netsavy006 Posted November 25, 2016 Share Posted November 25, 2016 Anybody ever take Topamax as a mood stabilizer (for bipolar)? If so, please share your experiences. Thanks in advance. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mikl_pls Posted November 26, 2016 Share Posted November 26, 2016 (edited) I took Topamax as an adjunct mood stabilizer to Lamictal several years back. It worked for about a month or so very well. It lifted my depression quite well, and it even controlled my essential tremor and Tourette's disorder, but then it suddenly pooped out and quit working. I was at 200 mg/day by that point (100 mg twice a day). For some reason we didn't pursue going higher to 400 mg/day. We just continued at 200 mg/day for several months afterwards, but I had to quit taking it after I got kidney stones from it. A few years later, I took it again (actually earlier this year) and got kidney stones again, this time just within a month or so of taking it, so I apparently can't take it. I was even always sure to hydrate well like they say to do when taking it. Not trying to scare you away from it or anything, just letting you know my experience... lol. If you're taking it or looking at taking it for bipolar, I hope you have a good experience with it. In my experience, I think it works better as an adjunct mood stabilizer rather than a main mood stabilizer, but that's just from my personal experience, and YMMV. Be sure to drink lots and lots of water when you take Topamax! Edited November 26, 2016 by mikrw33 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
melissaw72 Posted November 26, 2016 Share Posted November 26, 2016 I've been on topomax without problems, except for the side effect of the sharp pins and needles in my hands, wrists, ankles, and feet ... could not handle the side effects after a couple of months so pdoc took me off of it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dtac Posted November 28, 2016 Share Posted November 28, 2016 I asked my pdoc two weeks ago about adding or switching to Topamax, and he said there are no known studies that show it is effective at treating bipolar depression or mania. He said it does show clinical efficacy in treating migraines, reducing appetite, and partial treatment for one type of seizure. It's also known for making you dopey. He did say he has some patients that swear by it, so you never know (just like every other psych med.) I'm not trying to down it, especially since my neurologist may end up putting me on it for migraines, but my pdoc doesn't use it except as a secondary (or tertiary) option. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jt07 Posted November 29, 2016 Share Posted November 29, 2016 It is at best a 3rd line mood stabilizer that is not considered very efficacious for most people. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kooch68 Posted February 18, 2017 Share Posted February 18, 2017 I was on Topamax as a mood stabilizer for about 6 months. Worst 6 months of life. Everything food and drink related tasted like the bottom of ashtray and I lost 40 lbs. I'm glad it works for some individuals. I'm a firm believer in if it works for you then continue taking it. I have since gained that weight back and more thanks to valproic acid and Seroquel.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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