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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 15 of 15. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by jealibeanz on May 27, 2006, at 13:48:00
Is Topamax ever used for depression/anxiety and not just for epilepsy or bipolar? What is the mechanism of action. I am taking Straterra right now which helps with depression and Xanax for anxiety.
Posted by jealibeanz on May 27, 2006, at 13:54:06
In reply to Topamax, posted by jealibeanz on May 27, 2006, at 13:48:00
How are people finding it in terms of cognition? I know some people say it makes them slower. Also, I read weight gain as a side effect, which is surprising, but figure it's possible since if any one tends to have that side effect it's me.
Posted by Racer on May 27, 2006, at 17:09:26
In reply to Re: Topamax, posted by jealibeanz on May 27, 2006, at 13:54:06
I don't know about unipolar depressiion, although my guess is that it's worth a try as an augmenting agent for other ADs.
What I do know, though, is that it's used a lot these days to counter the weight gain from other meds. It's apparently pretty helpful with that. It's also used a lot in bulimia, because it tends to reduce the urge to purge...
I've never taken it, though, so I don't know whether it's helpful, nor how much it helps with the weight gain. My current pdoc says that we will likely try it to see if it makes SSRIs tolerable for me. I'm not sure I'm willing, but then -- I'm pretty freaked out about meds myself these days...
Posted by fairywings on May 27, 2006, at 20:52:14
In reply to Topamax, posted by jealibeanz on May 27, 2006, at 13:48:00
I'm reallly sensitive to medicines, so take this for what it's worth. I took it to prevent migraines. I had more migraines, tingling feet, muscle aches, and then depression. I had to get off of it. Didn't gain or lose weight, don't remember if it effected my appetite, but it seemed to effect my blood sugar - that was my perception anyway. I got really shaky after eating carbs.
Good luck,
fw
Posted by Phillipa on May 27, 2006, at 21:15:57
In reply to Re: Topamax » jealibeanz, posted by fairywings on May 27, 2006, at 20:52:14
I never took it either but this board is wierd tonight and it's making me more med phobic. Love Phillipa.
Posted by fairywings on May 27, 2006, at 22:23:57
In reply to Re: Topamax, posted by Phillipa on May 27, 2006, at 21:15:57
Sorry Phillipa,
Yeah, you hope for the best, but the drugs can make things worse sometimes.
fw
Posted by TJO on May 28, 2006, at 5:31:40
In reply to Re: Topamax » Phillipa, posted by fairywings on May 27, 2006, at 22:23:57
Hi
I just started taking Topamax last Monday and it has been a dream drug for me :-). No weight loss yet but I have stopped sleeping my life away and have filed my (6 weeks over due) tax refund. My pdoc was worried about it making me stupid since I take college classes, instead it is like I can think BETTER! :-D. I am only taking 50 mg so far-25 mg in am and 25 in the pm and it DOES seem to have an antidepressant effect on me. Had no idea how sick I was till I started taking this drug. Have more energy too :-). Hope this lasts.Tam
Posted by jealibeanz on May 28, 2006, at 7:03:28
In reply to Re: Topamax, posted by TJO on May 28, 2006, at 5:31:40
It gives you energy? I don't actually understand what Topamax does. I know it's an anticonvulsant and used as a mood stabliser, but have no idea what it's mechanism is or what it acts on.
Posted by TJO on May 28, 2006, at 7:25:50
In reply to Re: Topamax, posted by jealibeanz on May 28, 2006, at 7:03:28
Hi,
I have no clue why it does, just happy it does- off to weed the garden :-).Tam
Posted by Racer on May 28, 2006, at 10:35:02
In reply to Re: Topamax, posted by jealibeanz on May 28, 2006, at 7:03:28
It works on Na and Ca channels, GABA, and GLU...
But, that's just what I've read. You might want to bookmark SLS's page on drugs:
http://sl.schofield3.home.att.net/medicine/psychiatric_drugs_chart.htmlIt's a great resource for checking out the basics of drugs.
Posted by Cairo on May 29, 2006, at 13:32:58
In reply to Re: Topamax » jealibeanz, posted by fairywings on May 27, 2006, at 20:52:14
I developed severe side effects on Topamax which I think were induced by metabolic acidosis which they warn you about. I'm still not the same after weaning off it and still need to take Klonopin for panic attacks which started on the Topamax.
But, not everyone reacts the same to meds. I know people who have done very well on it. Just start low on the dose, titrate upwards slowly and be on the lookout for side effects, should you and your doctor feel that a trial is called for.
Good luck.
Cairo
Posted by jealibeanz on May 29, 2006, at 15:39:35
In reply to Re: Topamax, posted by Cairo on May 29, 2006, at 13:32:58
What condition was it prescribed for?
Posted by TJO on May 30, 2006, at 5:04:50
In reply to Re: Topamax, posted by Cairo on May 29, 2006, at 13:32:58
Hi,
For me it was prescribed for bipolar disorder-and specifically to counter the weight gain from some of my other meds and also to try to give me more energy :-). It HAS given me more energy and I'll have to see about the weight thing. I don't know if it is working the way it is because it is interacting with my other meds or whether it would do the same thing all by itself. Hmm.Tam
Posted by crazy777girl on May 30, 2006, at 6:30:40
In reply to Re: Topamaxjealibeanz, posted by TJO on May 30, 2006, at 5:04:50
Greetings - I also take Topamax, for bipolar & migraines. It may or may not have helped w/ a bit of the weight gain from previous ADs, and we gradually increased the dose until the migraines stopped. It's generally an anticonvulsant used for epileptics, but its off shelf use is mood stabilization & weight loss. Lower doses worked well for me at first, then stopped being effective after about a year. I had side effects when starting that nearly made me discontinue, but the migraines were so bad, I knew I needed to give it a fair shake. I'm glad I did. As to whether or not it's helping in my overall treatment of bipolar/anxiety, I really couldn't say. Probaby not to the degree my doc & I would like.
A.> Hi,
> For me it was prescribed for bipolar disorder-and specifically to counter the weight gain from some of my other meds and also to try to give me more energy :-). It HAS given me more energy and I'll have to see about the weight thing. I don't know if it is working the way it is because it is interacting with my other meds or whether it would do the same thing all by itself. Hmm.
>
> Tam
Posted by TJO on May 30, 2006, at 6:33:30
In reply to Re: Topamaxjealibeanz, posted by crazy777girl on May 30, 2006, at 6:30:40
Hi
You reminded me I was also looking to replace Neurontin possibly with the Topamax for mood stabilization. Could be a "triple play" drug :-).
Tam
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