Topamax in the UK

[Gargykath]

Hi everyone

I went to my GP (family doctor) and asked about Topamax.

Well he wasnt happy and said it was an anti epileptic drug and under no condition should I take it. He also said it wasnt licensed in the UK.

I went to the alcohol counsellor assessment yesterday (free I am happy to report and also does evening appointments up to 8pm so okay for work) and he suggested Campral.

Anyway I am wondering what other UK-ers experiences are ?

I have finally (after a year) got the MWO book and some L-Glutamine for cravings. I am doing much better this week.

Any thoughts ?

Best wishes

Gargykath

[Marshy]

Topamax in the UK

Hi Gargykath,

I asked my doc about Antabuse and he said no (he doesn't believe in meds for alcohol abuse). He gave me the number of the local NHS counselling service (must be same thing as yours). I called twice and left my name and number but no one called me back so I kind of gave up. But reading your post makes me think I ought to try again. I'd pretty much forgotten about it actually!

So was your assessment a positive experience?

[Gargykath]

Topamax in the UK

Hey Marshy

Thanks for replying. I found the appointment very nice. They are a holistic service and they dont insist on abstinence. I had to write down how much I had drunk in the past seven days and talk through my medical problems. I told them my aim is to be able to moderate without getting pissed.

I live in Croydon and I can see that you are in London too. It was the Croydon Alcohol Counselling Service. I can pm you their number if you want ????

They also said I should get someone assigned to me pretty quickly within 3 weeks and that can have evening appointments up to 8pm which is fab. I would go once a week for a year and as I said before its completely free.

I have some L-Glutamine from the MWO store and am going to send off for the free Kudzu as have subscribed to the MWO site. I havent had a big craving this week like last week but I am not sure whether thats the l Glutamine or me - have only been taking it a couple of days.

Lemme know if you want the number.

Take care

Gargy

[Marshy]

Topamax in the UK

Gargy,

Thanks for the info. I think I'll give my local service another try (I'm in East London). As I said, I've called twice and was told I'd have to speak to a counsellor on the phone before I could make an appointment to go in, but the counsellor was "in a meeting" both times and didn't call me back. I suppose they're overstretched like most NHS services but it did put me off a bit!

I hope it works out well for you!

[bunnygirl]

Topamax in the UK

Doctor

When I went to my doctor, a new doctor I'd never seen before I told him I needed prescription refills for Topamax for migraines and Zoloft for depression. I'd already been on the Zoloft through my previous doctor.

I've never taken Topamax before so it was somewhat deceitful but I feel I need to try this to quit drinking and this is confidential information I don't feel obliged to share with my doctor. If I have bad side effects I will stop the med. If not, and it works then hallelujah.