Quote:
Originally Posted by LuckyJules
Bumping the old thread, sorry everyone. Through some difficult circumstances, I was diagnosed a few years ago... tried Topamax, and my ex-husband didn't think it worked, but I thought it did. I stopped, and shortly after we divorced, I started again, also again thinking that it helped. Started dating again, and my boyfriend didn't think that being on anything helped. I'm not sure if I should try something else... I've been off for several months, but I feel as though I need to be back on something -- anyone know if there is addictive properties with Topamax? I'd be willing to try something else, but sometimes I wonder if I need a anti-depressent as well as something to control my outbursts. I'm also going to admit that I hate talking to my doctor about it... I also get chronic migraines, which where decreased while taking Topamax.
Any suggestions? I probably just need to talk to my doctor about it again, but I'm just nervous about it, and I don't know why.
Hi!
I actually never tried Topamax- just heard that some Docs like to prescribe it because they say that you donīt gain weight while taking it.
I tried a few Antidepressants and they ALL made my switch to mania very fast (actually that lead to a diagnose- after 15 years of mood swings).
I am now on Lamotrigen (guess thatīs the name in the US as well). It should help against the "lows". Not sure about it yet, but I am still on a "lower" dose (I take 200mg daily, it is suppose to work between 200mg and 400mg). It took forever to go to that dosage- 25mg per week.
But it doesnīt help with hypomania/ mania. Thatīs why I decided (with my Doc) that I try Lithium. I guess Iīll start after my next app in two weeks....I am kinda scared (silly somehow), but I really want to take it because it is said to reduce suicidal thoughts and behaviour.
I am not an expert but if you feel that the meds work for you, I actually would say that you are the best person to judge....
About the migraene headache:
I started Lamotrigen because I suffer from trigeminal neuralgia (facial neuralgic pain). I started before I got my bipolar diagnose. Anyway, it helped really good against my pain.
There seems to me there is a connection between meds that help with pain and mood stabilizer. I tried Tegretol (spelling?), Dekapote and Gabapentin for pain relief (before my diagnose). The all help with chronic pain and as mood stabilizers (unfortunately not for me). So Topamax could help with it as well.
Ah, well, hope something from my blabla did make sense for you...