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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 3 of 3. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by SJMA on March 13, 2003, at 13:24:31
I have been debating trying Topamax to treat a variety of symptoms I have. Depression, some binge eating, and mood swings from PMDD. I noticed several people were posting about their early experiences with it, and complaining of cognitive dulling, and I was watching to see how that went long term. Unfortunately, the posters stopped posting. Has anyone had long term success with this drug for depression? When/Did the cognitive dulling ever go away?
Posted by jay on March 13, 2003, at 17:38:00
In reply to Topamax-help!, posted by SJMA on March 13, 2003, at 13:24:31
Here is a website that may help you guide your way around using mood stabilizers (like Topomax)
http://www.psycheducation.org/depression/meds/moodstabilizers.htmFrom my experience and little bit of knowledge Topomax can and is used alone for eating disorders. There isn't a lot of research with that in this area sadly though. But, the good research done does show some positive effects. Yes when I was taking it, I do recall the cognitive dulling. You may find a small dose of one the more activating SSRI's, or even a stimulant, may help with that, as I did. You could look at: Prozac, Zoloft, Wellbutrin, Effexor or Ritalin, Dexedrine, Adderal(sp?). Again, the key is keeping these doses low to avoid side effects, but enough to lift the cognitive dulling of the Topomax.
Talk ot your doctor, it's VERY important. Only then will you hopefully get the best treatment. I say that also as being a male who has had an eating disorder, but I am waiting beter care to more of it looked after. (I had anorexia.)
Please keep posting, and you should get some great support here. We'll try and help the best we can.
Let us know how you make out...
Best wishes,
Jay
Posted by Greg on March 14, 2003, at 8:09:58
In reply to Topamax-help!, posted by SJMA on March 13, 2003, at 13:24:31
Hi SJMA,
I've been on Topamax for about 2 1/2 years and found it to be an excellent med for mood swings. Yes the cognitive dulling was an issue, a doctor will (or should) titrate you up slowly on this med, and you will experience dulling (or a case of the stupids as I call it) at each dose increase. They generally only last a day or two, at least that was the case with me and a few people I've spoken with. Once I reached my target dose of 200 mgs (100 am, 100 pm) I had 2 or 3 flare-ups of dulling in the following 3 or 4 weeks that lasted a couple of days each and that was it. I haven't had any since. I'm glad I stuck it out, it was definitely worth it.
As far as the weight loss, you can expect some, but it will probably be minimal. Maybe 7-10 pounds max. But if you couple that with a good healthy diet and some exercise, even if it's just a good walk everyday, you should see some significant loss. I've lost about 45 pounds.
About depression, I don't think the the Top on its own does anything for my depression. I have Bipolar II and I also take Zyprexa (5 mgs) which I think really controls most of my symptoms. But as I said, the Topamax is excellent for mood swings, at least for me.
Well, that's all I can think of. If you have any questions please feel free to ask. I hope this info was of some help.
Good luck,
Greg> I have been debating trying Topamax to treat a variety of symptoms I have. Depression, some binge eating, and mood swings from PMDD. I noticed several people were posting about their early experiences with it, and complaining of cognitive dulling, and I was watching to see how that went long term. Unfortunately, the posters stopped posting. Has anyone had long term success with this drug for depression? When/Did the cognitive dulling ever go away?
This is the end of the thread.
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