Posted by Cam W. on March 13, 2000, at 23:05:25
In reply to Topomax as mood stabilizer?, posted by KarenB on March 13, 2000, at 22:37:12
Karen - Topamax (topiramate) is an anticonvulsant/mood stabilizer. It is used as add-on therapy in bipolar disorder to augment the standard mood stabilizers. It is being tested to see if it will reverse the weight gain seen with atypical antipsychotics (eg Zyprexa). The dosage of Topamax must be increased slowly. Starting dose is 25mg daily and increase by 25mg (sometimes 50mg) every 3 to 5 days to a dose usually between 200mg and 400mg daily. If the dose is raised quicker, the side effects are worse, especially cognitive (thought) problems. People have complained of trouble in name finding and simple mathematical problems. Drowsiness, dizziness, nervousness and nausea can also be problematic. Overweight people seem to lose more weight than underweight people, but weight loss is not seen in everyone (books say approx. 20% - probably a little higher). Topamax should not be used just for weight loss, as it has profound effects on mood. There is a study being done in Southern Ontario to see if it will control obesity, though. Hope this helps - Cam W.
poster:Cam W.
thread:26929
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20000312/msgs/26931.html