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Bi-polar mad woman seeking help with Topamax


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Hello, I am new to the boards and I am bi-polar suffering from extreme depression right now. I show my depression through anger and irritability and I am considered a moody person. It is really effecting my job. I am annoyed at the smallest things and annoy myself. My dr. has me on 5 mg Abilify and I just started Topamax for mood stabilization. I have read more bad things than good about this drug for that reason and I am a bit nervous. I do have 40 pounds to loose though from the Risperdone I have been on for 4 years. Hopefully, I get my mood under control because I'm kind of nuts.

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Well I hope that Topamax is a good drug match for you. I currently take it and it has really helped stop my rapid cycling. It has also cut down on suicidal thoughts. It did not make me lose much weight, but it did regulate my appetite. I was not as hungry all the time. My sister takes Topamax for migraines and she lost a significant amount of weight on the drug (about 10lbs, which doesn't seem like a lot, but my sister is pretty thin).

From what I understand you are no longer on Risperidone, but in case you are, I am also taking Risperidone in addition to the Topamax. They are both a good mix for me. They are the two drugs I believe have really made a difference in my life.

Good luck with this new med!

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Welcome to CB!

Funny, I've heard mostly good things about Topamax. I took it for a while, and although it did nothing for me in terms of my mood, it didn't give me any side effects. It also reduced my appetite. Bad news for me. Oh well. Anyway, I hope it works for you!

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Thanks for welcoming me. No, I am off Risperdone..just Abilify now and Topamax (today is day 2 of this combo). I have not tried any of the other drugs. I just started a new doctor and he thought this was the way to go. We will re-evaluate in 30 days. I really hope my irritability gets under control. I feel like the hulk sometimes!! I see ged and turn green. Joking aside, I am praying this combo works for the severe depression, rapid cycling and irritablity.

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A couple things:

I'm surprised that if you are suffering from severe depression, rapid cycling and irritability all at once and trying a completely new med combo that you are going to wait thirty days to check in with your doctor, given those meds.

I'm suprised that, as sylvan mentioned, you haven't tried other meds first, but maybe there are some things you neglected to mention.

I'm surprised, with the weight you give irritability, that you are trying abilify coming from risperidone.

But hey, I'm always full of suprises.

Constantly talking out my ass,

Luna.

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I haven't tried other meds because my doctor refused to switch meds just mess with doses so I switched doctors. I guess I am new to all of this..why is all that suprising to you?? Any helpful info is much appreciated.

and yes he is a psychiatrist. I have seen him just once..why do you ask? Now I'm getting nervous.

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Maybe some more info would be helpful...I am irritable as all get out which is typically how I show my depression, I am extremely tired physically and mentally but dont often sit still. I don't sleep well through the night. So, to me I have mixed symptoms of bipolar all at once. Does that help??

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