Problems with Topamax

[GoldSilver33]

Hello,

I am seeing both a Psychologist and a Psychaitrist for a combination of various anxiety and depression symptoms.  These include IBS, OCD, decrease sexual desire, claustrophobia etc.  The major reason I seeked treatment was that I lost my job about a month ago due to an outburst and bad judgment.  The doctors feel that it could be reflective of bi-polar.  But I felt that the anxiety and depression symptoms should be treated first.

To cut through the chase, he gave 25MG of Topamax.  All the drug did was make me lose my appetite and actually made me feel even more claustrophobic.  I actually lost my last doctors appt since I got a panic attack while driving.  Didn't it make sense to first treat the anxiety and than the possible mood disorder?   Should I take both a SSRI and a mood stabilizer?  Will see the doc again on Saturday

[GoldSilver33]

I stop taking it after nearly 2 weeks.  I did lose about 7 pounds on it. It didn't matter, since I am in decent shape anyway.  My opinion is that the anxiety/depression symptoms are priority for me over any mood stabilizer.  

To Mike:   I may have a mood disoder but not be full blown bipolar.  Will try to get an SSRI like Luvox or Paxil and see how it goes.  My appt is in a few hours.  In addition, I plan in seeing a different therapist.  The psychologist took it very personal that I missed the appointment due to the panic incident.

[briannentx]

that medicine made me sooo sick it made me worse then i already was and i can take most meds w/o bad side effects so far.. She put me on it for weight loss but it made me afraid to be around alot of people and made my head crawl so, i got off it quick like..

[Jikan]

Namaste,

You never mentioned what your final diagnosis was. If it is in fact, bipolar disorder, treating it with a mood stabilizer such as Topomax is a viable alternative, although I would have started you on Depakote or Lithium.

Adding an SSRI to a bipolars' medication can be harmful in that it might exacerbate the condition by placing the person in a manic state, so SSRI's are usually only prescribed after the person has been stable for a period of time, is depressed and is unlikely to be placed into a manic state.

The first order of business, though, is to stabilize your mood swings and anxiety.

When you see your doctor on Saturday, explain exactly what you have been going through. Making notes prior to your appointment is helpful.

A person with several disorders is very difficult to treat and don't expect immediate relief of all of your symptoms. It took me over 6 years to find the right combination of medications which keep my symptoms in check most of the time.

Good luck!

Michael(Jikan)