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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 12 of 12. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by skylerwest on April 7, 2003, at 19:36:38
I am on Topomax.
I have lost over 150 lbs in 2 years, looking good
but my problem is that I'm always so very cold all the time.I'm also on Wellbrutin SR 150mg 2xday
Does anyone else have that problem?
Posted by Lexxey on April 10, 2003, at 15:31:50
In reply to Topomax, posted by skylerwest on April 7, 2003, at 19:36:38
When I was cold and taking Topamax I just wore long underware all the time. Actually I miss it...it was nice for someone as hot natured as I am to feel more normal.
Underwear is cheaper than untility bills too. Use silk...it breathes best.
Posted by skylerwest on April 10, 2003, at 16:13:37
In reply to Re: Topomax, posted by Lexxey on April 10, 2003, at 15:31:50
Thank you for that information. I was beginning to think I was going crazy. And yes I will be looking forward to lower electric bills and my husband will enjoy a more normal temp in the house.
Boy have I been learn a lot about Topamax the last few days of web browsing. I have been having alot of health problems and testing and nothing seems to wrong. Then reading all the postings I find that Topamax seems to be the main reason for so many of my complaints.
Heck my pdoc has me on 400 mg. Well the heck with that, I just started to cut back to 300 mg. He thinks I want to get thinner I'm satisfied at 150. I want my mind back and my bladder control back and I will tell him at my next visit in May to cut me back to 100 mg and see how I do on that.
My mood swings are in full check but all the other health problems I have been having I just can't handle.
Thanks for your support. G
Posted by Lexxey on April 11, 2003, at 8:50:34
In reply to Re: Topomax » Lexxey, posted by skylerwest on April 10, 2003, at 16:13:37
Wow...400 huh?
I can understand how you feel cold.....and a lot of other weird stuff. I was cold and weird at 100mg. My doc wanted to try me at 150 and I wouldn't do it....I will just stay off it a while until it's well out of my system and then try again in a year to lose the last 20 pounds....if my hair can take it.
So far I am maintaining my 38 pound loss but it's taking everything I have!!!
Posted by skylerwest on April 11, 2003, at 11:03:30
In reply to Re: Topomax ...Skyler, posted by Lexxey on April 11, 2003, at 8:50:34
Lexxy
Thank you for your notes, you have been helpful and I put on the "long Johns" LOL.
Just didn't want to go that route but it helps a lot. Using hubbies will have to scout out at this time time of year for womans since it's now spring fashions. Yet it's winter in my area.Again Thank you.
skylerwest
Posted by suedean on May 20, 2003, at 16:17:54
In reply to Re: Topomax » Lexxey, posted by skylerwest on April 10, 2003, at 16:13:37
I too have had several health problems an several tests all negative...I never thought it could be the medicine...I also had a turn with kidney stones last month. I am on 200 mg of Topomax and have only noticed a slight weight loss...nothing signifigant. Darn! The health problems would be almost worth it if there was weight loss at the same time...
Great to know I'm not alone here.
Suedean
Posted by Angel Girl on May 20, 2003, at 17:37:16
In reply to Topomax, posted by skylerwest on April 7, 2003, at 19:36:38
> I am on Topomax.
> I have lost over 150 lbs in 2 years, looking good
> but my problem is that I'm always so very cold all the time.
>
> I'm also on Wellbrutin SR 150mg 2xday
>
> Does anyone else have that problem?Skylar
First I'd like to say CONGRATULATIONS on losing 150 lbs in 2 years. Can you tell me what your experience is with Topomax and besides taking the Topomax what you did in the way of eating and exercise to lose the weight? I've also heard that Wellbrutin can cause weight loss as well. Do you think that was a contributing factor for you?
Could you also tell me what your diagnosis is, mine is BP-II and Complex PTSD and possible BPD.
I'm currently on Depakote and going to my pdoc tomorrow to start tapering down on that and introducing Topomax. The reason for the change is twofold: to lose weight (lots hopefully) and to stop hair loss.
I've read from the replies of other posters (can't recall who, sorry!) that Topomax makes you cold???? Also, losing weight quickly will do the same thing. I'd rather be cold then fat though. lol!!!
Again Congratulations on your weight loss and any advice in that area that you can give me and/or sharing your Topomax experience would be GREATLY appreciated.
Thanks,
Angel Girl
Posted by Angel Girl on May 20, 2003, at 17:44:28
In reply to Re: Topomax ...Skyler, posted by Lexxey on April 11, 2003, at 8:50:34
> Wow...400 huh?
>
> I can understand how you feel cold.....and a lot of other weird stuff. I was cold and weird at 100mg. My doc wanted to try me at 150 and I wouldn't do it....I will just stay off it a while until it's well out of my system and then try again in a year to lose the last 20 pounds....if my hair can take it.
>
> So far I am maintaining my 38 pound loss but it's taking everything I have!!!Lexxey
Congratulations on your 38lbs weight loss. In what period of time did it take you to do that and at what dosage did it start to happen?
Also what other 'weird stuff' are you referring to. Also you mentioned hair problems. I didn't know that hair problems were associated with Topomax. Could you please clarify what kind of hair problems. That is one of the reasons that I'm tapering down on Depakote and starting Topomax. I will be starting Topomax tomorrow and I'd like to be as well informed as possible.
Thanks,
Angel Girl
Posted by Lexxey on May 21, 2003, at 12:13:55
In reply to Re: Topomax ...Skyler » Lexxey, posted by Angel Girl on May 20, 2003, at 17:44:28
I could post an update now...
I have gone back on Topamax after being off of it for 3 months. I was taking something else for my ADHD that made me gain 7 pounds back...damn!!! And I was doing so well. This time I can't seem to lose at all yet...2 weeks on it ..one at 50 mg and 2 at 100mg and eating nothing but oatmeal and slimfast bars [some raw fruit and veggies...I'm not dumb!] And working like crazy in the yard...and I have 4 acres.
Surely my metabolism will kick in soon...I'm almost 60 and a sloooow loser...I have to work reaaal hard and that's why my doc let me try this. It took me 8 months on it before eating about 900 calories a day...I mean very strictly.
For Hair problems go to
http://pub123.ezboard.com/ftopamaxtalkfrm2Many folks have thinning of their hair at about 5 months at 100mg or more. It happened to me and that's how I found these wonderful ladies....so friendly. I am on the Nioxin shampoo and their[this BB] recommended supplements this time and I have heard it will help cuz it helps folks on chemo.
By "weird stuff" I meant, "clumsiness" cuz Topamax messes with the dopamine and that has an effect on motor skills and the "fuzzy headiness"...trying to pull words out of my head that seem to vanish, and "not being able to remember how to get across town" when I am one of those folks with a super sense of direction but this stuff fogs it up. I just won't drive in the morning and just won't drive with anyone else in the car...not worth the risk.
For normal people...this drug is like getting instant ADHD at about 100-150mg. This is what ADHD folks feel like before they take stimulants. I do take Ritalin with it and it helps a lot but it feels a bit artificial...more stimulated than it does normally, like too much coffee...usually it feels perfectly normal...I've taken it for 20 years.
Another thing...don't take MELOTONIN with Topamax...it will keep you awake...it did me anyway...and so did Benedryl and every other allergy med ....when they usually make me sleepy as all get out!!!
Posted by Maeve on May 21, 2003, at 21:41:01
In reply to Re: Topomax ...Skyler, posted by Lexxey on May 21, 2003, at 12:13:55
Hi there!
Thanks so much for the fantastic amount of information you all have shared. I do appreciate it!
Scary thought - did I read correctly that one looses hair on Topamax?
I am one of "those patients" that has tried and failed everything for depression. Now I'm on Effexor, Gabapentin and Topamax 25 mg slowly building up.... and hoping this mixture works. And I have baby fine hair…..
I'm 5'4 and usually weigh about 130 but this last year my weight has zipped up over 200!
Loosing weight is definitly on my to-do list but getting bald at the same time?
Boy - dunno....I would appreciate anyone's infinite wisdom or a kick in the rear.... information in any form is power!
Thanks!!
Posted by Loreli on June 17, 2003, at 21:56:40
In reply to Topomax, posted by skylerwest on April 7, 2003, at 19:36:38
> My problem is very different. I have been on Topomax for 6 weeks for Migraine prevention. I have GAINED 18 lbs. I have a lot of very negative side effects. My hair is falling out in alarming amounts. My hands and feet tingle all the time.I have a constant twitching in my right eye (similar to a light muscle spasm) I forget words constantly, and embarrasingly enough when I am discussing contracts, I forget what I am talking about, making me look totally unprofessional. Also I do not get cold any more than usual on this medication. I take 50 mg. daily. My follow up is this week and I will be asking to be taken off this medication. It has been a bit of a nightmare for me. For those of you that have success with this medication, I wish you well.
Posted by suedean on June 18, 2003, at 10:52:27
In reply to Re: Topomax, posted by Loreli on June 17, 2003, at 21:56:40
I just wanted to let you all know what has been happening lately with me and this medication...
My doctor increased the dosage and I started having kidney stone problems (not a good time) and tons of un-diagnosable pain and symptoms...I , myself, went back down to the 100 mg. daily that I was on and all problems seem to have stopped and things are back to normal...
about this hair loss problem ??? the funny thing with me is, I seem to have more hair now, which is a GOOD thing because I was getting mighty thin before...strange how this med affects people in different ways. I am not seeing any type of weight loss though and that is rather disheartening...I sure would like to loose a couple of pounds or maybe 30 or 40...LOL
prayers,
Cindi
This is the end of the thread.
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