Posted by banga on January 24, 2005, at 11:59:02
In reply to Need information concerning meds before next appt, posted by stresser on January 24, 2005, at 10:58:57
Hi,
I am no expert, but this is what comes to mind:
1) Topamax is notorious for causing cognitive difficulties, this may at least in part be interfering with her concentration and mental sharpness. You're right, docs dont usually like to consider stimulants unless there is a clear diagnosis of ADHD.
2) there are two other mood stabilizers --alternatives to topomax--that don't lead to weight gain--they are Lamictal and Zonegran. With Lamictal, you have to be careful, a bad side effect can be a rash. Zonegran is not well-studied, but there seem to be a lot of people who find it helpful.
3) I am not bipolar, but have depression with anxiety and irritability (some may even make a case for Bioplar II for me). I was immensely helped by a couple of the newer antipsychotics, Geodon and Risprdal. It is becoming more and more common to use these with mood disorders, especially bioplar. There is also Abilify, one which I in fact may switch to today. The effect was pretty fast--four days and I felt SO different, no anxiety, no depression. The effect wore off with time, but I am working on ways to get them to not poop out on me. Geodon and Abilify do not cause weight gain typically.These are my thoughts, but as you know our bodies are different and what works for one person may not work for the next.
Good luck,B.
poster:banga
thread:446758
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20050124/msgs/446782.html