Community Forum Archive
The Epilepsy Community Forums are closed, and the information is archived. The content in this section may not be current or apply to all situations. In addition, forum questions and responses include information and content that has been generated by epilepsy community members. This content is not moderated. The information on these pages should not be substituted for medical advice from a healthcare provider. Experiences with epilepsy can vary greatly on an individual basis. Please contact your doctor or medical team if you have any questions about your situation. For more information, learn about epilepsy or visit our resources section.
Switching from Depakote to Topamax? opinions pleaseee!
Tue, 10/13/2009 - 23:05Comments
Re: Switching from Depakote to Topamax? opinions pleaseee!
Submitted by sockmonkies1995 on Wed, 2009-10-14 - 22:47
Re: Switching from Depakote to Topamax? opinions pleaseee!
Submitted by teener on Sun, 2009-10-18 - 09:52
When I was first put on topamax, I did loose a lot of weight, and my grades slipped....ALOT. Failed 2 midterms, ended up squeezing by with straight C's that semester. Went off the topamax, took tegretol instead. Next 3 semesters, 4.0. However, topamax is a good drug, it works different on different people.
All the best, Christine
When I was first put on topamax, I did loose a lot of weight, and my grades slipped....ALOT. Failed 2 midterms, ended up squeezing by with straight C's that semester. Went off the topamax, took tegretol instead. Next 3 semesters, 4.0. However, topamax is a good drug, it works different on different people.
All the best, Christine
Re: Switching from Depakote to Topamax? opinions pleaseee!
Submitted by K_K on Wed, 2009-10-14 - 04:47
My doctor added Topamax to my medication several years ago, but I am no longer taking it.
I was about 30 then, and in the best shape of my life....until the Topamax. I never exercised consistently from the moment I started taking it. I was too tired ALL the time. I dropped 40 lbs within months and at one point ended up at less than 100 lbs. I had no desire to eat. (Another weird thing was that for years I swear I didn't dream!)
I've always taken Tegretol (carbamazepine)...but the combination of Tegretol & Topamax made me lose words like crazy. I'd forget the name of common items, but only while speaking. My train of thought slowed considerably and I eventually felt stupid. I think this was because I was so tired. It was like I was trying to function normally in the world while taking sleeping pills all day. Honestly....if I sat still, I drifted off to sleep.
My opinion of Topamax? The only benefit I received was the weight loss, which never came back when I went off the meds. It was awful and embarrassing to sound slow and fall asleep in my chair all the time.
If you try it, pay attention to how it makes you feel physically. If you feel the same as I did, don't wait years for the doctor to decide to change the meds. Talk to him. You are young & sleeping all day is no way to spend your teen years.
Good luck with whatever you choose.
My doctor added Topamax to my medication several years ago, but I am no longer taking it.
I was about 30 then, and in the best shape of my life....until the Topamax. I never exercised consistently from the moment I started taking it. I was too tired ALL the time. I dropped 40 lbs within months and at one point ended up at less than 100 lbs. I had no desire to eat. (Another weird thing was that for years I swear I didn't dream!)
I've always taken Tegretol (carbamazepine)...but the combination of Tegretol & Topamax made me lose words like crazy. I'd forget the name of common items, but only while speaking. My train of thought slowed considerably and I eventually felt stupid. I think this was because I was so tired. It was like I was trying to function normally in the world while taking sleeping pills all day. Honestly....if I sat still, I drifted off to sleep.
My opinion of Topamax? The only benefit I received was the weight loss, which never came back when I went off the meds. It was awful and embarrassing to sound slow and fall asleep in my chair all the time.
If you try it, pay attention to how it makes you feel physically. If you feel the same as I did, don't wait years for the doctor to decide to change the meds. Talk to him. You are young & sleeping all day is no way to spend your teen years.
Good luck with whatever you choose.