[Free2livewell]

Hi, I am a new member. I am 47 years old with Bipolar. I have been hospitalized 4 times and attempted suicide once. I have a question about Topomax. I have been on and off on Lithium and Zyprexa. I also take Gambapentin and Ambien at night. 900 mg Lithium seems to casue digestive and cognition issues for me. I really like Zyprexa, it has immediate effect, gets rid of racing thoughts and it clears my mind. I am currently on 10 mg, which I take 2 hours before I go to bed. The problem with Zyprexa is that I gained 27 pounds last year (I went from 200 lbs to 227 lbs on 6'2" frame) so I went back on Lithium and managed to lose 8 pounds,; however I was experiencing digestive and cognitive issues so I went back on Zyprexa in the beginning of November and despite my 1 & 1/2 hour daily walks and pretty strict diet I can't lose any more weight. I am seeing my pdoc tomorrow and my intent is to ask for a prescription for Topomax, since I would like to replace Zyprexa with something that may actually help lose the weight. I will still take Gabapentin and Ambien. I am thinking of initial does of 100 mg of Topomax. My questions is how bad are "dopemax", or cognitive impairment issues associated with Topomax, as compared to Lithium? has anyone had experience with both meds? Thank you and I am looking forward to your responses.

[Andysmom]

I was on zyprexa and my Pdoc put me on Topamax to offset the weight gain which really worked. But I did experience the cognitive issues to some extent. I am now off of both of them and take Lamictal.

[sewerrats]

Thats the spin off with meds, the one that makes you feel good always has a side effect. 227 pounds for 6ft 2inch is a good weight , thats 16 stone 3 lbs in english weight you should be well pleased at that

[Jackripper]

Lithium is horrible for the kidneys. How about Lamictal? Have you tried Cymbalta?

[Rzay4]

I'm on those meds as well. I hate the weight gain.

[vans1974]

Originally Posted by Free2livewell

Hi, I am a new member. I am 47 years old with Bipolar. I have been hospitalized 4 times and attempted suicide once. I have a question about Topomax. I have been on and off on Lithium and Zyprexa. I also take Gambapentin and Ambien at night. 900 mg Lithium seems to casue digestive and cognition issues for me. I really like Zyprexa, it has immediate effect, gets rid of racing thoughts and it clears my mind. I am currently on 10 mg, which I take 2 hours before I go to bed. The problem with Zyprexa is that I gained 27 pounds last year (I went from 200 lbs to 227 lbs on 6'2" frame) so I went back on Lithium and managed to lose 8 pounds,; however I was experiencing digestive and cognitive issues so I went back on Zyprexa in the beginning of November and despite my 1 & 1/2 hour daily walks and pretty strict diet I can't lose any more weight. I am seeing my pdoc tomorrow and my intent is to ask for a prescription for Topomax, since I would like to replace Zyprexa with something that may actually help lose the weight. I will still take Gabapentin and Ambien. I am thinking of initial does of 100 mg of Topomax. My questions is how bad are "dopemax", or cognitive impairment issues associated with Topomax, as compared to Lithium? has anyone had experience with both meds? Thank you and I am looking forward to your responses.

Yes, dopemax is notorious for brain fog and makes things taste funny! Btw, Lithium, Zyprexa, and Neurontin all cause weight gain! I'd ask about Lamictal and Latuda...both are weight neutral, approved for bipolar disorder and work wonders together! Best of luck!

[Free2livewell]

Thank you! I heard that Latuda is a really good medication. My old insurance wouldn't approve it. I will ask my pdoc again, perhaps tomorrow, since I am on Medicaid now. Thank you!

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