Topamax For Bipolar (Top voted first)

I cant stand the hideous side effects of any of the other bipolar drugs anymore .I take 450mg lithium now. Hoping topamax can work . ANYONE ON TOPAMAX? DRS DONT WANT TO USE IT.

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i tried topomax for 6 months for bi-polar 2 and PTSD....after 3 months i began crying everyday and couldn't seem to remember any good memories....it was as if my life's saddest experiences were flashing before me and i had to quit work and deal with my soul searching /nervous meltdown.....I also was weaning off a 3 year benzo stint so i dont know how much of it had to do with that....

What I liked about it was ....I lost weight ( vanity) and ultimately... thru crying daily and by facing the painful memories of my past ...I was able to find the source of my bipolar rage /insecurity...it wasnt genetic as i previously thought....it was like the movie "ordinary people" or "goodwill hunting"...i decided to come off all meds because this side effect was dibilitating. I discovered after 9 years on prozac ( made me gain 4 pounds) , then geodone ( made my heart skip beats!! ) , then sam-e w/ colonopazem ( the worst addiction. and .nearly died getting off) , then topmax that the root of my illness had been not realizing my narcissistic parents had driven me to feel unloved. I was expecting a deep well of depression and mania after ditching them all....but it's now 5 months no meds...I have learned something from each med....and earned the right to understand i am not depressed/manic anymore because i've finally processed the pain I had been running from since I was a child. this is my experience......please dont hate me for telling my story. I am 50 years old and looking forward to the rest of my sober life. good luck on your journey....every med teaches us something about our mind, heart but the effects on our body are no playing matter.

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I was on Topamax for Epilepsy a while ago. By far worse drug I have ever been prescribed, and many agreed when I was in the hospital.
I was exhausted, fell asleep without remembering it.
I was constantly tired, dizzy, felt sick - could barely eat (I dropped to almost 110lbs and I'm 5'9)
I began having sensory hallucinations, and experiencing sleep paralysis (the scariest thing ever, you feel so hopeless)
My memory began to be very frustrating.
I began having trouble learning, forgetting basic math skills.
Finally, my headaches were unbearable.

I never recommend this to anyone. If the doctor suggests it, say no!

One girl I talked to said she forgot the alphabet, and how to tie her shoes while on it.

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Good for you! I'm glad you're med free and able to live without them! How AWESOME!!

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Topamax, which contains the active ingredient Topiramate, is an anticonvulsant. Some have used it to treat BiPolar disorder, but it is not approved for such uses, which is probably why most doctors do not want to prescribe it.

It has some pretty serious side effects, too, include: nausea, headache, anorexia and memory prroblems.

You can read more here:

https:/­/­rxchat.com/­wiki/­Topamax/­

Has anyone else tried this medication for BiPolar disorder?

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I am currently on Toplep 50mg twice a day along with Nuzak 40mg. I have been diagnosed with Depression and Type II Bipolar.
I had some memory loss in the beginning, more like forgetfulness. Mild headaches for about 2 weeks, and some nausea.. but within 2-3 weeks this all stabalized as the chemicals stabilized. This is told to all patients by their doctors.
The major benefit has been the weight loss. I have an underactive thyroide and I am 50kg overweight, and not having cravings for starches and sugars has been an absolute dream! My metabolism has increased and my appetite decreased.
Other than that, no other side effectes after the last 4 months.

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i started one week ago on topomax for bipolar and am seeing white flashing lights. I dont know if this is harmful or will become harmful. I havnt been on long enough to know if this will help with bi polar2 yet. i've experienced the memory loss for sure - b

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My son has been struggling with meds for Bipolar; after MANY, Zyprexia (sp?) seems to be what's working, along with Depakote.

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Hi. I too have bi-polar & currently take 60mg Nuzak per day & 150mg Toppermax as well as 600mg (2 x300mg per day) Neurontin & 200mg Eplim per day've never felt better! Actually as we speak, I'm coming off the Eplim as its side effects are not for me! I encourage you with the Toppermax - I've been taking it for years now. Positive thinking :-)

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I hadn't heard about Topamax for bipolar; I take it for migraine prevention. My sister is interested in in for her migraines but she's bipolat as well. I'd like to know more as my son is also bipolar & struggles with the side effects of other mefs.

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I was also on Zypreza for about 2 weeks only but had a bad effect on me & made my hands & feet swell. I am only 3 weeks on the Neurontin with this new increased dosage of Topp (I was previously on 100mg per day) but feel great.

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I have been on toplep 25mg for 2 weeks and I feel constantly nauseas, moody, irritable. Is this normal?

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