Medication

"The public learned about topiramate's off-label use for alcohol addiction in the spring of 2003 when the results of a clinical trial were reported in the prestigious medical journal The Lancet and national headlines followed. Led by Professor Bankole A. Johnson, M.D, PhD, and his [then] San Antonio research team at South Texas Addiction Research and Technology (START) Center, the study generated great excitement. Topiramate not only promoted abstinence, but was also the first anti-craving medication that could be initiated when participants were beginning to curtail their drinking."

"...With all the exciting advances in psychopharmacology, we may soon learn that some new medication or drug cocktail will oust topiramate as king of the hill in balancing brain chemistry. In fact, acamprosate, which was approved by the FDA in July 2004, may be a contender for those who select abstinence. We will simply have to await the comparative data."

Roberta Jewell
My Way Out

...you asked if you can still take topo while still drinking...yes, you can -- and it works. it's an amazing drug. I used to drink...well, tons. now, I can't drink more than two drinks. yes, CAN'T. my body just won't. it's wonderful . Even over a period of HOURS. And I started taking the topo when I was drinking tons. Great stuff -- of course, I'm doing the entire program, not just taking the topo. I do believe that's the key. It's not just the topo.

And, hey -- a big congrats on cutting down to l/2 of what you used to drink -- that's amazing!!!

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mmmccloud

The 25mg was good to start with but it's not enough. I've just started my 3rd week and had my first evening on 75 mg last night. I'm experiencing no side affects at all so far. I'm religiously taking all my supps, drinking 2 -3 litres of water a day, walking 4-5 mornings a week and eating a very healty diet. I'm just noticing the cravings are really reducing significantly on the higher dose. The first two weeks I needed to have 1-2 glasses a night. I didn't have a drink last night and I'm not having one tonight. I feel I'll continue that into the week. Increase your dose, if you start to feel strange you can always ease back off it.

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Rails33

I highly recommend fessing up ordering from overseas and seeing a psychiatrist who are more likely to prescribe off label...two of the things that I did. I think if you are already on the meds when they see you, they are more inclined to give them to you. (well, show up with the Lancet study, too)

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jenram

Apparently, yes, you do have to be "abstinent" before starting the Campral. And I know where you're coming from, about wanting to be able to have a glass or two of wine or whatever when you get home. I felt the same way when I started out on the topa. I was so hopeful it would work for me but I got some bad side effects and my doctor wanted to pull me off... especially with the eye pressure I was getting. HOWEVER, alot of people, most in fact, don't have these problems. You might want to try it if you can, to see how you do with the topa.
When I realized I couldn't take the topa, I took the plunge and went for abstinence, without even thinking I could do it! But as the days passed, off the juice, wonderful things started happening to my mind and my body, and the abstinence just came about on its own. I hadn't even really thought about taking Campral, but the solution just kind of came about on its own. And I'm having no side effects whatsoever. And no cravings. I think what we all fear are the cravings, and not being able to control it. The "pleasure" part of the alcohol just seems to have worn off. And the "pleasure" part of staying clear has won me over, hands down!
Good luck on your discussion. Listen to yourself and don't get overwhelmed with "Now or Never" feelings. Try to explain to your husband how difficult this is, bring him to the website so he can see for himself. And forge on! You know deep down what is best for you. You know, my guy told me the other day that he was sure, at the beginning of this program, that I would probably do just like always... make promises I couldn't keep. And now he is SO pleased with the results. It's a high in itself being able to keep going and feeling so good in the process!
Keep us informed and remember we're all here with you.

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I'm kinda new too! I've been on the program (tweeked a little) for 5 weeks now. Read and LOVED the book....have and listen to the CD's. I decided to try the medication, Campral, instead of Topa (reasons for side effects). This drug is great! I have decided that abstinence is the better choice for me. Within 1 week it takes effect. No more cravings! The best thing is that there are virtually no side effects (at least none that I have experienced). I read this forum daily. Everyone has been a true inspiration. I do not go to AA for reasons of shame. I work as a Professional in my community and have not been able to go public w/ my drinking problem (except for this forum). Thank you to all that share your experiences. You are a strong thread that is holding me together.
Please keep in touch.

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Thanks for your reply donprin345. I actually don't have the alcohol cravings very much now I have changed the time I take my Topamax. I now take it at 12 midday and really only have a drink with my dinner now, because I like to, not because I have to. I had two glasses of wine last night over three hours and poured myself another after that, but ended up tipping it down the sink. The only reason I poured myself another last night was because of a stressful deadline day at work. An excuse I know, but at least it went down the sink.

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Clover

You might try a DO instead of a MD. They seem to be a little more open to trying new things. Also, Internal Medicine doctors deal more with chronic conditions and seem to be more informed about available treatments. I realize finding a new doctor would be a financial burden. Tell your doctor to look in his PDR and then he will have heard of Topamax. Offer to be his first research subject and tell him he could help hundreds of people! If all else fails, move to Texas and I can send you to my doctor. Best wishes!

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cdaley

i had [brain fuzz] too at first and it finally passed but i didn't have to teach kids, thats a tough one!!! i tried olmifon that was listed in the book for energy and brain power and it helped with both but i didn't stay on it very long because i ran out plus i lost my appetite and i couldn't affort to lose any more weight so i decided to go off it......but i guess that's not a problem for everyone. i think its worse when you dose up and then things seem to level off. i stopped at 200 and its working good.

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catzpajamas

I don't necessarily think it's the topa, crabbiness is one of the side affects of withdrawal. RJ even mentions it in her book, and I for one get INCREDIBLY irritable for a few days after stopping or even cutting back. Your central nervous system is used to being quieted down by alcohol, and without it, it goes into overdrive. It does pass after awhile!

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mollysdream