Posted by D minor on January 9, 2005, at 18:27:55
In reply to Topamax and Bipolar, posted by stresser on January 8, 2005, at 22:42:10
Hi L,
take my message with a grain of salt as I am not a doctor. However, in my opinion (stress opinion) 400mg is A LOT of Topamax. This drug has mood stabilizing effects, but also affects mental sharpness. It's even been called "Dopymax." You can get more info on it as http://www.crazymeds.orgThis is my personal experience. When I was first diagnosed with Major Depression I was put, amongst other things, on 200 mgs of Topamax to prevent my migrain headaches. I ended up like a zombie. My mouth just hung open all the time and I stared into space. It also made me loose 25 lbs.
Just a few months ago I asked to be taken off of it to see how I would do. I ended up rapid cycling, so my diagnosis changed to Bipolar. I was put on Depakote. After gaining 20lbs my pdoc desided to go back with the Topamax. To avoid zombification he started me on a very low dose. So now I'm on 25 mgs, and the good thing is that we know that Topamax does work as a mood stabilizer for me.
Oh,and take the MMPI with a grain of salt too. I took it, and the results were debatable. Sorry.
Best wishes for you and your daughter,
dm
poster:D minor
thread:439613
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20050108/msgs/439853.html