kinda weird.......

[msuder0583]

This is a question for people that are on Topamax or maybe possibly Keppra or a combination of both, because I don't believe its the Lamictal. I know its not any form of a seizure, but do you ever have moments where you can move parts of your body (mainly your arms and hands) yet they don't really feel like they are there? Almost a numbness, as if you are on some kind of psychadelic drug.

 

[Endless]

I'm not sure how to interpret what you wrote.

Are you talking about neuropathy, which is numbness and/or tingling in your hands? That's a side effect of many of our meds. Keppra and topamax are actually used to treat neuropathy. It might cause it, though - stranger things have happened. Never say never.

Are you talking about a type of dissociation from your body? Dissociation and Depersonalization are side effects of Topamax. Psychotic episodes a side effect of Keppra (though this doesn't sound like either of those!)

Depersonalization:

Depersonalization (or depersonalisation) is a malfunction or anomaly of the mechanism by which an individual has self-awareness. It is a feeling of watching oneself act, while having no control over a situation.[1] Sufferers feel they have changed, and the world has become less real, vague, dreamlike, or lacking in significance. It can be a disturbing experience, since many feel that, indeed, they are living in a "dream".

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Depersonalization

Topamax package insert
Keppra package insert

Another good place to look for symptoms is www.askapatient.com. It has real-world side effects experienced by real-world people.

It sure complicates things when you are taking a combination of drugs. I think a combo can do almost anything to us symptom-wise.

Be sure to tell your neurologist about what you are feeling, okay?

 

[msuder0583]

im sorry it was just really hard to put in words. but yes its like a form of dissociation. i can physically move the body part but its almost as though its not attached to my body. i know it sounds weird

 

[bazpa]

I started taking topomax 3 weeks ago, and weaning of keppra, which I could not stand. I kept getting a really weird needle like feeling in the bottom of my feet-like nothing I have ever felt before. It seems this is a side effect. I also am having some trouble sleeping, but I will take that any day, rather than being tired all the time! Keppra also made me very depressed, and short tempered. I am having some vision problems, and headaches also on the topomax, but again, I can deal with it!

 

[CathyAnn31]

Yes, I do. And I agree, mine are very hard to describe. I've been on lamictal for nearly 2 yrs and topamax for just over a month so I know it has to be that. One day I was laying down trying to take a nap and the arm underneath me felt real weird. Almost like it was big and round yet unattached to the shoulder but I could move it and I knew it was there and a part of my body. I know I'm not doing a good job of describing it...lol..and I can't think of any other examples right now even tho there are many and happen often. Sometimes mild hallucinations. At times I feel quite high. Pleasant at times, quite unpleasant usually.

I don't know why I keep taking this medication. Mainly for the wrong reason I guess. I'm enjoying the appetite supressant part. I have about 20 lbs to loose to get to my goal.

 

[msuder0583]

yea i talked to my neurologist and she said that if you don't drink enough fluids with topamax the dehydration and salt loss can cause the feeling of disembodiment. so she said to make sure i drink plenty of gatorade because it contains electrolytes. why does it seem people only wanna take topamax cause they wanna lose weight? =p

 

[Endless]

I took topamax because I wanted to control my seizures. I didn't like the way food tasted, smelled, and my indifference towards food was only surpassed by my indifference towards life in general. I did lose a bunch of weight while on it. The doc took me off the Topamax because I was deeply depressed on the stuff. That caused the indifference. I just didn't care about anything any more. I'm on Lamictal now. Much better drug choice for me.

 

[msuder0583]

yeah i know this sorta steers off the topic of the thread but i completely agree with you. being on 400 mg of topamax ontop of the other e meds that i'm on just kills my mood. constant depression, lack of motivation, short temper, short memory, slurred speech, lack of concentration. its like when im driving i just casually look out the window for no apparent reason cause i can't concentrate on something for too long