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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 166 to 190 of 1085. Go back in thread:
Posted by shersher on February 7, 2002, at 13:38:32
In reply to Re: Topamax Experiences, posted by Bette Powers on February 7, 2002, at 9:54:49
> Dear Sher: Thanks for writing....it meant a great deal to me. Today is day#1 taking the Topamax: 25mg morning and 25 mg night.....and Lithium cut back to 300 mg daily. Hey, everyone else, I need info and encouragement...... writing to me....AND I MEAN EVERYONE....would be an act of sincere kindness -if you could/would INFORM ME, encourage me and warn me what to expect......
> I have a husband who is interested only in my disability check (which ends in June) so I have no support at home. Each day I pray for all of us who suffer this affliction......please let us all offer a special prayer for Sher who answered me immeditely.Do not lose heart you are not alone... I check this fairly frequently...you may be really tired at first and cloudy..just be patient and go slowly..we are in this with you...
sher
Posted by Chrissy on February 7, 2002, at 13:51:03
In reply to Re: Topamax Experiences, posted by Bette Powers on February 7, 2002, at 9:54:49
Hello, My name is Chrissy, I'm 26 and have been dealing with depression, and more recently correctly diagnosed with bipolar since I was 19. Been on many meds. SO TIRED OF THE UP AND DOWNS OF WEIGHT GAINING! Pretty much been my own detective looking up different meds. My Doctor is cool, she's letting me try Topamax. Been on it for a month now. (Am also still on 40mg of Prozac) I'm still only taking 50mg of topomax at bedtime, I'm afraid to taper up and take more because of the drowsy side effects. But from reading the posts, people say it goes away with more, so maybe I'll just go for it!! The thing is I'm a waitress and one night at work while at a table I fealt so woosie and in like a dream state! it scared me!, other than that, I absolutely Love that it helps with my appetite!! lost 8 lbs so far! I have NO anger fits, or major emotional episodes! I'm goin to stick with this! So BETTE we'll do it together!! Only other problem I'm having is about mid-day I start feeling dull anxiety, like a guilt feeling in my chest. I just want to go lay down. Wondering if Prozac combo is doing this, anyone know? Chrissy
Posted by shersher on February 7, 2002, at 15:01:52
In reply to Re: Topamax Experiences NEW POST, posted by Chrissy on February 7, 2002, at 13:51:03
> Hello, My name is Chrissy, I'm 26 and have been dealing with depression, and more recently correctly diagnosed with bipolar since I was 19. Been on many meds. SO TIRED OF THE UP AND DOWNS OF WEIGHT GAINING! Pretty much been my own detective looking up different meds. My Doctor is cool, she's letting me try Topamax. Been on it for a month now. (Am also still on 40mg of Prozac) I'm still only taking 50mg of topomax at bedtime, I'm afraid to taper up and take more because of the drowsy side effects. But from reading the posts, people say it goes away with more, so maybe I'll just go for it!! The thing is I'm a waitress and one night at work while at a table I fealt so woosie and in like a dream state! it scared me!, other than that, I absolutely Love that it helps with my appetite!! lost 8 lbs so far! I have NO anger fits, or major emotional episodes! I'm goin to stick with this! So BETTE we'll do it together!! Only other problem I'm having is about mid-day I start feeling dull anxiety, like a guilt feeling in my chest. I just want to go lay down. Wondering if Prozac combo is doing this, anyone know? Chrissy
Chrissy,
Its sher, a month is not very long to get stabilized. I worked up to 200 mg of topamax in about a month and a half but then had to add back in my lithium so I dropped my topa down to 150. I don't take prozac but I do take zoloft partly because it has an antianxiety effect also. But you have to go slowly switching from this as well. Why don't you try upping your topa dose at bedtime after work???? or on a day off ?? Don't be scared to get stabilized...bipolar is one of the most manageable mental diseases there is once you find the right med combo for you...its just HELL figuring it out...be persistent and pray.sher
Posted by Jet on February 9, 2002, at 0:34:23
In reply to Re: Topamax Experiences, posted by Bette Powers on February 6, 2002, at 17:42:46
> Hi, My name is Bette and I am Bipolar.....have been for years and years but only diagnozed and treated for 3 years on lithium (lithobid)1200mg) and
> zoloft(100mg). Have gained 70 lbs even with dieting and exercise program.....Now a new Dr. says I should take Topamax. I am almost never deprssed...it is always a manic state I am in....
> How important is it to start with such a slow, low dose?
> Does anyone really lose weight?
> Do you get cold sores? What else can I expect?
> Also, my Dr. says take the lithium AND the topamax....has anyone heard of that?
> PLEASE, PLEASE help me by writing to me....EVERYONE....it would be an act of sincere kindness if you could/would encourage me and warn me what to expect......I have not been able to work for 2 years but my disability runs out in June.....Hello Bette:
I can only tell you my experience with Topamax. I have been on it for amost 5 months now and have lost 25 pounds. I am not taking this medication to lose weight - although my pdoc said that it happens to be a side effect. I am taking it for Bi-Polar II. At first the side effects were strange and unpleasant. My hands, feet, face and chest had a pins and needle feeling. It was weird. But since I felt "better" for the first time in 12 years, I didn't much care - plus, the side effects have calmed down now and have almost gone away. As I upped each dose, I did notice the side effects for a few days, then they would slowly fade away. I still have them a little bit. But, I am feeling better, and I just figure that the trade off for now is just worth it. I would rather be up and moving with the living than in bed wishing I was dead on my "bad" days.
It is very important to up your dose very slowly. My pdoc told me to only increase my dose by 25 mg. every 10 days. I have read on these boards that some people have had some real problems by increasing too fast. So be very careful.
You see, for the past 15 years I have tried all of the AD's there are to try and none of them have worked, so when my pdoc said, why not try this drug called Topamax - I said why not? It is working well for me at 400 mg. Although it has only been 2 weeks since I upped it to 400 - I haven't dipped yet. I have my fingers crossed!
Side effects for me have been:
Weight loss
Blurry vision occasionally
Pins & Needles on hands, feet, face, hands & chest
Aggression (at low dose but went away)
More energy
From reading this board, I have seen where people have mixed Topamax and Lithium and done fine. Do a search by typing in both Topamax and Lithium and see what you come up with. This board is amazing in how it is setup.I don't know anything about cold sores. I don't have them and actually never have had one. I hope that my story has helped you in some way. I wish you the best. Jet
Posted by Chrissy on February 9, 2002, at 22:59:18
In reply to My Topamax Experience Has Been Positive » Bette Powers, posted by Jet on February 9, 2002, at 0:34:23
well this is my second post and to give a little udate, I've been taking 75mg now for a few days instead of 50. Also I stated that I noticed anxiety setting in a about midday. thought it might be from my morning dose of prozac. I started taking prozac at night. Haven't noticed anxiety. And actually only taking prozac every other day. Wondering how I'll do on just topamax. When I first started taking Topamax about a month ago, I notice my easily triggered raged feelings weren't so easily triggered anymore. I've been calm, and not much can get me worked up. But Today for some reason, I've been ready to duke it out with someone! Just Irritated.
And extra sensitive. Very wierd. Maybe from the dose change? Also ladies anyone notice their period being a little off? Like lasting for two weeks????!! (Sorry guys)
Posted by Bette Powers on February 10, 2002, at 23:58:47
In reply to Re: Topamax Experiences: Long Term Use, posted by shersher on January 6, 2002, at 7:34:48
First of all, I pray for all of us SO many times a day.....not always a formal prayer but often an almost unconscious "Oh, God, Please make this next hour easier on Sher, on John, On Kingfisher....etc...." I'll learn everyone's name.
It is day 5 of Topamax...25 mg morning, 25 mg evening.No effect, no side effects...plus 300mg lithium....I refuse to take more lithiuim....I have refused to take more than 300mg for the last 8 weeks because I am SO TIRED of the sleepiness and lethargy.
It took me 8 months to adjust to 900 mg of lithium....then a new Dr. promised me a sinecure with A NEW DRUG, trileptal...which is one of the 3 ingredients in depakote.....DEPAKOTE just went "out of patent" so the drug companies broke it down and decided trileptal was the operative chemical for bipolar treatment. When I took it I was NEVER SLEEPY, I lost weight.....I FELT things, I was happy! I was assertive vs. "Oh well".....and then I had a ministroke after 5 weeks and spent 7 days in the hospital....I could not see out of my right eye, could not talk, or move...all down the right side. After 200 tests they said the 1800 mg trileptal was the cause...and believe me, I had 3 neurologists....
so now I'm fat and on lithium again. I just heard about the topamax.....my Dr. suggested it because she says Zoloft is wrong for me....I am rarely depressed.....I am really manic 99% of the time....I have 1 mg Xanax for the times when the anxiety hits......and I become extremely functional and efficient when I take a Xanan.....I ran my own 14 person, 2 office law firm for 20 years on this manic bipolar energy, controlling it with the Xanax......it was only when I went to work for a corporation that the bipolar became a problem.....I think of you all, constantly.......if there's anything I can do.....please let's keep in touch....IS ANYONE SIMPLY ON TOPAMAX? DOES ANYONE HAVE PROBEMS FALLING ASLEEP OR TYING ASLEEP AT NIGHT? WHAT DO YOU DO FOR THAT? WHAT DOES THE DR. SAY ABOUT IT?
Posted by Annie Z. on February 12, 2002, at 21:29:36
In reply to Re: Topamax Experiences: Long Term Use, posted by Bette Powers on February 10, 2002, at 23:58:47
My doctor recommended Topamax to help with my low energy problem. After reading through quite a few messages in this thread, I am not seeing anything about an energy increase mentioned. In fact, sedation seems to be a problem.
Your comments, please.
Posted by IsoM on February 13, 2002, at 23:47:39
In reply to Re: Topamax Experiences: Long Term Use, posted by Bette Powers on February 10, 2002, at 23:58:47
There's so many diff postings on this forum it's impossible to read them all. If they don't apply to me or if the medicine is something I know nothing of, I generally don't read those posts.
But something caught my eye about your posting & I read it. I wish more could help you but I'm only familiar with bipolar from two friends who had it (still do but I moved across country & lost contact). I hope you find results with this new med but I know nothing about it. I do know about problems with lithium though from my friends' reactions to it. ...And my son's, when he was put on it for augmentation for his depression. It didn't help but did cause him to develop new problems. I wish the best for you, Bette.
Posted by jojomander on February 26, 2002, at 10:59:21
In reply to Re: Topamax Experiences NEW POST, posted by shersher on February 7, 2002, at 15:01:52
Chrissy,
I know you posted a while ago, but I also am on Prozac (similar dosage) and have just started on 25mg of Topomax. I was wondering what the effects of taking both would be. I have not tried topomax before and was hoping to have success. I will be increasing my dosage next week to 50 mg and hope it won't cause me to have any of the side effects. I am 31 with two young children, i work full time and cannot affort to loose concentration or start slurring words.. I am also feeling really good so far and think the topomax has something to do with it. Have you experieced any shooting pains or restlessnes?? How about weight loss? I am about 40 lbs. overweight. I am hoping the one side effect the topomax WILL have will be weight loss!! Good luck to you!!
Posted by Chrissy on March 2, 2002, at 10:03:51
In reply to Re: Topamax Experiences NEW POST, posted by jojomander on February 26, 2002, at 10:59:21
Got an email from a guy, thought my response to him might be interesting here.
Hi Chrissy. I was wondering if you started on the "anger medicine" and what
it's called and how is it working. Did not have success with prozac(sexual
side effects) or wellbrutin or serzone. Looking forward to your reply!Hello Peter,
Right now I am on Prozac and Topamax. Topamax Keeps the anger spurts away definately! but has it's own drowsey side effects that I'm hoping will go away. But I'm also losing weight on it! Peter hate to say it, but ALL of these medicines are going to give you those crappy sexual side effects. ALL of them. After a while sometimes a long while I think your body adjusts, and you find that you just get used to your new self, and you can have the same wonderful orgasms as usual! Well that's how it is for me anyway! I remember definately how it sucked! I remember saying I just can't come anymore!!! Or that it's sooo hard to! My husband still sometimes jokes that he needs to get a jack-hammer ...LOL But most of the time now I have pretty much no prob. and even have multiple. Just learn about your body a little more and give it a little more effort and patience. I've been on quite a few different meds, but always come back to prozac for depression. For people who really need it, it is amazing, with the least amount of side effects. What it comes down to, is what is more important? Your sanity? I think in the beginning the sexual numbness freaks everyone out so they want to abandon ship on these meds. But like I said, they're ALL pretty much like this and your cheating yourself on what could be a great thing for your depression. IT DOES GET BETTER! Your body will adjust.
Chrissy
Posted by Zo on March 6, 2002, at 0:09:14
In reply to Topamax for Energy?, posted by Annie Z. on February 12, 2002, at 21:29:36
No weight loss, and made me a painfully stoned idiot by week three. On 50 mg. What a weird med--I had to take it before bed. I only *wish* it made me wired. Good luck to those in whom it does cause weight loss and energy!Zo
Posted by Bette Powers on March 14, 2002, at 20:52:13
In reply to Topamax for Energy?, posted by Annie Z. on February 12, 2002, at 21:29:36
I have been on Topamax for 5 weeks now.....and have moved up from an initial does of 50mg (25 in morning and 25 in evening) to a daily dose of 150mg. About 4 hours after I take a dose I get a feeling of sleepiness. At first I had to give in to it...it was total exhaustion...but as the dosage increased and more time went by, I can shake it off.....I just make myself do something with my mind....something that takes intellectual
concentration...and it passes....also, the Dr. said I could take the doses when I want so I take 3 tabs (25mg each) at 5PM so I don't start to get sleepy until 9pm......and then take the other 3 tabs just before bed....about 11:30pm......I wake up about 6:30am on my own.....if I get right up, I am fine....if I stay in bed, I get sleepy.....the Dr. has me totaly weaned off of lithium.....and I now have a much higher energy level all around.......but she also weaned me off zoloft because I very rarely had "lows" in my bipolar cycle.....and I hit a series of days of real, real lows....so I am on 100mg. zoloft.....I used to be on 200mg.......I am hoping the 100mg. is OK. The Dr. and I are wondering if I will have to go all the way up to 250mg of topamax. When I was on 75mg and 100mg I was very, very irritable, but that has passed with the higher dose.....and it may have been related partly to feeling tired. It seems to be controlling the manic cycle pretty well.....I know I need a styronger dose, still......but I have no other side effects....haven't gone near the scale, yet.....nor started a diet....don't want to be disappointed because I am hoping to lose the 60lbs. I gained on lithium. Comments, please???
Posted by Chrissy on March 15, 2002, at 8:42:03
In reply to Re: Topamax Experiences NEW POST, posted by jojomander on February 26, 2002, at 10:59:21
This is wierd, I posted a follow up message to your's quite a while ago, and it never showed up. well let's try again! I am glad to have found someone who is also on the Topamax-Prozac combo.
Honestly for me I'm not sure the two are going to work together. Together they seem to cause me anxiey about mid-day. (guilty sick feeling in my chest for no reason, pacing, anxious feeling inside) I do however LOVE what each medicine does for me by themselves!
TOPAMAX-No OUT OF CONTROL anger episodes. When I get angry (example, your spouse dose something they know will anger you, whether it be right or wrong...In your bipolar mind the EMOTIONS RUSH IN FIRST! Anger! you physically shake etc.) With Topamax I'm clear headed about it, and it makes sense and doesn't just go straight to hurting me and making me feel overwhelmed with emotion.
NO WEIGHT GAIN SIDE EFFECTS! Lost at least 10 pounds in 2 months. maybe more. I'm used to gaining this much by now with a new medicine.
ALCOHOL-Personally alcohol has always been in my life, for fun, and I know before meds, for mood elevation, to get me out of the constant dull nothingness. After meds, and learning of Bipolar, stil kinda hard to break the habit, of social drinking, which is drinking to get drunk. why else drink? On Topamax, I don't drink. I turn it down, I don't want it, not only am I numb to anger spurts I'm numb to alcohol spurts or "binge drinking" The few times I have drank on Topamax, I don't drink to black out point, I feel more control, I'm more aware, maybe cause I'm not looking to down the next shot. I don't know. Maybe because I'm thinking more clearly of how those nasty medication/alcohol hangovers are!
PROZAC-always worked best for depression with no side effects, (meaning weight gain)Besides all of the above I'm on my 3rd month of the Top./proz/ combo.
For the last 2 weeks I've been at an all time low.
The last few days have been the worst. I hate how I feel. I'm depressed, but not, cause I feel numb, I feel incredibly lost, I'm crying, I just want to sleep, not because I'm tired but because I don't want to feel this way. I want it to pass.(NOT suicidal!)
I feel no one REALLY understands or cares in my family. Had a wonderful energized day yesteray morning, got things done, enjoyed the sun, then about mid-day I dropped for no reason. Writing this helps. Chrissy
Posted by Ginger67 on June 11, 2002, at 23:58:26
In reply to Re: Topamax Experiences: Long Term Use, posted by Bob on March 19, 2001, at 23:08:13
New to site, glad I found this. Began Topamax in 2000 at 75mg/day for depression, also developed a kidney stone. Med D/C due to $$. Was never warned of possible connection! Then beginning 12/1/01, had 2 unprovoked/unexplained seizures within 3 months, BAD allergies to Dilantin & Tegretol (very rare), went to Topamax 200mg/day. LOTS of constant pain/problems now with kidneys, only told about drinking water, STILL never warned about this, no one helping me. ANY IDEAS?? HELP??
Posted by Bob on June 12, 2002, at 0:32:29
In reply to Re: Topamax Experiences: Long Term Use, posted by Ginger67 on June 11, 2002, at 23:58:26
> New to site, glad I found this. Began Topamax in 2000 at 75mg/day for depression, also developed a kidney stone. Med D/C due to $$. Was never warned of possible connection! Then beginning 12/1/01, had 2 unprovoked/unexplained seizures within 3 months, BAD allergies to Dilantin & Tegretol (very rare), went to Topamax 200mg/day. LOTS of constant pain/problems now with kidneys, only told about drinking water, STILL never warned about this, no one helping me. ANY IDEAS?? HELP??
Are you still on Topomax? When I developed my Kidney stones I was immediately ordered to discontinue the med ASAP by my doctor. He took it VERY seriously, and I suppose for good reason. There have also been connections to glaucoma with Topomax, especially if you have vision changes (i.e. blurry vision) from it.
Posted by DebMac on June 25, 2002, at 11:17:06
In reply to Re: Topamax Experiences?}}Kingfish, posted by KimberlyL on January 4, 2002, at 3:02:10
My 17 year old daughter has recently been diagnosed as Bi-polar, and because she is already 50 lbs overweight, she is now on Zoloft with Topamax. Does anyone have any experience with this? This is all so new and scarey to me.
Posted by DENNIE on June 26, 2002, at 10:14:39
In reply to Re: Topamax for Energy? » Annie Z., posted by Bette Powers on March 14, 2002, at 20:52:13
any one with some info on this subject and effect of topamax dr says itmay make me sleepy but hasnt yet at all
Posted by DENNIE on June 26, 2002, at 20:22:06
In reply to Re: Topamax Experiences NEW POST, posted by jojomander on February 26, 2002, at 10:59:21
> hi this is in response to reading mostly allof the lastest post i am just staring on topamax 25mg for 3 days and increase to 50 next 3 dys and so on till 100 mg and still taking 75 mg exxflor and i am 43 yrs old single mom two children work in a school fulltime and pt in th summer care for my 12 yr old neice. i have been diagosed with clinical depression for some time now/ and just recently dr w/ bi-polar my dad past way 6 mths ago and things havebeen real tough. besides being 85 lbs over weight bewteen the meds and eating out i am hoping this med can help some so i so glas to find this site any advice and support is great take care dennie
Posted by anjo on July 2, 2002, at 15:30:54
In reply to My Topamax Experience Has Been Positive » Bette Powers, posted by Jet on February 9, 2002, at 0:34:23
Hi, I my name is Angela. I have just come across your board. I am delighted to find such a place. I am challenged by schizoaffective - bipolar type II. It has seemed like a battle does not ever end. I have been on countless meds...currently the Geodon, this has helped somewhat for the last year. Lithium(eskalith) which I have been on for awhile seems to do it's job but is not enough. And Ambien to sleep. I have moved to Arizona hoping the weather may help things a bit. because of my high emotionality, manic/depressed state combo with hallucinations, things really are going down hill fast as of recent. My doc wants to now drop the Geodon and add Topamax 25mg and Wellbutrin along with the lithium. I personally am so freaked out about side affects anymore I am scared to take anything. Reading what has been written on this board has not really tipped the scale in any one direction, but I am immensley glad that it is available. I am just so tired of being miserable and feeling like my spirit is being taken away from me. My family want to investigate what type of meds they have in Europe and Canada that may not be offered in the U.S. as of yet. My family is very supportive and loving but they get frustrated because they cannot magically fix this challenge of mine. Anyway sorry for all the babble...I appreciate you taking the time to read and/or comment. I work myself of the Geodon for this week and then start Topamax on next wednesday. Take care to all of you. thanks angela
Posted by Bob on July 2, 2002, at 16:20:40
In reply to New to Topamax, posted by anjo on July 2, 2002, at 15:30:54
Angela:
I am very sorry to hear what you are going through. Unfortunately, many of us on this board, and many more who are not, share your plight to greater or lesser degrees. This includes myself. As I read your description of your plight, I recognize the dilemmas I face. I, nor it seems anyone, can take away our suffering, but we always have commiseration. Hang in there.
Bob
Posted by DENNIE on July 5, 2002, at 10:14:29
In reply to New to Topamax, posted by anjo on July 2, 2002, at 15:30:54
message to anjo i know how scarey it is to be on 3 to 4 meds at on time and then change and then the side effects are the even scaryer so anytime you want to babble on feel feeek i'll listen i just started talking topamax jun 24th adnd the final dosage is 100mg and 175 mg of exxflor and 10 mg ambian to sleep when needed tke care and post again demnie
Posted by DanielleMarie on August 7, 2002, at 12:06:20
In reply to Re: Topamax Experiences?, posted by Bob on January 21, 2001, at 22:24:33
I am new to this but i just wanted to say i am on Topamax 100mg morning and night so 200mg a day and of course i had towork up to it slowley buti started having the tingling in my hands then my face and it get to where itstayed in my face for the whole day at a time. Last month when i went back to my doctor i told him about this because it was very anoying side affect to have he said he wanted toto give itone more month to see if things would smooth out but they did not i woke up 4 days ago now and half of my toung has been numb and yesterday i started loosing control of the left side of my face and i just thought you should know of this side affect incase you start to have it. i have alsohad the vison problems and i am not sure about the kindey stonesi thinkmabey but they are big enought that i fell them but small enough that they dont hurt yet.
Posted by Susanna on August 11, 2002, at 20:47:55
In reply to Topamax for Energy?, posted by Annie Z. on February 12, 2002, at 21:29:36
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?
Posted by jellybean on August 27, 2002, at 0:58:12
In reply to Topomax: an alternative to Lithium therapy, posted by Susanna on August 11, 2002, at 20:47:55
> 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?
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
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?
>
>
> 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
>
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.
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