Topamax for bipolar 1

Common Questions and Answers about Topamax for bipolar 1

topamax

1655289 tn?1326042889 Topamax does tend to cause weight loss, but trust me, this is not the way you want to lose weight. Topamax (I was taking it for bipolar) first of all did nothing for my moods. I was back in the hospital a few months after first being prescribed this, along with seroquel and ativan for panic and anxiety. That's not what makes this medicine so undesirable though. With each dose increase, I had numbness in my legs and arms. This could continue for as long as 2 weeks after a dose increase.
Avatar f tn I had periorbital migraines and was placed on Topamax, technically an anti-seizure but also great for migraine/headache control and mood stabilization in bipolar disorder. That for a while was the only thing that worked for me. It can have a sedative and appetite suppressant effect. I was also shortly on a low dose of Elavil for migraines. Carefull with that one, take only the amount prescribed.
1655449 tn?1302089876 I have been on topamax for migraines for eleven months now and have lost a ton of weight...at first i had same side effects and it was very scary, but they do lessen in time and i find not having as many migraines well worth the first 6 weeks of strange speech, confusion, side pain etc. i make myself drink enough water each day...and with the help of excercise i have lost around 27kgs...definitly dampens my appetite!!.
Avatar f tn You are on a lot of meds. I was like that yrs. ago; way overmedicated and way overweight. I'm now down to 2 antidepressants and 1 mood stabilizer. (I am also a rapid cycler). Everybody is different and responds to medication differently. The best and most all-around useful mood stabilizer for me has been Topamax. It is an anti-convulsant, also indicated for propylaxis of migraines (which I also have). The great side effect, if you're overweight, is WEIGHT LOSS. Be careful, though.
15242955 tn?1534438461 A man I know is on Clozapine for his bipolar disorder. His psychiatrist prescribed it.
798548 tn?1237503653 Is there really a need for Topamax still? I thought I was taking the Topamax for headaches, and now if the headache issues is resolved, then why keep taking the medication? Just wondering what everyone else is doing?
Avatar m tn I would ask for an alternative medicine. Topamax causes hair loss which I have experienced first hand. I found out that that is one of the main side effects and wish I hadn't taken it. I would look on the internet for medications that treat migraines and look at all of the side effects. I have found I have to be proactive and do my research and ask the doctor about a specific medication.
Avatar f tn I was on topamax back in 2009 for bipolar depressive. I had a horrible reaction to it. I went from 245 down to 158 within a month, no sleep, no eating, thought ppl were after me, couldnt finish my sentences. It was awful and I am still having trouble getting past the experience. I was taking 200mg and it about killed me. Just a warning to watch for signs.
Avatar f tn I am bipolar, have chronic migraines, and doing IVF. I use lithium and lamictal for my mood stabilizers and will stay on them through my pregnancy. The tentative plan is to add topamax after baby for the migraines and an added mood stabilizer boost. I am loving the possible side effect of weight loss as I am overweight, but I would be devastated if I lose my hair. I may have a migraine everday but they're not so bad I would hand over my hair for relief.
Avatar f tn I found that it did not work for my Bipolar even though i was on 800mg and yes, you will need regular blood tests to check your liver and kidney function. If you are concerned about it talk to your Psychiatrist about other options. I did! It is your body and you do have control over what goes into it.
Avatar f tn I forgot to say that, yes, a dose of 200 mg daily of Seroquel right off the bat can cause such a heavy sedation where he couldn't walk. I experienced it for a few days after my Seroquel was titrated up. The only thing I could do was sleep. I couldn't open my eyes, eat, or go to the bathroom, let alone try to swing my legs over the side of the bed or lift my head up. I know I tried to talk, but I have no idea if I did, because I was too sedated.
3140085 tn?1342843508 Before I lost insurance my doctor had me on prozac with depakote for my bipolar. Since I am no longer employed I can not afford insurance. Fortunately I do live close to the border and can cross it to get my medicines still. My question is, since I can not go to the dr with out insurance and can not get blood work done for the depakote i am not comfortable taking it. a few years ago the dr had me take topamax and i really liked it. can you take topamax with prozac?
Avatar f tn The DR put him on keppra (in which had too many side effects), then Topamax and valium, in which he stayed on for 2 1/2 months. He continued to have the seizures, sometimes 4 a day, and sometimes 3 days in between them. At this point he was 17 months old, and after researching the effects of topamax online myself and no seizures for 4 weeks, I slowly and correctly weaned him off of the medication all together. He has had no seizure since then....
Avatar n tn Bipolar is often confused with temporal lobe epilepsy, because TLE has ALL the psichosis if it isn't well controlled, since they are mostly part of the temporal lobe.
Avatar n tn He is currently taking Topamax (37.5 mg), Desoxyn (5 mg), Tenex (1 mg), Abilify (1.25 mg), Prozac (1 ml), and Zyrtec... My question is... is this to much? I have let my ex-wife handle this for a long time... I don't believe that he needs all of this medicine. I think he is taking way to much... he is starting to have a real hard time and doesnt like the medicine or the way it makes him feel.
1276940 tn?1564515084 I do experience tingling toes from the Topamax but I have never had my heel tingle then go numb! I have been on Topamax for over 1 1/2 years now.....so could the my heel problem be from the Topamax like my toes or is it something related to the blurry vision & the muscle aches & joint aches I am experiencing? Any help or insight anyone has is greatly appreciated!!
1225279 tn?1295545587 Late Effects ALL chemo, Bipolar 1, Anxiety Tests: Brain MRI lesions white matter not active under contrast. Memory test 30% most areas, above 80% writing and direction. MS ruled out no bands, nerve/eye/brain wave tests fine. 30+ blood tests done including thyroid, blood sugar, etc... all normal.
Avatar f tn I had an ovary removed due to a large cyst a few years ago. I was also taking topamax for migraine prevention. Within a few months, a lost a tremendous amount of weight (I'm 5'8 annd went from 156 to 123) my hair was falling out in clumps (I had actual bald spots) I was twitching in my face, had muscle spasms, extreme fatigue, joint pain, night sweats, and more. After numerous tests and dr visits my parents sent me to Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN.
Avatar n tn t seen any weight loss or side effects. Each week I will increase my dose 25mg. Does anyone have any advise for me. Does this topamax really help people loose weight. I'm a heavy pot smoker and that really gives me the munchies. I know that In order to stop eating at night I got to stop smoking pot. But overrall does Topamax work for weight and when will I see any changes?
1276940 tn?1564515084 Hello.....I am a 42 y/o female who has had a tremor in both hands for several years. My tremors are not noticeable unless I have my wrists resting on a counter top or something similar. Then my hand(s) go to shaking. They do not shake while I am doing tedious tasks or are still at my side or in my lap. Just when my wrists are resting. And it happens just about every time! A little background info now......
Avatar f tn I have been prescribed Topamax. Have you heard of the med call Topamax? Thanks.
553995 tn?1332018840 but I am about to ask for it from my pdoc for bipolar disorder. It is supposed to help there as well. I asked him about it once and he agreed to give it once I stabilized....I hope this is what he means....he is a pharmacologist....so I tend to ask him questions and report back here...
765027 tn?1234659832 Does it take 9 pills to get rid of your migraine? I mean why are you taking so many? I take topamax for bipolar disorder. I've never experienced anything that you described. Maybe your doc needs to up your mg. or something. Are you suppose to take so many?
1276940 tn?1564515084 I am a 41 year old woman who is on her 2nd attempt at taking Topamax for Bipolar Disorder. This go round I was put back on it in July of 2014. I am taking 100 mgs in the AM and 100 mgs at bedtime. One of my main side effects was the tingling & numbness in my fingers & toes. I am still experiencing the tingling & numbness but only in my fingertips not at all in my toes.
Avatar f tn I was seen by a mental health professional in February 2016 where I was loosely diagnosed with bipolar II disorder. I was put on an antipsychotic (Latuda) and then Topamax in March to off set the side effects of Latuda.. in April, I noticed a patch of discolored skin on my right foot. It didn't hurt, itch, or bother me in any way other than being discolored. It showed up on my other foot a few weeks later and then spread up to my ankles within a few months.
Avatar f tn So right now I am currently taking ziprasidone 80 mg, chantix 1mg, topamax 50mg 3x day, and ropinirole for side effects 1 mg once a day. I can't believe I actually made it through the night last night. I had some psychosis and was up all night long, but laying and I had the shakes at first but I'm actually proud I made it through the night without popping that pill. Took my medicine this morning and slept for about 5 hours and no psychosis, hallucinations or anything.
Avatar m tn t important which one you have, because, can you tell me which mood stabilizer is taken for type 1 and which for 2 ?. If BP is so damn classified like you said why can't they specify a certain drug for each, it's the 2nd worst mental illness after schizo.. because the instability is due to the 2 poles so neither the AP's alone will resolve the issue neither the AD's alone. If they were classified so neatly why the AD I take doesn't suit you and instead it drives you manic.
Avatar f tn Thank you so much for all the help.