Topamax/weight loss?

[slowly sinking]

:new:Hi All,

I'm new to the site and am just starting Topamax. Has anyone experienced weight loss as a side effect?

Thanks so much!

[WaitingToExhale]

Topamax/weight loss?

There are a number of Topa threads here. I am on week 3 of Topa. No weight change as of yet, but I am at only 75mg so far. Moving up slowly.

Best of luck to you!

[slowly sinking]

Topamax/weight loss?

Thanks for writing...I don't want to lose weight and have heard that is a side effect. Have you quit drinking cold turkey? I am finding that at this point, it's almost impossible to do so..but I'm only on day 3....I'm hoping that you aren't having bad side effects and are getting positive results. I never knew how hard this could be and am praying that there is hope. I just realized the other day that my 10 year old son is aware of my drinking and I am so ashamed..also afraid that my ex will find out and, well that wouldn't be good. It's embarrassing because I have a high powered job with a huge responsibility...and no one knows-at least I don't think they do-I literally have people's lives in my hands. I've never gone to work drunk,but I've certainly gone to work hungover... and can't wait to get home to the bottle....it's definitely affecting every aspect of my life. This is the first time I've reached out for help....because of my occupation, I can't risk telling doctors,shrinks, etc...for fear of losing my job.....thanks for your support.

[WaitingToExhale]

Topamax/weight loss?

Slowly, read as much as you can here. You may want to post in the Just Starting Out area if you havn't already. You'll get a lot of support and many of your questions answered there.

We're all finding different methods of what is working for us.

As for the Topa, so far I am not having any side effects to speak of. But again, it is only 3 weeks into it and only ant Day 4 now of 75mg as I am moving up very slowly.

Cravings are way down but I contribute that to also the supps, the CDs, the book and mostly the mindset that this is something I really want this time around.

Hang inthere and kkep on posting. It really does help to stay close tothese boards!

WTE

[yogagirl]

Topamax/weight loss?

Dear Slowly,

Just started Topa myself 4 days ago and have had no side effects as of yet. I am still eating my usual diet but definitely drinking less. It's quite amazing actually. I usually drink two bottles of wine each evening and this week end I didn't even finish one bottle...and I had company and she had one glass! This is still blowing my mind!

My heart sank about a month ago when I stopped at the store after picking up my kids from school. I pulled into the parking lot and my daughter said, "God, mom, more alcohol". She's 11.

As far as your job, don't be too hard on yourself. Addiction knows no class. I bet you an equal amount of wealthy, middle class, and impoverished people are all affected by this horrible illness. I don't have a high powered job, but I do serve the public in the field of education and if anyone found out I would be mortally ashamed because I feel I am held to a higher standard because I work with children. I try to remind myself that I am harder on me than any one in my office would be! If most people walk by a dirty, homeless, alcoholic on the street, what is their first reaction? One of sympathy and concern...not of disgust. That is what people would feel for you if they found out. Concern.

Don't stop reaching out!

There are so many wonderful people here from all walks of life. I used to think that I was in a totally different situation than most problem drinkers because I was highly functional and financially stable. I realized that we are all the same. Every one of us. No matter what job we have, what neighborhood we live in or how well we think we care for our children.
I love this site because here, no one cares and no one judges...even if you screw up after promising to start anew! Here, you will will find unconditional support. Please keep coming back.

Best wishes!
Yogagirl

[slowly sinking]

Topamax/weight loss?

I no longer feel so alone!!!

Thank you all so much for responding! I never knew how much better it would make me feel to know that I'm not alone in my struggle. I am very new to this process...just read the book, got Topa online...and am waiting for the CDs and supps...but for the first time am hopeful that I can do this. I really hope that I can be of help(at some point) to you all too.

Everyone, keep your hopes up high and know that everything is going to be o.k...:h

[WaitingToExhale]

Topamax/weight loss?

Hey yogagirl! Great post! It is SO true that we feel so alone and are so unaware of how many of us are out there, living in nice homes, holding great jobs or running businesses, looking so frigging normal!

What a GREAT job on less than a bottle of wine in a week! WOW! I have not done that well, but I am certainly WAYYYYY down from my 2-3 bottles a night habit as well.

Doesn't it just kick you when a child says something like that? I don't have children, but on a camping trip a few months ago a friends 16 year old said something, don't even remember what it was as I was pouring another glass of wine, but the shame just washed over me ...

Sticking together we can do this.

PS: Yogagirl: Are you doing the Topa with a DR and what dosage did you start at? Or are at? If you care to share?

[yogagirl]

Topamax/weight loss?

Thanks WTE ...I have to correct you right off the bat and say that it is less than a bottle in weekend..I wish it was a week and I don't want to accept accolades for something I did not accomplish. However, I usually drink two bottles each and every evening and I know the Topa has something to do with the decrease.

I ordered Topa from River Pharm and I am following RJ's protocol from the Johnson study. I am on day 4 of 25 mg with no major side effects. I have slight tingling in my heels but it is not bothersome in any way. I usually drink until I pass out. That is the only way I get to sleep. When I don't drink, I don't sleep. Now, I sleep like the dead. It's amazing!

I want to do this with a DR after this script runs out because I have great insurance...just too embarrassed.

[slowly sinking]

Topamax/weight loss?

Sleep without alcohol

Yoga Girl...you said that you can't sleep unless you drink....try this...

It's rare that this happens but on the days that I haven't been drinking, I've been taking either melatonin or Seriphos. My homeopathic dr said it's safe to take up to 15mg melatonin..but to do it for two weeks and then take a break. When I'm not drinking, I absolutely sleep like a baby...started out at 9mg, then 12, then 15, etc...within 15 minutes I'm out. The Seriphos also has a great calming effect. I am new here and haven't gotten any of the supps yet, but these have worked great for me...again...when I'm not drinking. If I feel like having a drink, I take the melatonin and it kind of gives you that "high"...LL

[slowly sinking]

Topamax/weight loss?

I stand corrected

Sorry Yoga Girl,

I re-read your last...now you sleep like the dead! That's great....for those that are having problems, 9-15mg of melatonin is to die for!!

[WaitingToExhale]

Topamax/weight loss?

Also, as far as the weight lose, I just noticed today, I lost 2.5 pounds in the last 2 weeks. Humm.

Could be the dental surgery I had a week ago and was eating a bit less.

[yogagirl]

Topamax/weight loss?

6 mg melatonin

I do take 6 mg of melatonin along with my topa...it never did anything before I took my Topa so I didn't contribute it to my improved sleep. Maybe it just needed to build up in my system.

[slowly sinking]

Topamax/weight loss?

Melatonin

I know it sounds scary, but my homeopathic doc says it's totally safe to take up to 15mg of melatonin a day...but do this for only two weeks, then go off for a week....I swear, it's one of the best sleeps I've had in years!! I went slowly, up to the 15mg....the only side effect I had at 15mg was a little trouble waking up the next day..didn't last long and I went down to 12mg the next night...sweet dreams...

[christyacc]

Topamax/weight loss?

Hi there....magnesium helps with sleep as well.....my naturopath put me on 1000mg to start and will cut back, but seems to help.

[PJon]

Topamax/weight loss?

Hi,
I am new to posting and to Topa. I am 4 days into my 2nd week therefore up to 50 mg. Dosing up very slow. No side effects that I have noticed at all. My cravings for the drink are way down, but not gone altogether. I usually drink between 3 to 5 whiskey and diets per night. Now down to 2. 47 year old female. No notice on appitite control, but hoping it comes with next dose up. Anyone notice the dosage when things really kick in for them? Really love this site and the Topa so far. Looking forward to getting more involved with posting.