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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 657 to 681 of 1085. Go back in thread:
Posted by Murphia on November 18, 2003, at 16:15:59
In reply to Re: Topamax Experiences?, posted by CaliGirl on November 18, 2003, at 15:44:16
Topamax interferes with estrogen type birth control. You should call you doc about either strong birth control or some type of back-up. Most people use a condom as a backup. Better to be safe than surprised. Murph
> > 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.
>
> Hello. This is my first post. As I am starting to take Topamax tonight (25mg), I thought I would read up on it. I am currently taking 50mg Zoloft. My doctor is prescribing Topamax strictly for weight loss. As I am bulimic, I cannot take a few other meds, such as Wellbuterin. While some of the side effects scare me, I am willing to give Topamax a try. However, I am concerned about it's effect on my BC pills, Trilevelen. When you say it's interfering with your BC, what do you mean? Are you missing your period altogether, or is it just delayed? If so, for how long? I do not want to get pregnant while on this medication. What did your doctor advise you? Any additional insight you could give would be helpful. Thanks!
Posted by Murphia on November 18, 2003, at 16:22:11
In reply to re:topamax experiences, murphia, or anybody?, posted by helenag on November 18, 2003, at 15:16:10
One of the side effects of topa is depression. It's is great for mania, but not much good for depression and can even send a person into depression. That's why it is partially good for bipolar. If you swing a lot on the manic side, topamax will pretty much kill that. You either need an AD add-on, or another mood stabilizer. Lamictal is a mood stabilizer that is great with topa, becuase it doesn't do much for mania, but works pretty well on depression. Lamictal has to be titrated up very very slowly, as it has it's side effects also, one being the Stevens Johnson rash... and you would have to go off immediately. Topa by itself is not recommended as a mood stabilizer, but mainly as an add-on. It failed clinical trials at a MS. That's why your doc is talking about lithium...it is a salt that has amazaing properties of halting both mania and depression, and is the first line of defense in mood stabilization. Sort of the tried-and-true war horse of stablization. Hope this helps some. Murph
> Hi..Enjoy the topamax discussions. Been on it since May. Am on 250mg for mood stabilization and to help alcohol cravings. Also on 300mg Effexor XR, and low dose of seroquel. Question: have been feeling depressed. This came about after a spell of increased anxiety I blamed on increased hours and stress at work. Wasn't sleeping well, couldn't sit still very well and calmed myself by playing word games on the computer for hours at a time. Unfortunately, I also took myself to the bar a time or two and regret that immensely.
>
> I wondered if the depression was from relapsing, so I pulled myself together and resumed AA meetings and the depression is still on my shoulders. Now it is occuring to me...depakote did the same thing to me..could the topamax be doing likewise??? I would hate to give the topamax up because it sure did stop the wide mood cycling that was going on prior to by being placed on.
>
> I did call the pdoc and he mentioned going on lithium. Am not up for a medicine-go-round. Last time that occured, I got worse and worse and wound up hospitalized.
>
> Am wondering...do you all think it is wise to sit this out and wait to see a while if this passes??If it is the drugs, won't it keep up and then I'll know? If it's situational, wouldn't mood improve as I clean up my act and continue on with behaving myself?
>
> It is difficult to be both bothered with mood disorders and substance abuse..they feed off eachother like parasites. They bring me down fast. I'm doing all I can to keep my canoe in the water. Help. Helen.
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.
Posted by Nervz on November 19, 2003, at 9:53:11
In reply to Re: Topamax Experiences?, posted by Sara Jo on November 18, 2003, at 22:52:56
Hi! One quick question.... did you experience any weight loss?
Posted by TexasChic on November 19, 2003, at 11:07:18
In reply to Re: Topamax Experiences?, posted by TexasChic on November 18, 2003, at 16:05:44
My doc switched me to Zonegran (for my binge eating) because of the problems I was having with the Topamax – mainly the interference with birth control, cognitive problems, and tiredness. From what I can tell, its about the same thing as Topamax except its not supposed to have those particular side effects. I'll let yall know how it works out
Posted by SLS on November 19, 2003, at 11:36:05
In reply to Re: Topamax to Zonegran, posted by TexasChic on November 19, 2003, at 11:07:18
> My doc switched me to Zonegran (for my binge eating) because of the problems I was having with the Topamax – mainly the interference with birth control, cognitive problems, and tiredness. From what I can tell, its about the same thing as Topamax except its not supposed to have those particular side effects. I'll let yall know how it works out
Hi.I tried Zonegran for a few weeks to treat bipolar depression, but my doctor took me off of it when I began experiencing intense itching. I found that Zonegran reduced my appetite, so hopefully it will treat you the same way.
Good luck with it!
- Scott
Posted by TexasChic on November 19, 2003, at 15:45:27
In reply to Re: Topamax to Zonegran, posted by SLS on November 19, 2003, at 11:36:05
Thanks! I haven't had any problem yet with any medication and itching. I take Zyrtec every night because I suffer from itching all the time with out it. Day in and day out! (I have alot of weird things wrong with me.) Maybe its protecting me from that particular reaction (?). Anyway, I'm hoping the Zonegran will work as a mood stabilizer too and maybe help with some of my OCD problems. I just haven't seen any help from the Lexapro in that area, or in my anxiety either for that matter. I'm at 20 mg on Lexapro, an upgrade from 10mg over the last 2 or 3 weeks. I've been on it about 9 weeks total. Its been hard to tell the which bad s/e have been from the Topamax, and which from the Lexapro, so I'm still willing to give it much more time before I even think of giving up on it. I knew when I decided to try some new meds I was in for a roller coaster ride, so I'm trying to just hang on and ride it out now.
Posted by kka on November 19, 2003, at 18:24:47
In reply to Re: Topamax to Zonegran, posted by TexasChic on November 19, 2003, at 11:07:18
>
Please keep me posted, I have been on Topamax 75 mgs for over a month now - Along with Wellbutrin. I haven't lost a pound, I was hoping it would help with binge/over - eating as I have gained 20 pounds in the last couple of years on AD's. I will keep giving Topamax a try. I was taking Effexor and before that Lexapro, I have decided none of the AD's help with weight except Prozac in the first 6 months. Then the weight slowly creeps up. Since I am off the regular AD's I am thinking of going back on Prozac for 6 months just for the weight loss and then going off after the 6 months. I haven't been on Prozac since July so maybe it would give my the same results it did when I first started it three years ago. I swear Prozac was the best until it "pooped out" I am convinced ALL of the AD's cause weight gain.
Anyway, keep my posted on the Zonegran
My doc switched me to Zonegran (for my binge eating) because of the problems I was having with the Topamax – mainly the interference with birth control, cognitive problems, and tiredness. From what I can tell, its about the same thing as Topamax except its not supposed to have those particular side effects. I'll let yall know how it works out
Posted by mags on November 19, 2003, at 18:55:15
In reply to Re: Topamax to Zonegran, posted by kka on November 19, 2003, at 18:24:47
Hi all, Wow, I haven't been on this board for a looong time, so many new names and a few still familiar....
Anyone currently on this combo? I see my Psy doc Friday. I am currently taking 50 MG of Topamax ( titrated from 12.5 mg up per week) and have survived all the S/E's after 6 weeks......I seem to be doing much better with rapid cycling but had one real bad day were I was so bad I had to call the suicide hot line. I was on Lamictal before and it worked wonders, especially for my depression, but eventually petered out. I was thinking of trying it again as an addon to the Topo and was wondering if anyone else has had success with this combo or would welcome any opinions on this.
Thanks!
For those asking about S/e's I had tingling in arms, hand and face especially around my mouth when I ate!It was very annoying and I also would get my right hand to cramp up and the thumb and forefinger would touch together like a duckbill and I could NOT open it on it's own. I would have to pry it open with my other hand! Pretty scary but that has stopped and I do get very strange side effects from every drug...I haven't noticed any confusion or searching for words but then between the depresions, ECT's and all the drugs I don't think I am that swift anyway ;o)
Thanks!
Mags
Posted by CaliGirl on November 19, 2003, at 21:33:01
In reply to Re: Topamax Experiences?, posted by TexasChic on November 18, 2003, at 16:05:44
Nope. Not too much info. Thanks for sharing. I've had such good luck with my BC that we'll probably just use a condom. So far, I'm just very tired. Will keep you updated.
Posted by headachequeen on November 20, 2003, at 14:27:51
In reply to Re: Topamax Experiences? » TexasChic, posted by CaliGirl on November 19, 2003, at 21:33:01
I worry about side effects no end... but as I have a severe problem with asthma and cannot forget the blood pressure problem that has plagued me since I was a teenager, then there are other medications and their side effects to consider too.. and some of them have the same side effects... nausea and eye problems (I love it when they list unspecified eye problems among the side effects... arrgghhh)
However, during the past three weeks, I have had to share the bathroom and shower facilities with three other people, and that means mirror, basin and other hair and make-up facilities... I have a thing... oh, I suppose this will be another issue to discuss with the psychologist... about hair in the basin. I cannot stand washing my hair or doing my hair or putting on make-up or brushing my teeth or whatever, when there is hair in the basin or in the basket in the drain... and I wonder why others cannot clean the little basket thing-y out when they leave the bathroom ... but I have noticed of late that when I clean out the thing before I start to put on make-up and do my hair that there is NO red hair... and I am the only red head on the place... every other colour known to mankind, nature and scientists is represented on the premises, but mine is the only red hair... and there is no red hair in the drain to be cleaned out and very little red hair in the shower or basin ... no more than normally... so I think that the biotin and vitamins are doing their work... not only that but the past few days, while I am tired at night, I am not drowsy during the day... so something is working here...
and that is taking into considerating the reality that several of these medications have side effects that include drowsiness -- not just the topomax...
so, mes cheres amis, if we put our heads together and learn from our shared knowledge and experience, we can manage these side effects and control the problems we are trying to overcome...
even when one med is known to cause weight gain says she groaning to herself....
the course itself is finished and I am packed up and ready to leave... spending time with friends in the area... leaving for home on Monday...
planning to sleep the whole time I am travelling ... and then getting ready to come back for the next course...
I see the neurologist 26 November... the orthopaedist who is going to scream and yell at me 24 November... my regular physician 24 November... and my psychologist 24 November too...we have a lot to talk about he and I... it will be a rugged session, all the issues that have arisen from this past three weeks, and having to walk away from something I have really enjoyed: the challenge, the struggle, the demands I was not sure I could meet, the mental challenge... and having to leave my dogs here as I cannot afford to keep flying them back and forth... a choice I had to make...
they will receive excellent care here... and I would not have made that decision otherwise but it will be so hard to go home without them.. the reason for the appointment immediately after I get home...
my doctor and I are going to discuss side effects so I go better armed to talk with the neurologist... although I do not think I want to give up the Topomax but I want more info on Tegretol!!! and having read an ad on one of the inhalers I am on, I want more info on it!!!!!!! there must be a safer product... this forum has given me the confidence and the background to ask for something else having discovered ads in magazines and on tv that warn of really frightening ads about it...
I have lost no more weight... but I do not crave sweets at all... and do not like pop... opened a can of iced tea, a beverage of choice from the past, five days ago and had to throw it out this morning as I was packing up my things and preparing to leave... chocolate, something I used to love, used to crave on sight if not on mention is of no interest and there is a can of cashews unopened on the desk beside me...
something has changed for the better...
kat
Posted by TexasChic on November 20, 2003, at 16:11:49
In reply to Re: Topamax Experiences?, posted by headachequeen on November 20, 2003, at 14:27:51
I hate other people's hair in the shower too. Gross! In fact, I hate sharing a bathroom at all. I have to scrub the shower sometimes before I can use it after my Mom because of the black hairs and soap scum – ewwww!) Buy I guess we can't have our own custom bathroom to carry around everywhere, now can we? So we just deal as best we can.
I know the roller coaster ride of going from one med with one set of s/e's to another is just about the crappiest thing on earth, and feels literally never ending, but it does help to talk to others in the same position. At least maybe we can go into these things a little more informed and with a just a little bit more of a grip on our sanity. At Ieast that's what I'm going for. Good luck at your appointments.
Posted by LBcats on November 20, 2003, at 20:56:20
In reply to Re: Topamax Experiences? headachequeen, posted by TexasChic on November 20, 2003, at 16:11:49
I am an alcoholic and I took topomax for my bi-polar disorder for 8 months. During that time, I never craved alcohol. However, the cognitive side effects of the topomax were too much for me. I was in school at the time and I also had a full time job in a very high position so I couldn't handle the topomax side effects. I lost 20 lbs and I loved that but I had to have my brain back, so I stopped the topomax and my doc started me on depakote. Since then, I started my binge drinking again and I just feel totally out of control (in terms of my drinking) However I feel totally normal otherwise. I mean I feel good (a little depressed when I drink too much) and I don't feel doped up like I did with topomax but I don't get the motivation to go to AA or to ask for help regarding my alcoholism. Anybody out there know of anything else (drug) that works like topomax but not as dopey.
LB
Posted by kka on November 20, 2003, at 22:49:57
In reply to topomax and alcohol, posted by LBcats on November 20, 2003, at 20:56:20
>
You might want to check into an anti-depressant. Some of them have been given to people with alcoholics in hopes to help curb their drinking problems, also it may sometimes help their underlying depressive or anxiety problems which may tend to make them drink. Prozac is one of them and some others I can't recall, but their are a few others as well used off-label for these purposes. Do a search and see what else comes up.Good Luck!
BTW- what mgs were you taking to curb the drinking. My husband is on Topamax for headaches and weight loss and I am glad to know it can help with alcohol cravings, which I feel may be a problem with him from time to time.
I am an alcoholic and I took topomax for my bi-polar disorder for 8 months. During that time, I never craved alcohol. However, the cognitive side effects of the topomax were too much for me. I was in school at the time and I also had a full time job in a very high position so I couldn't handle the topomax side effects. I lost 20 lbs and I loved that but I had to have my brain back, so I stopped the topomax and my doc started me on depakote. Since then, I started my binge drinking again and I just feel totally out of control (in terms of my drinking) However I feel totally normal otherwise. I mean I feel good (a little depressed when I drink too much) and I don't feel doped up like I did with topomax but I don't get the motivation to go to AA or to ask for help regarding my alcoholism. Anybody out there know of anything else (drug) that works like topomax but not as dopey.
> LB
Posted by LBcats on November 21, 2003, at 22:09:46
In reply to Re: topomax and alcohol, posted by kka on November 20, 2003, at 22:49:57
Thanks for the information on trying other AD's for alcoholism. I was on 300 mg of topomax for the person who was asking about the mg. of what I was on. That was way too much but it sure kept my alcohol cravings in check. For me, to drink is to die, so I'm really wanting to find a medication that works like topomax, without the side effects. I took prozac for awhile but it stopped working for me. I guess it takes motivation and the desire to go to AA and once and for all quit drinking. Any other suggestions would be appreciated.
It seemed like topomax was the wonder drug for me but I found I didn't have a brain when I took it.
LB
Posted by kka on November 21, 2003, at 23:06:16
In reply to Re: topomax and alcohol, posted by LBcats on November 21, 2003, at 22:09:46
>
I am sorry you have to struggle through with alcohol, it can really hurt and affect you. I know it is hard. There is a med called anabuse (sp)? It doesn't help with the cravings but makes it impossible to swallow alcohol without getting sick. I know they give it to people in rehab while there are trying to stop drinking. But I know you are really looking to stop the on- going urge or craving to drink. I know this is out there but Ever thought about hypnosis or
acupuncture. Best of Luck to you!
Thanks for the information on trying other AD's for alcoholism. I was on 300 mg of topomax for the person who was asking about the mg. of what I was on. That was way too much but it sure kept my alcohol cravings in check. For me, to drink is to die, so I'm really wanting to find a medication that works like topomax, without the side effects. I took prozac for awhile but it stopped working for me. I guess it takes motivation and the desire to go to AA and once and for all quit drinking. Any other suggestions would be appreciated.
> It seemed like topomax was the wonder drug for me but I found I didn't have a brain when I took it.
> LB
Posted by mags on November 21, 2003, at 23:30:10
In reply to Re: topomax and alcohol, posted by kka on November 21, 2003, at 23:06:16
Saw my doc today re Topomax...I was concerned 'cause it seems to be affecting me like a roller coaster, my moods are all over the place...I seem to be rapid cycling...sort of..it is hard to explain...Some days....I think ..wow this med is great..I feel super...and then crash...crying spells..and a great dark cloud..and then ...again I feel better again..dips and dives....
lo and behold...my doc said this is a GOOD sign.....he says that means it is starting to work...he may have to add an AD to keep the depression at bay but he wants to wait and see. He says many find it works as both mood stabilizer and mood brightener or I may need something else.....so for now slow and easy titrate up to 75 mg and see him in a month....plus he upped my thyroid med which may help my depression....he likes to keep my TSH level real low 1.1
good luck all with your Topomax
Maggie
Posted by Cybele on November 22, 2003, at 10:32:39
In reply to Re: topomax and alcohol, posted by LBcats on November 21, 2003, at 22:09:46
> Thanks for the information on trying other AD's for alcoholism. I was on 300 mg of topomax for the person who was asking about the mg. of what I was on. That was way too much but it sure kept my alcohol cravings in check. For me, to drink is to die, so I'm really wanting to find a medication that works like topomax, without the side effects. I took prozac for awhile but it stopped working for me. I guess it takes motivation and the desire to go to AA and once and for all quit drinking. Any other suggestions would be appreciated.
> It seemed like topomax was the wonder drug for me but I found I didn't have a brain when I took it.
> LBFWIW. I believe that the first month or so being on Wellbutrin helps with any sort of addiction: smoking, food, drinking. After the "side effect" peiod goes away, that benefit lessens.
Posted by CaliGirl on November 22, 2003, at 13:52:21
In reply to Re: Topamax Experiences?, posted by headachequeen on November 20, 2003, at 14:27:51
Well, I've been on topomax for a few days now. I take it at night and get really sleepy and then find it very hard to get up, but once I'm up, I feel very energized. I'm still hungry, and binging and purging, but I do feel full faster. I haven't had any mood swings, but I am also on zoloft, so that may be countering any of those side effects. What is it that you're taking to counter-effect any hair loss?
Posted by LBcats on November 22, 2003, at 19:26:40
In reply to Re: topomax and alcohol, posted by kka on November 21, 2003, at 23:06:16
I have never tried acupuncture. Have you? If so what is it like?
LB
Posted by kka on November 22, 2003, at 20:20:44
In reply to Re: topomax and alcohol, posted by LBcats on November 22, 2003, at 19:26:40
Never tried but totally believe in it.... many people do! People go for all types of reasons. It is Worth a shot. I had a family member beat cancer with alternative medicine. (some traditional too, although the drs. said she probably wouldn't live)
Posted by leopard on November 24, 2003, at 1:48:09
In reply to re: the benefits of topamax, posted by Murphia on November 13, 2003, at 9:08:57
Hi Murphia,
I am new to this board...this is my first email. You seem to know a lot about meds and it is a relief to have a knowledgable person explain this stuff in a way a non MD can understand. I have had little success with Paxil, Prozac, Zoloft and Wellbutrin. The SSRI's made me an agressive rageaholic. When I wasn't angry, I was sleeping. The Wellbutrin made me very anxious, but initially it seemed to shut my brain down, but after 6 months I was anxious and paranoid. My GP thinks that I am BP. I do not have huge ups and downs but based on what I have read, I believe that I am indeed BP. I am taking Effexor and I do like it although I am still unable to concentrate. I thought of Topamax but it may be overkill for me. My GP suggested Geodon last week. Any thoughts on this new atypical? In combo with Effexor? Thank you. :)
Posted by helenag on November 24, 2003, at 11:15:54
In reply to topomax and alcohol, posted by LBcats on November 20, 2003, at 20:56:20
> I am an alcoholic and I took topomax for my bi-polar disorder for 8 months. During that time, I never craved alcohol. However, the cognitive side effects of the topomax were too much for me. I was in school at the time and I also had a full time job in a very high position so I couldn't handle the topomax side effects. I lost 20 lbs and I loved that but I had to have my brain back, so I stopped the topomax and my doc started me on depakote. Since then, I started my binge drinking again and I just feel totally out of control (in terms of my drinking) However I feel totally normal otherwise. I mean I feel good (a little depressed when I drink too much) and I don't feel doped up like I did with topomax but I don't get the motivation to go to AA or to ask for help regarding my alcoholism. Anybody out there know of anything else (drug) that works like topomax but not as dopey.
> LB
I am on 250mg of topamax for mood swings and alcohol and have been for several months. I find that the mood swings are beginning to creep back, however. As far as the alcohol cravings go, I have never known topamax to keep me from a bar stool or a can of beer. It is difficult to say whether or not the drug has curbed drinking or not for me.. If I was a betting woman, I'd have to say, it probably has helped. Perhaps,anyone with a real yen to drink is not going to be deterred by topamax. When periods of intense irritability and anxiety come along, the pressure to self-medicate comes along with them, at least for me. I believe that a real desire to stop drinking must accompany any chemical help a person ingests.
As well, it is probably also just as important that anyone with a alcohol trouble have a proper psych. diagnosis and be on the right medication so he or she has at least a fighting change at recovery on both ends.At least that's how I see it today. helen.
Posted by jhlsgirl on November 24, 2003, at 14:30:18
In reply to re: the benefits of topamax, posted by leopard on November 24, 2003, at 1:48:04
My doctor dx me as BP II.. he prescribed topamax as a mood stabilizer. also he told me that as a side effect I might lose weight (I need to do that) He also told me that it has a seditive effect because I dont sleep well.. who can tell me if all this is true..and what is the downside.
Posted by Murphia on November 24, 2003, at 14:47:37
In reply to re: the benefits of topamax, posted by leopard on November 24, 2003, at 1:48:09
It sounds to me like you may be in mixed states, and when you take an AD, your depression is alleviated, leaving your mania (rage) in control. You probably should be mood stabilizers, and topamax and geodon are not your first line mood stabilizers. Geodon is very mild and has a history of just quitting after a while. It might help the anxiety, but it's not likely to do anything for the rage. Lithium and depakote are the most effective against mixed states BP, but they have some nasty side effects (for some), most notably, weight gain. I'm not your doc, and I can't try to be, but I can just suggest to you that a combination of topamax and lamictal, or probably better yet, a combination of lamictal and tegretal or trileptal would be a good first choice to see if they could help you. Lam, because it is a mood stabilizer with heavy AD properties, the other because they are MSs with anti-manic properties. A pure anti-depressant or an anti-manic isn't going to do it. You will have to move toward mood stabilizers, probably because the neurotransmitters in your brain are firing rapidly, giving you both depression and mania at the same time. Yes it does sound like you are mixed stated bipolar, and as such you need a good Pdoc with this background to help you out. It can be managed, and you can have a wonderful life, without the anger. Stay away from the SSRIs, they will throw you into rage. But a GP is not qualified to handle this, has not had the years of pharmalogical and neurological training, trust me. You deserve a great life, and a good Pdoc can help you. Hugs. Murph
> Hi Murphia,
>
> I am new to this board...this is my first email. You seem to know a lot about meds and it is a relief to have a knowledgable person explain this stuff in a way a non MD can understand. I have had little success with Paxil, Prozac, Zoloft and Wellbutrin. The SSRI's made me an agressive rageaholic. When I wasn't angry, I was sleeping. The Wellbutrin made me very anxious, but initially it seemed to shut my brain down, but after 6 months I was anxious and paranoid. My GP thinks that I am BP. I do not have huge ups and downs but based on what I have read, I believe that I am indeed BP. I am taking Effexor and I do like it although I am still unable to concentrate. I thought of Topamax but it may be overkill for me. My GP suggested Geodon last week. Any thoughts on this new atypical? In combo with Effexor? Thank you. :)
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