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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
[email protected]Shown: posts 1 to 11 of 11. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by KAP on June 6, 2000, at 19:27:42
Does it work for Anxiety?
Posted by Andre Allard on June 6, 2000, at 20:41:23
In reply to Topamax, posted by KAP on June 6, 2000, at 19:27:42
It is not given for anxiety but rather for manic episodes. It does seem to have some AD effects so I suppose it can help minimally for anxiety. If anxiety is your concern, I would suggest buspar, clonazepam or xanax. Good luck!
Posted by kady on June 9, 2000, at 15:25:01
In reply to Re: Topamax, posted by Andre Allard on June 6, 2000, at 20:41:23
> Have you ever heard of it being given for migraines only. I was told by my neuro that it was an anti seizure med, nothing about as an anti depressant!
As for the cognitive dulling issues voiced in another thread, how many milligrams are those who are taking it prescribed?
Thanks and someone please reply, I have asked this in several threads and noone seems to want to answer me.
Posted by Andre Allard on June 10, 2000, at 2:32:34
In reply to Topamax, posted by KAP on June 6, 2000, at 19:27:42
Topomax is usually intiated at 12.5-25 mg twice a day. The final dosage is between 100-200 mg daily. Carbamazepine lowers blood levels by 50% and valproic acid decreaces levels by 15%.
The reason why not to many people have responded to your questions concerning topomax is most likely because topomax is not used as a first line of defence against bipolar disorder. It is usually used in treatment-resistant bipolars.
I hope this helps. Good luck!
Posted by Cam W. on June 10, 2000, at 4:56:16
In reply to Re: Topamax, posted by kady on June 9, 2000, at 15:25:01
Kady - I guess Topamax could be used for migraines depending upon the focal point of the migraine (eg headaches originating from the temporal lobe, perhaps), but I have not seen it used in migraines (this does not mean that it hasn't been, though).The cognitive dulling (eg name finding, simple math problems) is usually a side effect of raising the dose too fast. A slow titration is needed. Like Andre said, it is usually started at 25mg per day (it can be in a divided dose, but once daily dosing is usually okay). You can then increase the dose by 25mg or 50mg per week (depending upon tolerance and side effects) to a target dose of 200mg to 600mg daily. I have read about it being used in bipolar disorder at doses up to 1400mg per day, but generally, most researchers agree that doses greater than 600mg per day in bipolar disorder are not anymore effective than larger daily dosages. I see an average dose of 200mg to 400mg daily used (but in a few of those 200mg per day cases I would like to see the dose raised just a little more - it just needs to be done slowly).
As for weight loss with the drug, I do see it in about 20% or 30% of patients, but definitely not everyone. I would not use it for weight loss alone because it is a powerful mood stabilizing and antidepressant drug. It does seem to work well in many cases of bipolar depression usually as an add-on (adjunctive) agent or sometimes as a monotherapy. I have only seen it used as a monotherapy a couple of times. It is usually added to a traditional mood stabilizer or Zyprexa (to try to decrease or slow the weight gain, hoping for an added bonus of improved mood).
- Cam
Posted by kady on June 10, 2000, at 14:33:23
In reply to Re: Topamax » kady, posted by Cam W. on June 10, 2000, at 4:56:16
> Thank you both very much. You have helped and provided great info. I really appreciate that.
>
Posted by Cynthia M. on June 12, 2000, at 10:36:47
In reply to Re: Topamax Andre Allard » Cam W., posted by kady on June 10, 2000, at 14:33:23
Kady- one interesting thing I noticed with Topomax was an inability to tolerate the taste of any carbonated beverage. Have you had this happen? Just curious-
Cynthia
Posted by kady on June 13, 2000, at 7:55:48
In reply to Topomax and Carbonation, posted by Cynthia M. on June 12, 2000, at 10:36:47
> You know what, I have not started taking the drug yet. I found this site by searching for feedback on the drug at my Dr's suggestion. I think I am definitely going to give it a try but not for a few months. Will be interesting to find out though since I am one of those who craves carbonation. I don't what that is, but nothing will satisfy me sometimes other than a diet carbonated drink. Have to have it!
Posted by KAP on June 13, 2000, at 15:51:20
In reply to Re: Topamax, posted by Andre Allard on June 6, 2000, at 20:41:23
> It is not given for anxiety but rather for manic episodes. It does seem to have some AD effects so I suppose it can help minimally for anxiety. If anxiety is your concern, I would suggest buspar, clonazepam or xanax. Good luck!
Thank you for the feedback. I see my Family Phys. on Thursday. It takes 6 weeks to see a Psyc. & $240.00.I have another ? What information is there on Ritalin with ADD adults. I am ADD and have never been treated.
Thanks KAP
Posted by Andre Allard on June 14, 2000, at 1:13:28
In reply to Re: Topamax » kady, posted by Cam W. on June 10, 2000, at 4:56:16
Ritalin is very effective with treating ADD in both children and adults. Other dopamine antagonists are used as well with success. Good luck!
Posted by lexie on June 14, 2000, at 20:08:02
In reply to Topomax and Carbonation, posted by Cynthia M. on June 12, 2000, at 10:36:47
I recently started taking Topamax for Bipolar II, and have also noticed that carbonation has an unpleasant taste. I was in a meeting tonight and mentioned that the canned soda didn't taste right and no one agreed. Thank you for sharing, now I know why I was the only one who thought so. Lexie
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