Posted by rainy on February 2, 2006, at 15:54:49
In reply to Re: Topomax, posted by redscarlet on February 2, 2006, at 6:40:30
to Redscarlet and Scott: Scott first. I'm not sure there's much of an antidepressant effect with Topamax, Scott. I've been on it since 2002 or 3, but always with an antidepressant, and sometimes I've still been depressed. What it has done for me is to help to stabilize my moods (I have a diagnosis of BPII) and to strongly minimimize any urge to purge or to abuse alcohol.
I think I lost about ten pounds on it, too.
The literature says it's not an effective mood stabilizer, but I think it's worked for me. So far.
Al,l I can say for you, Redsacrlett is to start really slowly. Kar is the expert on dosing, here, but I began at 25 mgs and went up every two or three weeks by the same, adding 25 at night to make 50 and then after two weeks 25 in the morning for 75 and then maybe three weeks another 25 in the AM fo 100, but going back if that makes you sick or adding it at night. I experienced tingles in my hands and face and was crabby crabby crabby.
I used 90 mgs of zinc and 3000 of biotin (there's more info on the natural board? thread?) to deal with falling hair which I didn't have with Topamax but did with Lamictal. My ex-hair person said to rinse in cool water which does make whatever hair you have nice and shiny (no matter how badly it's been cut).
Just go slow and read back messages for more accurate dosing instructions. The package insert will have you going up faster than is comfortable and your doctor may not be aware that you can avoid a lot of side effects by going very very slowly.
I'm at 400 mgs and except for regular hair loss (I'm 63) so far I'm doing better than my husband--who keeps getting mistaken for my son--if you think that doesn't mess with my mood!!
Good luck to you both.
Rainy
poster:rainy
thread:5053
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20060129/msgs/605547.html