[HabitualQuitter]

Due to lack of insurance and a crazy series if events I've still not gotten in with a psych since my BP1 dx thus February. Last night I was Rx'd Haldol (because it's inexpensive and I've failed on like 5 other meds so far with adverse reactions). Anyone have any thoughts on Topamax (on it for 9 days now and up to 50mg now) and Haldol (just Rx'd 2mg @bed and will start tonight)?

[~Christina]

I have taken Haldol in the past.. I use(d) it PRN if my psychosis gets bad. It seemed to work ok but flared my fibro pain .. Pdoc and I aren't sure why so I take cogentin and Inderal when I need it..

I haven't been on Topomax , I am sure someone will come along shortly and share .

[HabitualQuitter]

Thanks. I hope so.

[wotchermuggle]

Isn't Haldol a really old-school drug that they mainly use if you're hospitalized? I've never heard of anyone being prescribed it outside of hospital before.

[~Christina]

Haldol is still a prescribed medication, not as common as all the new expensive AP's. I like the fact that haldol has been around for years.

It's cheap and effective. I only take it if my Hallucinations ramp up and I struggle knowing if they are real or not. It's not for everyone .. but it's a good option.

[HabitualQuitter]

I thought it would be beneficial for the crazy/disturbing thoughts I was having, and the paranoia. It says it can help with those in 1-2wks, full effects in 4-6wks. I stopped taking klonopin PRN and taking it at bed with the Haldol because I am still having insomnia but it makes no difference. I didn't take klonopin at all yesterday. I finally (barring any unforseen complications, which believe, Ive had a wild ride of it and hard time finding a doctor!!) this Thursday so I am very interested to see what a pdoc has to say. Maybe they will increase the Haldol. I don't want a newer med. They cost hundreds of dollars a month and we can't afford health insurance for me right now. Plus, I feel better with a med that's been tried and true and around a while. I'd be willing to try Lithium again (I wasn't drinking a lot or enough actually) water when they first tried me on it inpatient BC I had an abscess in my mouth and everything tasted gross, so I wasn't excreting enough of it or whatever, there wasn't a *true* adverse reaction ya know? But I REALLY dont want to be on a med that causes weight gain either!!

[LadyShadow]

I'm not on Topomax but I am on Haldol and I have been on it for years. Its the only drug that stop the voices and psychotic behavior. My doctor wanted to try Abilify but my insurance doesn't cover it. How convenient. What's the point of having insurance if they don't cover what you need? Idiots.

Anyway, Haldol is very effective and its what they recommend bipolar patients take when they are pregnant so its very safe. I think you should do fine on it. It doesn't cause weight gain either, which is a huge plus.

[99 FAIRIES]

I have been on topomax for the past 6 months. I have it listed with my other med under its generic name. I take 200mg a day and its actually supposed to support weight loss. Hope that helps answer some of your questions. Best of luck to you.

[kaliope]

hi, I answered your other older post, but I will post again. Topamax and Haldol worked great to stabilize my bipolar disorder after 2 1/2 years of trying a multitude of other med combos. I didn't have any bad side effects from either. weight loss which I appreciated from the Topamax. after six months on the Haldol I got tartive dyskensia but they gave me artane to counteract that. plus the Haldol cut my periods in half and they were much lighter which I really liked. got rid of the voices in my head which plagued me for years. a new pdoc took me off it because he said I wasn't psychotic. made me angry cause it kept me stable for two years. good luck

[Aquadove]

Originally Posted by HabitualQuitter

Due to lack of insurance and a crazy series if events I've still not gotten in with a psych since my BP1 dx thus February. Last night I was Rx'd Haldol (because it's inexpensive and I've failed on like 5 other meds so far with adverse reactions). Anyone have any thoughts on Topamax (on it for 9 days now and up to 50mg now) and Haldol (just Rx'd 2mg @bed and will start tonight)?

Dear one, so much pain! Feel sad about it. Really do. I had no idea they still use Haldol. Could be that the combination may prove to be good. Topamax is used for epilepsy among other things. 50mg. Not much as yet. Needs time to get accustomed to. As for Haldol - you might prevent sunburn if you use sunscreen while out. It is known for making skin and eyes sensitive to light. Hope that you can hook up with a professional for monitoring how your metabolism reacts. Don't be afraid if you sleep more than usual. Besides, sleep is the best medication there is. Do not exceed any given recommendation by doc. That is a major bit of advice every patient is given including not stopping. This was my personal experience when I was on the very same drugs. Only I was given way more than 2mg Haldol. Take care. DON*T be an habitual quitter anymore. Your health is way too important for that. The meds may be bitter but they can very well be your salvation. Never forget that.