Hi,

I'm new here, but I'm also in school (graduate school) while on Topamax with a 5 month old. I'm ready to pull my hair out needless to say. I am diagnosed with Bipolar II. The only thing I'm on right now is Topamax and in my opinion, it is awful! I am considering asking for something else to supplement the Topamax because I cannot tolerate the dosage the doctor wants me at. He allows me to reduce my dose if I find that I cannot tolerate the higher dose, so currently I am only taking 50mg instead of 100mg, which has helped immensely. I feel less foggy and slowed down.

In the past, I have not revealed my diagnoses to my professors, but I have explained to them that I am experiencing a few difficulties due to a medical condition I have and a new medication I am on or something to that effect. If you do ask for an accommodation through the school, it is confidential and the teachers are required to respect your accommodation. I have never done this though. I've always found that going to the individual teacher before class has worked. All of my teachers have been wonderful and very understanding.

From my research, what you are experiencing is very common. Many people refer to Topamax as "Dopamax"