| Topic: |
Sociology > Depression |
| User: |
"" |
| Date: |
14 Aug 2005 11:40:27 AM |
| Object: |
Topamax and Weight Loss: How Long and How Much Med |
I started about three years ago on a combination of Remeron and
Desipramine, which has worked very well for me. The only problem has
been the huge gain in appetite -- I've put on about 30 or 40 pounds.
The doctor decided to try me on Topamax recently, as a way to address
the weight gain. (I also take Depakote, and a low dose of Zyprexa,
just to fill in the details here.) In any event, I've been on the
Topamax for about six weeks, and so far have not lost any weight. So,
I'm wondering a few things:
First, I'm taking 50 mg of the Topamax a day. Is that enough to get
the weight loss benefit? I am reluctant to ask the doctor to raise the
dosage, because I seem to be experiencing a slight spaciness on the
drug, and I don't want to feel more of that. Also, although I'm
not having any dramatic vision problems, sometimes I seem to experience
a very, very subtle "filminess" - a kind of thing white layer --
in my distance vision. So, raising the dose of Topamax does not seem
like a good idea. Still, I'm wondering -- is more needed to get the
weight-loss benefit?
The other question would be, how long does it take to lose weight on
the Topamax? I've been on it for about six weeks now, and so far my
weight seems to be holding exactly the same. Does it take three
months, or six months, for weight loss to start to show up?
The other option we've considered is stepping down my dosage of
Remeron from three pills a day (45 mg) to two pills (30 mg). Has
anyone found that lowering their dose of Remeron has helped with the
weight gain? (Of course, the risk there is that my mood might go down
- the doctor has suggested that in that case, we would up the dosage
of the desipramine....)
Any and all feedback is appreciated.
.
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| User: "%" |
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| Title: Re: Topamax and Weight Loss: How Long and How Much Med |
14 Aug 2005 11:42:55 AM |
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<Phoenix8172@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:1124037627.028439.20940@g43g2000cwa.googlegroups.com...
I started about three years ago on a combination of Remeron and
Desipramine, which has worked very well for me. The only problem has
been the huge gain in appetite -- I've put on about 30 or 40 pounds.
The doctor decided to try me on Topamax recently, as a way to address
the weight gain. (I also take Depakote, and a low dose of Zyprexa,
just to fill in the details here.) In any event, I've been on the
Topamax for about six weeks, and so far have not lost any weight. So,
I'm wondering a few things:
First, I'm taking 50 mg of the Topamax a day. Is that enough to get
the weight loss benefit? I am reluctant to ask the doctor to raise the
dosage, because I seem to be experiencing a slight spaciness on the
drug, and I don't want to feel more of that. Also, although I'm
not having any dramatic vision problems, sometimes I seem to experience
a very, very subtle "filminess" - a kind of thing white layer --
in my distance vision. So, raising the dose of Topamax does not seem
like a good idea. Still, I'm wondering -- is more needed to get the
weight-loss benefit?
The other question would be, how long does it take to lose weight on
the Topamax? I've been on it for about six weeks now, and so far my
weight seems to be holding exactly the same. Does it take three
months, or six months, for weight loss to start to show up?
The other option we've considered is stepping down my dosage of
Remeron from three pills a day (45 mg) to two pills (30 mg). Has
anyone found that lowering their dose of Remeron has helped with the
weight gain? (Of course, the risk there is that my mood might go down
- the doctor has suggested that in that case, we would up the dosage
of the desipramine....)
Any and all feedback is appreciated.
nothing like feeling so good you wanna eat something
.
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| User: "" |
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| Title: Re: Topamax and Weight Loss: How Long and How Much Med |
24 Aug 2005 03:08:21 PM |
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wrote:
I started about three years ago on a combination of Remeron and
Desipramine, which has worked very well for me. The only problem has
been the huge gain in appetite -- I've put on about 30 or 40 pounds.
The doctor decided to try me on Topamax recently, as a way to address
the weight gain. (I also take Depakote, and a low dose of Zyprexa,
just to fill in the details here.) In any event, I've been on the
Topamax for about six weeks, and so far have not lost any weight. So,
I'm wondering a few things:
First, I'm taking 50 mg of the Topamax a day. Is that enough to get
the weight loss benefit? I am reluctant to ask the doctor to raise the
dosage, because I seem to be experiencing a slight spaciness on the
drug, and I don't want to feel more of that. Also, although I'm
not having any dramatic vision problems, sometimes I seem to experience
a very, very subtle "filminess" - a kind of thing white layer --
in my distance vision. So, raising the dose of Topamax does not seem
like a good idea. Still, I'm wondering -- is more needed to get the
weight-loss benefit?
You might be able to still raise the Topamax. The best way increase the
dosage on Topamax is thru a slow titration. This avoids various side
effects. The best rate is to increase 25mg/day per week. If you find
you still have side effects with that titration, you could see about
going up by 12.5mg per week instead.
I think more people have the weight loss effect at higher doses like
200mg/day or greater, though some can get it at less than that.
The other question would be, how long does it take to lose weight on
the Topamax? I've been on it for about six weeks now, and so far my
weight seems to be holding exactly the same. Does it take three
months, or six months, for weight loss to start to show up?
As I said, you might need a higher dose for appetite suppressing
effects to become more noticeable. Also, I think the reason for lack of
weight loss might be the Zyprexa, Remeron, and Depakote. All three of
those drugs (especially when combined) cause a substantial increase in
appetite which could be offsetting the appetite suppressing effects of
Topamax.
The other option we've considered is stepping down my dosage of
Remeron from three pills a day (45 mg) to two pills (30 mg). Has
anyone found that lowering their dose of Remeron has helped with the
weight gain? (Of course, the risk there is that my mood might go down
- the doctor has suggested that in that case, we would up the dosage
of the desipramine....)
Any and all feedback is appreciated.
Actually, the opposite. I read that higher doses of Remeron cause less
weight gain than lower doses. You might want to ask about going up to
60mg on that or something. It is also less sedating at the higher dose.
But, as I stated, Zyprexa and (to a lesser extent) Depakote also cause
a bit of weight gain, so you could ask you doctor about adjusting
those, too.
.
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| User: "HanginIn" |
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| Title: Re: Topamax and Weight Loss: How Long and How Much Med |
24 Aug 2005 10:55:30 PM |
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Don't know how long you've been on the Zyprexa, but many atypical
anti-psychotics can be associated with weight gain. Risperidol pumped 60 lb
onto me in 8 months (lost 40 of that so far). I had this incredible,
insatiable craving for ice cream.
--
Listen to HanginIn radio at:
http://launch.yahoo.com/launchcast/station.asp?u=1245959870
(broadband req'd)
..
remove ".prolific" to email.
..
..
...........................................
<Robby2687@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:1124914101.277071.226530@o13g2000cwo.googlegroups.com...
Phoenix8172@yahoo.com wrote:
I started about three years ago on a combination of Remeron and
Desipramine, which has worked very well for me. The only problem has
been the huge gain in appetite -- I've put on about 30 or 40 pounds.
The doctor decided to try me on Topamax recently, as a way to address
the weight gain. (I also take Depakote, and a low dose of Zyprexa,
just to fill in the details here.) In any event, I've been on the
Topamax for about six weeks, and so far have not lost any weight. So,
I'm wondering a few things:
First, I'm taking 50 mg of the Topamax a day. Is that enough to get
the weight loss benefit? I am reluctant to ask the doctor to raise the
dosage, because I seem to be experiencing a slight spaciness on the
drug, and I don't want to feel more of that. Also, although I'm
not having any dramatic vision problems, sometimes I seem to experience
a very, very subtle "filminess" - a kind of thing white layer --
in my distance vision. So, raising the dose of Topamax does not seem
like a good idea. Still, I'm wondering -- is more needed to get the
weight-loss benefit?
You might be able to still raise the Topamax. The best way increase the
dosage on Topamax is thru a slow titration. This avoids various side
effects. The best rate is to increase 25mg/day per week. If you find
you still have side effects with that titration, you could see about
going up by 12.5mg per week instead.
I think more people have the weight loss effect at higher doses like
200mg/day or greater, though some can get it at less than that.
The other question would be, how long does it take to lose weight on
the Topamax? I've been on it for about six weeks now, and so far my
weight seems to be holding exactly the same. Does it take three
months, or six months, for weight loss to start to show up?
As I said, you might need a higher dose for appetite suppressing
effects to become more noticeable. Also, I think the reason for lack of
weight loss might be the Zyprexa, Remeron, and Depakote. All three of
those drugs (especially when combined) cause a substantial increase in
appetite which could be offsetting the appetite suppressing effects of
Topamax.
The other option we've considered is stepping down my dosage of
Remeron from three pills a day (45 mg) to two pills (30 mg). Has
anyone found that lowering their dose of Remeron has helped with the
weight gain? (Of course, the risk there is that my mood might go down
- the doctor has suggested that in that case, we would up the dosage
of the desipramine....)
Any and all feedback is appreciated.
Actually, the opposite. I read that higher doses of Remeron cause less
weight gain than lower doses. You might want to ask about going up to
60mg on that or something. It is also less sedating at the higher dose.
But, as I stated, Zyprexa and (to a lesser extent) Depakote also cause
a bit of weight gain, so you could ask you doctor about adjusting
those, too.
.
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| User: "Mellow One Day..." |
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| Title: Re: Topamax and Weight Loss: How Long and How Much Med |
19 Aug 2005 10:28:46 PM |
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I was wondering how much excercise are you getting in? Maybe you are
not seeing significant weight loss due to lack of enough activities. I
did not read about you working out and without the physical activities
needed for effective weight loss anything you try will appear to be
ineffective.
.
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| User: "Tinkerbell" |
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| Title: Re: Topamax and Weight Loss: How Long and How Much Med |
20 Aug 2005 05:31:29 PM |
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Hi Phoenix (and Plume)
I use Topamax to combat other fat-inducing drugs. The bonus is that
it's also a mood stabiliser.
Topamax is def used as an off label use for weight loss and is
registered in this country as an anti-obesity drug. It is an excellent
choice to use as an adjunct if your other psychiatric meds are causing
weight gain.
I did some research recently and it seemed that 100mg to 200mg was the
norm for those who lost weight in trials - I found 50mg wasn't enough.
I am on 75 per day now and that seems to be levelling the playing
fields - I also reduced one of my other meds at the same time.
In some trials a few people did not lose any weight, but in the past I
have had to stop taking the Topamax as I lost so much weight that my
dietician was hopping up and down. See if you can manage the sysmptoms
up to 100mg and I'd stay on it for about a year to lose 40 pounds - you
don't want to lose them overnight.
Some people say it makes them stupid, but fortunately I haven't found
that. It is sedating, but I take the 50mg before I go to bed.
Good Luck
tinkerbell
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| User: "Nom dePlume nomdeplume1000-at-yahoo.com" |
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| Title: Re: Topamax and Weight Loss: How Long and How Much Med |
14 Aug 2005 12:24:26 PM |
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I wasn't aware that Topamax was supposed to help one lose weight. I
know it can be sedating, which isn't usually associated with weight
loss. Depakote and Zyprexa are both associated with weight gain, as
well.
Weight loss is associated with stimulants, like Dexedrine and Ritalin,
or other medications that affect the same neurotransmitters
(norepinephrine and dopamine). These medications can both increase
metabolic rate, and decrease appetite. It is possible that an
"adrenergic" medication (one that increases norepinephrine
concentration) such as Strattera or Edronax might help, but given the
cocktail you are already taking, I'd be cautious about adding anything
else. Most stimulating medications increase dopamine concentration, as
well as norepinephrine, and might conflict with the antipsychotics you
are taking.
Unfortunately, I don't have any solutions for your situation, but I'd
suggest discussing the concept of a stimulating medication with your
doctor.
--
Nom dePlume, Ph.D.
Why, yes, in fact, I am a rocket scientist.
Guide to Medications for Mental Illness:
http://www.geocities.com/nomdeplume1000/
=====
<Phoenix8172@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:1124037627.028439.20940@g43g2000cwa.googlegroups.com...
I started about three years ago on a combination of Remeron and
Desipramine, which has worked very well for me. The only problem
has
been the huge gain in appetite -- I've put on about 30 or 40 pounds.
The doctor decided to try me on Topamax recently, as a way to
address
the weight gain. (I also take Depakote, and a low dose of Zyprexa,
just to fill in the details here.) In any event, I've been on the
Topamax for about six weeks, and so far have not lost any weight.
So,
I'm wondering a few things:
First, I'm taking 50 mg of the Topamax a day. Is that enough to get
the weight loss benefit? I am reluctant to ask the doctor to raise
the
dosage, because I seem to be experiencing a slight spaciness on the
drug, and I don't want to feel more of that. Also, although I'm
not having any dramatic vision problems, sometimes I seem to
experience
a very, very subtle "filminess" - a kind of thing white layer --
in my distance vision. So, raising the dose of Topamax does not
seem
like a good idea. Still, I'm wondering -- is more needed to get the
weight-loss benefit?
The other question would be, how long does it take to lose weight on
the Topamax? I've been on it for about six weeks now, and so far my
weight seems to be holding exactly the same. Does it take three
months, or six months, for weight loss to start to show up?
The other option we've considered is stepping down my dosage of
Remeron from three pills a day (45 mg) to two pills (30 mg). Has
anyone found that lowering their dose of Remeron has helped with the
weight gain? (Of course, the risk there is that my mood might go
down
- the doctor has suggested that in that case, we would up the dosage
of the desipramine....)
Any and all feedback is appreciated.
.
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| User: "culprit" |
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| Title: Re: Topamax and Weight Loss: How Long and How Much Med |
15 Aug 2005 12:18:49 PM |
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"Nom dePlume" <nomdeplume1000-at-yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:ddnuvg01tk9@news1.newsguy.com...
I wasn't aware that Topamax was supposed to help one lose weight. I
know it can be sedating, which isn't usually associated with weight
loss. Depakote and Zyprexa are both associated with weight gain, as
well.
topamax is helpful in controlling binge behavior, including eating,
drinking, shopping, etcetera. since i've started it, i no longer feel the
need to eat when i'm bored, i no longer order larger portions than i need.
i no longer go shopping, just to go shopping. i no longer order a drink,
just to have a drink. topamax has been an incredible help for me,
especially after the weight i've put on with Cymbalta (funny, Cymbalta is
not supposed to be a weight gain med). Topamax is currently being studied
for treatment of alcoholism as well.
the problem is, if you're still eating as usual, you're not going to
magically lose the weight. not everyone gets the benefit of this side
effect. just like everyone doesn't get the bad side effects of other meds.
i'm on 100 mg. i am getting other side effects, like forgetting the names
of people i know well, and having trouble finding words. but it's worth it
to me for now. it also enhances my other mood stabilizer, which is a nice
bonus. :-)
good luck...
-kelly
.
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| User: "Bob" |
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| Title: Re: Topamax and Weight Loss: How Long and How Much Med |
17 Aug 2005 10:38:31 PM |
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culprit wrote:
"Nom dePlume" <nomdeplume1000-at-yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:ddnuvg01tk9@news1.newsguy.com...
I wasn't aware that Topamax was supposed to help one lose weight. I
know it can be sedating, which isn't usually associated with weight
loss. Depakote and Zyprexa are both associated with weight gain, as
well.
topamax is helpful in controlling binge behavior, including eating,
drinking, shopping, etcetera. since i've started it, i no longer feel the
need to eat when i'm bored, i no longer order larger portions than i need.
i no longer go shopping, just to go shopping. i no longer order a drink,
just to have a drink. topamax has been an incredible help for me,
especially after the weight i've put on with Cymbalta (funny, Cymbalta is
not supposed to be a weight gain med). Topamax is currently being studied
for treatment of alcoholism as well.
the problem is, if you're still eating as usual, you're not going to
magically lose the weight. not everyone gets the benefit of this side
effect. just like everyone doesn't get the bad side effects of other meds.
i'm on 100 mg. i am getting other side effects, like forgetting the names
of people i know well, and having trouble finding words. but it's worth it
to me for now. it also enhances my other mood stabilizer, which is a nice
bonus. :-)
good luck...
-kelly
Hey, I did not know the above were side effects of Topamax! I thought I
was just getting old!
Bob
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| User: "Franz Bestuchev" |
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| Title: Re: Topamax and Weight Loss: How Long and How Much Med |
14 Aug 2005 12:58:31 PM |
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I tried topamax about 2 years ago for weight loss. It was ineffective at
anything but making me feel sick.
I guess if I would have stayed on it I might have lost weight that way.
"Nom dePlume" <nomdeplume1000-at-yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:ddnuvg01tk9@news1.newsguy.com...
I wasn't aware that Topamax was supposed to help one lose weight. I
know it can be sedating, which isn't usually associated with weight
loss. Depakote and Zyprexa are both associated with weight gain, as
well.
Weight loss is associated with stimulants, like Dexedrine and Ritalin,
or other medications that affect the same neurotransmitters
(norepinephrine and dopamine). These medications can both increase
metabolic rate, and decrease appetite. It is possible that an
"adrenergic" medication (one that increases norepinephrine
concentration) such as Strattera or Edronax might help, but given the
cocktail you are already taking, I'd be cautious about adding anything
else. Most stimulating medications increase dopamine concentration, as
well as norepinephrine, and might conflict with the antipsychotics you
are taking.
Unfortunately, I don't have any solutions for your situation, but I'd
suggest discussing the concept of a stimulating medication with your
doctor.
--
Nom dePlume, Ph.D.
Why, yes, in fact, I am a rocket scientist.
Guide to Medications for Mental Illness:
http://www.geocities.com/nomdeplume1000/
=====
<Phoenix8172@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:1124037627.028439.20940@g43g2000cwa.googlegroups.com...
I started about three years ago on a combination of Remeron and
Desipramine, which has worked very well for me. The only problem
has
been the huge gain in appetite -- I've put on about 30 or 40 pounds.
The doctor decided to try me on Topamax recently, as a way to
address
the weight gain. (I also take Depakote, and a low dose of Zyprexa,
just to fill in the details here.) In any event, I've been on the
Topamax for about six weeks, and so far have not lost any weight.
So,
I'm wondering a few things:
First, I'm taking 50 mg of the Topamax a day. Is that enough to get
the weight loss benefit? I am reluctant to ask the doctor to raise
the
dosage, because I seem to be experiencing a slight spaciness on the
drug, and I don't want to feel more of that. Also, although I'm
not having any dramatic vision problems, sometimes I seem to
experience
a very, very subtle "filminess" - a kind of thing white layer --
in my distance vision. So, raising the dose of Topamax does not
seem
like a good idea. Still, I'm wondering -- is more needed to get the
weight-loss benefit?
The other question would be, how long does it take to lose weight on
the Topamax? I've been on it for about six weeks now, and so far my
weight seems to be holding exactly the same. Does it take three
months, or six months, for weight loss to start to show up?
The other option we've considered is stepping down my dosage of
Remeron from three pills a day (45 mg) to two pills (30 mg). Has
anyone found that lowering their dose of Remeron has helped with the
weight gain? (Of course, the risk there is that my mood might go
down
- the doctor has suggested that in that case, we would up the dosage
of the desipramine....)
Any and all feedback is appreciated.
.
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| User: "Stephanie" |
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| Title: Re: Topamax and Weight Loss: How Long and How Much Med |
14 Aug 2005 05:52:24 PM |
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The other option we've considered is stepping down my dosage of
Remeron from three pills a day (45 mg) to two pills (30 mg). Has
anyone found that lowering their dose of Remeron has helped with the
weight gain?
...................................................................
It's my understanding that the only way past the weight gain is upping
the dose of Remeron.
.
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| User: "Dani" |
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| Title: Re: Topamax and Weight Loss: How Long and How Much Med |
15 Aug 2005 07:52:14 PM |
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There is a warning about topamax at:
http://bipolar.about.com/cs/topamax/a/0109_topglauco.htm
<Phoenix8172@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:1124037627.028439.20940@g43g2000cwa.googlegroups.com...
I started about three years ago on a combination of Remeron and
Desipramine, which has worked very well for me. The only problem has
been the huge gain in appetite -- I've put on about 30 or 40 pounds.
The doctor decided to try me on Topamax recently, as a way to address
the weight gain. (I also take Depakote, and a low dose of Zyprexa,
just to fill in the details here.) In any event, I've been on the
Topamax for about six weeks, and so far have not lost any weight. So,
I'm wondering a few things:
First, I'm taking 50 mg of the Topamax a day. Is that enough to get
the weight loss benefit? I am reluctant to ask the doctor to raise the
dosage, because I seem to be experiencing a slight spaciness on the
drug, and I don't want to feel more of that. Also, although I'm
not having any dramatic vision problems, sometimes I seem to experience
a very, very subtle "filminess" - a kind of thing white layer --
in my distance vision. So, raising the dose of Topamax does not seem
like a good idea. Still, I'm wondering -- is more needed to get the
weight-loss benefit?
The other question would be, how long does it take to lose weight on
the Topamax? I've been on it for about six weeks now, and so far my
weight seems to be holding exactly the same. Does it take three
months, or six months, for weight loss to start to show up?
The other option we've considered is stepping down my dosage of
Remeron from three pills a day (45 mg) to two pills (30 mg). Has
anyone found that lowering their dose of Remeron has helped with the
weight gain? (Of course, the risk there is that my mood might go down
- the doctor has suggested that in that case, we would up the dosage
of the desipramine....)
Any and all feedback is appreciated.
.
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