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#1
Apr 15, 2008, 09:07 PM
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My pdoc started me on topomax today. She said it is not labled for bipolar disorder, but it still could be used. Anyone here have experience with this medication. Good Bad?
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#2
Apr 15, 2008, 11:40 PM
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Hi. Topomax is used for Bipolar disorder, but according to studies is not as powerful as the traditional medication, Lithium, Depekote, and Tegretol.
I am Bipolar 1 and I tried Topomax in addition with other meds, because there are some studies that show that it aids in weight loss. I personally did not lose any weight  but I knew some people that did.It does have the nickname Dopamax, because it makes people feel dopey. I felt tired and did not lose weight, so I stopped trying it. I have never heard of it being used as the only mood stabilizer for someone who is Bipolar 1. Usually it is an additional medication. Bipolar 2...not sure if it it used alone. |
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#3
Apr 15, 2008, 11:40 PM
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I took it as an adjunct to my other med for atypical depression. I found it made my depression worse, so I stopped it after eight weeks. I know of others though, who have taken it for depression and found it a good med for them.
Good luck! gg
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#4
Apr 16, 2008, 02:09 PM
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I take it for Bipolar 2 as well as some personality disorders. I also take it to prevent migranes. When I first started to take it it helped me lose weight but that property is gone now.
Jbug
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#5
Apr 16, 2008, 06:47 PM
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I took it for Miagraines. . .LOL . . .it's an anti convulsant at it's base however, so I can see the theory behind using it for miagraines.
I'm curious about it for Bipolar however.
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You are not too much for them. They are not enough for you. ~E. Bennings |
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#6
Apr 17, 2008, 12:13 AM
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Thanks everyone for your comments. Pdoc thought it would help with moods along with migrains and essential tremmors. I also take a low dose of lithium. We are slowly increasing doses on everything
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#7
Apr 17, 2008, 11:18 AM
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I hope it goes well for you. Now that I read more, I remember I also was hoping that it would help counter the weight gain from my other AD. Unfortunately, I didn't get to see if that would help. Oh well, I believe that there's a right combo for everyone. Hopefully this is the one for you.
 gg
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Have you ever considered piracy? You'd make a wonderful Dread Pirate Roberts. |
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#8
Apr 17, 2008, 01:43 PM
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I take Topamax for Bipolar and it helps tremendously. I also lost alot of weight that I put on from the other meds. I don't know what I'd do without this drug.
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#9
Apr 17, 2008, 01:46 PM
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It was created for migraines, but it's showing a lot of promise for some people with Bipolar recently.
And...it's also being studied as the next FDA-approved weight-loss drug. Seriously. In lower doses than what you use for Bipolar, obviously... |
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#10
Apr 17, 2008, 06:28 PM
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Gained 50 lbs. on Abilify (plus a bunch of other meds--but Abilify seemed to be the culprit) in 8 yrs.
Getting off Abilify. Adding Topamax (100 mg) ; Lamictal 250 mg; Concerta 72 mg; --gosh, got to look at my list to see what I am on currently!! OK--Abilify 5mg (down from 25 due to weight gain); Provigil 400 mg; Trazodone 150 mg; Concerta 72 mg; Klonopin 1 mg; plus stuff for high blood pressure & high cholesterol due to weight gain (didn't have it before). Since decreasing the Abilify & adding the Topamax I've lost 10 lbs. in 1 month. Heading in the right diection weight-wise at least--Suzy |
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#11
Apr 17, 2008, 06:31 PM
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Oh, also, my dx is bipolar 1.--Suzy
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#12
Apr 18, 2008, 11:17 PM
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Actually, Topomax has not been shown to be as effective as Lithium or Depakote for Bipolar 1. It is usually added into the cocktail for various reasons, including weight loss.
I don't know anyone who is Bipolar 1 who is only on Topomax. Oh yeah...it is commonly referred to as Dopamax because it has a bad dopey feeling side effect.... |
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#13
Apr 20, 2008, 03:29 PM
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I use to take topamax for migraines, I was up to 200 mg
a day. I did lose weight., 28 lbs in 3 months, then I started breaking out with acne and losing my hair. I was prescribed abilify to calm me down, and then I sounded like ANNA NICOLE SMITH, may she rest in peace. So, I had to go off both off them. I still have the headaches, so I am going to see my pain mgmt. doctor again. Hope this helps, I still need to lose a lot weight. Too bad, it caused the other side effects:loss weight, acne with hair loss or Chubby, depressed, with migraines. HMMMM?  
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#14
Jul 14, 2008, 02:07 AM
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i have been on topomax for over 3 yrs,,,miracle drug for migraines!!]
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Just another degree away from sanity... |
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#15
Jul 16, 2008, 12:58 PM
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I took Topamax and was having some success with it but my hair started falling out....apparently it is a side effect that some people have.... Unfortunately, my hair did not grow back either.....
TJ 
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 Smooches! Hope you have a Beautiful, Blessed Day!Thyroid disorders can cause depression and can mimic bipolar disorder... Please read below regarding one form, hypothyroidism, and have your numbers checked...TSH, T3, T4, Free T3, Free T4, and Thyroid Antibodies (for Graves Disease and Hashimotos Disease (which mimics BP)
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