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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 11 of 11. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by galkeepinon on July 18, 2003, at 22:29:02
Hi
I am itching like crazy-BAD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Does Topamax cause itching??? It is the only thing that is different with my meds. I have NEVER felt this way before I am about ready to go to the ER.
PLEASE help anyone with this kind of experience on Topamax?
Thanks,
Gal
Posted by medlib on July 18, 2003, at 23:25:35
In reply to HELP-ITCHING ON TOPAMAX ANYONE???................., posted by galkeepinon on July 18, 2003, at 22:29:02
Hi Galkeepinon--
Yes, Topamax can cause itching (pruritis). It's not one of the more frequent side effects, but it *is* reported in the drug lit.
For immediate relief (and to avoid spending the night in the ER), you could try some Benadryl. Any all-night pharmacy will have it; it's OTC. Don't take it until you get home, though. I missed a tree by a very few inches when I nodded off at the wheel just minutes after taking my first Benadryl. If it doesn't entirely stop the itching, it *may* put you to sleep (which is almost as good).
Why does everything which can go wrong always do so on Friday night? If I were you, I'd put a call in to your pdoc's service and tell them that you're having an *intolerable* side effect to a new med and need to speak to whoever is on call immediately (or, at least, within the next 24 hours). But, don't hold your breath. My pdoc's number begins with the message, "If this is an emergency, hang up and dial 911."
Good luck!---medlib
Posted by NThompson on July 19, 2003, at 2:17:01
In reply to HELP-ITCHING ON TOPAMAX ANYONE???................., posted by galkeepinon on July 18, 2003, at 22:29:02
Hey there hun,
I've never taken it, but make sure it IS a side-effect and not an ALLERGIC reaction. If you other symptons other that the itching, I would definately go to the ER. Shortness of breath, turning pink or red, getting swollen or even getting hives! Other than that, soak in a warm-hot bath with just water and some cornstarch if you have it. When anyone in my family ever came across any itching of the body, hives, chicken pox, poison oak or just bug bites, we would soak in a warm bath of cornstarch. But don't put any thing else in it like bubbles or even other soap. It might make the itching worst.
Let me know if you are okay,
Love ya, Nyia
Posted by galkeepinon on July 19, 2003, at 22:28:08
In reply to Re: HELP-ITCHING ON TOPAMAX ANYONE???................. » galkeepinon, posted by medlib on July 18, 2003, at 23:25:35
Thanks medlib, I did take some Benadryl last night and it did help a little, even though it was for sinus allergies lol-you were right it didn't entirely stop the itching, but it did help a little. I know-man I was supposed to go out too and I'm like there is no way I am going to be itching like a fool and cause an accident on the road. Same here....My pdoc's number begins with the message, "If this is an emergency, hang up and dial 911." I see my psychiatrist Tuesday so I may ask him if Vistaril could augment this, do you think????
It is just so unbearable. I bought some spray on Benadryl today--gonna try that tonight. Guess I was one of 1.2% who got the pruritis side effect of Topamax.
*shrugs*Thanks again medlib for your advice-appreciate it much.
Gal> Hi Galkeepinon--
>
> Yes, Topamax can cause itching (pruritis). It's not one of the more frequent side effects, but it *is* reported in the drug lit.
>
> For immediate relief (and to avoid spending the night in the ER), you could try some Benadryl. Any all-night pharmacy will have it; it's OTC. Don't take it until you get home, though. I missed a tree by a very few inches when I nodded off at the wheel just minutes after taking my first Benadryl. If it doesn't entirely stop the itching, it *may* put you to sleep (which is almost as good).
>
> Why does everything which can go wrong always do so on Friday night? If I were you, I'd put a call in to your pdoc's service and tell them that you're having an *intolerable* side effect to a new med and need to speak to whoever is on call immediately (or, at least, within the next 24 hours). But, don't hold your breath. My pdoc's number begins with the message, "If this is an emergency, hang up and dial 911."
>
> Good luck!---medlib
Posted by galkeepinon on July 19, 2003, at 22:30:36
In reply to Re: HELP-ITCHING ON TOPAMAX ANYONE???................. » galkeepinon, posted by NThompson on July 19, 2003, at 2:17:01
Hey Nyia, I've been on Topamax for about 3 months now so I don't think it's an allergic reaction. I appreciate your concern though:)
Feeling better, just trying what I can from my end do stop the itching ARRGGGHHHH I see my psychiatrist Tuesday-see what he says.Hope you're doing well and thanks again.
Gal
> Hey there hun,
>
> I've never taken it, but make sure it IS a side-effect and not an ALLERGIC reaction. If you other symptons other that the itching, I would definately go to the ER. Shortness of breath, turning pink or red, getting swollen or even getting hives! Other than that, soak in a warm-hot bath with just water and some cornstarch if you have it. When anyone in my family ever came across any itching of the body, hives, chicken pox, poison oak or just bug bites, we would soak in a warm bath of cornstarch. But don't put any thing else in it like bubbles or even other soap. It might make the itching worst.
>
> Let me know if you are okay,
> Love ya, Nyia
Posted by Rainee on July 20, 2003, at 22:14:11
In reply to Re: HELP-ITCHING ON TOPAMAX ANYONE???................. » NThompson, posted by galkeepinon on July 19, 2003, at 22:30:36
You can get an allergic reaction at anytime.. so it is a concern ... Your body is telling you something very important. I'm glad your going to see your doc soon.
Best wishes
Posted by galkeepinon on July 20, 2003, at 23:19:39
In reply to Re: HELP-ITCHING ON TOPAMAX ANYONE???................., posted by Rainee on July 20, 2003, at 22:14:11
Rainee, are you serious? Even though I've been on it for 3 months? Now I'm concerned. Where did you hear that? I have been having horrific headaches (aura, dizziness) and I haven't had a period for months on end. Is my body telling me something??? I just finished crying and I probably will cry some more-I'm really scared. These 3 things are just not normal to me. Do they sound right to you? What would you suggest? Anyone please help.
Gal
> You can get an allergic reaction at anytime.. so it is a concern ... Your body is telling you something very important. I'm glad your going to see your doc soon.
>
> Best wishes
Posted by River1924 on July 21, 2003, at 14:37:34
In reply to HELP-ITCHING ON TOPAMAX ANYONE???................., posted by galkeepinon on July 18, 2003, at 22:29:02
Unless you have epilepsy or very prone to mania, why don't you just skip a dose or reduce the the dose or stop taking it. Am I the only one who does that if the side effects are horrid? I'm glad you see your doctor soon. In the future, go to your drug store and ask your pharmacist to call your doctor: doctors tend to call pharmacies back...maybe that way you could have had your prescription altered. PS: Ask your doctor what you should do if something like this happens again. I've tried lots of meds and I usually insist the doctor give me an "escape clause" if the med starts to cause annoying problems.
Posted by galkeepinon on July 21, 2003, at 15:34:04
In reply to Re: HELP-ITCHING ON TOPAMAX ANYONE???............. » galkeepinon, posted by River1924 on July 21, 2003, at 14:37:34
Thanks River, nope-I don't have epilepsy and I'm not prone to mania, and yep I skipped a dose and cut it back I now am only taking 100mg instead of 200mg. Nope-you're not the only one who just skips a dose or reduces a dose or stops taking a med-I won't put up with feeling horrible like this.
What have you heard about Lexapro????
I really think I need an antidepressant instead of Effexor-think it stopped working and thought about giving Lexapro a shot. I've been on almost every med except that and Zoloft for depression. Soooooo
wish me luck with the doc tomorrow!What do you think?
> Unless you have epilepsy or very prone to mania, why don't you just skip a dose or reduce the the dose or stop taking it. Am I the only one who does that if the side effects are horrid? I'm glad you see your doctor soon. In the future, go to your drug store and ask your pharmacist to call your doctor: doctors tend to call pharmacies back...maybe that way you could have had your prescription altered. PS: Ask your doctor what you should do if something like this happens again. I've tried lots of meds and I usually insist the doctor give me an "escape clause" if the med starts to cause annoying problems.
Posted by tuffys mommy on July 21, 2003, at 18:24:17
In reply to Re: HELP-ITCHING ON TOPAMAX ANYONE???............. » River1924, posted by galkeepinon on July 21, 2003, at 15:34:04
HI. I'VE JUST RECENTLY STARTED TOPAMAX JUNE 13TH 2003 AND LAST WEEK MY EYES HAVE STARTED GOING THRU ITCHING SPELLS SO BADLY THAT I'VE HAD TO TAKE A BENEDRYL TO STOP THE ITCHING ON 5 OCCASIONS. I WAS SUSPICIOUS OF THE TOPAMAX, BUT NOW AFTER READING YOUR INPUT, YOU HAVE CONFIRMED IT FOR ME THAT THE ITCHING IN MY EYES WAS COMING FROM THE TOPAMAX.I AM CURRENTLY TAKING 250 MG.. I WAS ORIGINALLY TAKING NEURONTIN FOR 5 YEARS, BUT GAINED 75 LBS. AND REFUSED TO TAKE IT ANYMORE BECAUSE OF THE WEIGHT GAIN. AS OF TODAY I AM 6 DAYS CLEAN FROM NEURONTIN SO MY DR. SWITCHED ME OVER IN JUNE TO TOPAMAX TO HOPEFULLY LOSE WEIGHT. I ALSO HAVE BIPOLAR DISORDER AND GET THE ADDED BENEFIT OF MOOD STABILIZATION. BY THE WAY, DOES ANYONE KNOW HOW LONG IT TAKES FOR THE WEIGHT LOSS EFFECT TO KICK IN FROM THE TOPAMAX? SO FAR THE SCALE SAYS 6 LBS.DOWN. I ALSO HAVE BODY ITCHING, ESPECIALLY AT NIGHT AND AROUND MY NECK AREA. OH WELL, JUST KNOWING WHAT IT IS MAKES ME FEEL MUCH BETTER ALREADY.THANK YOU FOR THE ADVICE.
Posted by Ethel Basset on July 23, 2003, at 0:06:28
In reply to Re: HELP-ITCHING ON TOPAMAX ANYONE???............., posted by tuffys mommy on July 21, 2003, at 18:24:17
Hi
I am going to answer your question with another question (for you or anyone else).
I am going to start taking topamax this week-end for mood stabilization and weight loss, as well.
I have gained 30 pounds on these darned ADs.
....Besides the itching, have you tolerated the topamax well? Does it give you energy?
It sounds like the weight loss has kicked in for you if you have lost six pounds since June.
I think that my body has forgotten how to lose weight, it only knows how to gain weight.
I am really hoping that the topamax helps with the weight because I am desperate. The fact that you have lost six pounds is encouraging to me and should be to you as well.
No other side effects?
(BTW--I too, have been told that benadryl is a relatively safe medication for itching and allergic reactions. It helps with insomnia as well).
Thanks and God Bless.
>HI. I'VE JUST RECENTLY STARTED TOPAMAX JUNE 13TH 2003 AND LAST WEEK MY EYES HAVE STARTED GOING THRU ITCHING SPELLS SO BADLY THAT I'VE HAD TO TAKE A BENEDRYL TO STOP THE ITCHING ON 5 OCCASIONS. I WAS SUSPICIOUS OF THE TOPAMAX, BUT NOW AFTER READING YOUR INPUT, YOU HAVE CONFIRMED IT FOR ME THAT THE ITCHING IN MY EYES WAS COMING FROM THE TOPAMAX.I AM CURRENTLY TAKING 250 MG.. I WAS ORIGINALLY TAKING NEURONTIN FOR 5 YEARS, BUT GAINED 75 LBS. AND REFUSED TO TAKE IT ANYMORE BECAUSE OF THE WEIGHT GAIN. AS OF TODAY I AM 6 DAYS CLEAN FROM NEURONTIN SO MY DR. SWITCHED ME OVER IN JUNE TO TOPAMAX TO HOPEFULLY LOSE WEIGHT. I ALSO HAVE BIPOLAR DISORDER AND GET THE ADDED BENEFIT OF MOOD STABILIZATION. BY THE WAY, DOES ANYONE KNOW HOW LONG IT TAKES FOR THE WEIGHT LOSS EFFECT TO KICK IN FROM THE TOPAMAX? SO FAR THE SCALE SAYS 6 LBS.DOWN. I ALSO HAVE BODY ITCHING, ESPECIALLY AT NIGHT AND AROUND MY NECK AREA. OH WELL, JUST KNOWING WHAT IT IS MAKES ME FEEL MUCH BETTER ALREADY.THANK YOU FOR THE ADVICE.
This is the end of the thread.
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