Posted by LilyB on October 12, 2002, at 12:06:36
In reply to Re: Topamax Experiences: Long Term Use, posted by shersher on January 6, 2002, at 7:39:25
Hi!
I'm brand new to this board so I'll give a little background. Actually I'm looking for some advice which I'll ask for at the end.I'm 45 and have had panic attacks since my early twenties when they didn't know what they were. I just recently was diagnosed with tachycardia (constant rapid heartbeat) and when I asked if this is what could be triggering the panic attacks my GP said "who knows....which came first, the chicken or the egg?"
I am also bipolar with large swings from depression and crying ALL the time to severe mania. My mania normally manifests in extreme spending sprees to the point of near bankruptcy. During these manic episodes sometimes I feel wonderful and am able to achieve extraordinary things and sometimes I am extremely irritable and aggresive.
I have been a high achiever all my life and am constantly putting pressure on myself not to fail.
NOW HERE'S MY BIGGEST PROBLEM: I am deathly afraid of medication. It took several doctors over five years to convince me to try Prozac. When I finally did go on it, it did help my panic attacks tremendously but did nothing for my mania. I was on it for about five years. A couple of months ago my husband said that it seemed like I didn't care about anything and he wanted me off the Prozac so I complied.
Since then, my mood swings have been severe!!! My doctor really, really wants me to try Topomax but my wild imagination kicks in when I hear the words "anti-seizure". I don't have seizures now and have never had them before. Like I said, I'm irrationally afraid of medication and I keep thinking that if I take Topomax that, if and when I ever try to stop, I will GET seizures!!
I know I need some sort of pharmeceutical help but I just need to convince myself that it is not going to hurt me to take these medications.
Topomax is the first one that I am very seriously considering. In fact I have filled the prescription and have the bottle in front of me.
Has anyone else had fears like mine?? Everyone I know just pops pills at the drop of a hat and that's just not me, obviously.
If anyone else has had these feelings, please let me know if you overcame them and how.
I welcome and appreciate any and all comments and help!!!
Thanks so much!
Lily
poster:LilyB
thread:50878
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20021012/msgs/123347.html