topamax experiences?

I'm on lamictal now for my mood stabilizer. But I recently added risperdal again, sigh...I need it, I'm wayyy too depressed with out it. But I'm so hungry.

So my psych nurse mentioned changing over to Topamax. What has been your experience with it?

I was pretty fuzzy brained on it at frst but other than that it seemed to help a lot. They put me on it at the psych hospital a few years ago and still on it.

It worked for me. I had no cognitive problems while I was on it.

I take it daily, and have, for about 5 years. It has had minimal side effects for me, but does help with the mood regulation. [it also helps with migraines, if you happen to get those!] I take some anti-psychotics that cause weight gain, and Topomax is known for weight loss. My weight has stayed pretty consistent, so I credit it with helping me keep the anti-psychotic weight off. I've been pretty pleased with it. Hope this is helpful.

Hi, they call it dopamax because it makes you feel stupid! You might like Latuda over Riserdal, since research proves it's much more effective and it's weight neutral. Lamictal is dose dependent, so make sure you're on the right dose, you can go up to 600mg, that's what I take since at that dose it has anti-depressant properties. I hated Dopamax and love Lamictal and Latuda! Good luck!

Thanks everyone. I appreciate it.

Vans-I've tried all the weight neutral APs and they give me severe akathisia. I'll take some cognitive problems at this point, lol.

Did you try Invega ? Its basically a refined version of Risperdal.. Weight neutral for most people.

I have always stayed away from topomax ... Too worried about being dumbed down..

I've had no side effects, cognitive or otherwise. I can't say it's done much to stabilize my mood either though. I didn't feel better until the invega was added. I feel like the topamax might just be like candy but I'm afraid to mess with it in case it is doing something useful. But it definitely supressed my appetite, I will say that. I lost about ten pounds. I was surpised, usually I get the exact opposite side effects.

I can't remember any side effects but it didn't do anything positive for me either.

Sorry to hear! You've probably tried these but if not here's some others: Neurontin, Trileptal/Tegretol Zonegran and Lithium. Best of luck!

Well the lamictal isn't causing the weight gain its the risperdal. Idk what I'm gonna do...

Look into the Invega that I mentioned ... Its refined risperdal and weight neutral ..

I will but the pharmacist and my psych nurse says ppl gain weight on it too. But I guess there's no harm in trying. I just want to stay at a low dose though. I only take 1 mg of risperdal a day. I'm really afraid of akathisia with it as well.