your opinion about topiramate

[Paddy]

your opinion about topiramate

G'day JC

I could not have done without the TOPA. I'm trying 225 mgs a day now. Just for the sake of it. Sheer willpower does NOT do the trick if you want to stop drinking.

When i first got Topa, I was so scared that I flushed it all down the loo!!! That was in November. I finally started Topa in February. Got a number of side effects, but most of them settled and went away. Only the tingling in the feet stayed.

As NL recommends, it's best to do Topa under the supervision of a doctor. I did this, too. He prescribed me Topa. I told him openly why I wanted to take it, and I briefed him on MWO. As a liver specialist, he is very interested in the approach and he respects me, as I am of an academic background myself.

When you are looking for a doctor, you might want to shop around a bit. Don't be put off if the first doctor you talk to is not cooperative. Go to the next one. From my experience you may try non-anglo doctors as they are more humble and take you more serious. They've been through crap themselves and know what it means to be treated in a condescending way ...

Anyway, just my 2 cents.

[mystical]

your opinion about topiramate

I'm in day 5 of the topamax and I feel great. I'm taking 25mg and am taking all of the supplements recommended in the book and haven't really had any side effects thus far. I can say it did cut my urge to eat during the day to none. I do eat a good dinner though. I have lost three pounds since Monday. I haven't used the cd's and I still haven't had the urge to drink in the past five days. in my opinion the topomax is great but we'll see once I up the dose to 50mg!! Also the vitamins give me great energy. I do take extra calms forte at night as I find going to sleep a bit challenging. I've never had energy before that lasted from the time I got up to the time I went to bed and I like it.

[WilliamTheFree]

your opinion about topiramate

That's great Mystical...I can't say that the supps are giving me a lot of energy...I have been pretty tired myself...I've been in a class this week and have been nodding off...after dinner I've sat on the couch and nodded off for a few but then by the time it is time to go to bed I have trouble getting to sleep. Last night I took a few valerian capsules which seemed to help a bit....this will be day 5 on Topa for me....no real side effects to speak of but again, it is nice to not have cravings to drink....not sure what it is like for you but I just don't have the desire...I've thought of it but when I do it is like I don't want to bother...BIG difference from before...I DO feel a little "lost" though...like there is something missing...a bit hard to explain....

[journey04]

your opinion about topiramate

I LOVE the Topa. I am up to 75 mg/day. Been titrating up 25 mg every 4 days, and didn't really notice a difference with the cravings until I hit the 75 level. I had one glass of wine last night, and that was it. Didn't want another. Amazing. Haven't had any tingling or issues with drinking soft drinks. Have noticed some difficulties with bringing up names or other ordinary words. That is a bit frustrating. Slightly reduced appetite, which I hope helps with weight loss. I don't weigh myself, so I can't speak to that yet. Two more days at the 75 mg level, then I go up to 100 mg. level. I will be watching carefully for other side effects. Since it seems to be working well now with cravings, no need to sprint up to higher levels of the drug.

I agree with others that willpower alone has not done it for me.

Journey

[pacifico]

your opinion about topiramate

I'm 12 days into the program with topa and it's working great.
I have always had a little outbreak of Rosacea from time to time maybe once a year. I have an out break now and out course i want to blame anything that happens to me on this new thing i'm trying. I never saw Rosacea as a side effect or did i miss it? I've lost a few lbs, have tingling and the cravings are minimal.

[DidItForMe]

your opinion about topiramate

Never heard of rosacea as a side effect, but who knows, everyone is different. Glad Topa is working for people, even at small doses, it can be effective for some. Funny how we don't know what to do with ourselves when we don't drink in the evenings! Get you hands busy, it will help take your mind off things. Drinking is a routine that needs to be broken. Yes, the Topa helps with the cravings, but you also need to change your routine. Do some gardening, read a book, pop online and read some posts on this website, crosswords, anything that keeps your mind and hands busy will help in the long run.

Wishing you all continued success!!!

[pacifico]

your opinion about topiramate

I can't find a connection between Rosacea and Topirmate either but if my car wouldn't start i might suspect topirmate, i'll believe it's really this good in 6 months.

It's amazing when i call friends at 10 and they think somethings wrong and my dog can't believe walks after dark.

It's still one day at a time but this is more fun.

[Paddy]

your opinion about topiramate

Nope, never heard of that side effect (Rosacea, that is) either - as a side effect of Topa.

But, then again, Medicine is a science. And it might happen as a chemical reaction with other medicines you are taking?

[stillcrawling]

your opinion about topiramate

flushing/Rosecea

I have had flushing when on Topa -- especially if I drink Diet Coke ... if I avoid Diet Coke it does not happen... I take 50 mg a day and am staying there for now because I am on pain meds right now.

Paddy was your avatar formerly Rocky/Bullwinkle (the moose)?

Have a great Saturday all!

La Liz