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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 Kris on July 17, 2001, at 14:48:03
Hi! I have been spying on this post for quite a while so i figured - why not just JOIN?? :) Thanks for all the helpful information you have already provided me with on your experiences with topamax!
I am 19 years old and have been struggling with eating disorders for nearly all of my life. I have dealt with mostly anorexia, but the great pressure put on me to eat during my recovery has led me to purging. I feel like I have tried everything and still can not kick this dangerous habit, it is only getting worse. Because of my low weight, it is uncertain whether I will be able to return to my WONDERFUL college this coming semester. My loving nutritionist has suggested Topamax as perhaps a "last chance" for my recovery. She is very confident in ths medicine, as she has seen it work wonders for a few of her patients suffering from bulimia. These topo patients have stopped almost all purging and also bingeing. I am going to my pDOC at the end of this week and I am going to beg her to put me on this medicine. I know she will not be fond of the suggestion bc of the weight loss that is a common side effect with topamax. SO, i am trying to get all the info i can to bring to her and support my case!! Any help ASAP would be appreciated soooo very much! Thanks for everything. My thoughts are with you all! love, kris
Posted by 16# on July 17, 2001, at 17:55:09
In reply to Topamax, posted by Kris on July 17, 2001, at 14:48:03
Why did your nutritionist recommend topamax?
Posted by 16# on July 17, 2001, at 18:11:46
In reply to Topamax, posted by Kris on July 17, 2001, at 14:48:03
I re-read your post and now better understand your question. I don't think that anyone on this board would be acting very responsibly if they offered you data to help you marshal a case for Topamax before your doctor. Your history with anorexia strongly contraindicates your taking a drug with an appetite suppressant effect -- particularly when you are currently at such a dangerously low weight that you are in danger of not meeting the continuation requirements for your college. I'm sure that irregardless of whatever information you mine from this bulletin board, your doctor will not be persuaded.
The most important thing for you is to get to a weight where you can re-enroll in your college. Also, it is my humble opinion that you should fire your nutritionist.
As for me, I have been on Topamax for three weeks now. I have lost a few pounds (I needed to). I have had some side effects (mild cognitive effects -- spelling, forgetfulness; physical -- tingling in hands and feet), but overall it seems like an okay drug. Has had no discernible effect on my mood whatsoever. I was placed on the drug to lose weight gained on SSRIs.
Best of luck to you. I hope that I did not sound too harsh. I just hate to hear about health care professionals giving what I consider to be really poor advice.
Michelle
Posted by lois on July 17, 2001, at 19:46:29
In reply to Re: Topamax, posted by 16# on July 17, 2001, at 18:11:46
As for me, I have been on Topamax for three weeks now. I have lost a few pounds (I needed to).
Hi,
You said you have been on Topomax only 3 weeeks and already lost a few pounds. What dose are you on? I have worked my way up over 4-5 weeks to 100mgs and have only maintained my wt. at current level,(which I also gained from SSRI's).
Thanks,
Lois
Posted by 16# on July 18, 2001, at 0:54:48
In reply to Re: Topamax-Michelle, posted by lois on July 17, 2001, at 19:46:29
> As for me, I have been on Topamax for three weeks now. I have lost a few pounds (I needed to).
>
> Hi,
> You said you have been on Topomax only 3 weeeks and already lost a few pounds. What dose are you on? I have worked my way up over 4-5 weeks to 100mgs and have only maintained my wt. at current level,(which I also gained from SSRI's).
> Thanks,
> LoisI was on 75 mg. Just tapered down to 50 mg though due to the cognitive side effects mentioned above (too annoying). The weight thing seems sort of arbitrary. Some pdocs say 200 is the minimum. My pdoc gets results at 50 and 75.
Are you taking other meds?
Posted by sl on July 19, 2001, at 16:50:10
In reply to Re: Topamax, posted by 16# on July 17, 2001, at 18:11:46
> I re-read your post and now better understand your question. I don't think that anyone on this board would be acting very responsibly if they offered you data to help you marshal a case for Topamax before your doctor.
I agree completely. Personally, I think she should be given what I'm on...if she had that gnawing feeling in her belly all the time, she'd EAT!
Hopefully her doctor knows it has no psychological benefits. *sigh* I hope.
sl
Posted by lois on July 20, 2001, at 21:35:18
In reply to Re: Topamax-Michelle, posted by lois on July 17, 2001, at 19:46:29
I am also on lamictal,clonipin,clonidine,paxil,remeron,small amt. of seroquel for sleep.
Lois
Posted by Kingfish on July 23, 2001, at 17:25:46
In reply to Re: Topamax-Michelle, posted by lois on July 20, 2001, at 21:35:18
Lois:
May I ask how much Lamictal and how much Topamax you are taking? I have taken Topamax as a main stabilizer for a few months but the sedation is too strong a side effect, so I am adding Lamictal as either an adjunct or to take its place.
Have they worked together well for you?
Thank you!
- K.
Posted by lois on July 25, 2001, at 15:57:04
In reply to Re: Topamax-Michelle » lois, posted by Kingfish on July 23, 2001, at 17:25:46
>
> May I ask how much Lamictal and how much Topamax you are taking?I am on 200 mgs of lamictal in the morning and at lunch and 100mgs of topomax at night.
L.
Posted by chloe on July 29, 2001, at 22:02:50
In reply to Re: Topamax-Michelle » lois, posted by Kingfish on July 23, 2001, at 17:25:46
Does anyone outhere experience anxiety or increased irritability on Topomax?
Thanks
Chloe
Posted by 16# on July 30, 2001, at 7:02:20
In reply to Re: Topamax, posted by chloe on July 29, 2001, at 22:02:50
I have not but my psychiatrist told me that this was a potential side effect.
> Does anyone outhere experience anxiety or increased irritability on Topomax?
> Thanks
> Chloe
This is the end of the thread.
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