topomax and paxil

[teach1grade]

I am currently on topomax for weight loss and have heard of some scary side effects...i have panic attacks and am on paxil for those.  i would like information on the topomax regarding mood stablizing, energy level, and depression.   thanks

[inked]

i would greatly caution using topomax for weightloss. it is an anticonvulsant and very strong. it can cause burning sensations, exhaustion and other neurological side effects. if you do take this you should be monitored by a neurologist.



hth

[Davetterrr]

I have started a new forum about topamax.you are welcom to read on it. Topomax has many pros and cons.If your doctor has put you on this drug then he must have a good reason.

[Phtartist]

Paxil is an SSRI which has an effect on weight, mostly gaining.  I have never heard of Topamax (topiramate, carbamazapine), an anti seizure med, being used for weight loss.  I'm on it now for five years for migraine treatment.  I had been migraine free thanks to it for the last four years. During that time I have gained 30 lbs. Hmmm?  To be fair I have also been on Zoloft  hmmm, thats an SSRI.  
I later went off Zoloft and lost some weight with an astounding amount of effort on my part.  I then needed depression help so I went on Effexor  an NSRI, and gained it all back. Even with being on Topamax and Effexor I did Nutri System and only lost 16 lbs in a whole year!!  
I recently went off everything except the one medication for depression that does not cause weight gain and can help compulsive disorders like eating, smoking etc. Wellbutrin.  It even helps with weight loss.  I've lost two pounds.

[71Mach1]

I am a cronic pain suffer for four years now.  I was put on Topomaz by my neurologist.  There are pain patients that have had success using a anticonvulsant and antidepression drug to lower their pain level and in some cases, some patients became pain free.  I was against this combination possibility until my pain became unbearable.  I was prescribed Wellburtin and Topomax.  My family and I call Topomax the wicked drug.  It created tingling in one side of my face which had the docs concerned I had MS.  NOT!  There are many other side effects I suffered however due to the combination lowering my pain level I put up with the side effects until I weighed 87 lbs.  My height is 5'3".  It was at this point my family and friend intercepted.  If I were to get a serious illness my body Iwouldn't be able to fight it.  I would come home from work and go straight to bed.  I was exhausted.  I had no desire to eat, hence has no energy to be part of life.  I was this way for 2 years.  Thank God my husband was always there for me!  Once I stopped taking Topmax I slowly became part of the world again!  Believe me, I was "totally checked out of life." The initial weight loss was great, then Topomax began to take over my life.  We all have to weigh the pros and cons of the medical benefit versus the side effects.  For me Topomax is the wicked drug!   I could go on and on about this wicked drug because it totally took my life.  Those of you who are on Topomax, please monitor your body and ask your family to monitor your moods, as well as, how much you are sleeping.  Don't let this drug let you check out!