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Re: Topomax vs Zonegran

Posted by babbgal on November 6, 2004, at 12:37:15 [reposted on November 8, 2004, at 0:24:59 | original URL]

In reply to Topomax vs Zonegran, posted by Jenbracha on November 5, 2004, at 10:59:53

Hi Jen:

Let me start out by saying I am bipolar II, rapid cycling.

I was on Topamax for over a year for Binge Eating Disorder and I found the appetite suppression effects waned over time. My psychologist (Ph.D.) told me that when discussing Topamax with psychiatrists, several mentioned that the efficacy of Topamax for weight issues does diminish.

I definitely had cognitive deficits on Topamax, whether I was on 50mg or 200mg. I had problems with word finding and data analysis, which wasn't good considering I'm a Financial Analyst. When the weight-loss effects lessened, my psychiatrist upped the dose, which helped (with the weight) only briefly. The cognitive deficits continued, plus I developed parasthesia (tingling in extremities).

I am now off Topamax but still have weight concerns (I tell my doc my weight concerns are an 11 on a scale of 1-10) since I gained back all the weight I had lost - 20 lbs. However, I am also on Seroquel which can result in a lessening of energy and some weight gain. My psychiatrist at first thought Seroquel was weight-neutral, but apparently new data is coming out that says there can be some weight gan on Seroquel, maybe as much as a patient on Risperdal.

So, I am off Topamax and currently slowing weaning off of the Seroquel. My psychiatrist said that once off Seroquel we might try Zonergan for the weight issue and maybe switch to lithium. Currently, I don't know a lot about Zonergan and yes, there doesn't seem to be much info. out there on how it connects to weight...I am trusting my psychiatrist because he does a lot of research and is always well-informed of the latest literature.

He also knows that weight is a huge issue for me and is always working with that in mind. (I'm so grateful for this.)

Hope you don't mind my rambling, just wanted to share my experience! Jen, I can so identify with you with the bipolar and BED. I wish you luck and peace in dealing with these. I've been there.

> Hi all!
>
> I am trying to gather information about the pros and cons of both Topomax and Zonegran. There seems to be MUCH more info on Topomax, but very little on Zonegran and I am not sure why that is. Can any Zonegran users provide input on side effects in regards to cognitive side effects (and any other side effects that you have noticed)? I am on Topomax and take it for Bipolar disorder as well as Binge Eating Disorder. I also suffer with insomnia and therefore take the Topomax (I am on 50 mg) at night. It does help me sleep. I still suffer fatigue in the daytime, but since I have only been on it for a week, I have some hope that it will pass. My concern is that the cognitive slowing will not.
>
> In any event, I am interested in getting some feedback about both meds and hoping that I can formulate a backup plan with Zonegran in case the Topomax does not work out.
>
> Much thanks,
> Jen


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