Questions About Topomax

[theguts]

My neurologist put me on topomax for headaches.  I am also on cymbalta and zyprexa and klonopin for bipolar and anxiety.  My questions are: Is topomax an antidepressant?  Does topomax really help you lose weight?  and Does topomax make you lose your hair? (the pharmacist said taking Folic Acid would reduce this effect, will it? and how much?)
Thanks for all of your help.

The Guts

[theguts]

Thank you for your responses!  I am looking forward to the weight loss effect, I hope that happens for me.  I will look out for the other side effects as well.  I think I need a little extra boost in the mood stablization department as I have been leaning toward the manic side over the last two weeks.

Thanks,
The Guts

[morbidlyeuphoric]

I'm on Topomax as well for migraines. I take 200mg a day and the side effects that I noticed the most was tingling in my hands/feet, word retrieval issues, concentration issues...the last 2 side effects went away after about 3 weeks but they were kind of a pain. However, it was worth it in the end. I haven't had a migraine in months, and I used to get about 3 a week. Also, I lost 25lbs on it, so weight loss was a side effect as well for me. The tingling sensation takes a long time to get used to though, and for me it was pretty bad in the beginning. like, my face even felt numb. So, if that happens to you, it's normal. Another side effect I experienced is that I can no longer drink anything with carbonation in it b/c it tastes awful. That doesnt happen to everyone though. I'm just trying to give you as many examples as I can in case you get any of them so you know someone else got them too. hope it helps!!

[ILADVOCATE]

The pharmacist is correct about Folic Acid but I don't know the amount. Topomax can cause hair loss. Topomax is actually marketed for weight loss as well. Topomax is a full mood stabilizer not an anti-depressent but its effect is generally not strong enough to use by itself so its generally prescribed as an adjunct (additional) mood stabilizer. The side effect to watch out for with Topomax is gastritis. If it causes a persistent stomach upset speak to your neurologist about that as well as anything else that I posted here. Every person responds differently to each medication though especially if its not being prescribed as a mood stabilizer so the dosage may be different.