Re: Topamax -- Caitlin

[Guest guest]

Caitlin,

I originally started on Topamax as a mood stabilizer for bipolar

disorder, but my psych says that it's excellent for treating chronic

pain, especially neuropathic pain. If you have any burning type of

pain, your doctor might be willing to try it.

Jen

[Guest guest]

Jen,

I have severe burning pain in my back and shoulders. I'm going to bring it up to

the Dr. I have pretty bad depression too,and have been told I am borderline

bi-polar (whatever the heck that means). Has it helped you loose wieght too?

Since all this has happened to me (2001) I have gained 30 lbs. and I was already

pretty heavy to start with. I am a vegatarian that eats VERY well, but can't

exersice like I need to with slow metabolism.

Thanks for the info.

Caitlin

Jen wrote:

I originally started on Topamax as a mood stabilizer for bipolar

disorder, but my psych says that it's excellent for treating chronic

pain, especially neuropathic pain. If you have any burning type of

pain, your doctor might be willing to try it.

[Guest guest]

Caitlin,

You " might " be a good candidate for Topamax then. It's a pretty

good drug, but it does have a few possible side effects. It can

cause a type of glaucoma called Secondary Angle Closure Glaucoma,

which you can get a description of on the Topamax site, and can

cause abdominal problems. However, these problems are relatively

rare, and typically show up within the first month of treatment. It

also increases the serum level of amitriptyline (Elavil) in the

blood, so if you are taking Elavil, that should be taken under

consideration as well.

As to whether Topamax has helped me lose weight, that's an iffy

question. I believe it's played a role. I was on Depakote for

about 7 months, and Depakote ER for 3-4 months. While on regular

Depakote, I gained about 60 pounds, which finally stopped when I was

put on the extended release. My new psych switched me to the

Topamax as soon as I started with him. Almost immediately I started

losing weight. At first, I'm sure the weight started falling off

from my metabolism finally starting back up after being shut down by

the Depakote. However, I lost all of the 60 pounds, and I think

that Topamax played a big role. It changed my appetite, and how I

feel about food in general. I could lose interest in what I was

eating halfway through, something that never happened before. My

tastes seemed to change too. Things I used to like, I no longer do,

which is somewhat good, because some of those things were high in

fat!

However, everyone's experience with a particular drug is going to be

different. What works for me may not work for you, and vice versa.

A perfect example....someone I know takes Flexeril, and it knocks

her for a loop, so she can only take a half tablet. I could take 2

of them, and it would have no effect....just like taking a placebo.

Our bodies are all different, so I don't want to hype up Topamax,

and then have it bomb for you! Am I making sense? LOL!

Jen

[Guest guest]

A perfect example....someone I know takes Flexeril, and it knocks

her for a loop, so she can only take a half tablet. I could take 2

of them, and it would have no effect....just like taking a placebo.

This is a great example. I can't take Flexeril either, it makes me feel funky

and tired for three days afterwards, not to mention the foul mood it puts me

in!!

I have walking pnemonia right now, so I'm going to go to bed. Will try to write

some this weekend. THanks for the info though.

Take care,

Caitlin/AR

Jen wrote:

Caitlin,

You " might " be a good candidate for Topamax then. It's a pretty

good drug, but it does have a few possible side effects...