Topamax
Topamax
Has anyone tried it before to help reduce cravings? I've been having massive migraines since I've stopped drinking, AND think this non-narcotic COULD be useful. I will try just about anything at this point.
Any reviews? Feedback? Etc?
Some links for those unfamiliar:
Penn Study Finds Topiramate Reduces Heavy Drinking Among Patients Seeking to Cut Down on Alcohol Consumption
Topiramate : Finally, a Pill for Alcoholism?
CNN.com - Paging Dr. Gupta Blog
Another day Sober.
Any reviews? Feedback? Etc?
Some links for those unfamiliar:
Penn Study Finds Topiramate Reduces Heavy Drinking Among Patients Seeking to Cut Down on Alcohol Consumption
Topiramate : Finally, a Pill for Alcoholism?
CNN.com - Paging Dr. Gupta Blog
Another day Sober.
Last edited by 4llison; 09-02-2014 at 10:46 PM. Reason: I should have added that I dont think it's some cure-all. It has to begin with me, and my want to do so.
I have no experience with topamax or any other drug to reduce cravings, as I don't like the mindset that a pill will fix things. You know what reduced cravings for me? Sobriety. The longer I stayed sober the less cravings affected me.
You are still very early in sobriety. I think a little more time is in order before anything should be done, but I am not a Dr. What does your Dr. say?
You are still very early in sobriety. I think a little more time is in order before anything should be done, but I am not a Dr. What does your Dr. say?
Hi 4llison, I had cravings but didn't take anything cept good old ice cream, lol.
I agree with Taking, and with us having an addiction it really might be worth seeing a doc before you go down the pill road.
I took St. John's wort a few years ago thinking they are harmless but if you are taking other tablets they can interact, etc.
I agree with Taking, and with us having an addiction it really might be worth seeing a doc before you go down the pill road.
I took St. John's wort a few years ago thinking they are harmless but if you are taking other tablets they can interact, etc.
I have no experience with topamax or any other drug to reduce cravings, as I don't like the mindset that a pill will fix things. You know what reduced cravings for me? Sobriety. The longer I stayed sober the less cravings affected me.
You are still very early in sobriety. I think a little more time is in order before anything should be done, but I am not a Dr. What does your Dr. say?
You are still very early in sobriety. I think a little more time is in order before anything should be done, but I am not a Dr. What does your Dr. say?
I see him tomorrow. Will shall see.
I never tried any craving drugs either. I rationalised I'd need to learn to deal with with cravings - and I did.
I would never dissuade someone else from doing what they felt they needed to do though
There's a lot of collective SR wisdom about cravings here:
http://www.soberrecovery.com/forums/...-cravings.html
I would never dissuade someone else from doing what they felt they needed to do though
There's a lot of collective SR wisdom about cravings here:
http://www.soberrecovery.com/forums/...-cravings.html
Also stay focused if you still really want to stay sober then do just that
Migraines if they persist can be solved with simple migraine gel strips
I would book regular weekly apt with a doc in early days that way you will feel a lot less stressed and the migraines will pass
Migraines if they persist can be solved with simple migraine gel strips
I would book regular weekly apt with a doc in early days that way you will feel a lot less stressed and the migraines will pass
I don't like resorting to a pill either. Honestly, I wish I was as strong as you but I was thisclose to faltering tonight, and that truly scares me. If only for a while, something to get me through the first month or so. I'm desperate to make this happen. By any means necessary, at this point.
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Join Date: Feb 2014
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Has anyone tried it before to help reduce cravings? I've been having massive migraines since I've stopped drinking, AND think this non-narcotic COULD be useful. I will try just about anything at this point.
Any reviews? Feedback? Etc?
Some links for those unfamiliar:
Penn Study Finds Topiramate Reduces Heavy Drinking Among Patients Seeking to Cut Down on Alcohol Consumption
Topiramate : Finally, a Pill for Alcoholism?
CNN.com - Paging Dr. Gupta Blog
Another day Sober.
Any reviews? Feedback? Etc?
Some links for those unfamiliar:
Penn Study Finds Topiramate Reduces Heavy Drinking Among Patients Seeking to Cut Down on Alcohol Consumption
Topiramate : Finally, a Pill for Alcoholism?
CNN.com - Paging Dr. Gupta Blog
Another day Sober.
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Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Minnesota
Posts: 10
So, you think migrains is apart of the "cravings", just a side effect my friend. Cravings have been proven by the medical community to happen once the first drink is taken. Gets stronger and stronger with each drink you take. I find it amusing this myth is carried on, just repeating or regurgitating what others say thinking its true or factual when its not.
Update: My Dr. wants to consult with a neurologist, so I am to go back Friday and see what they think then. As of now they put me on Paxil. Great, another SSRI! Sure, theyre effective BUT I was unable to orgasm for years on Prozac. Not that I even had the desire to have sex. Which, not surprisingly, doesn't go over well when ones in a relationship. I practically begged them to give me any other anti-depressant than an SSRI, but she's "got so much positive feedback" with Paxil.
I've had migraines before stopping drinking, they have dramatically increased since stopping, however.
I have a sober plan, too. I'm keeping myself busy, watching meeting online, reading several books about Alcoholism and recovery, spending time with sober friends, even meditating and walking. My day-to-day activities have shifted 180 since I quit.
Again, I don't plan on it being a cure-all. Or all that I need to maintain my sobriety. I am just open to anything that can be useful.
Day 5. It's been a hard one, guys.
I've had migraines before stopping drinking, they have dramatically increased since stopping, however.
I have a sober plan, too. I'm keeping myself busy, watching meeting online, reading several books about Alcoholism and recovery, spending time with sober friends, even meditating and walking. My day-to-day activities have shifted 180 since I quit.
Again, I don't plan on it being a cure-all. Or all that I need to maintain my sobriety. I am just open to anything that can be useful.
Day 5. It's been a hard one, guys.
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Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: mountain states, Montana and Wyoming
Posts: 246
I took topamax for over a year. I lost a tremendous amount of weight and stopped drinking, even though I did not take it for drinking. I took it for BP. In my experience you have to be careful of the dosage and the side effects are it does affect the way food tastes, you get aphasia or the inability to find words to express yourself, and you get "dumbed down". However it is incredibly effective for migraines and weight loss. Just be careful whatever you do. Good luck with the Paxil!
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Join Date: Nov 2011
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paxil???
for migraines?
yer doc seems to think this is some miracle drug. Paxil is such a old drug, very solid when needed to help with certain emotions and behaviors. NONE of what you've spoken of.
I really hope you get a 2nd opinion.
Cheersx
for migraines?
yer doc seems to think this is some miracle drug. Paxil is such a old drug, very solid when needed to help with certain emotions and behaviors. NONE of what you've spoken of.
I really hope you get a 2nd opinion.
Cheersx
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I take topirimate (generic Topomax) as a preventative for migraines and have for a few years. When I first started taking it, soda and beer tasted funny and I didn't really want it. I also lost about 15 lbs. BUT like a good alcoholic I powered through and soon enough alcohol tasted fine.
I've been sober 4 months and have never noticed that topirimate affects cravings. However I do take Naltrexone and that DOES work for me. I have very few physical cravings. That's not to say I don't struggle but the Naltrexone makes the thirst go away. I won't take it forever, just until my life gets settled again.
I think everyone has different reactions to different things. Research and talking to people, including your doctor, is key. There is also a saliva test you can take that helps you identify what medications metabolize best with your genetic markers.
I've been sober 4 months and have never noticed that topirimate affects cravings. However I do take Naltrexone and that DOES work for me. I have very few physical cravings. That's not to say I don't struggle but the Naltrexone makes the thirst go away. I won't take it forever, just until my life gets settled again.
I think everyone has different reactions to different things. Research and talking to people, including your doctor, is key. There is also a saliva test you can take that helps you identify what medications metabolize best with your genetic markers.
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Join Date: May 2013
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Nothing worked for me until I took antabuse. I'm not saying it's for everyone, but for me it was the miracle drug that helped me stop drinking long enough to get used to the idea of being sober. It makes it impossible to give in to an impulse to drink, and since it stays in your system for so long, usually the craving has subsided by the time it would be possible for you to drink. In other words, if you are going to drink, it has to be something you planned at least a couple weeks in advance, and by that time you can talk yourself out of it.
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