I agree with Tree. YOu definitely need to let him know. IT's a medication that messes with your neurotransmitters just like psych meds do and he needs to know. If you're not happy with him, maybe you should take some time and start looking around for a new one. You can do that without leaving the one you're seeing.

Topamax isn't really ever a first line medication for bipolar disorder but it's definitely been used before. It's also really important to focus on sleep to avoid cycling (I'm sure you know that... im sure he knows that too). That being said, there are more effective meds for sleep out there than Xanax. Even some that aren't controlled substances. Benadryl isn't going to do anything for the kind of insomnia that comes from having bipolar disorder. Maybe you could do research on some other options (Vistaril, Trazodone, even Restoril). For me Restoril works even better than Klonopin or Xanax to be honest. It's a C IV controlled substance as it's in the benzodiazepine family but doesn't have the addicting property that others do. Maybe if you go in and explain exactly what you're thinking he would be more willing to listen to you and explain why he is or is not doing things. I like my new pdoc because he totally works collaboratively with me to come up with the winning combo of meds. I wish you luck with this guy. But if he's really not listening and you're having that much trouble it's definitely not worth your money. You'd be better off somewhere else. Take care!!!