Psycho-Babble Medication Thread 50878

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Re: Starting on Topomax for Migraines. Advice anyone? » Mitch

Posted by JohnX2 on November 13, 2001, at 9:48:15

In reply to Re: Starting on Topomax for Migraines. Advice anyone? » JohnX2, posted by Mitch on November 12, 2001, at 22:56:23


Thanks for your feedback.

I was getting mad at the neurologist because
he wanted to throw migraine headache medicines
at my tension headaches, and I had absolutely
no symptoms of migraine. Anyways, I did a bit
of research on tension headaches, which are
less vascular, and more related to muscle
contraction spasms. I found that SSRIs can induce
them in an area of the brain where dopamine
counteracts acetylcholine in the stimulation of
the masseter (jaw) muscles. These dopamine neurons
are unique in that they do not contain self
regulating auto-receptors. Their firing is gated
by serotonin receptors (proportional to 5ht-1a
post synaptictic and inversely proportional to
5ht-2a receptors) at the junction and also by
dopaminergic projections from a pool of dopamine
neurons at the VTA where there are other somotodendric
dopamine neurons gated in a similar manner but by
many afferents (it does have the same serotonin
input). The serotonin input can be exacerbated
by stress. Stress can cause greater serotonin
impulses due to interesting cross talk with
the noradrenergic stress center (the locus
coerulus) and all this indirectly can lead to
bruxism and tension headache because of the
goofed up dopamine modulation. In the hypo-dopaminergic
state a dopaminergic med like Adderall makes the
headache go away, so do 5ht-2a antagonists. This
is in the literature and also my experience.
Klonopin slows the firing of those serotonin
neurons and so does buspar, which gives them
potential therapeutic advantages. I was hoping
that maybe Topomax could achieve some of the
same goals as klonopin, but the feedback on it
hasn't been overwhelmingly positive in this
regard.

Thanks.

-john


> >
> > Hi,
> >
> > Topomax is one of the few anti-convulsants I have
> > not tried. I have chronic tension headache and
> > bruxism and lately was suggested baclofen. But
> > my older neurologist thouht Topomax may help.
> > I never got substantial relief from the other
> > anti-convulsants, but i am currently taking lamictal
> > and klonopin is the main releaver of my headaches.
> > When I looked into topomax I saw it worked very
> > differently than lamictal and it had action at the
> > GabaA receptor increasing Cl- conductance which is
> > also what klonopin does. So I was still thinking it
> > may be good to try, especially given the latest buzz
> > regarding it being a good adjunct to lamictal.
> >
> > Any thoughts?
> >
> > Thanks,
> > john
> >
>
> John, tension headaches and migraines are quite opposite from each other with regards to vascular effects. Anything that might be effective for migraines might exacerbate tension headaches and vice versa. Tension headaches that I have experienced often involve excess use of stimulants like caffeine for example, while caffeine tends to help migraine sufferers.
>
> As far as AED's go: Topamax and Gabitril were the worst for cognitive side effects that I have experienced. I felt like someone rubbed my forehead down with lidocaine and then slugged me with a large Masonic Bible!
>
>
> Mitch
>
>
> >
> > > > Hi,
> > > >
> > > > I just started (last night first dose) on Topomax as a migraine prophylaxis.
> > > >
> > > > I don't have a history of any psychological disorders. just found this site through a Google search and you guys sound really knowledgeable.
> > > >
> > > > I've had migraines for most of my adult life and in the last few months they've become daily occurences. I've been taking Zomig and Ibuprofen to combat attacks -- have tried lots of other meds, too, both preventive and "abortive."
> > > >
> > > > My doctor, a headache specialist, recommended Topomax based on some very favorable results in his other patients.
> > > >
> > > > I'm a bit worried about side effects. They started me on 15 mg/day to increase by 15 mg each week until either the daily migraines go away or I reach 90 mg/day.
> > > >
> > > > I'm not taking any other neurological drugs.
> > > >
> > > > I'm a bit worried about the side effects. I do feel a bit groggy today but I don't know if it's from the Topomax. Is this commmon? Does it go away?
> > > >
> > > > My doctor mentioned tingling fingers, loss of mental acuity, depression, weight loss (not a negative in my opinion!) and dehydration.
> > > >
> > > > Has anyone experienced any of these? I'm particularly worried about the loss of mental acuity and grogginess since I need my brain power! I'm also worried about depression because I've seen what a horrible disease that can be.
> > > >
> > > > And I'd like to know if the side effects tend to go away with time. If so, how long does it take?
> > > >
> > > > If anyone has any advice, comments, experiences, etc. on taking Topomax for migraines, I'd appreciate it.
> > > >
> > > > Thanks!
> > >
> > >
> > > Hi Inky,
> > >
> > > It seems that more anti-epielpsy meds are starting to be used for migraine prophylaxis. I know Depakote has been used for that and has an approvable indication for that purpose.
> > >
> > > I have tried Topamax for my bipolar. Lots of others here have tried it as well for various things (mostly bipolar disorder). All I can say is that it *can* cause some fairly bad cognitive dulling effects. I wouldn't say that it is all that "depressogenic". As with many meds nowadays you have to start low and go slow with dose increases. I made it up to 50mg/day for a while with other meds added on and I was pretty foggy-headed. Many people here have had little trouble with that if you hang with a dose long enough before you increase it. 15mg to start was where I started. I would continue taking the 15mg/day dose until the "tiredness" or whatever seems to abate *before* you go up a notch in the dosage FWIW,
> > >
> > > Mitch

 

Re: Starting on Topomax for Migraines. Advice anyone?

Posted by Mitch on November 13, 2001, at 12:58:51

In reply to Re: Starting on Topomax for Migraines. Advice anyone? » Mitch, posted by JohnX2 on November 13, 2001, at 9:48:15

>Anyways, I did a bit
> of research on tension headaches, which are
> less vascular, and more related to muscle
> contraction spasms. I found that SSRIs can induce
> them in an area of the brain where dopamine
> counteracts acetylcholine in the stimulation of
> the masseter (jaw) muscles. These dopamine neurons
> are unique in that they do not contain self
> regulating auto-receptors. Their firing is gated
> by serotonin receptors (proportional to 5ht-1a
> post synaptictic and inversely proportional to
> 5ht-2a receptors) at the junction and also by
> dopaminergic projections from a pool of dopamine
> neurons at the VTA where there are other somotodendric
> dopamine neurons gated in a similar manner but by
> many afferents (it does have the same serotonin
> input). The serotonin input can be exacerbated
> by stress. Stress can cause greater serotonin
> impulses due to interesting cross talk with
> the noradrenergic stress center (the locus
> coerulus) and all this indirectly can lead to
> bruxism and tension headache because of the
> goofed up dopamine modulation. In the hypo-dopaminergic
> state a dopaminergic med like Adderall makes the
> headache go away, so do 5ht-2a antagonists. This
> is in the literature and also my experience.


Aha! So, that's why I grind my teeth and get headaches from Zoloft. That is interesting about the 5-HT2a antagonists. Maybe you ought to pitch some Serzone in there (if you are not already)? I noticed that when I took Serzone I had greatly reduced *agitation* and restlesslness and didn't experience any headache or stomach upset (at low doses). The trouble with Serzone was mild pruritis and amyblyopia (big time-had difficulty reading).
Maybe a little Serzone with a little Adderall in combination with a mood stabilizer?? Hmm.

Mitch

 

Re: Starting on Topomax for Migraines. Advice anyone? » Mitch

Posted by JohnX2 on November 13, 2001, at 18:31:22

In reply to Re: Starting on Topomax for Migraines. Advice anyone?, posted by Mitch on November 13, 2001, at 12:58:51


Guess what Mitch,

The paper discussing this phenomena was
specifically siting cases of Zoloft! I can
send you a print if you send me an email address.

It recommended buspar as one anti-dote, another
is a 5ht-2a antagonist. It suggested Serzone (which
worked great for me) or possibly Remeron (not quite
great). Didn't mention atypical anti-psychotics, but
I believe that a dabble of zyprexa et. al may do the
trick to.

The future of the serotonin drugs are either stand alone
SSRIs with *clean* 5ht-2 antagonism (not dirty like serzone)
and/or an SSRI with a mixed in clean 5ht-2 antagonist.
Get rid of those potential rls,eps,sexual dysfunction,
tension headache,agitation, side effects...
But what pharmaceutical company will win this horse
race? Tell me and I'll buy the stock!
There are from what I understand clean (selective)
5ht-2a antagonists in the pipeline and with celexa and
prozac going off patent I could see those manufacturers
bundling the clean 5ht-2a meds with the generics in one
pill....

-john

> >Anyways, I did a bit
> > of research on tension headaches, which are
> > less vascular, and more related to muscle
> > contraction spasms. I found that SSRIs can induce
> > them in an area of the brain where dopamine
> > counteracts acetylcholine in the stimulation of
> > the masseter (jaw) muscles. These dopamine neurons
> > are unique in that they do not contain self
> > regulating auto-receptors. Their firing is gated
> > by serotonin receptors (proportional to 5ht-1a
> > post synaptictic and inversely proportional to
> > 5ht-2a receptors) at the junction and also by
> > dopaminergic projections from a pool of dopamine
> > neurons at the VTA where there are other somotodendric
> > dopamine neurons gated in a similar manner but by
> > many afferents (it does have the same serotonin
> > input). The serotonin input can be exacerbated
> > by stress. Stress can cause greater serotonin
> > impulses due to interesting cross talk with
> > the noradrenergic stress center (the locus
> > coerulus) and all this indirectly can lead to
> > bruxism and tension headache because of the
> > goofed up dopamine modulation. In the hypo-dopaminergic
> > state a dopaminergic med like Adderall makes the
> > headache go away, so do 5ht-2a antagonists. This
> > is in the literature and also my experience.
>
>
> Aha! So, that's why I grind my teeth and get headaches from Zoloft. That is interesting about the 5-HT2a antagonists. Maybe you ought to pitch some Serzone in there (if you are not already)? I noticed that when I took Serzone I had greatly reduced *agitation* and restlesslness and didn't experience any headache or stomach upset (at low doses). The trouble with Serzone was mild pruritis and amyblyopia (big time-had difficulty reading).
> Maybe a little Serzone with a little Adderall in combination with a mood stabilizer?? Hmm.
>
> Mitch

 

Re: Starting on Topomax for Migraines. Advice anyone? » JohnX2

Posted by Mitch on November 13, 2001, at 23:35:31

In reply to Re: Starting on Topomax for Migraines. Advice anyone? » Mitch, posted by JohnX2 on November 13, 2001, at 18:31:22

>
> Guess what Mitch,
>
> The paper discussing this phenomena was
> specifically siting cases of Zoloft! I can
> send you a print if you send me an email address.

John, thanks for the feedback, but I really don't need *that* much detail :)-I am on the computer enough as it is (between the web and my work!-eek, that sounds a little macabre somehow).

>
> It recommended buspar as one anti-dote, another
> is a 5ht-2a antagonist. It suggested Serzone (which
> worked great for me) or possibly Remeron (not quite
> great). Didn't mention atypical anti-psychotics, but
> I believe that a dabble of zyprexa et. al may do the
> trick to.

Well, can't do Remeron or Buspar due to the alpha-2 antagonist induced irritability (more "dirty" meds hitting receptors like a pin-ball game). If I went back on Serzone I would have to put up with some itching and difficulties seeing/reading, plus it is not very "liver-friendly", either.

>
> The future of the serotonin drugs are either stand alone
> SSRIs with *clean* 5ht-2 antagonism (not dirty like serzone)
> and/or an SSRI with a mixed in clean 5ht-2 antagonist.
> Get rid of those potential rls,eps,sexual dysfunction,
> tension headache,agitation, side effects...
> But what pharmaceutical company will win this horse
> race? Tell me and I'll buy the stock!
> There are from what I understand clean (selective)
> 5ht-2a antagonists in the pipeline and with celexa and
> prozac going off patent I could see those manufacturers
> bundling the clean 5ht-2a meds with the generics in one
> pill....
>
> -john

Probably what is going on there is just bottom-line economics (not that I disapprove-they are also rolling bucks into the *new* stuff). When we start to see the patents expiring for Zoloft, Paxil, and Celexa-THAT is when we will probably see the meds you are talking about start "coming to the surface". If you can make an SSRI tolerable-wow that's where the money would be.

Mitch


> > >Anyways, I did a bit
> > > of research on tension headaches, which are
> > > less vascular, and more related to muscle
> > > contraction spasms. I found that SSRIs can induce
> > > them in an area of the brain where dopamine
> > > counteracts acetylcholine in the stimulation of
> > > the masseter (jaw) muscles. These dopamine neurons
> > > are unique in that they do not contain self
> > > regulating auto-receptors. Their firing is gated
> > > by serotonin receptors (proportional to 5ht-1a
> > > post synaptictic and inversely proportional to
> > > 5ht-2a receptors) at the junction and also by
> > > dopaminergic projections from a pool of dopamine
> > > neurons at the VTA where there are other somotodendric
> > > dopamine neurons gated in a similar manner but by
> > > many afferents (it does have the same serotonin
> > > input). The serotonin input can be exacerbated
> > > by stress. Stress can cause greater serotonin
> > > impulses due to interesting cross talk with
> > > the noradrenergic stress center (the locus
> > > coerulus) and all this indirectly can lead to
> > > bruxism and tension headache because of the
> > > goofed up dopamine modulation. In the hypo-dopaminergic
> > > state a dopaminergic med like Adderall makes the
> > > headache go away, so do 5ht-2a antagonists. This
> > > is in the literature and also my experience.
> >
> >
> > Aha! So, that's why I grind my teeth and get headaches from Zoloft. That is interesting about the 5-HT2a antagonists. Maybe you ought to pitch some Serzone in there (if you are not already)? I noticed that when I took Serzone I had greatly reduced *agitation* and restlesslness and didn't experience any headache or stomach upset (at low doses). The trouble with Serzone was mild pruritis and amyblyopia (big time-had difficulty reading).
> > Maybe a little Serzone with a little Adderall in combination with a mood stabilizer?? Hmm.
> >
> > Mitch

 

Re: Starting on Topomax for Migraines. Advice anyone? » Mitch

Posted by JohnX2 on November 14, 2001, at 3:06:46

In reply to Re: Starting on Topomax for Migraines. Advice anyone? » JohnX2, posted by Mitch on November 13, 2001, at 23:35:31


> > It recommended buspar as one anti-dote, another
> > is a 5ht-2a antagonist. It suggested Serzone (which
> > worked great for me) or possibly Remeron (not quite
> > great). Didn't mention atypical anti-psychotics, but
> > I believe that a dabble of zyprexa et. al may do the
> > trick to.
>
> Well, can't do Remeron or Buspar due to the alpha-2 antagonist induced irritability (more "dirty" meds hitting receptors like a pin-ball game). If I went back on Serzone I would have to put up with some itching and difficulties seeing/reading, plus it is not very "liver-friendly", either.
>


I concur about the Remeron and Buspar a2 antagonism.
Neither helped as much as I would have liked.
The a2 antagonism increases the noradrenaline
conductice in that stress center that connects
to the serotonin path. So I think it counteracts
the 5ht-1a agonist in buspar and/or 5ht-2 antagonism
in Remeron.

I've always wondered if buspar would have been
a better anxiolytic w/o the alpha-2 side effect.
It incidently probably helped sales as people
discovered at the high dose of 60 mg it had some
antidepressant effect likely due to this.

PS. What is your current med cocktail?
Is it mainly Zoloft? I it would be novel to meet
someone on pbabble who was humming along on
1 ssri med. ;)

Regards,
John

 

Re: Starting on Topomax for Migraines. Advice anyone?

Posted by JohnX2 on November 14, 2001, at 3:18:21

In reply to Re: Starting on Topomax for Migraines. Advice anyone? » Mitch, posted by JohnX2 on November 14, 2001, at 3:06:46


Whoops Mitch, sorry I forgot about our other threads.
My bad. good luck with your meds. Hard to keep
track of everyone I have been in contact with
lately. I have taken so many meds over the past
3 years and learned so much. I wish these brain
cells were storing memories about traveling,
fun,relationships...but unfortunately they encode
psychopharmacology. Hopefully I can spare a few
of you from wasting brain cells on this with
some answers the pdocs don't readily provide.

-john


> PS. What is your current med cocktail?
> Is it mainly Zoloft? I it would be novel to meet
> someone on pbabble who was humming along on
> 1 ssri med. ;)
>
> Regards,
> John

 

Re: Starting on Topomax for Migraines. Advice anyone? » JohnX2

Posted by Mitch on November 14, 2001, at 9:03:28

In reply to Re: Starting on Topomax for Migraines. Advice anyone? » Mitch, posted by JohnX2 on November 14, 2001, at 3:06:46

>
> PS. What is your current med cocktail?
> Is it mainly Zoloft? I it would be novel to meet
> someone on pbabble who was humming along on
> 1 ssri med. ;)
>
> Regards,
> John


Oh sure,

Neurontin 300mg/day
Klonopin .5-1.0mg/day
Zoloft (12.5mg divided over *six* days-yes I am that SSRi sensitive!)

Plus an occasional 125-250mg tab of Depakote to "tap the brakes" and get me slowed down a little during my highs. Plus an occasional 10mg cap of nortripytline for irritable bowel (from the Zoloft).

Mitch

 

Re: Topamax Experiences: Long Term Use

Posted by shersher on January 3, 2002, at 20:16:29

In reply to Re: Topamax Experiences: Long Term Use, posted by Lexie on March 25, 2001, at 8:27:21

it seems like so many of you have bailed out on topamax.... so how are all of you doing now????
What are your doses now and what are the side effects?
I am new to this site and relatively new to topamaxx
I could use some advice
sher

 

Re: Topamax Experiences?}}Kingfish

Posted by KimberlyL on January 4, 2002, at 3:02:10

In reply to Topamax Experiences?, posted by Kingfish on January 4, 2001, at 7:29:48

> Hi! I've posted a few times and wanted to check in and see if anyone else has had success with Topamax. I've taken it for about two months. At first the side effects were terrible but they've subsided and it seems to be helping tremendously. I'm up to 100 mg a day and 40 mg of Celexa.
>
> Thanks for any input!
>
> - Kelly

Hi Kelly,
I too am curious. I am a new user to Topamax and on the same combo as you...Celexa + Topamax. My dosages are 20 mgs of Celexa and 25 mgs of Topamax. I've taken Celexa for about 9 months but just starting the Topamax.

What were your early side effects?

Thanks,
Kim

 

Re: Topamax Experiences?}}Kingfish » KimberlyL

Posted by Krazy Kat on January 4, 2002, at 11:30:20

In reply to Re: Topamax Experiences?}}Kingfish, posted by KimberlyL on January 4, 2002, at 3:02:10

Kim:

I've gonet hrough several other meds since this combo. I could never get over the sedation caused by Topamax. Alomost as soon as I stopped, the sedation went away. I also noticed the relief from cognitive side effects - I finally admitted it is called "Dopamax" for a reason. Also the Celexa jusst didn't seem strong enough in the long run.

If you can get by on a low dose of Topamax, I think it helps. I experienced tingling fingers, slow speech, and a strange taste in my mouth for about a month in a half.

- K.

 

Re: Topamax Experiences: Long Term Use » shersher

Posted by JohnX2 on January 4, 2002, at 16:31:03

In reply to Re: Topamax Experiences: Long Term Use, posted by shersher on January 3, 2002, at 20:16:29

> it seems like so many of you have bailed out on topamax.... so how are all of you doing now????
> What are your doses now and what are the side effects?
> I am new to this site and relatively new to topamaxx
> I could use some advice
> sher

I started topamax a number of weeks ago. I take 400 mg for
myofacial pain and bipolar II. I have almost no side
effects and it completely alleviates myofacial
pain that klonopin was the only med we could
find that worked. So for me it has been a total
success to date. I was able to bump the dose
extremely rapidly. I even tried 600 mg and it
didn't even phase me. I hope it doesn't poop
out.

-john

 

Re: Topamax Experiences: Long Term Use » JohnX2

Posted by Krazy Kat on January 5, 2002, at 11:03:36

In reply to Re: Topamax Experiences: Long Term Use » shersher, posted by JohnX2 on January 4, 2002, at 16:31:03

John:

I'm glad it's working for you. During my @6 month experience with it, it didn't phase out, so hopefully it will continue to provide you with relief.

- K.

 

Re: Topamax Experiences: Long Term Use

Posted by djmmm on January 5, 2002, at 14:22:47

In reply to Re: Topamax Experiences: Long Term Use, posted by shersher on January 3, 2002, at 20:16:29

> it seems like so many of you have bailed out on topamax.... so how are all of you doing now????
> What are your doses now and what are the side effects?
> I am new to this site and relatively new to topamaxx
> I could use some advice
> sher

I've been taking Topamax for about a year and 1/2 @ 200mg (along with 1800mg of Neurontin) for Epilepsy...as with most psychiatric drugs, the side effects become less pronounced over time...I never really had any problems with Topamax, or Neurontin for that matter.

 

Re: Topamax Experiences: Long Term Use

Posted by shersher on January 6, 2002, at 7:34:48

In reply to Re: Topamax Experiences: Long Term Use » shersher, posted by JohnX2 on January 4, 2002, at 16:31:03

> > it seems like so many of you have bailed out on topamax.... so how are all of you doing now????
> > What are your doses now and what are the side effects?
> > I am new to this site and relatively new to topamaxx
> > I could use some advice
> > sher
>
> I started topamax a number of weeks ago. I take 400 mg for
> myofacial pain and bipolar II. I have almost no side
> effects and it completely alleviates myofacial
> pain that klonopin was the only med we could
> find that worked. So for me it has been a total
> success to date. I was able to bump the dose
> extremely rapidly. I even tried 600 mg and it
> didn't even phase me. I hope it doesn't poop
> out.
>
> -john
thanks for the message
that sounds like alot of topa for me... I can hardly tolerate 200mg but I am also takin lithium and zoloft. I have 5 kids so I have to stay really alert all the time and can't afford to be cloudy... but you sound great!!!
thanks again
sher

 

Re: Topamax Experiences: Long Term Use

Posted by shersher on January 6, 2002, at 7:39:25

In reply to Re: Topamax Experiences: Long Term Use, posted by djmmm on January 5, 2002, at 14:22:47

> > it seems like so many of you have bailed out on topamax.... so how are all of you doing now????
> > What are your doses now and what are the side effects?
> > I am new to this site and relatively new to topamaxx
> > I could use some advice
> > sher
>
> I've been taking Topamax for about a year and 1/2 @ 200mg (along with 1800mg of Neurontin) for Epilepsy...as with most psychiatric drugs, the side effects become less pronounced over time...I never really had any problems with Topamax, or Neurontin for that matter.

Thanks for your input

I have just started back on topamax with lithium and am having good results. I am also still on 100 mg of zoloft as well. I just never knew it would take so many different drugs to stabilze one disease!!! Its so hard sometimes!! But this website is so awesome for the support and to see everyone else's struggles. You don't feel so alone and maybe a little less crazy!!!
sher

 

Re: Topamax Experiences?}}Kingfish

Posted by shersher on January 6, 2002, at 7:52:17

In reply to Re: Topamax Experiences?}}Kingfish, posted by KimberlyL on January 4, 2002, at 3:02:10

> > Hi! I've posted a few times and wanted to check in and see if anyone else has had success with Topamax. I've taken it for about two months. At first the side effects were terrible but they've subsided and it seems to be helping tremendously. I'm up to 100 mg a day and 40 mg of Celexa.
> >
> > Thanks for any input!
> >
> > - Kelly
>
> Hi Kelly,
> I too am curious. I am a new user to Topamax and on the same combo as you...Celexa + Topamax. My dosages are 20 mgs of Celexa and 25 mgs of Topamax. I've taken Celexa for about 9 months but just starting the Topamax.
>
> What were your early side effects?
>
> Thanks,
> Kim

Hi I'm Sher
I don't know if you've been reading any of my threads, but I have started taking topamax in the last couple of months as well. I have been bp all my life but not stable until the last 5 years until I was on lithium(900mg) and zoloft(100mg). I gained about 30 lbs however, and my pdoc switched me to topa and zoloft. I was working up to 200mg of topamax and had a pretty severe hypomanic almost manic phase and my husband said -NO WAY. We have 5 kids and he rather me fat than manic!!! So now I am on 450 of li, 200 topa and 25 of zol and I FEEL GREAT!!!!!
We will see how long thisa lasts!!! what is your story???
sher

 

Re: Topamax Experiences?}}Kingfish » shersher

Posted by Krazy Kat on January 6, 2002, at 15:40:15

In reply to Re: Topamax Experiences?}}Kingfish, posted by shersher on January 6, 2002, at 7:52:17

Sher:

Thanks for your info. I couldn't continue Topamax b/c, for some reason, it made me Really tired. Otherwise, it did help with the mania at @250 mg. But, once I stopped, I realized how bad the cognitive effects were - that may not happen to you, may not make a difference to you if it does, but I did much better on Depakote.

- K.

 

Re: Topamax Experiences?}}Kingfish}}Sher

Posted by KimberlyL on January 6, 2002, at 20:42:19

In reply to Re: Topamax Experiences?}}Kingfish » shersher, posted by Krazy Kat on January 6, 2002, at 15:40:15

> Sher:
>
> Thanks for your info. I couldn't continue Topamax b/c, for some reason, it made me Really tired. Otherwise, it did help with the mania at @250 mg. But, once I stopped, I realized how bad the cognitive effects were - that may not happen to you, may not make a difference to you if it does, but I did much better on Depakote.
>
> - K.

Sher: I don't know if yours was a general post or to someone in specific but I came to Topamax via 2 hypomanic phases presumably triggered by Celexa, which I need to mitigate depression & anxiety. (Prior to Celexa I had used Serzone and then Luvox. Luvox being the better of the two.)

Thanks for sharing your information!

Kim

 

Re: Topamax Experiences?}}Kingfish

Posted by shersher on January 7, 2002, at 7:01:49

In reply to Re: Topamax Experiences?}}Kingfish » shersher, posted by Krazy Kat on January 6, 2002, at 15:40:15

> Sher:
>
> Thanks for your info. I couldn't continue Topamax b/c, for some reason, it made me Really tired. Otherwise, it did help with the mania at @250 mg. But, once I stopped, I realized how bad the cognitive effects were - that may not happen to you, may not make a difference to you if it does, but I did much better on Depakote.
>
> - K.

Thanks
its all so hard but thanks God there is meds
sher!!!!

 

Re: Topamax Experiences

Posted by Bette Powers on February 6, 2002, at 17:42:46

In reply to Re: Topamax Experiences?}}Kingfish, posted by shersher on January 6, 2002, at 7:52:17

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.....

 

Re: Topamax Experiences

Posted by shersher on February 7, 2002, at 9:02:24

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.....

Hi Bette
My name is Sher and I can relate to your problem. I am bipolar too and am on topamax, lithium and zoloft. I have lost 25 lbs. in 3 mos since starting the topamax. It was tough at first with alot of side effects like tingling fingers and toes and cloudy thoughts. But I stuck with it and have been able to adjust my lithium way down. I also have lowered my zoloft from 100 to 50mg a day. Its been a rough 3 mos but I am very stable and happy with where I am now.
Hang in there and god bless your efforts....
sher

 

Re: Topamax Experiences

Posted by Bette Powers on February 7, 2002, at 9:54:49

In reply to Re: Topamax Experiences, posted by shersher on February 7, 2002, at 9:02:24

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.


 

Re: Topamax Experiences

Posted by Scheherizade on February 7, 2002, at 11:01:58

In reply to Re: Topamax Experiences, posted by Bette Powers on February 6, 2002, at 17:42:46

Greetings Betty,

I have only just begun taking Topomax. I also started a thread lower on this page and JohnX2 was kind enough to respond. I am taking it in hopes that I might find some small relief for my chronic headache. Lord please! I am experiencing side affects and also looking for encouragement to muddle through it. Though I will not claim that what I am taking it for comes close to your battle. Or most of you out here. My prayers are with you all.

The LORD bless you and keep you;
The LORD make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you;
The LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace.

 

Re: Topamax Experiences

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

 

Re: Topamax Experiences NEW POST

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


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