Posted by Murphia on December 31, 2003, at 7:45:37
In reply to Re: Topamax for bipolar depression » Karen_kay, posted by SLS on December 30, 2003, at 20:49:39
Hi, I am a researcher and have been researching Topamax for about 7 years. In all clinical tests, topamax was more effective on mania, and not very effective for depression. In many documented tests, topamax actually exacerbated depression. However, topa can have varying effects on different people. If it helps your depression, that is great! But clinically, it has tested to go straight to the manic side of depression. As is zonegran, the new ms out of Japan, and very similar to topa. Hugs. Murph
> Hi Karen_kay!
>
> In re: Topamax
>
> > > > I take it for Bipolar Disorder and it ahs been the only medication that has been able to effectively stabilize my mood.
>
> > > Do you think Topamax would work for bipolar depression? In what ways does it improve your condition?
>
> > I am dx Bipolar I Disorder (which means I have manic episodes as well as depressive) but at the time I started Topamax, I had been having a depressive episode which lasted about 3 years in duration
>
> > From what he tells me, Topamax is better for depressive episodes than manic episodes.
>
> > So, in short, my main problem at the time was Bipolar depression. I wasn't concerned with a manic episode when I began Topamax.
>
>
> Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
>
> Thanks for taking the time to respond. I have been stuck in an unremitting state of severe depression for 25 years. I am only minimally responsive to Lamictal + tricyclic. I'm going to put Topamax on my list of things to try.
>
> Thanks again.
>
>
> - Scott
poster:Murphia
thread:50878
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20031231/msgs/295012.html