Adding another pill to the mix....

[starbrightgirrl]

I recently started taking classes to be a medical assistant, after spending most of my 20s crippled with anxiety and depression. I thought I was doing okay until I started the new semester, and my classes seemed significantly harder for me.

Long story short, I have been on Topamax for about 8 years, along with some kind of anxiety med mixed in. I am now also taking Xanax XR 1mg twice daily and regular Xanax .5mg as needed. My pdoc just prescribed me Adderall XR to take when I need to study, as needed. He said the combination of meds will be fine, but I am paranoid. I took one on Saturday and was almost in tears because I could actually FOCUS.. but I am really good at talking myself out of things. Reassure me or tell me otherwise, please.

[The Emperor]

If it were me, I would keep taking it if it were helping my schooling, but that's just me.

Good luck, I wish you the best and I hope you make whatever decision is right for you.

[AnneMarie]

Why are you taking the Topamax? That med makes many dumb, so I'm impressed that you are in school.

There are options other than xanax for anxiety. SSRIs come to mind. They could help with depression, too. But, I'm not a doc and I don't know your history.

Idk. I think I'd get another pdoc's opinion on your cocktail. It seems odd unless you have history behind the Topamax instead of an antidepressant. That aside, your cocktail isn't contraindicated and as long as you follow instructions, it might help.

[starbrightgirrl]

Why are you taking the Topamax? That med makes many dumb, so I'm impressed that you are in school.

There are options other than xanax for anxiety. SSRIs come to mind. They could help with depression, too. But, I'm not a doc and I don't know your history.

Idk. I think I'd get another pdoc's opinion on your cocktail. It seems odd unless you have history behind the Topamax instead of an antidepressant. That aside, your cocktail isn't contraindicated and as long as you follow instructions, it might help.

I guess I should've mentioned that. Topamax pretty much saved my life. I tried every antidepressant and SSRI out there, and everything made me feel like I was dying. My former pdoc where I used to live suggested trying it, and I was able to function and not lie in bed crying all day. I was on a very high dosage for a while, and got down to 50mgs twice daily about a year and 1/2 ago.

The same goes for Xanax XR and my anxiety, at least for now.

[starbrightgirrl]

If it were me, I would keep taking it if it were helping my schooling, but that's just me.

Good luck, I wish you the best and I hope you make whatever decision is right for you.

Thank you. I know school is important. Self-doubt has a lovely way of creeping in at the worst times.

[muriel]

Why are you taking the Topamax? That med makes many dumb, so I'm impressed that you are in school.

A lot of people function well on Topamax. It doesn't make everyone have cognitive issues.

I really don't like it when people here tell members to have their docs reevaluate their cocktails before we know any history. This thread is why.

[starbrightgirrl]

Why are you taking the Topamax? That med makes many dumb, so I'm impressed that you are in school.

A lot of people function well on Topamax. It doesn't make everyone have cognitive issues.

I really don't like it when people here tell members to have their docs reevaluate their cocktails before we know any history. This thread is why.

When I was on a higher dosage, there were times when I was unable to find my words, etc. I would often try to lower my dosage (because I am stubborn) and instantly start to feel bad, then the side effects would start over. The Xanax helps a lot with that as well. I find I am able to slow down my thoughts, and match them with how fast I can speak, so I don't sound like a bumbling idiot.

I have been to many doctors, and as soon as I get a bad feeling, I stop seeing them. I am very comfortable with who I am seeing now. He listens to me when I have questions about my meds, and understands when I panic about trying a new med. I just wanted to get some "real" perspective on this cocktail. So thanks.

[rowen]

Just another to say it should be a-OK. Hope school goes well for you!

[starbrightgirrl]

Just another to say it should be a-OK. Hope school goes well for you!

Thanks so much! I know it might seem silly, but having reassurance from others settles my anxiety.