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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 3 of 3. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Janelle on August 1, 2003, at 13:32:42
I have been hearing good things about Topamax as a mood-stabilizer for BiPolar(2). I'm currently on Lithium and cannot stand it - makes me nervous, jittery and awful tremors - to the point where I can BARELY WRITE. I have nice handwriting, but now I can hardly write checks or sign my name to things. I'm on a relatively low but therapeutic (blood levels is within the *normal* range) dose of Lithium.
I have appointment with pdoc on Monday, at which time I plan to ask about switching to Topamax. I would appreciate hearing any experiences with it, side effects, does it work, etc. THANKS!
Posted by sarita0001 on August 1, 2003, at 16:57:12
In reply to WANTED: Experiences with TOPAMAX, please!, posted by Janelle on August 1, 2003, at 13:32:42
Hi,
There are pretty mixed reviews on Topamax. I had an awful experience with it- I was on it for 4 months (the most at 100mg) with a lithium combo. I got some of the rarest side effects(less than 1% chance). I grew extra eyelashes, my eyelashes grew longer and their pigment changed slightly. I also had abnormal lower eyelid movement on two occasions. I grew slightly more hair on my face and body. I did manage to lose weight but for me it wasn't worth it. I also experienced other less serious side effects. I'd be happy to answer any other questions you have. Apparently there is no interaction with lithium but after this I wonder. Topamax has male hormones in it which caused the hair growth, however it doesn't affect everyone. I don't mean to scare you I just want you to know that with Topamax there is such a wide range of side effects, some are just now being reported.
My advice is that if you have other options for meds I would look at all of them before choosing this one.Best,
S
Posted by Janelle on August 1, 2003, at 23:10:37
In reply to Re: WANTED: Experiences with TOPAMAX, please!, posted by sarita0001 on August 1, 2003, at 16:57:12
Hi,
Thank you SO much for the valuable feedback. I've done some further internet searching on Topamax and discovered it can have some downright nasty side effects.
However, I did not know until you mentioned it here that it has MALE hormones in it! Yipes!
I am now re-thinking my idea of asking my pdoc about a possible switch from Lithium to Topamax. It's just that I'm having bad tremors on the Lithium, to the point where I can barely write at times. I'm not even on a *high* dose either!
Thanks again.
This is the end of the thread.
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