Adnama Posted February 3, 2006 Share Posted February 3, 2006 So my doc started me up on topamax a couple of weeks ago, 100mg. Kinda high to start out with, the worst of it was some stomach crams and headache for a couple of days but that's done with now I think. But I'm really learning about how Topamax earned it's name "dopamax." Ugh, I've lost a jacket, left verious school books all over the place, lost my english notebook [DAMNIT! I do think I'd pay to get that back], lost a bunch of copies of research stuff [damnit again] and just, ugh. My memory is just shot- and it wasn't very good to begin with. I've had to tie my wallet to my pants [one of those little retractable key chain thingies, tee-hee] and i've found my self doing stupid things like stoping at green lights. I've definately noticed the infamouse soda effect. But I don't think I'll be giving up soda any time soon... the taste isn't that bad... it's just like... super fizzy. You know, maybe this just proves how much of a geek I am but I just find it kind of facinating and maybe a little scary that a medication [through means we don't completely understand] can change the way we percieve taste. Ahh the brain is amazeing, and how I hate it. Any way, here's a question for you- I'm a bit worried about the whole kidney stone thing, and heres the thing- I don't drink water. I hate water. I dispise water. But cranberry juice, craberry juice I can stand- so do you think it'd be ok if I just upped the cranberry juice intake? Thoughts? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bluetongue Posted February 3, 2006 Share Posted February 3, 2006 You might want to consider cranberry extract supplements. It's like supercharging your cranberry juice intake. I have a problem kidney, and have a tendancy toward stones anyway...so I was quite concerned about that nasty little side effect (I'm on Topamax too). But I've been taking the cranberry extract supplements regularly just for my kidney anyway, and so I've kept that up and so far haven't had much of a problem. When I was first ramping up on the Topamax I did have a little kidney trouble, but that went away after my system adjusted and I haven't had trouble since...and it wasn't stones ...just achiness. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lisa_K Posted February 3, 2006 Share Posted February 3, 2006 Another thing you could also consider is lowering your intake of sodas, ( I know, it pains me to type that as well, as I am a soda/caffeine junkie)...sodas arent good for the kidneys, and you dont get anything from them (nutrion wise) anyway...also red meat isnt real good for the kidneys either...from what I hear. I used to have a friend who had kidney stones, and his doctor told him to stay away from his 2 favorite things...mountain dew and steaks... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anelize Posted February 3, 2006 Share Posted February 3, 2006 I hate to burst bubbles here, but cranberry supplements have nothing whatsoever to do with preventing the formation of kidney stones. They are used as a prophylactic for people who have frequent urinary tract infections, however, kidney stone formation is a whole different physiological phenomenon. I take Topamax, and have a prior history of kidney stones (pre-Topamax). I've had 2 re-occurrences of stones since the Topamax. Both were basically my fault, because I refused to "follow the rules". Drink at least your body weight in ounces of water per day. Stay away from ketogenic diets (i.e. Atkins, South Beach) Since I started drinking water and following a more sane diet, I haven't had the first kidney stone, thank God. They hurt like HELL. Water is the best way to increase your urine output. Soda, tea, cranberry juice etc. all have some other component that your body really doesn't need in those quantities (i.e. sugar, caffiene, artificial sweetners). Perhaps you could add lemon? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dumbfox Posted February 8, 2006 Share Posted February 8, 2006 Anelize is right, the cranberry juice isn't going to save you from kidney stones. Cranberry juice only helps prevent UTI's and that's only if it's the stuff not sugar-laden. You've got to get used to downing the water in massive quantities to avoid kidney stones when you're on Topamax. I realize that sucks if you hate water, but trust me, kidney stones suck a helluva lot worse honey. You can also follow a kidney stone friendly diet. There are some foods that can aggravate stone activity. BTW - I take Topamax, 600 mg a day. I had kidney stones prior to Topamax and only once since starting Topamax (my own fault due to poor water intake). Good luck! I hope you find a way to encourage yourself to get some fluids in! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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