Topamax And Binge Eating Disorder

After trying two antidepressants and multiple therapists, my doctor has decided to prescribe me Topamax for my binge eating disorder. I used to also be bulimic, but thanks to therapy have ceased purging for about six months now. I wanted to get feedback from those whose have been prescribed Tomamax for binge eating disorder and/or bulimia.
My binging includes consuming anything edible, including expired items in the trash and edible vitamins/supplements/spices, so it is a very serious case. I will binge to the point of illness and have gotten food poisoning from eating rancid food.
Has anyone with binge eating disorder found Topamax to help them? If so, what dosage were you on and how long did it take to get relief? I am afraid to take another medication only to be let down again, but I am very desperate and determined to get better. Any advice would be very helpful (and please, do not make fun of my binging habits. I am already humiliated enough at what I do and am trying very hard to stop.).

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REPORT

I don't have any experience with such disorders, but did have a random idea.

Have you tried not keeping so much stuff around the house? it may be helpful to buy only a day or twos worth of groceries, at once, to minimize what's available to you, when the binge moments hit.

It could also be helpful to make sure that all trash, which may contain rancid food is disposed of as soon as possible and not left to sit nearby, where you can access it.

These are the types of things they would do, if you were in an actual treatment facility.

https:/­/­rxchat.com/­wiki/­Topamax/­

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Hi, I have been using topamax for 5 weeks now and I have binged once. I have had a serious eating disorder, which has covered the entire spectrum, for 7 years and this is a breakthrough for me. I take it at night, and I feel more measured and controlled during the day. It also controls my appetite and mood. cheers

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Hello, brand Topamax has significantly assisted in my binge eating disorder. I've experienced less side effects on brand. There are side effects (read up on them) they will be different for all individuals. I take Topamax for seizures with other medications, but I have read that 50mg assists weight loss and cravings. I take 75mg 2x a day and take the second dose at 6pm to assist with cravings in the evening. You'll need to increase slowly and the indented results, reduction in cravings, etc. can take up to 4 weeks, you'll need to be patient. There are 25mg tabs, so you can ask about taking throughout the day, set alarms on your phone and be compliant. Work with your doctor, but ultimately, you'll know what works best for you. Keep a journal of side effects and of what times they occur. It will assist your doctor on dosage adjustment. Also, if I haven't already mentioned, joining a 12 step program, Over Eaters Anonymous, for support and addiction treatment. I wish you the best, I understand your struggle, you are not alone.

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You are not alone! I have suffered from bulimia for many years and have been in recovery for two years, but they have not been perfect. My doctor knows how I feel about medications and weight gain as a side effect, so he has been good about weight neutral drugs. He finally prescribed Topamax and I take 75mg - one at bedtime and one in the afternoon. It has helped. I was also going to mention to check out dialectical behavior therapy or DBT skills for emotion regulation that help you when you feel that you are going to start a binge eating episode. There are many good books out there on DBT skills and online too. I wish you all the best.

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I just got a perscription for Topomax but in the generic form. I get up about 7 to 8 times a night and go downstairs to binge 8. I've never had this problem in all my life and I know it is a direct result of situational anxiety I have in my life. I am also on prozac but can't afford counseling once a week (no insurance) so I'm reading as many books as I can to try to do self therapy as much a possible. This weight gain from the extra eating is making me even more depressed. I so pray this med works! Anyone else in a similiar situation? Did this med work? How much weight did u lose?

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I've been on the generic form of Topomax for a few months now, 50 mg at bedtime for my migraines. I had been taking Vyvanse (40 mg in the morning during the school year for ADHD) for about 2 years before I started the Topomax and while the Vyvanse lowers my appetite, the Topomax makes me feel like I don't have a stomach. Which is great and all - I rarely overeat... okay like next to never. But when I'm stressed, which I keep myself a little bit too busy, I can completely forget to eat or sometimes I get nauseous at the thought of food even though I haven't eaten anything all day. I end up force feeding myself a slice of lunch meat or toast when I feel like passing out and I remember it's because I hadn't eaten anything... It gets embarrassing, my roommates get it, but they're always checking on me, like, "have you eaten yet today?" Eh, they love me.

So YES the medication works as an appetite suppressant. But if you're stressed, get your spit under control because it can spiral - I've lost like 30 pounds over the past 2 months. I've started doing yoga again so I'm not too worried about it, and hey I could have stood to drop a few, just not so quick and not so unhealthily (not my style). Good luck everyone! I hope I helped!

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Hi Lauren,

I feel your pain :( Topamax significantly helped me with binge urges even at 25mg. Warning though - It made me feel incredibly suicidal at 25mg a day and this persisted for a week or so as I titrated, I don't think this was helped by the fact that I wasn't eating much which also effects mood. At higher doses (50mg split into 25mg x 2 a day) it had more of a sedating effect which helped with mood, but it also severely impaired my ability to do my job which is eventually why (at 50mg x 2 a day) I discontinued. It also affected my respiration and I found it much harder to exercise without getting short of breath very quickly (generally I'm quite fit, so this was a surprise).

In short, it will likely help with binging and purging (especially since it changes the acid content of your body and makes your purges really acidic and painful!! A nice deterrent!) but for me, I couldn't tolerate the inability to exercise, various effects it had on mood and although I lost some weight, I think it probably helps people lose weight MORE if they arn't really obsessive about food to begin with. e.g. a normal person who eats when they are hungry and stops when they are full, will hardly ever eat on it because they are always full. But, for me, it did lead to some unusual cravings (although I never binged).

If I have one word of warning, it is this - when I started to titrate down (it's very important you do this slowly as Topamax changes the level of fluid in your brain stem/spine and if you come off quickly you may have problems - i think the talk of seizures is very over-hyped on this website fyi- but just go slow) you'll find that you may get overwhelming urges to binge. For me, this time was the worst binging/purging period I've had in 8 years. I'm not sure why this happened, but it took me by surprise - i have overwhelming cravings I couldn't control, and it really affected my attention span. A month later, i'm returning to normal (as normal as I can be...)

I don't mean to be negative, and you may have success while you're on the med, as long as you can hack the side effects. If you can't, you might want to try Lexapro if you haven't already. It was originally designed to help night bingers and for some people it can really be like a switch in your brain where the urge to overeat is totally switched off. I had good success with lexapro but had to discontinue it for other reasons, but it's defo worth a try, if you've not tried it.

Best of luck - I'm hoping it all goes well for you. xoxo

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Hello! May I ask which type of doctor one needs to visit to get a Topamax prescription for BED?
I have been searching and would really appreciate the help.
Thank you!

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I went to a very thorough weight loss Dr here in Louisville Ky... he prescribed the topamax and a water pill along with phentermine

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I started on 25 mg ten days ago and by the next day I lost the urge to binge. I am on my 11th day (increased to 50 mg on day seven) and have not had binged once. I have been bukimic for over 30 years and cannot remember a time when I felt like a "normal" eater which I do now. I eat my meal and I feel full. I was so desperate before and feel like an absolute miracle has occurred. I am supposed to increase to 75 mg on day fourteen.

I do not have any physical side effects although I do feel that my emotions are much closer to the surface. I believe that is because the binging fulfilled the function of blocking my emotions/feelings and now I have to face them.

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Hi Deborah,

I am Brand new to even coming close to reaching out for my problem. What struck me about your post, was that you said yo had it for 30yrs... I felt alone, due to my age..At 48, I am outnumbered and don't quite fit the profile of a teenager with the disorder.

I found this page, as I had read about Topamax (self-help for this humiliating affliction). Obviously, the self help can only go so far before shoving it way back in the mind to deal with another day, another year, or more.. Not to mention, I have to Admit this to a Dr. and try to request a drug such as Topamax ..

Need to find Help in NW Indiana....Next to impossible I think....

Thank you for sharing your; it has given me some hope here

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I'm in NW Indiana, too. Have you found help?

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I got a topamax rx for night terrors from my counselor

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I am a RN and people with binge eating disorder will go buy what they need to binge on. So having food in the house doesn't matter. This disorder is a brain chemistry issue where there is a fight between what a person knows they should do versus want and reward. If your doctor won't help you, seek out someone who specializes in food and eating disorders. BED has it's own diagnostic criteria now and is getting national attention. Hang in there!

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I'm not a Dr. just a someone who has been on Topamax for years in combination at the beginning for my migraines and + side affect for gaining more than I would have like to after child birth yes it was very beneficial best and lowest dose 100mg X2 day but also keep in mind sweetie that I was not a bulimic and you should need consult a nutritionist to get the best advise but ultimately I listen to my own body when it said it was full I stopped eating also I kept very active that helps a lot I hope this helps ultimately you need listen to your heart and listen to your stomach you will know when you know when your content piece be with you. 0:-)

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How long did topamax take to work on your apetite? I've been taking it for 4 days now and I have binged every day since then... How long should i need to wait?

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Thank you for your post. I'm going to see a doctor on Sunday and I'd want to get a prescription for Topamax because I've researched it and I really hope it'll help me with my b/p cycles. Right now it's terrible and I might have hit the rock bottom.... However I'm not sure how to ask the Dr. for a prescription and I'm afraid of not getting one.

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Hi. Bulimic20years, I have not...you? Interestingly I am gsining rapidly, and now wonder if I slow down,.I will gain even MORE...

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So sorry. I have BID as well. I have found of I don't keep something in the house I will drive out late at night to get it. Vviance*not sure of spelling) is an ADD drug just aporoved. I read articles from mayo and other reputable sites.
I am like you. I DO KNOW YOUR PAIN.
I would be happy to stay in touch, sometimes people can help each other.

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Hi there

Can anybody help?

I need to try Topamax and/or Vyanse. I have had a severe eating disorder for many years, but due to a co-existing rare, severe and undiagnosed hormonal problem (found the diagnosis myself and the cure) also for many years, what I thought was the hormonal problem was the eating disorder. The quality of my life was dreadful for many years due to these two major and very debilitating conditions and the 'extreme' adverse symptoms. I have lost so much (chance at family life, marriage, employment opportunities etc), but now I have this added awareness, I need to try to 'finally' go forward with my life. My GP (live in London) has refused both drugs. I have now requested a psychiatric referral. Any other ideas as to how I might manage to get hold of these drugs? I feel I can't get these drugs soon enough. I want them yesterday. I want to finally feel better and re-establish my life on a much healthier footing.

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Re: Beverly (# 26)

Are you in the UK? I cannot get my local GP, or an online GP to prescribe me Vyvanse or Topiramate. I have looked for private doctors, but I can't seem to find any. I have asked a couple, but they either ignore me or say no-one will prescribe me this. Now I have gone to the GP and asked for Topiramate for BED, so I can't now go back and say can I have it for migraines.

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I am in the UK and basically, it is very hard. Vyvanse (known as Elvanse in the UK) is actually made in the UK, but it is much harder to obtain than in the US. It is a controlled drug so GPs cannot prescribe it. It is not acknowledged as a treatment for binge eating/bulimia at all and is certainly not listed as a recommended treatment even in eating disorder clinics etc. You could try privately, but there are not many doctors around that would be willing/able to prescribe it to you. Most would be able to for the purpose of treating ADHD, so you would have to find someone who specialized in eating disorders. You would have to be confident that they would be willing to prescribe it to you in theory, then attend a private consultation (which is very expensive) so they could assess you officially. You would also have to pay for the drug, which is very expensive. You would also first need reassurance that they would be willing, in theory, to prescribe long-term (i.e. not just a month or two worth). There is also the consideration that this drug is basically speed (it is an amphetamine). If you don't have levels of dopamine that are too low (ADHD people have that problem), then taking this drug can do you harm in the long run. Also, if you drive a car and take Vyvanse without being prescribed it, if you were to have an accident, you may be caught with an illegal substance in you and you could face criminal charges, not to mention your car insurance being invalid. I was desperately trying to get some, but I realized it is just a dream and that it is not worth it. That is why I am trying to get my GP to prescribe me Topiramate. The standard treatment for binge eating/bulimia on the NHS is a prescription of Prozac. If that doesn't work then referred for CBT. CBT is lengthy and has a very low success rate. If you see your GP and ask to try a certain thing they may be willing.

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Hi Sweetie, Please don't hate yourself for an illness that you have--no different than if you had Diabetes. You did NOT choose this illness. There is a part of the brain that seeks immediate gratification. Without the normal filter working, we cannot stop what we are doing. Those of us with BED have that malfunctioning filter. Having said that, I found Topamax not be as helpful to me as Vyvanse is. Ever since I started Vyvanse that filter I spoke of began functioning for me. I literally stopped having any need to binge. It has been wonderful for me. I unexpectedly found that my thinking is clearer, and I'm calmer because of a stimulant--go figure! :) My normal low energy is now normal energy. And lastly, for me, my depression has been lifted and I'm slowing going off my depression meds with my doctor's help. Everyone is different, don't forget. These are my experiences for which I am truly grateful. (I take 50 mg, one step up from the starting level of 30 mg.) I hope this helps you in your decisions. My best to you. And remember to nurture yourself, not berate yourself for your illness!

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Hi there, I too have night eating syndrome. I have been battling it for almost 10 years and it started with purging and anorexia. I tried tooamax years ago but could not get past the side effects. I added a different anti seizure medication which worked for months then stopped working. I think it was oxcarbazeine. I lost 30 lbs and then I brew immune to it and am now on cymbalta which seems to be working although the side effects are bad for me.

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OMG!! I cannot believe this reply that I just read!!! Obviously you do not have BED!!!

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I just started on 25 mg Topamax to help me with severe B.E.D. It is nowhere near as helpful as Vyvanse 30mg was for me, unfortunately. But after several very successful months on vyvanse, my BP soared dangerously high and I had to go off. I'm crushed as the depression, the constant pangs of hunger, and the inability to concentrate have all returned. I'm praying that once the Topamax kicks in it will begin to help me more. If you can take Vyvanse, I would try it. My BED was completely under control with it.

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It sounds like u have a major vitamin deficiency of some sort maybe

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Hi. Your post hit home. I'm a 46 year old doctor who has shared my problem with one other person on this planet who also is a doctor and suffers. I started on topamax for migraines prevention. It is FDA approved for that. Your GP should be able to write it. The episodes became non existent. And weight was more controllable. I came off it last year as my headaches dissipated but life is spiraling in other ways and I am going to get back on it for 'headaches.'

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Clearly you don't have N eating disorder.

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Hi, I have BED and have purged and starved in the past so I'm diagnosed with full spectrum but as I'm very overweight BED is by far my biggest issue. I also have Borderline personality disorder. I'm in the UK and can no longer pay for private psychiatry and the waiting list for a psychiatrist on our NHS is very slow, I'm still waiting. When I has a psych, I was out in Topamax, 50mg morning, 25mg at night as an increase from 25+25 but admittedly I've increased myself so I'm now on 100 morning and 100 night. I've felt fine BUT I WOULD NOT RECOMMEND ANYONE ELSE DO THIS WITHOUT THERE DRS APPROVAL PLEASE. I am worried about myself for doing this, I have found that topamax has cut my desire to binge although recently my willpower to choose healthier options and eat less has seemed to have slipped, as if the pills seem less effective and I want to increase again but I know this is wrong without a psychiatrist opinion. I spoke with my normal doctor and he says I need to wait until I'm seeing a psychiatrist but I don't know how soon that will be. I'm edgy about it because after 4 months and some weight loss on topamax I seem to have stopped losing weight and feeling more temptation around food again so I want to stop it before the dark side of ED comes back... I believe a dosage higher than 200mgs per day can be taken but I'm also on Venlafaxine 225mg per day (anti-d) and Trazodone (anti-d for sleep) so don't want to harm myself. I don't know what to do but I can't keep looking in the mirror at myself looking this horrible and I know topamax can work... Is anyone on a higher dosage? How much exercise do you take daily? Does anyone have a BMI in the late 30's/early 40s or did have when they started and what did you do in conjunction with your dosage of Topamax? Thank you.

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