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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 3 of 3. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by luckydog on February 13, 2004, at 20:23:24
Hello all,
I am a rapid cycling mixed states bipolar who jumped off the ongoing meds wagon a few years ago and settled on Lithium (300mg) and Lamictal (25mg)because mostly I couldn't tell the diff. between the disease state and all the meds that I tried (with a very competent psych). I know those are very low dosages but I am extremely sensitive. I just went to my family doctor and he suggested Topomax, mainly because of good results with cycling bipolar AND because I have gained so much weight from all the meds I've tried, even the low amounts of those two. He thinks I should REPLACE the Lamictal with the Topomax. I am SCARED STIFF to upset the apple cart so to speak. Better to walk a tight rope even if it is not getting real desirable results than to fall off trying again, I know a lot of you can identify. Have any of you replaced Lamictal with Topomax? Any word of encouragement??
Luckydog
Posted by sarahsundae on February 13, 2004, at 21:10:56
In reply to New to Topomax, with questions, posted by luckydog on February 13, 2004, at 20:23:24
All I can say (as I have recently been diagnosised with Bipolar Disorder II) is that it seems to be helping with my moods. Of course, I just started last Friday and tomorrow I up it to 50mg but I started noticing (as did my husband) a difference on Wednesday.
I was given Topamax because I have a fear of gaining weight. I am also on Wellbutrin for the same reason.
Good luck.
WIthout my meds I am freaking basketcase.
Posted by Sooshi on February 14, 2004, at 11:37:24
In reply to New to Topomax, with questions, posted by luckydog on February 13, 2004, at 20:23:24
Luckydog - I have substituted Lamictal w/Topamax. I was not getting any response at all from the Lamictal (I am BPII, depressed and I take Effexor also). It was not helping to stabilize my depression along with my states of agitation/hypomania. Topamax was added 4 months ago. Side effects were tough to get through at first, but eventually I adjusted to the med. So far, I'd say Topa is doing it's job, but not as well as I had hoped. It was working quite well at first...I was getting a lot of relief from my depression. Lost a bit of weight. But now I am having mixed states again...up and down, up and down. Pdoc wants to add a bit of Lithium....and I don't know what to do...can't bring myself to take it. I take 200mg of Topamax...I suggested upping the dosage, but for some reason he didn't respond to that.
For the most part, I think Topa is working quite well for most. I tend to get a lot of "poop-out" with meds...I'm not very typical. I'd give it a try. Have you tried increasing the Lamictal, even just a little?
Good luck to you, and let me know if you need any more advice,
Sooshi
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