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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Shirlee on November 11, 2003, at 15:14:23
In reply to Topamax Experiences?, posted by Kingfish on January 4, 2001, at 7:29:48
I am taking topamax for post-herpetic pain due to shingles that has lasted for over a year. Also for Essential tremor. I have gradually worked up to 100mg over a period of 3 weeks. I write a weekly column for a newspaper. I would like to continue this if I can stay awake. Some of you have led me to beleive this too may pass. I have been on this dosage for about 2 weeks. I don't think it's doing anything except...zzzzzzz
Posted by TexasChic on November 11, 2003, at 15:15:20
In reply to Re: Dumb Question about Topomax » TexasChic, posted by headachequeen on November 11, 2003, at 14:37:05
Yeah, if anyone knew how many times we've had to patiently wait, while physically suffering in torment, and inside we feel as if we're silently going insane...
...just to try out the latest med.
Posted by kka on November 11, 2003, at 15:35:18
In reply to re: the benefits of topamax, posted by Murphia on November 11, 2003, at 15:07:29
He is taking for cronic daily headaches/migrains (Depakote doesn't work as good as it use to) weight control from Paxil and Depaoke and I am hoping it will help with some tendences with alcohol.
Me, mild ocd, anxiety and over-eating and eating when not hungry, gained 20 lbs on A-D's.
Posted by kka on November 11, 2003, at 15:39:31
In reply to re: the benefits of topamax, posted by Murphia on November 11, 2003, at 15:07:29
Oh I forgot he is on Strattera for ADHD and the paxil is for GAD
Posted by Murphia on November 11, 2003, at 15:55:03
In reply to re: the benefits of topamax » Murphia, posted by kka on November 11, 2003, at 15:39:31
Well, depakote kind of hits the whole brain, topamax only hits the temporal lobe. If you have a temporal lobe issues, topamax is going to help you. That is why your husband should taper off the depakote gradually, because topa is not necessarily picking up where it leaves off. I think strattera is one of the best things to come around in a long time. Strattera converts L-DOPA to norepinephrine and still reuptakes some dopamine in the process, which makes it a very good all around brain med, in my opinion, and also good for depression.
Give topa a try, it may work for the both of you. Titrate very slowly (somehow I think you know that), take all your vits, and heavy on the biotin.
> Oh I forgot he is on Strattera for ADHD and the paxil is for GAD
Posted by Nervz on November 11, 2003, at 15:57:36
In reply to re: the benefits of topamax » Murphia, posted by kka on November 11, 2003, at 15:39:31
Hi, I've had a prescription for 100mg of Topa for over a month and I'm too scared to take it. 100 mg seems like a lot to start with. Does anyone know if I can cut it in half? I'm taking it for weight gain from Prozac. Thanks -- Nervz
Posted by Murphia on November 11, 2003, at 16:02:17
In reply to re: the benefits of topamax, posted by Nervz on November 11, 2003, at 15:57:36
I have only ever talked to one person that started at 100mg, and they did have some side effects. Most people ususally start at 15 or 25 mg. and work their way up very slowly. Very slowly. Topa's s/es can actually not be bad if you go slow. Yes, you can cut them, but why don't you just have your doc redo your script for 15 or 25 mg. That way, when you do increase your dosage, it will be easy for you to adjust your med.
> Hi, I've had a prescription for 100mg of Topa for over a month and I'm too scared to take it. 100 mg seems like a lot to start with. Does anyone know if I can cut it in half? I'm taking it for weight gain from Prozac. Thanks -- Nervz
>
Posted by kka on November 11, 2003, at 16:35:07
In reply to re: the benefits of topamax, posted by Murphia on November 11, 2003, at 15:55:03
Interesting about Strattera, I have been reading a lot about it lately - I need to change my dr. and I am going to request Strattera (I think it would add energy), If I added it to Topamax, do you think I would still want to take wellbutrin. I think I am just hanging on to the Wellbutrin for weight loss reasons, my dose is so low -150mg that I haven't really lost weight. Would I keep it?
Also, Why do they mostly market Strattera to children, and not as a AD for adults I know that it is a non-stimulat way to increase concentration, I sure this is a much better medication for kids. But you don't hear it advertised as an AD for Adults. AS you mentioned it seems like a pretty good new drug.
BTW- what would be some temporal lobe issues?
Posted by Murphia on November 11, 2003, at 16:54:03
In reply to re: the benefits of topamax » Murphia, posted by kka on November 11, 2003, at 16:35:07
Temporal lobe issues could be anger, kindling and/or epilepsy, mania, intrusive thoughts. But they are not always. Sometime these things come from the temporal lobe, sometimes not.
It is not good to take wellbutrin and strattera together. The problem with taking both is they pull from the same starting source in the brain. Both pull from L-DOPA which is the start of dopamine in the brain. Wellburtrin continues down the dopamine neuron path while strattera converts L-DOPA to norepinephrine and still reuptakes some dopamine in the process.
If you took strattera and it worked there is a good chance you would not need wellbutrin. The problem with taking both is they are both fighting for the same source and when you do that you run the risk of having one of the meds not work correctly because your body only produces so much dopamine.
IF you felt you needed the wellbutrin and you wanted to give the strattera a try you could lower down your wellbutrin dose and start the strattera.
> Interesting about Strattera, I have been reading a lot about it lately - I need to change my dr. and I am going to request Strattera (I think it would add energy), If I added it to Topamax, do you think I would still want to take wellbutrin. I think I am just hanging on to the Wellbutrin for weight loss reasons, my dose is so low -150mg that I haven't really lost weight. Would I keep it?
>
> Also, Why do they mostly market Strattera to children, and not as a AD for adults I know that it is a non-stimulat way to increase concentration, I sure this is a much better medication for kids. But you don't hear it advertised as an AD for Adults. AS you mentioned it seems like a pretty good new drug.
>
> BTW- what would be some temporal lobe issues?
Posted by Nervz on November 11, 2003, at 18:12:10
In reply to re: the benefits of topamax, posted by Murphia on November 11, 2003, at 16:02:17
Thanks so much for the advice. When you say build up slowly, exactly what do you mean? If my pdoc writes me a scrip for 25 mg. Do you think that upping it every week is slow enough? Thanks again-- nervz
Posted by Sabina on November 11, 2003, at 19:34:43
In reply to re: the benefits of topamax » Murphia, posted by Nervz on November 11, 2003, at 18:12:10
i'm confused...thought i was having deja vu there for a minute until i looked back at the history. http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20031105/msgs/276912.html
i'm sorry you're still so "nervz"-ous about taking topamax that you need to keep asking the same questions. maybe after you keep hearing the same answers (about increasing dosage, etc.) from enough different people you'll feel confident enough to try it? good luck.
Posted by headachequeen on November 11, 2003, at 21:17:16
In reply to re: the benefits of topamax » Murphia, posted by Nervz on November 11, 2003, at 18:12:10
> Thanks so much for the advice. When you say build up slowly, exactly what do you mean? If my pdoc writes me a scrip for 25 mg. Do you think that upping it every week is slow enough? Thanks again-- nervz
my neurologist gave me a protocol (with a copy for the pharmacist ) that I was to follow as I increased the dosage over a period of weeks... I would assume that any doctor who wanted a patient to increase the dosage would give a similar direction with a time frame...
I was told how long to stay on each dosage and also told to continue at each dosage longer if I felt that I was not ready to increase the dosage...
although there was no indication of reason to stay ...
Posted by headachequeen on November 11, 2003, at 21:25:32
In reply to re: the benefits of topamax, posted by Murphia on November 11, 2003, at 15:55:03
> take all your vits, and heavy on the biotin.
>
>
I had thought of the biotin... we give it to the dogs to maintain good coat... and wondered if it should be a multivitamin or should one do a mixture of individual vitamins????
all help appreciated <g>
and may one state that one is greatly pleased to be more awake than usual this evening....
Posted by Nervz on November 12, 2003, at 9:33:31
In reply to re: the benefits of topamax » Nervz, posted by Sabina on November 11, 2003, at 19:34:43
Wow. What a gruff answer. I'm sorry, I thought this was a forum with understanding individuals who can relate to the anxiety that comes with taking new meds. And YES, I do like to hear several opinions before I make a decision. Thanks for all the attitude --- just what I needed. ---- Nervz
Posted by Murphia on November 12, 2003, at 9:38:41
In reply to re: the benefits of topamax » Murphia, posted by Nervz on November 11, 2003, at 18:12:10
I think 25 mgs. every week is a great start. And I think if that starts bothering you, 25mgs every other week is great too. See how you feel, and go from there.
> Thanks so much for the advice. When you say build up slowly, exactly what do you mean? If my pdoc writes me a scrip for 25 mg. Do you think that upping it every week is slow enough? Thanks again-- nervz
Posted by Nervz on November 12, 2003, at 11:22:29
In reply to re: the benefits of topamax, posted by Murphia on November 12, 2003, at 9:38:41
Thanks for the encouraging and informative advice. I'll keep ya posted --- Nervz
Posted by kka on November 12, 2003, at 13:02:36
In reply to re: the benefits of topamax, posted by Murphia on November 12, 2003, at 9:38:41
Murphia,
This may be a crazy question, but do you mean one week on top one week off> Would you still receive some benefits? Does it have a long half life or is this simply a way to bulid tolerance to try and work towards 25 per day and then maybe think about an increase? Thanks for all your help with my previous posts!I think 25 mgs. every week is a great start. And I think if that starts bothering you, 25mgs every other week is great too. See how you feel, and go from there.
>
>
>
> > Thanks so much for the advice. When you say build up slowly, exactly what do you mean? If my pdoc writes me a scrip for 25 mg. Do you think that upping it every week is slow enough? Thanks again-- nervz
>
>
Posted by headachequeen on November 12, 2003, at 13:25:23
In reply to re: the benefits of topamax » Sabina, posted by Nervz on November 12, 2003, at 9:33:31
> Wow. What a gruff answer. I'm sorry, I thought this was a forum with understanding individuals who can relate to the anxiety that comes with taking new meds. And YES, I do like to hear several opinions before I make a decision. Thanks for all the attitude --- just what I needed. ---- Nervz
I guess I missed this post... but have to say that I do not think that it was a 'gruff post' I think that Sabina was trying to say that Nervz would eventually build up the confidence to try Topmax with the answers and support given... I read her (?) post and that is what I saw in it...
meanwhile, slept until 1030 this morning solidly and soundly and while my eyes still feel tired... doesn't that sound silly but it is how I feel and I know it has nothing to do with the Topomax but everything to do with the MG... I actually feel awake, but am not going to go out now to try and find the others and start a few hours behind them... instead I am giving myself a quiet morning... I shall read the psychobabble mail and then work with my puppy and bring him up to the level I would like him to be... my adult dog can already do what they are doing today and my pup is not ready for that so what the heck... oh the excuses LOL...
but it was time for that sleep I think...
maybe now I shall not feel this constant drowsiness???
It is now three months to the day with only one seizure and that a very mild one and ten months to the day without a headache of any sort let alone a migraine... so the Topomax is helping me and I have to learn to adjust to any side effects...
I have started taking biotin and vitamins c, e as well as zinc, d and a (both in small amounts of course), primrose oil, fish oil, and B complex... simply raiding the dogs' supplements... although I get B12 in a shot each month... then there is Lecithin and some other oil that is alternated each meal... so if it is healthy for them it must be healthy for humans...
and if topomax destroys our vitamins I shall replace them this way...
simply take them as I am tossing them into the dogs' dishes...
each bottle I open to toss into the dog dishes, I take one... the biotin I take two... they get two, I take two <g>
the C they get in megadoses, I take in large amounts working up to megadoses... have been saying I ought to for years... now putting my shoulds into action...
Nervz, I think if you look at the information and 'attitude' presented here, you can learn a lot... and find that many people are willing to share their knowledge and experiences and willingly help people learn how to live with Topomax and its side effects in order to bring order into their lives... and that means you can use it successfully too...
look at the posts that have replied to yours...
and look again at Sabina's... if you can prove to me that it was gruff, I will be surprised...
I am a journalist and I am gruff... I am a cynic, and really inclined to be gruff so to speak... and to over-react to comments.. I didn't see it...
Posted by Murphia on November 12, 2003, at 13:27:56
In reply to re: the benefits of topamax » Murphia, posted by kka on November 12, 2003, at 13:02:36
No, for Nervz, I meant for his titration schedule, that he can increase his dosage by 25 mg. every week. If he is not comfortable he can wait several weeks to adjust before increasing his daily dosage.
> Murphia,
> This may be a crazy question, but do you mean one week on top one week off> Would you still receive some benefits? Does it have a long half life or is this simply a way to bulid tolerance to try and work towards 25 per day and then maybe think about an increase? Thanks for all your help with my previous posts!
>
> I think 25 mgs. every week is a great start. And I think if that starts bothering you, 25mgs every other week is great too. See how you feel, and go from there.
> >
> >
> >
> > > Thanks so much for the advice. When you say build up slowly, exactly what do you mean? If my pdoc writes me a scrip for 25 mg. Do you think that upping it every week is slow enough? Thanks again-- nervz
> >
> >
>
>
Posted by jhlsgirl on November 12, 2003, at 14:03:21
In reply to Topamax Experiences?, posted by Kingfish on January 4, 2001, at 7:29:48
Hi! I have not yet started Topamax. Just got my RX yesterday. Want to wait til the weekend to see how it effects me. Tell me has anyone lost weight on 25mg only? Does this medication really make you feel good again??
Posted by Murphia on November 12, 2003, at 14:11:05
In reply to Re: Topamax Experiences?, posted by jhlsgirl on November 12, 2003, at 14:03:21
Why have you been prescribed topamax and what do you mean by feel "good" again?
> Hi! I have not yet started Topamax. Just got my RX yesterday. Want to wait til the weekend to see how it effects me. Tell me has anyone lost weight on 25mg only? Does this medication really make you feel good again??
Posted by Sabina on November 12, 2003, at 14:36:14
In reply to re: the benefits of topamax » Sabina, posted by Nervz on November 12, 2003, at 9:33:31
>>> Wow. What a gruff answer. >>>Thanks for all the attitude --- just what I needed.
i'm so sorry. it wasn't at all intended to sound gruff. i was saying that i was *literally* answering your post when i started having a deja vu. (i've got short term memory loss.) then i remembered you from a couple of weeks ago. that's it.
"...i'm sorry you're still so "nervz"-ous about taking topamax that you need to keep asking the same questions."(that was supposed to be a play on words that gives a nod to both your posting name and my *sincere* concern over what you're still going through with your heightened anxiety toward topamax.)
"...maybe after you keep hearing the same answers (about increasing dosage, etc.) from enough different people you'll feel confident enough to try it?"(this was a comment expressing my *hope* that, with enough positive reinforcement, you will feel comfortable enough to take topamax)
again, i am sorry that you were hurt by my post. i was most sincere and good natured in my heart when i wrote to you, and not at all gruff or full of attitude. when i have found myself in your position before, i have always chosen to give the other person the benefit of the doubt, pending further explanation, an apology, or the chance that i had misread. i have never regretted that policy and i have never yet been on the receiving end of a post that was actually intended to be hateful. every time it was a misunderstanding. sometimes there are language barriers. sometimes people are having a bad day or feeling bad on their meds when they first read a post. maybe i should use more emoticons, or just refrain from posting altogether. anyway, i'm doing fine on topamax and i've made my apology, so i'm outtie.
Posted by Sabina on November 12, 2003, at 14:47:52
In reply to re: the benefits of topamax » Nervz, posted by headachequeen on November 12, 2003, at 13:25:23
...for sticking up for me. you didn't have to do that. it means more to me than you can know. i was feeling a little rattled and ready to run away there for a minute.
bina
Posted by Nervz on November 12, 2003, at 15:23:05
In reply to re: hey, whoa! » Nervz, posted by Sabina on November 12, 2003, at 14:36:14
Oh, wow. I'm so sorry. I guess I should be a little less defensive about these posts. It's so hard to communicate without the use of facial expression and voice inflection. I didn't mean to put my bad mood on anyone else. My anxiety disorder makes me VERY hesitant to try new meds. I've even lied to my pdoc about meds that I never even had filled. I WORRY ABOUT EVERYTHING --- allergic reaction, permanent organ(mostly brain) damage, effects on future pregnancies. You name it, I can worry about it. Again, I am soooooooo sorry for being such a b*tch. I swear I'm a nice person --- Nervz
Posted by headachequeen on November 12, 2003, at 16:45:24
In reply to re: hey, whoa! » Sabina, posted by Nervz on November 12, 2003, at 15:23:05
>> It's so hard to communicate without the use of facial expression and voice inflection. <<
Then, when you want to communicate facial expression insert the little things that help you translate them.... like the <s> and <g> for smile and grin or <S> and <G> for bog smile and big grin...
or LOL for Laughing out Loud and there are always the :( that means a grimace I think??? and the :) that means a smile and that is the end of my fourth language...
sometimes you can invent images that help translate your facial language...
Once in a while there are people on lists who are students conducting blind studies... they need to be shot down.... arrgghhhh (one of my favourite expressions to express myself and I have added it to my outside language as well... so much for the literate person I thought I was lol)
>>I didn't mean to put my bad mood on anyone else.<<
You didn't put your bad mood on me at least... I wanted you to realise that no one to my knowledge at least and I admit I have not been here for more than a couple of months is here to hurt anyone else... the intention is to learn and to share...
and you can relax... really you can...
I have learned that...>>My anxiety disorder makes me VERY hesitant to try new meds. I've even lied to my pdoc about meds that I never even had filled.<<
Hey! Been there, did that, and may have the t-shirts made... I have all sorts of prescriptions in my purses and briefcases that are waiting to see the light of day because I am not sure they are the ones that I really want to take... or because I have not yet completed the previous doses...or in the case of the effexor, immovane, and zyprexa I had already quit taking the stuff and had not the nerve to tell him in case he quit treating me... non-compliant patients and all that :(
I really thought the anti-d's were doing more harm than good and it was time to stop, so I stopped with no idea that it was not something I could just do on my own... and I am supposed to be intelligent (sigh) -- I had also cut back on my allergy meds a few days before because he felt the dosage was much too high and potentially risky... I was originally taking 8 a day of hydroxyzine (Atarax) and had cut down to 4 a day at his suggestion and had cut down to 2 a few days before with quite a struggle... the Effexor/Zyprexa/Immovane stoppage was no problem compared to that...
When I finally told him he was not angry... and I was relieved...
so you see, we are not all that different..
you have to trust us...
we are quite a mixed group and there is a lot of help here, so I have found...
I have learned so much here...
and you will too... trust me....
and we know you are a nice person....
You just have to learn to let us be us and let you be that nice person and let all of us interact comfortably...
kat
I swear I'm a nice person --- Nervz
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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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