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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Aleese on February 20, 2006, at 20:20:03
In reply to Re: Topomax for Migraines- Generic?? » challenged, posted by storm rider on February 20, 2006, at 14:55:05
Does the generic version work the same for weightloss?
Posted by Storm Rider on February 21, 2006, at 15:31:29
In reply to Re: Topomax for Migraines- Generic??, posted by Aleese on February 20, 2006, at 20:20:03
> Does the generic version work the same for weightloss?
The generic version has to have all the qualities and attributes of the original or it cannot be substituted for the original...
otherwise it would not do the job for which it is intended and would put the patient being given the med further at risk...
for instance, I am taking it primarily to control epilepsy, and if there were even minor deviations in the makeup and effects of the generic medication, then it would not be a definite control for the epilepsy and there would be no guarantee that it would control the epileptic seizures, putting me further at risk...speaking of which ( drum roll, please) it has been several days since the last seizure and I am ecstatic... absolutely over the moon, as they say...
actually I begin to believe that this monster can be controlled as long as no one plays games with diagnostic tests to learn more about the version of the monster I have...
to have it genuinely controlled... to be seizure-free because the meds control it...
a caged beast that no longer haunts my nights let alone my days...truly a dream come true it would be...
Posted by Aleese on February 21, 2006, at 16:32:47
In reply to Re: Topomax for Migraines- Generic?? » Aleese, posted by Storm Rider on February 21, 2006, at 15:31:29
Thanx. Has it had any weightloss effectsw for you?
Posted by Storm Rider on February 21, 2006, at 20:39:15
In reply to Re: Topomax for Migraines- Generic??, posted by Aleese on February 21, 2006, at 16:32:47
> Thanx. Has it had any weightloss effectsw for you?
Have been using the generic for a month or so only, so cannot really say.
I did lose weight on the topomax and would assume that one would lose weight on the generic as I have not suddenly gained weight since changing to the generic...
as I said in a previous post, if the meds are not identical in properties, the pharmacist cannot switch them so I think it is safe to assume that the generic would help with weight loss too...
Posted by luvdogs on February 22, 2006, at 20:03:42
In reply to Re: Topomax for Migraines- Generic??, posted by Aleese on February 20, 2006, at 20:18:12
That is ludicrous!!! Why are some meds so much- especially when they come in generic.
Thanks A lot!!
:>)
> I pay 100.00 for my script for a month and I am on 100 mg but I cannot afford them I do have insurance through my husbands job but because of the economy his insurance is NOT what it used to be and I have a 300.00 deductable before they will pay for HALF!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by Aleese on February 23, 2006, at 21:59:43
In reply to Re: Topomax for Migraines, posted by luvdogs on February 19, 2006, at 2:26:47
It is prescribed for a few things as well as migranes so it should help with other types of headaches & pains to!
Posted by Aleese on March 3, 2006, at 16:26:33
In reply to Re: Topomax for Migraines- Generic?? » Aleese, posted by Storm Rider on February 21, 2006, at 15:31:29
I am writing under my Aunts name I take Topamax for epilepsy but my Dad will not let me Mom buy it now because he thinks I don't need it and he thinks its to much what should I do?
Posted by Storm Rider on March 3, 2006, at 20:09:41
In reply to Re: Topomax for Migraines- Generic??, posted by Aleese on March 3, 2006, at 16:26:33
> I am writing under my Aunts name I take Topamax for epilepsy but my Dad will not let me Mom buy it now because he thinks I don't need it and he thinks its to much what should I do?
If you are taking topomax for epilepsy, then talk with your doctor about the problem. that is the best solution - probably the only solution
Epilepsy is not something that one can play around with
Posted by fierycelt on March 4, 2006, at 8:46:00
In reply to Re: Topomax for Migraines- Generic?? » Aleese, posted by Storm Rider on March 3, 2006, at 20:09:41
oh sweetheart...
I am so sorry you are going through this with your Dad...there has to be some solution.
Could you possibly have your Dad go with you to your Dr. appointment and have your Dr. explain to your Dad the seriousness of Epilepsy? and the importance of meds to control your seizure activity?
I'm sure you know...the more seizures you have the more scar tissue is formed on your brain AND the more scar tissue present on the brain the more seizures you have...it is a very vicious cycle.
Many, if not all pharmacuetical companies have programs in place to help offset the cost of expensive meds that are needed...perhaps you and your Mom could explore that option. You Dr. can help you with that.I hope you can find some resolution to this problem...I wish you all the best. I will pray for you...
I take Topamax for Bi-Polar myself...I have been in a very dark depression the last few weeks...this sort of snapped me out of it!!
Please don't misunderstand me...I am not saying your bad situation made me feel better about myself...I just realized there are others worse off than me and I guess my "cloud" lifted...
Posted by Aleese on March 5, 2006, at 18:05:47
In reply to Re: Topomax for Migraines- Generic?? » Aleese, posted by Storm Rider on March 3, 2006, at 20:09:41
does anyone else have the problem where soda taste weard or diff to them because of Topamax?
Posted by Storm Rider on March 5, 2006, at 23:08:35
In reply to Re: Topomax for Migraines- Generic??, posted by Aleese on March 5, 2006, at 18:05:47
> does anyone else have the problem where soda taste weard or diff to them because of Topamax?
Soft drinks take on a strange taste when one is taking topomax but after a while I found that either I no longer was interested in 'sodas' or soft drinks so it didn't matter.
I think that they fell into the classification of foods and beverages that were affected by the topomax effect.and I forgot or overlooked or simply have become used to the one side effect that I do have from the topomax...
there is sometimes a slight tingling in my hands that my doctors tell me is caused by it and is normal from it...not as intense as with the tegretol but noticeable at times...
different to the numbness that happens as a warning that I am going to have a seizure at some time during the coming 12 hours ...
but like the feeling one has when one's hand 'goes to sleep'as for the soda taste thing.. that will either pass or not matter...
it is especially noticeable with the diet drinks I found
Posted by Aleese on March 6, 2006, at 14:33:06
In reply to Re: Topomax for Migraines- Generic?? » Aleese, posted by Storm Rider on March 5, 2006, at 23:08:35
I to have tingling but in my feet!1 How long does it take before it really gets in your system real good?
Posted by biogurl on March 8, 2006, at 21:50:22
In reply to Re: Topomax for Migraines- Generic??, posted by Aleese on March 3, 2006, at 16:26:33
I found a website that will be helpful for everyone here. Please pass it around to everyone that you talk to on the site.
www.ratemds.com
Posted by Aleese on March 9, 2006, at 8:50:55
In reply to Re: Topomax for Migraines- Generic?? » Aleese, posted by Storm Rider on March 5, 2006, at 23:08:35
How long does it take before the topomax makes you not as hungary and allt aht?
Posted by storm rider on March 9, 2006, at 10:35:02
In reply to Re: Topomax for Migraines- Generic??, posted by Aleese on March 9, 2006, at 8:50:55
> How long does it take before the topomax makes you not as hungary and allt aht?
I rather imagine that varies from person to person...
and it isn't so much a case of not being hungry as not having the cravings to eat all the time...
at least that was how it worked for me.
I was eating when I didn't know what else to do or was bored or stressed...
When I find myself with nothing to do or things not working according to plan, I have to react and when I am at work, I cannot get up and walk out of the office or the newsroom or whatever...
so when someone says he is going out for pop and a bag of chips, do you want something, why not? better get chips and a chocolate bar, maybe two...
and often when I was working odd hours I would find myself feeling the quiet and the boredom in front of the fridge, taking out the ingredients for a sandwich... I wasn't hungry, but it was something to do when there was no one to talk with...
the meds I was on didn't help as they caused weight gain all by themselves...
so between me and them it was balloon city...within days of starting topomax I noticed that I had lost three pounds...
and it kept coming off slowly and steadily...
nothing dramatic, no fifty pounds in a month the way some of the television ads proclaim, but that is highly dangerous...something in the medication curbs the interest in junk food and binging... I don't understand it, but from a person who was eating whent here was nothing else to do... I liked the way it worked...
and it stopped my headaches and my seizures too...
bonus!
Posted by Aleese on March 10, 2006, at 21:26:02
In reply to ratemds.com, posted by biogurl on March 8, 2006, at 21:50:22
If you have taken Topomax in the past and had to stop for a few months for some reason and then got back on it do the affects of the drug change if so why would they?
Posted by storm rider on March 10, 2006, at 21:38:27
In reply to If you were on Topomax and had to stop for a few m, posted by Aleese on March 10, 2006, at 21:26:02
> If you have taken Topomax in the past and had to stop for a few months for some reason and then got back on it do the affects of the drug change if so why would they?
How do you mean, 'Would the effects change'?
I have had to quit taking it for varying lengths of time while tests were run and when I started back on topomax, it still worked to curb seizures and it still worked to stop migraines...
however when the neurologist decided to cut back on the dosage when I told him I would no longer take tegretol the migraines started again; my doctor then told me to return to the original dosage and when I reached the original amount the migraines stopped...
does that help?
Posted by Aleese on March 10, 2006, at 22:51:26
In reply to Re: If you were on Topomax and had to stop for a f » Aleese, posted by storm rider on March 10, 2006, at 21:38:27
> > If you have taken Topomax in the past and had to stop for a few months for some reason and then got back on it do the affects of the drug change if so why would they?
>
> How do you mean, 'Would the effects change'?
>
> I have had to quit taking it for varying lengths of time while tests were run and when I started back on topomax, it still worked to curb seizures and it still worked to stop migraines...
> however when the neurologist decided to cut back on the dosage when I told him I would no longer take tegretol the migraines started again; my doctor then told me to return to the original dosage and when I reached the original amount the migraines stopped...
> does that help?Thank You for your response!!I just mean I was only on it for 2 weeks last time and it worked for my migranes and it also seemed to start curbing my appetite. i have now been on it for 10 days and it does help a bit with migranes but I dont see a change in appetite at all maybe I am jumping the gun? I just heard before that the affects change if you get off and then return or maybe I didn't hear correctly as I do that from time to time!!!
Posted by Dr. Bob on March 11, 2006, at 10:28:28
In reply to ratemds.com, posted by biogurl on March 8, 2006, at 21:50:22
> www.ratemds.com
Thanks for contributing, but I'd like to redirect follow-ups regarding mds rather than meds to Psycho-Babble Social. Here's a link:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20060310/msgs/618771.html
Thanks,
Bob
Posted by storm rider on March 11, 2006, at 15:37:01
In reply to Re: If you were on Topomax and had to stop for a f, posted by Aleese on March 10, 2006, at 22:51:26
I just heard before that the affects change if you get off and then return or maybe I didn't hear correctly as I do that from time to time!!!
>Remember that this is a medication that is used as much for its side effect effects as for its initial reason for development...
and it is important to remember that it is taken slowly and to allow the med to build up slowly in the system or it will not work properly at all...
instead it will cause all sorts of unwanted and unwelcome side effects... indeed it will lead to other health problems...if you are taking it for migraine it will start to work rather quickly from what I have learned;
if it is for weight loss, then it has to be allowed to do its work over a longer period of time...
when one stops taking it, the weight simply piles on again...
and that adds to the emotional problems that some people are taking it for...life is indeed a circle game...
Posted by Aleese on March 11, 2006, at 18:20:34
In reply to Re: If you were on Topomax and had to stop for a f » Aleese, posted by storm rider on March 11, 2006, at 15:37:01
> I just heard before that the affects change if you get off and then return or maybe I didn't hear correctly as I do that from time to time!!!
> >
>
> Remember that this is a medication that is used as much for its side effect effects as for its initial reason for development...
> and it is important to remember that it is taken slowly and to allow the med to build up slowly in the system or it will not work properly at all...
> instead it will cause all sorts of unwanted and unwelcome side effects... indeed it will lead to other health problems...
>
> if you are taking it for migraine it will start to work rather quickly from what I have learned;
> if it is for weight loss, then it has to be allowed to do its work over a longer period of time...
> when one stops taking it, the weight simply piles on again...
> and that adds to the emotional problems that some people are taking it for...
>
> life is indeed a circle game...
>
I am taking it for both weightloss and migranes and I am on 100 mgs a day I hope my Dr. has me on the correct dosage. What do you think?
Posted by SandyWeb on March 17, 2006, at 8:03:56
In reply to Re: If you were on Topomax and had to stop for a f, posted by Aleese on March 11, 2006, at 18:20:34
Hi all,
I've been on Topamax for almost 1.5 months now, and it is great! My doctor and I have worked me up to 100mg at night and 100mg in the morning so far, and we'll probably keep going up to 400mg unless I start having difficulties. I take it mainly for two reasons: to combat the massive weight I've gained from Remeron (over 50 pounds, and I'm prone to diabetes since I had gestational diabetes with both my babies), and for mood stabilization (which gabapentin was doing until it pooped out about 6 months ago).
I find Topamax to be a very clean, clear-headed, non-dopey, alert, "brings back the old Sandy"-type med. I really like it. Very few side effects, which mainly only occurred within the first few days and then went away.
That being said......I do have one side affect that is NOT going away and is bothering me A LOT. I AM FREEZING....ALL THE TIME. My whole body. My hands, my nose, my legs, my face, my feet, EVERYTHING. I'm constantly drinking hot coffee, and that helps for the time. I have the heater blasting, but that doesn't seem to help matters because I'm sweating my family!!!! I'm bundled in winter clothes, and even wear a hat inside the house at times. I mean, I'M COLD!
I'm almost scared to take my temperature. If it's too low, I may have to stop the Topamax, right? But this med is almost like a lifesaver. Even my sister says that she sees the old Sandra that she used to know. I feel me too! Argh!
Has anyone had this happen? Is this just a side effect that takes quite some time to adjust to? Or do I need to live inside my quilt from now on??
I'd greatly appreciate hearing from any of you. I really love this medication! I've read about hyPERthermia, but not hyPOthermia. Any words of wisdom? Should I become the crazy cat lady and surround myself with a bunch of warm purring kitty cats?? *smile*
Hugs,
Sandy
Posted by bridgey1128 on March 17, 2006, at 9:46:16
In reply to TOPAMAX and Hypothermia, posted by SandyWeb on March 17, 2006, at 8:03:56
That's an interesting problem. I am a very hotnatured person by nature so I have found that taking the Topamax makes me quite comfortable if a little chilly sometimes. Although, I would MUCH rather be cold than hot ANYDAY! I think it changes one's PERCEPTION of cold rather than our actual temperature because I have had my temperature taken and it hasn't changed up or down. I am not sure why this is a side effect or if it changes maybe circulation? Talk to your Dr about it. Kitty cats help. :) SO take 6 cats and call your Dr in the morning. :D
Posted by rainy on March 17, 2006, at 10:06:04
In reply to Re: TOPAMAX and Hypothermia, posted by bridgey1128 on March 17, 2006, at 9:46:16
Aha! Although I begin to gripe and complain when it gets much above 75 F. outside and insist on sleeping in a 60 degree room with two cats and a husband, I'm freezing to death this winter.
I thought it was poor circulation since it's been to cold (in NJ? not likely) to walk much--it never occured to me to pin it on Topamax--I take 400 mgs a day. Tingling hands after two years of no such symptoms, yes. But layers and layers of clothes? Nah. A contractor who should be sued although I'm sure he's dead by now.
rainy
Posted by storm rider on March 17, 2006, at 11:07:35
In reply to TOPAMAX and Hypothermia, posted by SandyWeb on March 17, 2006, at 8:03:56
> Hi all,
>
> I've been on Topamax for almost 1.5 months now, and it is great! My doctor and I have worked me up to 100mg at night and 100mg in the morning so far, and we'll probably keep going up to 400mg unless I start having difficulties. I take it mainly for two reasons: to combat the massive weight I've gained from Remeron (over 50 pounds, and I'm prone to diabetes since I had gestational diabetes with both my babies), and for mood stabilization (which gabapentin was doing until it pooped out about 6 months ago).
>
> I find Topamax to be a very clean, clear-headed, non-dopey, alert, "brings back the old Sandy"-type med. I really like it. Very few side effects, which mainly only occurred within the first few days and then went away.
>
> That being said......I do have one side affect that is NOT going away and is bothering me A LOT. I AM FREEZING....ALL THE TIME. My whole body. My hands, my nose, my legs, my face, my feet, EVERYTHING. I'm constantly drinking hot coffee, and that helps for the time. I have the heater blasting, but that doesn't seem to help matters because I'm sweating my family!!!! I'm bundled in winter clothes, and even wear a hat inside the house at times. I mean, I'M COLD!
>
> I'm almost scared to take my temperature. If it's too low, I may have to stop the Topamax, right? But this med is almost like a lifesaver. Even my sister says that she sees the old Sandra that she used to know. I feel me too! Argh!
>
> Has anyone had this happen? Is this just a side effect that takes quite some time to adjust to? Or do I need to live inside my quilt from now on??
>
> I'd greatly appreciate hearing from any of you. I really love this medication! I've read about hyPERthermia, but not hyPOthermia. Any words of wisdom? Should I become the crazy cat lady and surround myself with a bunch of warm purring kitty cats?? *smile*
>
> Hugs,
>
> Sandy
>Sandy, a couple of things come to mind...
first of all, there is a tingling effect that comes with taking topomax... pins and needles in the extremities...
and if you are prone to diabetes there may be a circulation problem...
has anyone looked into that?that said, the sense of being cold may be adjustment to the weight loss and the loss of insulation
I hate warm weather, always have said I would happy spending winters in this Northern Ontario climate then heading to the Arctic about the first of April...
however, I do find that I feel the cold more now that I have lost so much weight...
the only advice I can give...and I am diabetic by the way, with the accompanying circulation problems... not much left to go wrong, although I still have my tonsils and appendix LOL...
is to follow the recommendations I have been given...
for one thing don't use bath oil... that is really not a great idea apparently...
if your feet are cold, take a good penetrating foot cream and massage the entire foot with it
then wear a sock that is not ribbed with nylon or elastic, a warm one.. cosy type <s>
layered cosy clothing helps too...
clothing that lets your body breathe and feel comfortable...I find that I am more comfortable in soft knit sweaters ... I have to dress for work... the goldfish bowl routine... but I try to choose dress fabrics that are soft and comfortable and feel warm to the skin...
well I know what I mean LOLand it does get better...
I keep sheepskin type throws on the couch so I can snuggle into them to read or script my shows...
they look rather attractive against the neutral couch and they are practical too...
it is a matter of comfort and success for you...
the success in achieving stabilisation is vital and the comfort is a vital part of it...you will beat it, I promise...
kat
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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
[email protected]
Script revised: February 4, 2008
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