motor skills/Topamax

[smurfergirl]

hi-
I am attempting to taper off of bipolar medictions Topamax 100MG 1tabTID [anticonvulsant] as mood stabilizer and Bupropion 100 MG 2tab BID [antidepressant]

I am dx as bipolar 1, rapid cycling- took 2 years to get this level of med, and it to be effective.

Problem? MOTOR SKILLS!
Topamax is severely inhibiting my ability to concentrate, articulate thoughts and also my memory has gone to the birds- and I am only 26 next month!

I am interested in finding out more information on new research/ ideas for nutrition [ vitamin deficiencies, etc.] in conjuntion with maybe accupuncture for stress therapy and continuing counseling?I am also concerned about my weight as my BMI is pushing 28 now and although I look good, I don't want to fall out of line horribly as I know themeds I am on have helped greatly with weight- much UNlike some of the other meds onthe market can.

I can't seem to find valid resources for information online and I would really like to get more information, I am very interested in living a productive, as close to "episode free" as possible life and it seems as though although it is ot being written off- homeopathy is being discouraged.

HELLLP!

[smurfergirl]

Thanks!
I have been working with my psychiatrist- a newer one tome, and excellent I may add.
We tapered me off of the Topamax and I am still on the Wellbutrin but surprisingly I was rediagnosed as having borderline personality disorder, so I suppose with my new behavioral therapy and the proper supplements to diet and lifestyle adjustments I should be much better.
Thanks for the advice!

[needsreaders]

Her name is FLaddict.

[needsreaders]

Does your doctor know you're coming off the meds?  How long have you been on the Topamax?  I've been on it for five years (400 mg/day) and I feel fine, function well at my job, etc.  There are a lot of other meds, but it sounds like you've tried some others.  Do you remember how it was when you weren't on meds?  I'll put up with a lot of side effects not to go back there again....

I don't know much about vitamins and supplements and such, but there's a woman over on the alcohol forum who knows a lot.  Her name is FL and then something after the FL, I can't remember what it is.  But she knows what vitamin is good for this and valerian for that and St. John's wort for this, etc.  She is very knowledgable about that stuff.  You might look her up.  

Good luck to you!  and best wishes on finding the right meds, that's always a hard one.
needsreaders