Posted by jellybean on August 30, 2002, at 20:13:21
In reply to Re: Topomax: an alternative to Lithium therapy, posted by jellybean on August 27, 2002, at 0:58:12
> > Hello everyone! I've been on Topomax for 11 days now. Currently, I'm at 75 mg. daily. Started off at 25mg. b.i.d. From what I've read so far, this change in dosage may be ocurring a bit quick. Side effects are that of the norm. I also take Wellbutrin 150 mg. b.i.d. & I am titrating down from Lithium, which I have been on for the last 5 years. Lithium really does the trick for me in terms of keeping me somewhat close to the grey zone, but, sadly, I have gained a considerable amount of weight, which doesn't seem to budge no matter what method I approach. So here I am. I am seeing a new shrink, who has prescribed Topomax & Wellbutrin, increasing the Topomax next week to 100mg., following week 150 mg.,...200mg., 300mg.,... 400mg. This concerns me greatly. Any comments?
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> Hi- If I remember correctly, my doses of Topamax were raised in 1 week intervals as well. It was fine, but my memory may be off! I've been on a lot of different drug combos for bi-polar d/o over the past decade or so and what seems to work the best is topamax with an antidepressant. The antidepressants seem to fade in effectiveness after a couple of years however, so then I have to switch. I'm currently on lithium, gabitril, paxil and wellbutrin. NOT HAPPY - I've gained 20 lbs in 3 months as I did when on depakote (65 lbs total then). My Dr. took me off topamax because of the glaucoma warnings although I did not want to be taken off. I had been on it successfully for 2 years. From what I've read, vision problems would show up in the first month or so of treatment. On my current drug regimen my memory is a mess, I have to search for common words at times, and I'm becoming overweight and depressed. Anyone else experience the problem of being taken off topamax against their wishes - any luck convincing your Dr. to place you back on it? Any suggestions? I'd be interested in knowing how the Topamax and Wellbutrin combo does for you. Thanks, j
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j again - well, success - i'm back on topamax! with lithium and paxil. the wellbutrin sent me off the deep end - agitated, irritable, not sleeping, headache for days. i signed an agreement with my doc stated i was aware of the warnings about topamax and i start back tonight - upping it 25 mg a week to a total of 150 before a re-check. so to the post at the top - my memory was 1/2 right. i increased every week, but only by 25 mg.
poster:jellybean
thread:50878
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20020829/msgs/118275.html