Posted by sparkinark on May 10, 2002, at 21:44:46
In reply to Re: topomax, posted by littlebaldy29 on May 9, 2002, at 15:40:14
After 5+ years very bad years of anti-depressants and a couple of tri-cyclics, along with benzos, I've just recently been diagnosed as BP2 and am on 7.5mg Zyprexa and am now up to 200mg Topamax daily. I quite like both so far except that the Topamax seems to be making me cognitively dull and I want to sleep all day. I've also gained about 15lbs so far.
I'm also struggling with a lot of anxiety -- more than I've had even in the past -- and I'm not sure if that's just part of my condition or if it's coming from the Topamax (which I suspect). Is anyone else in the same boat or has had a similar experience? How does one know whether they are on enough Topamax or not? I feel I need more but I know it takes time for my body to adjust to this medication. I've been at 200mg/day for about 3 weeks. All seems "better" but not "well", if that makes sense.
Should I expect things to actually get "well" one day or is this the best I can hope for? Should I talk to my doctor about other medications in addition to the two I'm taking? He had discussed earlier that he'd like to just get me on Topomax long-term without the Zyprexa but I'm not sure that's going to do the trick. Thanks.
> I too have struggled with weight gain on various mood stabilizers over the past year and a half. I have been taking Zyprexa for nine months and went from a size 7 to a 14. The sad thing is Zyprexa works for me, my depressions are better and I have had no mania or mixed episodes. My Dr. has just given me topamax strictly for weight loss so I can keep the benefits of Zyprexa without the weight issue. So far, I am not feeling any side effects from the topamax and am going up slowly. I think it might work. I will keep you posted!
poster:sparkinark
thread:5053
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20020510/msgs/105939.html