Topamax was working so well

[ruminator2]

Hi everyone. This is my first post. From what I?ve been reading, this seems like a very warm place with a lot of very compassionate people here.

I?ve been a compulsive overeater since childhood and started drinking as an adult. My entire life has been a struggle with eating and alcohol.

I?ve been doing research for a while into Topamax and decided to try it.
My appetite has stabilize greatly since I?ve been on it (which is good for the food compulsions) and at up to 300 mgs, my alcohol cravings have greatly subsided also. My mood was also improving so this to me was seeming like a wonder drug and I was very happy with my results.

Very unfortunately, even though I never experienced the more common side effects with confusion, I got another less common side effect. In a small group of Topamax users, we develop inner ocular eye pressure which can lead to glaucoma, other eye problems and even blindness. I began to develop flashing lights and stabbing eye pain in my left eye. Unfortunately, I had to discontinue taking it for fear of eye damage.

I have entertained the idea of finding a physician who would monitor and treat the ocular fluid build-up and control it with other drugs while I could still use Topamax.

I wouldn?t know where to start looking for such a request or even if it?s feasible. A Psychiatrist? An Ophthalmologist? Some other specialist?


It just worked for me so well in so many different ways. I?m wondering if there is a way around the eye problem.

Thank you for listening. If anyone has any ideas on this one l would appreciate some.

[brightlite]

Topamax was working so well

Rumi,

I don't have any advise on the eye problem. Your best bet is to go to an eye doctor. I would tell them that you are taking topamax and that the eye problem has occured. Hopefully they will have a solution for you.

The up side is that the Topamax was working for you and you were able to control your consumption of food and alcohol.

I hope you find a solution...stay strong.

[Pride before Fall]

Topamax was working so well

Hi ruminator,

Sounds like topiramate has worked great for you in some ways! I would go to an opthalmologist, tell him what you're taking and how much, just to make sure something else isn't going on unrelated to it.

I'm assuming you're buying it through the mail since you're talking about finding a physician? I'd also consider getting under a physician's care (a primary care doctor or psychiatrist with a substance abuse treatment background--he or she would know all the meds and all the interactions/side effects). There might be something out there for you that works equally well, and it would ease your mind a lot having someone to bounce questions like this off of.

Good luck! Post back on how it's going!

Pride

[sunshinedaisies]

Topamax was working so well

Hi Ruminator - wow, that must have been scary for you. I too, take Topa and it has worked for me as well. The eye thing though is scary - I wouldn't mess with something as important as eyes. You must find a doc and have them watch you - I had heard about the eye SE. I would definitely not mess about with it. As you said - you need to see an ophthalmologist and talk to them - be up front and tell them why you are taking the Topa and see if there is any way round it. If there isn't, then go to a doc and see if there is something else that you can try - Bac or Nal maybe? they don't have the same weight loss SE but can help with the AL. I wish you all the best with this - I feel for you. Let us know how you get on. Hang in there.


Hugs, Sunshinedaisies x

[individualnz]

Topamax was working so well

Hi there Ruminator and welcome;

I agree with all the above. You need to run it past a doctor, with those signs and symtoms and given the small percentage of people that have had those side effects its something that needs addressing fairly quickly. I do feel for you, knowing you have found something working so well for you. Im not so sure of an easy fix for those side effects, but you need to see a specialist and find out. Keep us informed

Regards Indy

[jessie]

Topamax was working so well

Hi Ruminator,
I think a psychiatrist will be a good place to start - they know all the SE's and will be able to give you another drug to counter act the effect and refer you to an ophthalmologist who can monitor.
Good luck.

[ruminator2]

Topamax was working so well

Thank you everyone for your best wishes and suggestions. I appreciate them very much.

[houtx]

Topamax was working so well

Hi Ruminator -
Sounds like you are on a pretty high dose of Topa. I'm seriously considering getting on it. Worried about the hair loss and now this...did you also lose hair?? So have you titrated down? What did your physician prescribe? Am very curious about your other experiences taking it - when did you start, w/ how much, titrated up, etc...

Hope the eye probs get resolved - keep us posted. Thx!

[sapphire1]

Topamax was working so well

HI Ruminator, so sorry to hear of your problems with topomax. I would get to your general practioner as soon as possible. I am from Australia and have had Topomax prescribed for me from my family doctor no problems at all. I started on 50mg per day and went up to 100mg per day after one week. I have had no side effects at all and the best thing so far the craving fro alcohol has gone completley!!!!!!!!! If this continues at this does I will not titrate up further. Maybe you could titrate down, stay at a lower dosage and see if it just takes a bit more time to kick in to releive your cravings. Best of luck and keep us posted. Love and grace:h:l