Posted by Sara Jo on November 18, 2003, at 22:52:56
In reply to Re: Topamax Experiences?, posted by TexasChic on November 17, 2003, at 13:03:03
I will share with you my experience-perhaps it will help. I'll try to make it short and sweet. I also started topo and lexa at the same time. The side effects were as follows: tingling in my fingers and toes(would come and go-mostly in the am), decreased cognitive astuteness, mild aphasia, fatigue, depression, change of taste for carbinated beverages, decreased sexual drive. My MD is one that works "with" his patiensts. The tingling was gone in 2-3 months, I still have some decreased cognitive astuteness (however, it can be argued that it's simply a lack of the manic phase which I must admit I miss), aphasia was gone in 2 weeks, fatigue was mostly gone, depression was gone, taste changes passed in 4-5 months or I got used to the differences I really can't tell anymore. Sexual side effects were still a problem (mostly for my hubbie). The Dr. put me on Welbutrin. All additional side effects went away from the topo. Hyperness (like having too much caffeine) was an initial side effect of the welbutrin however subsided in less than 3 wks. I started having hair loss. My regular doc told me it was the welbutrin so I went off the med for about 3 wks. Big mistake--#1 it wasn't the welbutrin causing the hair loss #2 I couldn't control my temper and was heading in a downward spiral fast. (I actually didn't know hair loss was a side effect of topo 'til your posting.) I was having large clumps fall out in the shower, on the pillow in the AM, on my brush, bathroom floor, etc. Now, my hair is growing back and my hair isn't falling out as much. My hair doesn't look thin or unhealthy (never did so don't freak out)--I don't have bald spots. You can see especially around my hair line where the hair is growing back. If I knew hair loss was a side effect of topo I probably wouldn't have started it--kinda shallow that way. However, it's not bad and benefits far outway the downside. Anyway, I have been on meds for bipolar for 11 months. I take 75mg of topo a day (2 before bed, 1 with breakfast), 30mg lexapro, and 150mg of wellbutrin. I'm off the emotional roller coaster from hell thanks to these meds. My family is stable. I've lost 75 lbs.
> This isn't really a reply to anything, it was something I was just wondering. I started Topamax and Lexapro at the same time. I'm beginning to think this was not such a bright idea. For one thing, I've read Topamax can cause depression, as well as anxiety, tingling in limbs, tiredness, and cognitive impairment; then I read Lexapro can cause anxiety, tiredness, tingling in limbs, confusion, ect. How am I supposed to know what is causing what S/E? Or what's working, and what's not?! It's crazy! I have no idea if the Lexapro is working for the depression, because the Topamax could be causing the depression I feel, and I have no idea if the Topamax or the Lexapro is causing the anxiety I feel. The Topamax is helping me curb my appetite during the day, but not helping my night binges, which is why I was prescribed it. Plus I have that interference with my BC's (described in previous posts), so I'm thinking of dropping it altogether. I go to see my doc today, so I'll see what she says.
poster:Sara Jo
thread:50878
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20031116/msgs/281050.html