someone tell me why my pdoc won't put me on Topomax?

I need to stop the mania. I can't take Dep. or Zyp. and he won't give me a benzodias. I was over 200 lbs in june with heart attack. So why is he so stubborn about giving me the try with the Topomax? I am doing terrible and he wants me to get on Limictal. I have ill health already I was on Dep. and Lith. for last 25 years. Body is half way dead with obesity and heart ailments and severe swelling. Why is he so darn mean and cruel? I fear going to mental place due to being stopped and told by police 3 times this summer while in mania that they were thinking seriously about doing it because my behaviour in public was not right.

Aw .... I can sorta understand that.... I wanted off Serowuel and my mean nasty evil sometimes you wanna add profane Pdoc said "No" I ended up getting off myself. I suggest you either find a strong reason or talk to your GP. Good luck and exercise that is a good thing that might help. My medicines gave me lots of extra weight and by doing things i like like frisbee I worked most of it off and am still working. But the stress from the whole thing can add.

I understand your frustration. After trying two times for Topamax and getting a negative response, I found a new doctor to give it to me. Topamax is great. My moods have never been better. It really leveled me out. Exercize can be hard, especially when we're overweight , and it is so hard to lose with the drugs that we take. Topamax made me lose 25 pounds without exercize and it didn't take long.
My first doctor was hesitant to give it to me because I was on birth control pills and also he said it would make me feel "out there".
I'd push the issue with your doctor if it's what you really want to try. Or find a new doctor if that is something you can do. By the way, I take Lamictal along with the Topamax.
Tracy

Maybe he isn't giving it to you cause it's not effective in treating Bipolar (depression/mania)soley,and does little when combined with other meds.
Topamax has now become more popular for TMJ problems and migraines. Also it really doesn't do much for weight,and in some people,nothing.
I'd try the Lamictal, I too was afraid to when I started,but gradually increased over a few weeks,it is fine,you do not gain weight from it,nor are you left zombied out.
But then again,the old saying,"medications don't always work the same for everyone".
When I was on Topamax (I am mildly Bipolar-II) it did nothing,my pdoc,at first wasn't eager but let me give it a try. He claimed it wasn't working for many for what it was meant to do,people heard on the news that people were losing weight while on it which was over exaggerated,drawing many to wanting this "new" med.
Don't feel like you are missing out on anything if he doesn't give it to you,try other alternatives,the topamax,like I said is alright combined with something,but alone I do not picture it helping anyone with Bipolar (depression/mania) I wish you lots of luck and healing.
You'd probably be better off with the Lamictal

I just wasn't sure about gaining it back. For one and a half years I have done my best to get to a healthy normal weight for ME. Are you sure you didn't put on pounds like crazy? I spent money, energy and time, along with correct eating procedures to get back to a size comfortable for the person I am and can live in my own skin, but I can't live in my own skin with being over 170 which I am right now. I am sure. And that is all. I will not change my mind.

Lamictal,for me,didn't cause "medication induced" weight gain,in the past Depakote did,big time,while making a zombie out of me.
Lamictal hasn't done anything negative for me. My weight gain over the years are of my own fault/doing,not exercising,going on 50 y.o.,and eating a little more since I quit smoking last year,Iwas on Lamictal way before I had quit.
I once heard and expression,which makes sense,I believe the saying has been around for ages and appears in many books on Bipolar,maybe different wording but the gist is there.
"I'd rather be sane and heavy than skinny and nuts"
In a funny way,the latter isn't too bad if one can control and maintain their mood swings,but true Bipolar DXes require meds.
Lots of luck with this,I know it's hard,but you need to take care of the mind,and then the body.
Go over the meds with your pdoc,discuss the options/alternatives,your concerns. I always would tell my former pdoc, "how can one not be depressed if they are gaining weight and fatigued"? Her and I discussed the meds.
Also,have your thyroid function tested,and even re-tested, my GP's goofed up for years,causing me unecessary fatigue,hair loss,and depression. Hypothyroidism can have similar behaviours as Bipolar,but all from a different cause,that can be corrected with thyroid meds.,once done you'd be surprised how well a person with this can feel
For too many years I had been misdiagnosed with Depression,GPs handing out all AD's,ignoring my physical complaints,saying it was the Depression,bah,sonograms revealed Hasimotos thyroiditis.
That added with Bipolar can cause problems.
I suggest you take these sort of things up with the prescribing pdoc,see if he or she is open to rule out other things that can mimic some mental disorders.

Could be that your doc is concerned with your liver or more likely your kidneys--Topomax can be hard on both, particularly your kidneys. Also, birth control pills can be an issue with Topomax. Lamictal is much easier on your system, and has been shown to be a better bipolar drug for most people.
Whatever you do, I hope things get better for you...I hate for you to be miserable!

DJ

I'm thinking maybe the reason he is reluctant to put you on it is because you had a heart attack , and it can cause metabolic acidosis which can cause irregular heartbeat and rapid breathing, which I am thinking he doesn't want to put you at that risk having already had a heart attack. IMO he's looking out for your best interest here.

hugs, Lisa