Topamax and depression should I go off?

[Kimidawn]

I was on topomax for over 6 months for migraines but I believe it might be partially responsible for putting me into a huge suicidal depression especially since I have been up to 100mg.  Should I go off it?  My Doctor doesn't believe it is the cause and wants me to take an antidepressant.  I have been on several anti-depressant meds and haven't found one that really works for me.  The most recent I have been on is Cymbalta and it made me nauseated all the time.  I cannot find relief from this bout of depression.  I think about suicide all the time and I am not a very attentive mom any more.  Please give me advice

[Kimidawn]

My Doctor tried putting me on Cymbalta when I said that I thought that Topamax was causing the depression but Cymbalta makes me nauseated all the time and seemed to make things worse not better.  I do think I need a new Doctor.  

What is Maxalt like?  I have been on Imetrex and that seemed to make the anxiety worse.  I don't respond well to meds.

Kimberly

[JKJ]

HI.....I've been taking Topomax for several years for migraines, I take 200mg a day and yes, it can have the side effects you describe!  Your doc needs to listen to you!!!  Docs don't know it all despite what they think.  Only you know how you are feeling.  If you have the ability, find another doc.

What do you take for a migraine outburst?  I take Maxalt.  I too am pretty much " med resistant" when it comes to ADs.  Don't let a doc tell you that that is impossible.  It's not. I've been down this road far too long and tried so, so many meds.  Cymbalta did the same thing to me......so far all of that class of meds had the same effect on me.

Make your doc listen....it's your body!!!  Good luck!!

[Kimidawn]

Michael, thanks again for answering yet another post.  I guess I do need to go back into my Doctor but it feels like he isn't helping or really listening to me.  I know it would be better to talk to him about things.

I do keep a diary of my day to day symptoms, moods, diet, sleep patterns etc but when I have shown it to him in the past he glanced at it and basically ignored it.  So I keep the record and then wonder why!

Kimberly

[Jikan]

Namaste,
Never discontinue a medication without the advice of your doctor.

Personnally, I doubt that the Topomax is a factor in your depression.  There are, however, newer medications for the treatment of migraine headaches. You should consult with your provider to determine if making a change is appropriate.

As far as your depresssion goes and the difficulty you've had with anti-depressants in the past, all I can suggest is that you try additional medications which may help. Sometimes it takes a long time for a medication or a combination of medications to be effective(it took me years). Suicidal thoughts are not to be taken likely and you need to make sure your provider knows about your suicidal ideations and/or plan and if you feel that desperate immediately call 911.

Also, investigate additional things that can assist in minimizing(to some degree), such as excercise(yoga is great), counseling, accupunture or tai chi.

Please take care and make sure you get the proper attention from your doctor. Remember, he works for you.

As a footnote, it is often helpful to maintain a journal detailing your mood, diet, sleep patterns, etc., so your doctor has a better idea of what's going on. And, even writing it down sometimes helps.

Michael