Can I ask a stupid question?.....
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| Sun, 08-14-2005 - 7:18pm |
Is topamax a mood stablizer or what is it exactly. I know it has weight loss side effects, but what is the benefit supposed to be for BP?
I have a pdoc appt. tommorrow and I know I need my mood stablizer increased a little, but I SWEAR it is the abilify and not the effexor making me gain weight. But I don't want either increased, just in case, LOL. So I would like something added to help my moods. Is that possible. I am not in horrible shape, just feeling down at times and a little snappy at other times (my poor kids). I can't decide if it is just because of the end of summer and start of school stuff or what it is. Some nights I sleep 12 hours, other nights I may sleep 5, but toss and turn the entire time. How do you determine what are normal mood swings and what is BP? Do you think topamax might help? ( I have heard it is a mild mood stablizer with AD qualities, is this even right?)
Please help. I would like to know whether I can ask about it at the appt today or whether it is not what I think it is.
Missy


Missy,
I believe Topomax is a mood stabilizer although I haven't been on it.
Thanks for the info. I kept finding it for migraines and epilepsy but nothing for bipolar. I would love for her to change or add it, but figure we will probably mess with the abilify, as that is what she has done in the past. Guess I may find out if it is associated with my weight gain if I gain more with the increase again. Trying not to care too much, as I have recently bought new clothes for my new size and feeling better is what matters, not my size, right? Remind me I said that when I get down about my weight again, OK.
Missy
Topamax, along with Depakote, Neurontin & Tegretol are all classified as anti-convulsants (anti-seizure) meds for epilepsy and other similar conditions.
Missy,
I'm probably too late...but, Topamax is a mood stablizer, but doesn't have any a/d effects. Wish it did. It has TONS of side affects too. pretty major ones. Its hard to say if its work right now for me or not. I think it must be. Don't listen to much of what I'm saying, I'm pretty stupid right now. One of the biggest side affects is stupidity. Can have some weight loss effects, but is rare, and SLOOOOOOOOOW, if you ever even get it.
Effexor causes weight GAIN. Abilify usually doesn't.
I have to shut up now.
Love and Hugs,
Keli
Thanks for the info. Think I will try to avoid topamax since abilify is working somewhat for me. Hopefully it is the effexor and I won't gain anymore weight. Maybe we can switch AD or something too.
Missy
Honey, if your a/d is working, I wouldn't change it because of a small weight gain. If its a large weight gain, I might consider it. ALSO, please know that Effexor is a BEAR (no, a million bears) to come off of. If you decide to come off it, I'll help you as much as I can, okay? Its tough, I won't lie to you or sugar coat it. Its actually the hardest thing I've ever had to do in my life. If its working, STAY ON IT. How much of a weight gain are you talking about? I had a 40 pound gain from Lithium. But I can't go off it. Not at this point. Even though I've had this episode, its not the Lithium that caused it. It was the a/d's. I can't take them. I need them, unfortunately, and I'm going to have to try to make it without them now, but I'm tough, and this isn't about me, is it? Blame the Topamax for my rambling. I think I might be able to lose a little now though.
Anyway, just wanted to let you know what I've been through with it, and to tell you that if I were you, I'd stay on the Effexor.
Love and Hugs.
You are probably right. I will talk to pdoc about it all. Thanks. (I have gained about 15 pounds)
How are you doin?
Missy