Topamax
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February 17, 2009 - 12:33 pm
I heard Topamax could possibly be a good mood stabilizer for people with bipolar and it can cause you to loose weight not gain it or keep you at your current weight. It's actually an antiseizure medication. any words or advice on this?
I heard Topamax could possibly be a good mood stabilizer for people with bipolar and it can cause you to loose weight not gain it or keep you at your current weight. It's actually an antiseizure medication. any words or advice on this?
February 18, 2009 - 9:39 am
Total Posts: 133
Joined: 10-30-2007
Joined: 10-30-2007
Hi there Meghan!
Topamax is an interesting medication. It is an anti-seizure med, and like most anti-seizure meds, it has a mood stabilizing "side effect." It also has an anorectic side effect. It causes many people to lose weight.
I am a weight loss surgery patient. My highest weight was 330lbs. I now weigh in the high 180's. I've been holding there for about 3 years. I also take Seroquel.... which is notorious for weight gain. So, my Pdoc recommended that I go onto to Topamax to level the playing field as far as the weight is concerned. I think it helped to balance out the Seroquel, a little. I have only gained about 5lbs since I started the Seroquel, 2 years ago.
NOW.... here's the REAL issue with the Topamax... hear me, and hear me well. The medication has a nick name.... "DOPE-a-max" It carries this nick name because it has cognitive side effects. In other words... it can make you "stupid!" For some people, Topamax can cause loss of focus, it can cause you to forget words, forget names, and to think slower than you normally think.
I had to back off of my optimal dose of Topamax because it made me stupid. I have several advanced degrees and I can't afford to be stupid! LOL. I need all of my brains. I was forgetting names... I was forgetting EASY words... I was getting up in front of large groups of people a drawing complete blanks!! I would just shrug and laugh and say, "Sorry... I'm having a Topamax moment." They would just laugh, because most people know it as a Migraine medication.
On the lower dose, it has helped me somewhat to fight the weight effects of the Seroquel. I'm sure it helps with my mood. So.... there are my two cents. Well, as usual... it's probably more like 2.5 cents... LOL
Be Well,
Jules
Topamax is an interesting medication. It is an anti-seizure med, and like most anti-seizure meds, it has a mood stabilizing "side effect." It also has an anorectic side effect. It causes many people to lose weight.
I am a weight loss surgery patient. My highest weight was 330lbs. I now weigh in the high 180's. I've been holding there for about 3 years. I also take Seroquel.... which is notorious for weight gain. So, my Pdoc recommended that I go onto to Topamax to level the playing field as far as the weight is concerned. I think it helped to balance out the Seroquel, a little. I have only gained about 5lbs since I started the Seroquel, 2 years ago.
NOW.... here's the REAL issue with the Topamax... hear me, and hear me well. The medication has a nick name.... "DOPE-a-max" It carries this nick name because it has cognitive side effects. In other words... it can make you "stupid!" For some people, Topamax can cause loss of focus, it can cause you to forget words, forget names, and to think slower than you normally think.
I had to back off of my optimal dose of Topamax because it made me stupid. I have several advanced degrees and I can't afford to be stupid! LOL. I need all of my brains. I was forgetting names... I was forgetting EASY words... I was getting up in front of large groups of people a drawing complete blanks!! I would just shrug and laugh and say, "Sorry... I'm having a Topamax moment." They would just laugh, because most people know it as a Migraine medication.
On the lower dose, it has helped me somewhat to fight the weight effects of the Seroquel. I'm sure it helps with my mood. So.... there are my two cents. Well, as usual... it's probably more like 2.5 cents... LOL
Be Well,
Jules
Current medications as of 02-18-2009
| 10-24-2007 - Present: | Colace, 100 mg. 1 tab am, 1 tab hs |
| 10-24-2007 - Present: | Protonix, 40 mg. 1 tab hs |
| 10-24-2007 - Present: | Seroquel, 50 mg. 1or2 tabs prn tid anxiety |
| 06-03-2008 - Present: | Celexa, 10mg. 1 tab am |
| 06-03-2008 - Present: | Tegretol XR, 400mg. 1 am, 1 hs |
| 06-03-2008 - Present: | Topamax, 50 mg. 2 tabs am, 2 tabs pm |
| 08-12-2008 - Present: | Hydroxyzine, 25mg. 1 or 2 tabs prn allergy relief |
| 08-12-2008 - Present: | Seroquel, 100 to 300mg . adjust as needed sleep |
| 01-01-2009 - Present: | B100 complex T-R, 100mg. 2 tabs am |
| 01-01-2009 - Present: | Ortho Novum, 1 tab. qd skip placebo |
Hi there Meghan!
Topamax is an interesting medication. It is an anti-seizure med, and like most anti-seizure meds, it has a mood stabilizing "side effect." It also has an anorectic side effect. It causes many people to lose weight.
I am a weight loss surgery patient. My highest weight was 330lbs. I now weigh in the high 180's. I've been holding there for about 3 years. I also take Seroquel.... which is notorious for weight gain. So, my Pdoc recommended that I go onto to Topamax to level the playing field as far as the weight is concerned. I think it helped to balance out the Seroquel, a little. I have only gained about 5lbs since I started the Seroquel, 2 years ago.
NOW.... here's the REAL issue with the Topamax... hear me, and hear me well. The medication has a nick name.... "DOPE-a-max" It carries this nick name because it has cognitive side effects. In other words... it can make you "stupid!" For some people, Topamax can cause loss of focus, it can cause you to forget words, forget names, and to think slower than you normally think.
I had to back off of my optimal dose of Topamax because it made me stupid. I have several advanced degrees and I can't afford to be stupid! LOL. I need all of my brains. I was forgetting names... I was forgetting EASY words... I was getting up in front of large groups of people a drawing complete blanks!! I would just shrug and laugh and say, "Sorry... I'm having a Topamax moment." They would just laugh, because most people know it as a Migraine medication.
On the lower dose, it has helped me somewhat to fight the weight effects of the Seroquel. I'm sure it helps with my mood. So.... there are my two cents. Well, as usual... it's probably more like 2.5 cents... LOL
Be Well,
Jules
Topamax is an interesting medication. It is an anti-seizure med, and like most anti-seizure meds, it has a mood stabilizing "side effect." It also has an anorectic side effect. It causes many people to lose weight.
I am a weight loss surgery patient. My highest weight was 330lbs. I now weigh in the high 180's. I've been holding there for about 3 years. I also take Seroquel.... which is notorious for weight gain. So, my Pdoc recommended that I go onto to Topamax to level the playing field as far as the weight is concerned. I think it helped to balance out the Seroquel, a little. I have only gained about 5lbs since I started the Seroquel, 2 years ago.
NOW.... here's the REAL issue with the Topamax... hear me, and hear me well. The medication has a nick name.... "DOPE-a-max" It carries this nick name because it has cognitive side effects. In other words... it can make you "stupid!" For some people, Topamax can cause loss of focus, it can cause you to forget words, forget names, and to think slower than you normally think.
I had to back off of my optimal dose of Topamax because it made me stupid. I have several advanced degrees and I can't afford to be stupid! LOL. I need all of my brains. I was forgetting names... I was forgetting EASY words... I was getting up in front of large groups of people a drawing complete blanks!! I would just shrug and laugh and say, "Sorry... I'm having a Topamax moment." They would just laugh, because most people know it as a Migraine medication.
On the lower dose, it has helped me somewhat to fight the weight effects of the Seroquel. I'm sure it helps with my mood. So.... there are my two cents. Well, as usual... it's probably more like 2.5 cents... LOL
Be Well,
Jules
Current medications as of 02-18-2009
| 10-24-2007 - Present: | Colace, 100 mg. 1 tab am, 1 tab hs |
| 10-24-2007 - Present: | Protonix, 40 mg. 1 tab hs |
| 10-24-2007 - Present: | Seroquel, 50 mg. 1or2 tabs prn tid anxiety |
| 06-03-2008 - Present: | Celexa, 10mg. 1 tab am |
| 06-03-2008 - Present: | Tegretol XR, 400mg. 1 am, 1 hs |
| 06-03-2008 - Present: | Topamax, 50 mg. 2 tabs am, 2 tabs pm |
| 08-12-2008 - Present: | Hydroxyzine, 25mg. 1 or 2 tabs prn allergy relief |
| 08-12-2008 - Present: | Seroquel, 100 to 300mg . adjust as needed sleep |
| 01-01-2009 - Present: | B100 complex T-R, 100mg. 2 tabs am |
| 01-01-2009 - Present: | Ortho Novum, 1 tab. qd skip placebo |
February 18, 2009 - 3:07 pm
Total Posts: 25
Joined: 02-17-2009
Joined: 02-17-2009
Thank you so much. I am on Topamax and I am noticing so of the side effects you mentioned, this is very hard for me because I am a writer and I constantly forget ideas and words. I am only taking 50mgs of Topamax 25 in the morning 25 at night. I asked to try it out for its weight loss effects, mood stabilizing effects and for my massive cluster headaches I get with my bipolar disorder. Thank you so much for your input. I feel a little less alone in my situation now.
If you don't mind telling me, could you tell me a little more about your weight loss surgery? I currently weight somewhere between 298 and 310 depending on a good or bad day lol. I've heard of weight loss surgery and considered it as well, could you tell me your story if its not a bother?
If you don't mind telling me, could you tell me a little more about your weight loss surgery? I currently weight somewhere between 298 and 310 depending on a good or bad day lol. I've heard of weight loss surgery and considered it as well, could you tell me your story if its not a bother?
Current medications as of 02-18-2009
| 02-17-2009 - Present: | Abilify, 10 mg. one at night |
| 02-17-2009 - Present: | Lithium Carbonate, 900 mg. one tablet in the morning three at night |
| 02-17-2009 - Present: | Topamax, 25 mg. one in the morning one at night |
Thank you so much. I am on Topamax and I am noticing so of the side effects you mentioned, this is very hard for me because I am a writer and I constantly forget ideas and words. I am only taking 50mgs of Topamax 25 in the morning 25 at night. I asked to try it out for its weight loss effects, mood stabilizing effects and for my massive cluster headaches I get with my bipolar disorder. Thank you so much for your input. I feel a little less alone in my situation now.
If you don't mind telling me, could you tell me a little more about your weight loss surgery? I currently weight somewhere between 298 and 310 depending on a good or bad day lol. I've heard of weight loss surgery and considered it as well, could you tell me your story if its not a bother?
If you don't mind telling me, could you tell me a little more about your weight loss surgery? I currently weight somewhere between 298 and 310 depending on a good or bad day lol. I've heard of weight loss surgery and considered it as well, could you tell me your story if its not a bother?
Current medications as of 02-18-2009
| 02-17-2009 - Present: | Abilify, 10 mg. one at night |
| 02-17-2009 - Present: | Lithium Carbonate, 900 mg. one tablet in the morning three at night |
| 02-17-2009 - Present: | Topamax, 25 mg. one in the morning one at night |
February 18, 2009 - 5:55 pm
Total Posts: 133
Joined: 10-30-2007
Joined: 10-30-2007
Hi there Meghan,
I am glad to help out with the Topamax issue. The problem with losing words and ideas is real. I even find myself having to be careful when I type... I can get a kind of keyboard dyslexia and type completely wrong words into sentences. When I go back and read what I wrote, I look and go, "what WAS I thinking??"
I don't mind talking about my weight loss surgery, at all. I am happy to share about it. I have a laporascopic adjustable gastric band, also known as a lapband. I had my surgery in May of 2004. Like I said, my highest ever weight topped 330 pounds. I now maintain a weight of about 185 to 190 (depending upon the time of month). I am very fortunate in that I have lost about 85% of my excess body weight. People generally lose between 50% and 60% of their excess with either the lapband OR the bypass.
I don't know how much you know about weight loss surgery already, but lapband surgery and bypass surgery are very different surgeries. I can explain the differences if you don't know already. I can also give you some resource web pages. The lapband has been a life changing intervention for me. I had tried everything to address my disease of morbid obesity. But, I finally understood that this disease has only ONE proven, effective treatment. That treatment is, unfortunately, surgery. All other treatments for morbid obesity are short term for the vast majority of the population.
I finally feel free from that disease. It is not cured, it is in remission. My bipolar disorder was not diagnosed until AFTER my weight loss surgery. So, me and my Pdoc work very closely together to make sure that my psych meds and my health/weight goals are not too much at odds. He deeply understands my drive to continue defeating my disease of morbid obesity.
I hope this helps. Feel free to ask questions. I speak publicly about my weight loss surgery fairly frequently. So, I'm very comfortable talking about it. And it very deeply impacts my mood disorder and vice verse, so I believe that it is an "okay" discussion for this forum.
Be well,
Jules
I am glad to help out with the Topamax issue. The problem with losing words and ideas is real. I even find myself having to be careful when I type... I can get a kind of keyboard dyslexia and type completely wrong words into sentences. When I go back and read what I wrote, I look and go, "what WAS I thinking??"
I don't mind talking about my weight loss surgery, at all. I am happy to share about it. I have a laporascopic adjustable gastric band, also known as a lapband. I had my surgery in May of 2004. Like I said, my highest ever weight topped 330 pounds. I now maintain a weight of about 185 to 190 (depending upon the time of month). I am very fortunate in that I have lost about 85% of my excess body weight. People generally lose between 50% and 60% of their excess with either the lapband OR the bypass.
I don't know how much you know about weight loss surgery already, but lapband surgery and bypass surgery are very different surgeries. I can explain the differences if you don't know already. I can also give you some resource web pages. The lapband has been a life changing intervention for me. I had tried everything to address my disease of morbid obesity. But, I finally understood that this disease has only ONE proven, effective treatment. That treatment is, unfortunately, surgery. All other treatments for morbid obesity are short term for the vast majority of the population.
I finally feel free from that disease. It is not cured, it is in remission. My bipolar disorder was not diagnosed until AFTER my weight loss surgery. So, me and my Pdoc work very closely together to make sure that my psych meds and my health/weight goals are not too much at odds. He deeply understands my drive to continue defeating my disease of morbid obesity.
I hope this helps. Feel free to ask questions. I speak publicly about my weight loss surgery fairly frequently. So, I'm very comfortable talking about it. And it very deeply impacts my mood disorder and vice verse, so I believe that it is an "okay" discussion for this forum.
Be well,
Jules
Hi there Meghan,
I am glad to help out with the Topamax issue. The problem with losing words and ideas is real. I even find myself having to be careful when I type... I can get a kind of keyboard dyslexia and type completely wrong words into sentences. When I go back and read what I wrote, I look and go, "what WAS I thinking??"
I don't mind talking about my weight loss surgery, at all. I am happy to share about it. I have a laporascopic adjustable gastric band, also known as a lapband. I had my surgery in May of 2004. Like I said, my highest ever weight topped 330 pounds. I now maintain a weight of about 185 to 190 (depending upon the time of month). I am very fortunate in that I have lost about 85% of my excess body weight. People generally lose between 50% and 60% of their excess with either the lapband OR the bypass.
I don't know how much you know about weight loss surgery already, but lapband surgery and bypass surgery are very different surgeries. I can explain the differences if you don't know already. I can also give you some resource web pages. The lapband has been a life changing intervention for me. I had tried everything to address my disease of morbid obesity. But, I finally understood that this disease has only ONE proven, effective treatment. That treatment is, unfortunately, surgery. All other treatments for morbid obesity are short term for the vast majority of the population.
I finally feel free from that disease. It is not cured, it is in remission. My bipolar disorder was not diagnosed until AFTER my weight loss surgery. So, me and my Pdoc work very closely together to make sure that my psych meds and my health/weight goals are not too much at odds. He deeply understands my drive to continue defeating my disease of morbid obesity.
I hope this helps. Feel free to ask questions. I speak publicly about my weight loss surgery fairly frequently. So, I'm very comfortable talking about it. And it very deeply impacts my mood disorder and vice verse, so I believe that it is an "okay" discussion for this forum.
Be well,
Jules
I am glad to help out with the Topamax issue. The problem with losing words and ideas is real. I even find myself having to be careful when I type... I can get a kind of keyboard dyslexia and type completely wrong words into sentences. When I go back and read what I wrote, I look and go, "what WAS I thinking??"
I don't mind talking about my weight loss surgery, at all. I am happy to share about it. I have a laporascopic adjustable gastric band, also known as a lapband. I had my surgery in May of 2004. Like I said, my highest ever weight topped 330 pounds. I now maintain a weight of about 185 to 190 (depending upon the time of month). I am very fortunate in that I have lost about 85% of my excess body weight. People generally lose between 50% and 60% of their excess with either the lapband OR the bypass.
I don't know how much you know about weight loss surgery already, but lapband surgery and bypass surgery are very different surgeries. I can explain the differences if you don't know already. I can also give you some resource web pages. The lapband has been a life changing intervention for me. I had tried everything to address my disease of morbid obesity. But, I finally understood that this disease has only ONE proven, effective treatment. That treatment is, unfortunately, surgery. All other treatments for morbid obesity are short term for the vast majority of the population.
I finally feel free from that disease. It is not cured, it is in remission. My bipolar disorder was not diagnosed until AFTER my weight loss surgery. So, me and my Pdoc work very closely together to make sure that my psych meds and my health/weight goals are not too much at odds. He deeply understands my drive to continue defeating my disease of morbid obesity.
I hope this helps. Feel free to ask questions. I speak publicly about my weight loss surgery fairly frequently. So, I'm very comfortable talking about it. And it very deeply impacts my mood disorder and vice verse, so I believe that it is an "okay" discussion for this forum.
Be well,
Jules
February 19, 2009 - 6:29 pm
Total Posts: 25
Joined: 02-17-2009
Joined: 02-17-2009
I agree with the fact that weight affects your mood. I myself weigh about 300 lbs, i am only 19 years old.
I have been fighting my weight since i can remember. I looked into the lapband a year ago but lost my insurance who was going to pay for it and got scared, not of the procedure or the after effects but the actual surgery, the sleeping gas always scares me.
I appreciate you talking to me about this and i would love for you to give me a few web pages.
as far as the Topamax as well as my abilify and lithium I am realizing more and more that my brain feels a bit fried... its so hard to think... do you know if this is a ongoing thing or does it fade away?
I have been fighting my weight since i can remember. I looked into the lapband a year ago but lost my insurance who was going to pay for it and got scared, not of the procedure or the after effects but the actual surgery, the sleeping gas always scares me.
I appreciate you talking to me about this and i would love for you to give me a few web pages.
as far as the Topamax as well as my abilify and lithium I am realizing more and more that my brain feels a bit fried... its so hard to think... do you know if this is a ongoing thing or does it fade away?
Current medications as of 02-19-2009
| 02-17-2009 - Present: | Abilify, 10 mg. one at night |
| 02-17-2009 - Present: | Lithium Carbonate, 900 mg. one tablet in the morning three at night |
| 02-17-2009 - Present: | Topamax, 25 mg. one in the morning one at night |
I agree with the fact that weight affects your mood. I myself weigh about 300 lbs, i am only 19 years old.
I have been fighting my weight since i can remember. I looked into the lapband a year ago but lost my insurance who was going to pay for it and got scared, not of the procedure or the after effects but the actual surgery, the sleeping gas always scares me.
I appreciate you talking to me about this and i would love for you to give me a few web pages.
as far as the Topamax as well as my abilify and lithium I am realizing more and more that my brain feels a bit fried... its so hard to think... do you know if this is a ongoing thing or does it fade away?
I have been fighting my weight since i can remember. I looked into the lapband a year ago but lost my insurance who was going to pay for it and got scared, not of the procedure or the after effects but the actual surgery, the sleeping gas always scares me.
I appreciate you talking to me about this and i would love for you to give me a few web pages.
as far as the Topamax as well as my abilify and lithium I am realizing more and more that my brain feels a bit fried... its so hard to think... do you know if this is a ongoing thing or does it fade away?
Current medications as of 02-19-2009
| 02-17-2009 - Present: | Abilify, 10 mg. one at night |
| 02-17-2009 - Present: | Lithium Carbonate, 900 mg. one tablet in the morning three at night |
| 02-17-2009 - Present: | Topamax, 25 mg. one in the morning one at night |
February 20, 2009 - 9:04 pm
Total Posts: 25
Joined: 02-17-2009
Joined: 02-17-2009
Current Meds, updated to show correct dosage and times taken.
Current medications as of 02-20-2009
| 02-17-2009 - Present: | Aripiprazole (Abilify), 5 mg. one at night (bipolar, anxiety, paranoia) |
| 02-17-2009 - Present: | Eskalith (Lithium), 300 mg. one tablet in the morning three at night (bipolar) |
| 02-17-2009 - Present: | Topiramate (Topamax), 25 mg. one in the morning one at night (bipolar, cluster headahes) |
| 02-19-2009 - Present: | Cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril), 10 mg. one at night (inflamation back pain) |
| 02-19-2009 - Present: | Loratadine, 10 mg. one at night allergies |
| 02-19-2009 - Present: | Montelukast (Singulair), 10 mg. one at night (allergies) |
| 02-19-2009 - Present: | Nor-QD (Norethin), 0.35. one at night (Birth control, moods) |
| 02-19-2009 - Present: | Percocet, 7.5-10. as needed pain |
| 02-19-2009 - Present: | Sertraline (Zoloft), 50 mg. one at night (depression) |
Current Meds, updated to show correct dosage and times taken.
Current medications as of 02-20-2009
| 02-17-2009 - Present: | Aripiprazole (Abilify), 5 mg. one at night (bipolar, anxiety, paranoia) |
| 02-17-2009 - Present: | Eskalith (Lithium), 300 mg. one tablet in the morning three at night (bipolar) |
| 02-17-2009 - Present: | Topiramate (Topamax), 25 mg. one in the morning one at night (bipolar, cluster headahes) |
| 02-19-2009 - Present: | Cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril), 10 mg. one at night (inflamation back pain) |
| 02-19-2009 - Present: | Loratadine, 10 mg. one at night allergies |
| 02-19-2009 - Present: | Montelukast (Singulair), 10 mg. one at night (allergies) |
| 02-19-2009 - Present: | Nor-QD (Norethin), 0.35. one at night (Birth control, moods) |
| 02-19-2009 - Present: | Percocet, 7.5-10. as needed pain |
| 02-19-2009 - Present: | Sertraline (Zoloft), 50 mg. one at night (depression) |
February 22, 2009 - 8:28 am
Total Posts: 133
Joined: 10-30-2007
Joined: 10-30-2007
Hi Meghan,
Wow... you are dealing with a lot for being so young. I am glad that you have found this site where you can get some support.
There are all kinds of resources on the internet about weight loss surgery. So, take your time to go through them and don't believe everything you read. Weight loss surgery is work!! It is not an easy fix. Anyone who says it is, is not being realistic. So, beware of anyone who is selling "snake oil."
Here are some resources that I have found to be credible:
www.obesityhelp.com
http://www.lapband.com/
http://www.realizeband.com/dtc...
http://www.bariatricedge.com/d...
There.... that should keep you busy for a while!! I hope these help. If you have ANY questions, please let me know.
As for Topamax.... side effects generally get better over time (this is true of most medications), but they do not completely go away.
Be well,
Jules
Wow... you are dealing with a lot for being so young. I am glad that you have found this site where you can get some support.
There are all kinds of resources on the internet about weight loss surgery. So, take your time to go through them and don't believe everything you read. Weight loss surgery is work!! It is not an easy fix. Anyone who says it is, is not being realistic. So, beware of anyone who is selling "snake oil."
Here are some resources that I have found to be credible:
www.obesityhelp.com
http://www.lapband.com/
http://www.realizeband.com/dtc...
http://www.bariatricedge.com/d...
There.... that should keep you busy for a while!! I hope these help. If you have ANY questions, please let me know.
As for Topamax.... side effects generally get better over time (this is true of most medications), but they do not completely go away.
Be well,
Jules
Hi Meghan,
Wow... you are dealing with a lot for being so young. I am glad that you have found this site where you can get some support.
There are all kinds of resources on the internet about weight loss surgery. So, take your time to go through them and don't believe everything you read. Weight loss surgery is work!! It is not an easy fix. Anyone who says it is, is not being realistic. So, beware of anyone who is selling "snake oil."
Here are some resources that I have found to be credible:
www.obesityhelp.com
http://www.lapband.com/
http://www.realizeband.com/dtc...
http://www.bariatricedge.com/d...
There.... that should keep you busy for a while!! I hope these help. If you have ANY questions, please let me know.
As for Topamax.... side effects generally get better over time (this is true of most medications), but they do not completely go away.
Be well,
Jules
Wow... you are dealing with a lot for being so young. I am glad that you have found this site where you can get some support.
There are all kinds of resources on the internet about weight loss surgery. So, take your time to go through them and don't believe everything you read. Weight loss surgery is work!! It is not an easy fix. Anyone who says it is, is not being realistic. So, beware of anyone who is selling "snake oil."
Here are some resources that I have found to be credible:
www.obesityhelp.com
http://www.lapband.com/
http://www.realizeband.com/dtc...
http://www.bariatricedge.com/d...
There.... that should keep you busy for a while!! I hope these help. If you have ANY questions, please let me know.
As for Topamax.... side effects generally get better over time (this is true of most medications), but they do not completely go away.
Be well,
Jules
February 22, 2009 - 12:31 pm
Total Posts: 15
Joined: 11-18-2008
Joined: 11-18-2008
I took Topamax for the last 4 months or so (100mg), and lost about 15-20lbs total. I recently stopped taking it because I couldn't stand the daily intestinal/stomach problems I was having as a side effect. I had no cognitive side effects at all, but maybe that's because my head has already been ruined by so many other drugs :) Weight loss and stomach problems were my only side effects (having no appetite and just not eating led to the weight loss), but I didn't notice it helped much with my mood. So I figured I'd stop because I was only getting negative side effects and not much mood stabilizing effects. But that's just me, it affects everyone differently. I was also on Lamictal for a long time, another anti-seizure med, so maybe I just don't react well to that type of drug.
I took Topamax for the last 4 months or so (100mg), and lost about 15-20lbs total. I recently stopped taking it because I couldn't stand the daily intestinal/stomach problems I was having as a side effect. I had no cognitive side effects at all, but maybe that's because my head has already been ruined by so many other drugs :) Weight loss and stomach problems were my only side effects (having no appetite and just not eating led to the weight loss), but I didn't notice it helped much with my mood. So I figured I'd stop because I was only getting negative side effects and not much mood stabilizing effects. But that's just me, it affects everyone differently. I was also on Lamictal for a long time, another anti-seizure med, so maybe I just don't react well to that type of drug.
February 22, 2009 - 10:40 pm
Total Posts: 25
Joined: 02-17-2009
Joined: 02-17-2009
SORRY FOR THE CAPS IM WRITING FROM MY PHONE AN IS BEING A LITTLE RETARDED AT THE MOMENT.... I HAVE NOTICED SME STOMACH ISSUES TOO... PAIN NAUSEA IM GUESSING ITS JUST SOMETHING TO GET USED TO WITH THE MEDICINE. IT SEEMS TO BE HELPING ME WITH MY MOODS AND HEADACHES THUS FAR. THANKS FOR THE FEEDBACK GUYS.
SORRY FOR THE CAPS IM WRITING FROM MY PHONE AN IS BEING A LITTLE RETARDED AT THE MOMENT.... I HAVE NOTICED SME STOMACH ISSUES TOO... PAIN NAUSEA IM GUESSING ITS JUST SOMETHING TO GET USED TO WITH THE MEDICINE. IT SEEMS TO BE HELPING ME WITH MY MOODS AND HEADACHES THUS FAR. THANKS FOR THE FEEDBACK GUYS.
February 28, 2009 - 2:53 pm
Total Posts: 59
Joined: 02-27-2009
Joined: 02-27-2009
I defintelly curbs my appetite and i lost about 5 pounds on it, Iam petite by nature thought but, I am 5.6 and I ws 135 when I started but my normal weight use to be around 125 before I had a baby. I'm now flutuating between 128 to 130, and I notice that I'm never hungry, and if I dont eat my stomach hurts and If I eat bad foods it will hurt also, like fried food and acid foods, but its not so bad, the bad for me its the stupid moments, and I only take 50mg, 25 in the morning and 25 at night, so weird.
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I defintelly curbs my appetite and i lost about 5 pounds on it, Iam petite by nature thought but, I am 5.6 and I ws 135 when I started but my normal weight use to be around 125 before I had a baby. I'm now flutuating between 128 to 130, and I notice that I'm never hungry, and if I dont eat my stomach hurts and If I eat bad foods it will hurt also, like fried food and acid foods, but its not so bad, the bad for me its the stupid moments, and I only take 50mg, 25 in the morning and 25 at night, so weird.
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February 28, 2009 - 4:38 pm
Total Posts: 25
Joined: 02-17-2009
Joined: 02-17-2009
i was taking 25 in the morning and 25 at night but i recently talked to my doctor and we down sized to one at night. my headaches have come back but im steadily getting my memory back, in a few days i will be tappered off of all of the topomax. but the medications i am taking currently seem to be doing wonders for my moods.
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i was taking 25 in the morning and 25 at night but i recently talked to my doctor and we down sized to one at night. my headaches have come back but im steadily getting my memory back, in a few days i will be tappered off of all of the topomax. but the medications i am taking currently seem to be doing wonders for my moods.
Medications for February 2009
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March 3, 2009 - 1:34 pm
Total Posts: 55
Joined: 03-02-2009
Joined: 03-02-2009
Ilost almost 50 pounds taking Topamax. My doctor took me off of it because she said I was getting negative cognitive side effects. I am now irritated because I want to be back on it - maybe at a lower dose. The dr was also concerned ebcause I lost so much weight. However, even so, i am STILL 195 pounds, it isn't like I am wasting away into nothing here. I think it is GOOD formy health that i lost 48 pounds. How can it not be? But everyone was so shocked with how fast it came off now I'm not on it anymore. I plan to talk to this new doctor about this issue and hopefully get him on board with me. Topamax also decreased my impulsiveness a LOT. No more hypersexuality, no more spending money I don't have, no more eating in spurts...just eating like a normal person (well, less than normal, but still pretty normal).
Ilost almost 50 pounds taking Topamax. My doctor took me off of it because she said I was getting negative cognitive side effects. I am now irritated because I want to be back on it - maybe at a lower dose. The dr was also concerned ebcause I lost so much weight. However, even so, i am STILL 195 pounds, it isn't like I am wasting away into nothing here. I think it is GOOD formy health that i lost 48 pounds. How can it not be? But everyone was so shocked with how fast it came off now I'm not on it anymore. I plan to talk to this new doctor about this issue and hopefully get him on board with me. Topamax also decreased my impulsiveness a LOT. No more hypersexuality, no more spending money I don't have, no more eating in spurts...just eating like a normal person (well, less than normal, but still pretty normal).
March 3, 2009 - 3:06 pm
Total Posts: 59
Joined: 02-27-2009
Joined: 02-27-2009
I only lost like 5 pounds but it helps with keeping my moutun shut but gives me the stupids :(
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I only lost like 5 pounds but it helps with keeping my moutun shut but gives me the stupids :(
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March 23, 2009 - 1:44 pm
Total Posts: 25
Joined: 02-17-2009
Joined: 02-17-2009
I'm not on it any more, the doctor put me on abilify and a higher dose of lithium instead. ever since the abilify I feel anxious all the time. I feel like I have to move all the time, rub my arms or legs, tap my foot, sometimes even tense my whole body for no reason. its driving me insane.
I'm not on it any more, the doctor put me on abilify and a higher dose of lithium instead. ever since the abilify I feel anxious all the time. I feel like I have to move all the time, rub my arms or legs, tap my foot, sometimes even tense my whole body for no reason. its driving me insane.
Joined: 02-17-2009