Optifast/binge eating/topamax/phentermine

[Terri69]

I am a binge eater and just recently found a doctor who recognizes and treats that, she's the only board certified bariatrics doctor in my area, so I'm thrilled to have found her.  I'll be treating both the obesity and binge eating at the same time....with optifast and a combination of meds...primarily topamax, which studies have shown to help binge eaters.  And of course, counseling.

Had anyone else had experience with either optifast or topamax?

[Bettina75]

Hello.
I have been treated with Topamax for nearly a year now. It has been proven to be great. Sid effects in the begining were unplesent but they vary from person to person.
In my case we also had therapy sessions so that also helps alot.
It's a drug you should take responsibly, I find that when I forget to take it, then I go through the side effects all over again.
Good luck!

[nannyrenee]

Hi ,I am in a clinical study that is testing a pill that contains both topamax/phentermine. So I do not know for sure  what I am taking but by the effects I think I am on the strongest dose they are testing. After 3 days I said to someone,"This pill doesn't just kill my appetite, it has taken away all cravings. I too am a binge eater, and had no idea was a serving of anything was, I ate till the box, carton, bag was finished. I am also a compulsive gambler, and though I was not gambling and know I can't I still thought about it.I think the topamax took that away.  Getting back to the food... I sit down to a meal, eat slow, never did that before, I would try to eat slow, but unconsciously shouvled it in my mouth.. At night I might eat a bowl of shebet, the container lasts all week, I am in awe! My personality has changed, topamax is a mood stabelizer. I am not bipolar, but know a lot because my daughter is, and I love the difference in me . I told my doctor I need to stay on this med all my life. I am 60 and can honestly say I feel normal for the first time in my life.
You may notice a lot of spelling errors, I am dyslexic, topamax has not helped that ...lol
I do need to say one thing about this site, as I said this is my first time here, and this is only my opinion. ...What I  am concerned about on this site... a lot of questions asked are questions that should answered by a doctor, especially questions about doses of meds.
By the way the first 5 months on the study I lost 40 lbs, I seem to be at a plateau now, 5 lbs in 3 mos .I went from a 2x to a 14, and the self confidence I miss when I am fat is comming back. I yo yo 100 lbs. This will be the 4th time I will lose close to 100 lbs, at 60 I do not think I can be a size 6/8 again .