Hi everyone,
I wanted to post here since I came across your site not too long ago. Basically, 2 years ago I decided I wanted to do something to cut down on drinking and I came across a research study that was invesitgating a "medication" approach. Well, I called and was accepted and it turned out to be a study regarding alcohol dependence and topiramate.
I was given a 50/50 shot of getting a placebo or the real thing and was to titrate up to 300 mg a day. After my first pill I knew I had the real thing, I was suddenly not hungry and within days I couldn't drink soda. I soon titrated up to 150 mgs a day and experienced some side effects. I had sleepiness, upset stomach, metallic taste, lost 15 pounds (I was only 125 to start), tingling in hands and feet and ringing in my ears (never heard anyone else mention that one). They wanted me to go up to 300 mg per day but as soon as I hit 200 I couldn't take it any more (especially the buzzing in my ears) and I begged them to let me go back to the 150 (they agreed after discussing with the manufacturer who sponsored the study).
While this was going on we worked on cutting down my drinking. Initially when I started the topa it was difficult, but as the weeks wore on it became easy. Strangely easy. I ended up giving up alcohol mid-way into the study and was abstinent for 3-4 months without worry. Also, while I initially had borderline high blood pressure it was normal all throughout the study.
After the study ended I eventually started drinking again. Then my father died and I gave up all attempts at stopping. So, now, having found these forums I really want to go on topa again and am interested in ordering it from an online pharmacy. I don't have a relationship with a physician who would prescribe it for me.
One other concern I have that I wonder if anyone could speak to: has anyone been able to order the medication online without their spouse finding out? Although he knew about the study I would like to do this on my own as he felt that the topa side effects were not worth it.
Thanks for letting me share my story.
Anne
I wanted to post here since I came across your site not too long ago. Basically, 2 years ago I decided I wanted to do something to cut down on drinking and I came across a research study that was invesitgating a "medication" approach. Well, I called and was accepted and it turned out to be a study regarding alcohol dependence and topiramate.
I was given a 50/50 shot of getting a placebo or the real thing and was to titrate up to 300 mg a day. After my first pill I knew I had the real thing, I was suddenly not hungry and within days I couldn't drink soda. I soon titrated up to 150 mgs a day and experienced some side effects. I had sleepiness, upset stomach, metallic taste, lost 15 pounds (I was only 125 to start), tingling in hands and feet and ringing in my ears (never heard anyone else mention that one). They wanted me to go up to 300 mg per day but as soon as I hit 200 I couldn't take it any more (especially the buzzing in my ears) and I begged them to let me go back to the 150 (they agreed after discussing with the manufacturer who sponsored the study).
While this was going on we worked on cutting down my drinking. Initially when I started the topa it was difficult, but as the weeks wore on it became easy. Strangely easy. I ended up giving up alcohol mid-way into the study and was abstinent for 3-4 months without worry. Also, while I initially had borderline high blood pressure it was normal all throughout the study.
After the study ended I eventually started drinking again. Then my father died and I gave up all attempts at stopping. So, now, having found these forums I really want to go on topa again and am interested in ordering it from an online pharmacy. I don't have a relationship with a physician who would prescribe it for me.
One other concern I have that I wonder if anyone could speak to: has anyone been able to order the medication online without their spouse finding out? Although he knew about the study I would like to do this on my own as he felt that the topa side effects were not worth it.
Thanks for letting me share my story.
Anne
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Suz 
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