[razeljenny]

Which will make me better Topamax or lamictal? I had bi-polor disorder untreated how tragic. doing ok in lots of ways but wish I could be better.

[SandyWeb]

Hi Razeljenny (cool name!).

I've used Topomax before, but never for Bipolar. And I've never had Lamictal, so I can't compare the two. But I thought I would just tell you my experience on Topomax. You might react totally differently.

I *think* I was taking 125 mg twice a day. It certainly causes you to forget to eat. Lol. So if you want to lose some weight, it is great for that. Eventually, you'll get some of your appetite back though.

The only real side effect that I had, and it was HORRIBLE, was that I was freezing cold from the core of my being straight out to my skin. I found out that hypothermia could be a side effect, and when I mentioned it to others on Topomax, they started putting two and two together as to why THEY were so cold too. LOL. I would be sitting at the computer wrapped in 2 tops and a sweatshirt, a blanket tucked around me, a winter hat pulled down over my ears, and fingerless gloves on my hands....plus slippers, of course. And it wasn't even winter! Lol. It took about 3+ weeks for that side effect to go away, and then I was fine. Nothing to complain about at all. I was using it to help me lose some weight that I had gained on my Remeron.

I wish you well with your decision.

God bless,
Sandy

[annabelle5]

I've heard that Topamax is great for migrains but I haven't had first hand experience with that part yet.

I just filled my perscripiton but won't start it for about another week. I'm starting another new med and since Topamax can make you so sick the doc wanted me to wait.

My doc perscribed it for my chronic pain, I'll let you know how it works.

Hugs

[Bethsway]

never had either of those two..but hope whatever you take it helps you!!!

[tracy33]

I take Topamax and I love it. I take it with Lamictal and Abilify. It is the only med that has really helped to stabilize my moods. It also helped tremendously with much needed weight loss. It does cause a little brain fog on ocassion.

[Sunshine31]

I like it too. Sometimes I feel that it isn't working but my psych has said that he sees a big difference in my mood since I started it. I have been on it twice now and both times it has reduced my appetite (which is not a bad thing) but now it is just keep the potential weight gain from other meds at bay.

I was a little nervous to try it originally because I didn't have a good experience with Lamictal personally but with Topamax it was completely different......well worth the try in my opinion

[18yearsdead]

I take topamax and lamictal and zoloft together now. Im on 100 topamax a day. Makes me forgetful and makes the bottoms of my feet tingle at least twice a day. Not like feet asleep tingle, but like a million bugs crawling just beneath the surface of your skin. Everyone else says it helps but i don't see a big difference.

[CamW]

razeljenny - It is very difficult to say what medication will work for you, personally. As a general rule, Lamictal™ (lamotrigine) works very well for those who have bipolar disorder with a significant depressive component. Out of all of the newer anticonvulsant/mood stabilizers Lamictal™ seems to work the best for those who also experience severe depression along with their bipolar disorder.

Topamax™ (topiramate) also has a good track record as an add-on medication for bipolar disorder, so it is a viable choice as well. Which does your doctor think would be better for your situation? He/she knows your symptoms and should be able to tell you whether to try Lamictal™ or Topamax™ first.

I hope that this is of some help. - Cam