Q. One of my friends was put on it for severe depression and paranoid schizophrenia, but I was told that it's usually a drug given to treat epilepsy...so what is it, exactly, and what does it do to your body?
A. Topamax ( Topiramate ) is used in the adjunctive treatment of partial onset seizures in adults and pediatric patients ages 2 to 16 years, in Binge-eating disorder, and to treat bipolar disorder. Add on treatment for primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures in adults and children, 2-16 years old.
Topamax ( Topiramate ) can help reduce the frequency of migraines. Benefits of migraine prevention:
Warnings
Patients with hepatic function impairment may have increased Topiramate plasma concentrations and a dosage adjustments may be needed. Avoid alcohol while taking this drug. Use extra caution if you have any liver or kidney impairment. ( The metabolic breakdown of Topamax will be reduced increasing the duration and intensity of its effects ). Topamax may increase the frequency of kidney stones.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
Serious risks associated with TOPAMAX include lowered bicarbonate levels in the blood resulting in an increase in the acidity of the blood (metabolic acidosis), and hyperventilation (rapid, deep breathing) or fatigue. More severe symptoms of metabolic acidosis could include irregular heartbeat or changes in the level of alertness. Chronic, untreated metabolic acidosis may increase the risk for kidney stones or bone disease. Your doctor may want to do simple blood tests to measure bicarbonate levels.
Other serious risks include increased eye pressure (glaucoma), decreased sweating, increased body temperature, kidney stones, sleepiness, dizziness, confusion, and difficulty concentrating. Tell your doctor immediately if you have blurred vision or eye pain.
Patients taking estrogen-containing contraceptives should be asked to report any change in their bleeding patterns. Contraceptive efficacy can be decreased even in the absence of breakthrough bleeding.
Although there was a dose-dependent decrease in EE exposure for doses between 200 mg/day and 800 mg/day, there were no significant dose-dependent changes in EE exposure for doses of 50 mg/day to 200 mg/day. The clinical significance of these changes is not known. The possibility of decreased contraceptive efficacy and increased breakthrough bleeding should be considered in patients taking combination oral contraceptive products with TOPAMAX
Do not take this drug if you are pregnant. ( Only take if the mother's or baby's life is endangered )
Do not take this drug if planning to become pregnant. Do not take if you are breast-feeding.
Do not give this drug to anyone under the age of two years. Only use drug in small doses at first if over sixty and with close monitoring.
Do not use if: You had negative reactions to this drug in the past.
Inform your Doctor if: You had negative reactions to this drug in the past.
Topamax ( Symptoms or Effects )
Common: Anxiety, depression, sedation, speech problems, double vision, abnormalities in vision, decreased appetite, impaired cognition, memory impairment, dizziness, impaired muscular coordination, tingling in the extremities, an unsteady gait, nausea, respiratory infections, or weight loss.
Reduce the frequency, severity, and duration of your migraines
Improve your ability to carry out daily activities
Topamax ( Topiramate ) can help reduce the frequency of migraines. Benefits of migraine prevention:
Warnings
Patients with hepatic function impairment may have increased Topiramate plasma concentrations and a dosage adjustments may be needed. Avoid alcohol while taking this drug. Use extra caution if you have any liver or kidney impairment. ( The metabolic breakdown of Topamax will be reduced increasing the duration and intensity of its effects ). Topamax may increase the frequency of kidney stones.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
Serious risks associated with TOPAMAX include lowered bicarbonate levels in the blood resulting in an increase in the acidity of the blood (metabolic acidosis), and hyperventilation (rapid, deep breathing) or fatigue. More severe symptoms of metabolic acidosis could include irregular heartbeat or changes in the level of alertness. Chronic, untreated metabolic acidosis may increase the risk for kidney stones or bone disease. Your doctor may want to do simple blood tests to measure bicarbonate levels.
Other serious risks include increased eye pressure (glaucoma), decreased sweating, increased body temperature, kidney stones, sleepiness, dizziness, confusion, and difficulty concentrating. Tell your doctor immediately if you have blurred vision or eye pain.
Patients taking estrogen-containing contraceptives should be asked to report any change in their bleeding patterns. Contraceptive efficacy can be decreased even in the absence of breakthrough bleeding.
Although there was a dose-dependent decrease in EE exposure for doses between 200 mg/day and 800 mg/day, there were no significant dose-dependent changes in EE exposure for doses of 50 mg/day to 200 mg/day. The clinical significance of these changes is not known. The possibility of decreased contraceptive efficacy and increased breakthrough bleeding should be considered in patients taking combination oral contraceptive products with TOPAMAX
Do not take this drug if you are pregnant. ( Only take if the mother's or baby's life is endangered )
Do not take this drug if planning to become pregnant. Do not take if you are breast-feeding.
Do not give this drug to anyone under the age of two years. Only use drug in small doses at first if over sixty and with close monitoring.
Do not use if: You had negative reactions to this drug in the past.
Inform your Doctor if: You had negative reactions to this drug in the past.
Topamax ( Symptoms or Effects )
Common: Anxiety, depression, sedation, speech problems, double vision, abnormalities in vision, decreased appetite, impaired cognition, memory impairment, dizziness, impaired muscular coordination, tingling in the extremities, an unsteady gait, nausea, respiratory infections, or weight loss.
Reduce the frequency, severity, and duration of your migraines
Improve your ability to carry out daily activities
What is a good and safe way to lose weight and get quick results?
Q.
A. Here are a few easy shortcuts thatâll boost your weight loss and your overall health, courtesy of Prevention magazine:
First, try the â80-20 Plan.â In other words, 80% of the time, eliminate white flour, processed sugars, additives, preservatives, and junk food from your diet and indulge in not-so-healthy foods just 20% of the time â thatâs about one small splurge every two days. By splurge I mean a sandwich with mayonnaise and a small bag of chips, not an all-you-can-eat buffet! Bottom line: Eat the healthy 80-20 way, and you could lose a pound a week without even trying!
Also, losing weight is NOT about eliminating food groups â itâs about portion control. Oneeasy method: Fill one quarter of your plate with healthy protein, like fish, poultry, or lean red meat, fill one quarter with whole grains, like brown rice, and fill the rest of your plate with veggies and fruit. Add a glass of nonfat milk and youâve got the perfect âno-dietâ meal. If youâre still hungry when youâre done, eat more veggies. Theyâre naturally low in calories, high in fiber, and help you feel full longer.
Go for whole foods, like broccoli, carrots, fish, chicken breasts and apples, and buy products that look similar to what grows on a farm, like oatmeal, ground corn, and whole-wheat bread. Eat very sparingly of completely-processed foods, like cakes and candies because they have the least nutrition and the most empty calories.
Eat breakfast! Studies show that people who eat 25 to 30% of their daily calories in the morning are less likely to snack in the afternoon or binge at night. Go low-sugar, with whole grain cereal, skim milk and strawberries. Donât start your day with a sugar binge, like a donut and a frozen coffee drink or youâll end up with a big sugar crash, and mid-morning cravings.
Splurge wisely. When you decide to have a treat â say, your once-a-week ice cream or order of fries â eat slowly, pay attention, and enjoy every bite. That means, no TV! Then go right back to your healthy eating habits. Studies show that people who donât feel guilty about an occasional treat are less likely to resort to comfort eating â and are more likely to successfully stick to their diet.
First, try the â80-20 Plan.â In other words, 80% of the time, eliminate white flour, processed sugars, additives, preservatives, and junk food from your diet and indulge in not-so-healthy foods just 20% of the time â thatâs about one small splurge every two days. By splurge I mean a sandwich with mayonnaise and a small bag of chips, not an all-you-can-eat buffet! Bottom line: Eat the healthy 80-20 way, and you could lose a pound a week without even trying!
Also, losing weight is NOT about eliminating food groups â itâs about portion control. Oneeasy method: Fill one quarter of your plate with healthy protein, like fish, poultry, or lean red meat, fill one quarter with whole grains, like brown rice, and fill the rest of your plate with veggies and fruit. Add a glass of nonfat milk and youâve got the perfect âno-dietâ meal. If youâre still hungry when youâre done, eat more veggies. Theyâre naturally low in calories, high in fiber, and help you feel full longer.
Go for whole foods, like broccoli, carrots, fish, chicken breasts and apples, and buy products that look similar to what grows on a farm, like oatmeal, ground corn, and whole-wheat bread. Eat very sparingly of completely-processed foods, like cakes and candies because they have the least nutrition and the most empty calories.
Eat breakfast! Studies show that people who eat 25 to 30% of their daily calories in the morning are less likely to snack in the afternoon or binge at night. Go low-sugar, with whole grain cereal, skim milk and strawberries. Donât start your day with a sugar binge, like a donut and a frozen coffee drink or youâll end up with a big sugar crash, and mid-morning cravings.
Splurge wisely. When you decide to have a treat â say, your once-a-week ice cream or order of fries â eat slowly, pay attention, and enjoy every bite. That means, no TV! Then go right back to your healthy eating habits. Studies show that people who donât feel guilty about an occasional treat are less likely to resort to comfort eating â and are more likely to successfully stick to their diet.
Question about Eating Disorder clinics/ treatment centers?
Q. I've been suffering from binge eating disorder and body image problems for over 6 months. I've hid it from my parents though, they would be so disappointed in me. I'm turning 18 in a couple weeks and I wanted to look into an eating disorder clinic or just have someone to talk to about it. I'm so scared though. Does anyone know how I would go about this? What should I expect, what should I do? How do I make this happen for myself? Thank you so much.
A. http://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/
http://eatingdisorderresources.com/
1-858-481-1515
National Eating Disorder Referral and Information Center
International treatment referrals and prevention information
edreferral@edreferral.com
1-800-931-2237
National Eating Disorders Association
International treatment referrals and information
There are some resources to get you started ^^^
I know it will be scary for you..but you gotta push through it. If you dont help yourself it could take over your life, and it is way not worth it.
Do this for yourself! Good luck and if you ever want to talk, you are free to email me from my profile
http://eatingdisorderresources.com/
1-858-481-1515
National Eating Disorder Referral and Information Center
International treatment referrals and prevention information
edreferral@edreferral.com
1-800-931-2237
National Eating Disorders Association
International treatment referrals and information
There are some resources to get you started ^^^
I know it will be scary for you..but you gotta push through it. If you dont help yourself it could take over your life, and it is way not worth it.
Do this for yourself! Good luck and if you ever want to talk, you are free to email me from my profile
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