman of 48 and don't usually react badly to drugs. I have never had diarrhea in my life, and I certainly don't want to start losing my hair! I will stop if that occurrs, and just stick wit treating the migraine once I have it! I don't take a lot of drugs for anything, just Inderol for high blood pressure (low dosage) and Estradiol HRT, migraines are my only real complaint in life. The imitrex has become longer to take effect lately, and so he gave me some Relpax to try next time I get a migraine. I am almost hesitant to try it because I know the imitrex will work I just need to give it time. This thread has been very helpful to me, I was researching topomax and came up with it. Thanks to all that have written on it.
Posted by loopie on September 12, 2003, at 14:37:46
In reply to Re: Topamax and Effexor XR, posted by KimberlyDi on August 9, 2003, at 13:21:49
Have you lost any weight yet? I, like you have gained 50 pounds because of depression, and the meds. to try to combat it. I still am only on 50 miligrams! I don't know why my doctor has not increased my dosage yet! I am still eating like a horse. I am not sure if the Topamax is helping my mood disorder yet.
Posted by galkeepinon on September 13, 2003, at 1:33:13
In reply to Re: Topamax and Effexor XR » KimberlyDi, posted by loopie on September 12, 2003, at 14:37:46
loopie, I wish you the best on Topamax. I lost 25 pounds on that med and it was great because I have gained so much from some other psych meds.
I started losing weight at 50mg, but after about the 2 month mark~I really lost, and my appetite decreased.
Good luck, I hope it helps with your mood disorder too~unfortunately it didn't help mine.
Take care.
> Have you lost any weight yet? I, like you have gained 50 pounds because of depression, and the meds. to try to combat it. I still am only on 50 miligrams! I don't know why my doctor has not increased my dosage yet! I am still eating like a horse. I am not sure if the Topamax is helping my mood disorder yet.
Posted by jeffha on September 15, 2003, at 11:53:25
In reply to Re:topamax & dullness????, posted by Nancy on April 28, 1999, at 13:36:37
Topomax can decrease your ability to sweat and therefore increase the chance of you getting hyperthermic, developing heat stroke. It is not an absolute contrandication to using it but it is something everyone needs to be aware of. FYI
Did you also know that Topomax has also been found to have very positive effects on alcoholism (changes brain chemistry so the individual no longer craves alcohol), and diabetic neuropathies where it has the effect of repairing peripheral nerves that have been damaged by the elevated sugar levels seen in diabetics.
I have been very impressed by Topomax's effect on alcoholics and people with obesity. I haven't tried it on anyone with diabetic peripheral neuropathy.
Jeff
Posted by The Lorax on September 17, 2003, at 10:21:24
In reply to Re: Topamax: Weight loss/Cognitive Chgs, posted by Karmagirl on July 12, 2002, at 16:24:52
I have been on Topamax for a month now (At a low dose) and for the last three weeks I have been experiencing joint pain. I have been wondering if this could be associated with the Topamax and if so, should I be concerned? Thanks for any input!
Posted by galkeepinon on September 17, 2003, at 14:54:56
In reply to Re: Topamax: Joint Pain????, posted by The Lorax on September 17, 2003, at 10:21:24
Hi, when I took Topamax I never experienced joint pain. BUT, I did experience it with Remeron and Prozac.
Besides being VERY uncomfortable, I wouldn't be concerned, but calling your doc may help too:-)
Hang in there!
> I have been on Topamax for a month now (At a low dose) and for the last three weeks I have been experiencing joint pain. I have been wondering if this could be associated with the Topamax and if so, should I be concerned? Thanks for any input!
Posted by sarita0001 on September 17, 2003, at 20:16:01
In reply to Re: Topamax: Joint Pain????, posted by The Lorax on September 17, 2003, at 10:21:24
Hi-
I had joint pain only in my knees when I would go running. It lasted a few weeks and happened once in a while. If it doesn't go away, talk to the dr. It is a side effect.
Best,
S
Posted by galkeepinon on September 18, 2003, at 6:20:38
In reply to Re: Topamax: Joint Pain????, posted by rainy on September 18, 2003, at 6:16:05
>>>Anybody had hairloss on lamictal, 250 mgs and lower? This is for BP II, diagnosed two months ago. I'd rather lose weight than hair!
YES!! My hair loss started when I first started on Lamictal (50mg) a while back, I am only at 25mg now after starting it over a month ago. I noticed if I brush my hair out more~the hairloss doesn't seem to be bad. Also, taking vitamins surely might help?
It's hard to see literally clumps of hair in my drain or shower after washing my hair *yikes*
Posted by rainy on September 18, 2003, at 6:26:15
In reply to Re: Topamax: Joint Pain???? » The Lorax, posted by galkeepinon on September 17, 2003, at 14:54:56
had pain in L hip for about 2 weeks but it seems to have gone away--I thought I'd injured it somehow. It felt like it had been dislocated. Main problem for me is continuing hair loss despite tapering Topamax (BPII) from 300 mgs to 150. Does it stop? I'm blaming it on Lamictal, because hair started coming out at Lam. 250. What about wellbutrin, lamictal and serzone? Anybody have experience?
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