Topa - Question for Long Term Users

[Deena]

Hi All,
I am a new user of Topa, currently taking 50 mg daily. I am happy with the immediate results of it and encouraged to know that there is help like this for me. (I actually poured my 2nd glass of wine back INTO the bottle on Friday night!!)

I am one of the people experiencing the "dopa" side effect of the drug. My job is pretty high pressure, and this concerns me.

Is the side effect of this "temporary" and if so, how long before it diminishes?

TIA!

[livingfree]

Topa - Question for Long Term Users

just my experience

Hey Deena - I think there are others on here that can answer this question better than I - but didn't want to leave you hanging until they answered - so I thought I'd give you my experience short as it is!

I've been on topa for 4 weeks and am up to 100 mg. the only real side effects I've had is some major typing bloopers, tin taste in my mouth, slight appetite reduction (slight - nothing major) and no cravings of Alcohol!!! So as far as the dopa effects are I call my typing effects dopa - but different people seem to refer dopa to different symptoms. I believe they level off - esp. at 50 mg. So hang in there. You will probably hear for others here also!

Best to you

[skygal12]

Topa - Question for Long Term Users

Hi Deena, I may not be a "long term user", I have been on topa for about 2 months now. I hit my "magic" dose about 1 month ago. I had to titrate down from 150mgs to 125mgs and then just went back down to 100mgs a few days ago because I could no longer handle the side effects at 125 mgs. 100mgs seems to suit me just fine. I don't want a drink AT ALL. I have been sober for one month. Totally AF for 16 days.

So, to your original question: I have a very demanding job as well. The "dopa" effect has been really tough to deal with. If you read the thread started by Paddy in this forum, there is a lot of really good info from other members who say that it goes away after about a month. I am feeling better - I think it is dissipating for me. No longer falling asleep at my desk, typing like an idiot, etc. I just receive the Adrafinil that RJ recommends - that made me feel speedy (not supposed to, but I am always susceptible to side effects that others aren't!). I have found that coffee helps immensely!

One thing I found was that I just told people - "I got migraines so I am taking this drug that makes me dopey for a few of weeks". They seem to take that well and left me to it....

I guess being dopey from the topa has made me stupid at work - but, no more stupid than the damn hangovers, or not even showing up at all.....TOPA has been my savior, the side effects are tough but it is the only thing that has worked for me, sounds like the same for you? Sounds like the side effects are worth it for you as well?

[Deena]

Topa - Question for Long Term Users

Thanks guys, so far so good. I can muddle through the side effects, I'm going to increase my dosage on the weekends as it seems to be worse the first few days...

I agree, the side effects of a hangover are pretty bad too!!!