Re: Topimax Question

[Guest guest]

Danita, When reading your e-mail, I could have sworn I wrote it! Even

though I'm not struggling with weight gain, I'm having a hard time

losing some. I'm not " officially " overweight, but when I weighed 10

pounds less than I do right now after hitting my goal with Weight

Watchers, my mobility and balance were much better. I am 45 years old,

5'3 " , have a small frame, and currently weigh 138 lbs. I am on a generic

form of Inderal for tremor and have been for about the last 7 years. My

understanding is that one side-effect of this drug can be weight gain. I

went through a period where it didn't seem to be working for my tremor

any more so about a year 1/2 ago my neurologist prescribed a minimal

dose of Topimax. I guess this drug is prescribed for weight loss, too.

I thought " what the heck " a little weight loss wouldn't hurt me, and if

the drug works for tremor too, that would be great. I was on the drug

for about 3 weeks and felt absolutely terrible. I had no appetite, and

food tasted horrible. My gums also started to bleed. It's no wonder

the drug works for weight loss! In reference to " Curves " , keep it up as

long as you can. I did it faithfully 4-5 times per week for a year and

half. Since I got my AFOs I'm no longer able to use the equipment, but

I still do the stretching routine at home and also ride a recumbent

bike. I'm also doing some strength training with arm weights since the

first of the year and am starting to notice a difference in my upper

body. I'm back counting points with Weight Watchers, and slow but sure

the weight is coming off. I've lost 3 pounds in 3 1/2 weeks which may

not sound like much, but I didn't put in on overnight so I can't expect

it come off overnight either. I don't believe in crash diets. I'm

trying to make some life changes. I know you don't need weight loss

advice, but have you ever looked into the Weight Watchers program? They

have some nice ideas about overcoming cravings and controlling your

appetite, both of which I struggle with too. Good luck with your

decisions on the drug, but I personally would never try it again. I'm

sure there are many out there who have had success with it, though.

K.

[Guest guest]

HI Danita,

I'm catching up on my emails and at yours right now. I take Topamax for

headaches. I'm on 20mg. and it does help curve your appetite. The best thing is

you lose it slow and not fast which is good because if your careful and watch

what you eat then the pounds you lose can stay off. Don't do like me, when my

surgery didn't work last Dec. I got depressed and ate my way through alot of

pumpkin pies and now I'm in the process of losing again.