Posted by Cateb on June 10, 2001, at 9:35:40
In reply to Re: Topomax and Wellbutrin vs Menstrual cycle, posted by Kaysey on June 5, 2001, at 22:48:38
I had regular periods my whole adult life, including a year on combined Zoloft/Wellbutrin. But now that you mentioned it, I added Topamax and have had three irregular (like 9 or 10 days closer together than they should be!) periods within six cycles! I never suspected the Topamax itself...good detective work. I had thought it might be the dramatic weight loss from Topamax, but then I would have thought the periods would just stop completely. In any case, I'm off it now and things have been regular the last two cycles again.
> > There is some evidence that suggests that Topiramate has an effect on the reproductive system, more specifically on the efficacy of orally-contraception pills (OCPs): "However, many anticonvulsant medications can induce an increase in hepatic microsomal enzymes, which can produce increased pill metabolism: "The result has been a decrease in the pill’s contraceptive efficacy resulting in an estimated 3.1 pregnancies per 100 women years of use. These medications include carbamazepine, topiramate, and tiagabine. A number of anticonvulsants do not cause such interference, including valproic acid and lamotrigine."
> > Greydanus, Donald E. MD et al. Contraception in the Adolescent: An Update. Pediatrics. 107(3):562-573, March 2001.
> >
> > I don't know what this means clinically.
>
> Hi! This is my first post, and I feel like I have found my lost world with this group. Although I do not take Topomax (or anti-convulsants, at all), I have been taking Effexor since the last of April (now at 225mg). I also take OCPs and have noticed for two cycles now that I have had a bit of break-through bleeding and a longer and heavier menstrual period. My physical symptoms of PMS (bloating, etc.) are also more pronounced. Though the Effexor has been rather effective mood-wise the remainder of the month, I do have my 'down' days premenstrually. Up until January I had been on LoPresser, ativan and Prozac for GAD and depression for 10 years. These pooped-out (actually along time ago), and my doc changed me to effexor. I never had these menstrual problems while taking these meds--only with the Effexor.
> This may not be much help with your Topomax question, but I gather from my post, and others, that cycles can be greatly affected.
> Thanks again for the message board!
poster:Cateb
thread:65504
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010605/msgs/66002.html