Fatigue

[Juliejd]

My neuro is switching my meds from Lamictal to Topamax. Although it's only my fourth day at 25mg of Topa, I'm very sleepy! I'm not being weaned at all from Lamictal until I've reached my therapeutic dose of Topa. Is it possible I've misunderstood the nurse? In other words, is this typical? Any other time I've been weaned off of one and switched to another med, it's been simultaneously. I'm wondering if this is why I'm so tired. Thanks is advance!

[scubadog]

Hi,

My neuro is switching me from topamax TO Lamictal due to the cognitive side
Effects.  I am on a big dose, 300 mgs. twice daily for a generalized seizure
Disorder.  Right now am on both drugs till I get level of lamictal this month then can start tapering "dopamax".  Good luck, think the drowsiness will get
Better as you get used to the drug.

[sandy38]

My daughter was on Topamax for a mood disorder.  Found out it's nicknamed "dopamax" because it can cause cognitive slowness plus drowsiness.  Hopefully you'll just build a tolerance for it and not see these things.

[Abhijeet Deshmukh, MD]

Hello.

Lamictal and Topamax combination is a beneficial combination. Your Neurologist probably wants to play safe while you are changing the medicines.

The drowsiness is a side effect. Your Lamictal dose will be gradually reduced, as there are reports of a withdrawal syndrome of Lamictal.

Regards