Posted by Sue4 on November 9, 2001, at 20:58:14
In reply to Re: Trileptal and topomax » Sue4, posted by SLS on November 9, 2001, at 16:10:36
Hi Scott,
I initially started on Topomax in 1999, at a dose of 25 mg then titrated to 75 mg (25 mg per week). I stayed at that dose for about 6 months, switched pdocs who told me to tritate up by 25 mg weekly, aiming for 200 mg. I could only get up to 175 mg...then had to drop to 150 for about 6 months...went back up to 175 and then last summer went to 200 and that is where I have been ever since. I have experienced few side effects.... what has caused me to drop the dose as described above is a feeling that the dose is too strong, and "clamping down"...while I was able to function, it was like being hit with a steamroller...so I simply dropped the dose...the unpleasant effect disappeared immediately. I hung out at a plateau and when I felt I needed to increase the dose, I did (with my pdoc's approval) and 200mg is where I am now.
The topomax helps even me out, lesssens my overly sensitive nature and helps subdue my tendency to irritability. But alone it just isn't enought to take care of it all.
> I am extremely happy to hear that you have not suffered any cognitive impairments resulting from Topomax. Could you describe how you went about initiating treatment and the schedule you followed to increase the dosage? In what ways do you think Topomax is currently helping you.
>
> Thanks.
>
> > Have you tried Lamictal?? My Pdoc doesn't seem all that excited about that.
>
> He should be. I try not to use the word "should" too often, but I think it is warranted here. Of all the anticonvulsants that are used as mood-stabilizers, Lamictal displays the strongest antidepressant properties. In fact, it has been known to cause mania. It has shown utility in both unipolar and bipolar depression, and is often successful in treating rapid-cyclicity when others drugs are not. It is generally well tolerated, and usually produces little, if any, cognitive side effects, although some people do experience memory problems at higher dosages. The biggest concern with Lamictal is that the dosage not be increased too quickly when beginning treatment. Some people develop a serious reaction (Steven's Johnson Syndrome) that includes a skin rash. However, many of these same people are able to successfully start all over again using the recommended dosing schedule.
>
> I am currently taking 300mg of Lamictal. I have bipolar disorder. It is the only mood-stabilizer that helps me.
>
>
> - Scott
poster:Sue4
thread:83661
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20011104/msgs/83728.html