Posted by ed_uk on August 22, 2005, at 15:46:24
In reply to Re: Topamax increase - stupifying!, posted by Nickengland on August 21, 2005, at 17:42:58
Hi Nick,
>Have you heard of bicarbonate being used with Topamax to reduce cognitive effects.........
Topamax can occasionally cause a condition called metabolic acidosis. Your doctor can test for this. Bicarbonate tablets are used to treat metabolic acidosis. Don't take bicarbonate tablets unless you've developed metabolic acidosis. Topamax often causes mild metabolic acidosis but severe metabolic acidosis is rare. If you had developed severe metabolic acidosis you'd be very ill! Mild metabolic acidosis can be difficult to recognise without a blood test. The risk of metabolic acidosis increases as the Topamax dose is increased.
Sodium bicarbonate caps/tabs are available on prescription. Potassium bicarbonate is also available.
Metabolic acidosis can only be diagnosed by a blood test.
Symptoms of mild metabolic acidosis are vague........
Headache
Nausea/vomiting
Reduced appetite
Deep and/or rapid breathing
Lethargy
Cognitive impairment
.............of course, all of these symptoms can occur in the absense of metabolic acidosis.Kind regards
~Ed
poster:ed_uk
thread:542426
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20050821/msgs/545213.html