Posted by Murphia on November 24, 2003, at 14:47:37
In reply to re: the benefits of topamax, posted by leopard on November 24, 2003, at 1:48:09
It sounds to me like you may be in mixed states, and when you take an AD, your depression is alleviated, leaving your mania (rage) in control. You probably should be mood stabilizers, and topamax and geodon are not your first line mood stabilizers. Geodon is very mild and has a history of just quitting after a while. It might help the anxiety, but it's not likely to do anything for the rage. Lithium and depakote are the most effective against mixed states BP, but they have some nasty side effects (for some), most notably, weight gain. I'm not your doc, and I can't try to be, but I can just suggest to you that a combination of topamax and lamictal, or probably better yet, a combination of lamictal and tegretal or trileptal would be a good first choice to see if they could help you. Lam, because it is a mood stabilizer with heavy AD properties, the other because they are MSs with anti-manic properties. A pure anti-depressant or an anti-manic isn't going to do it. You will have to move toward mood stabilizers, probably because the neurotransmitters in your brain are firing rapidly, giving you both depression and mania at the same time. Yes it does sound like you are mixed stated bipolar, and as such you need a good Pdoc with this background to help you out. It can be managed, and you can have a wonderful life, without the anger. Stay away from the SSRIs, they will throw you into rage. But a GP is not qualified to handle this, has not had the years of pharmalogical and neurological training, trust me. You deserve a great life, and a good Pdoc can help you. Hugs. Murph
> Hi Murphia,
>
> I am new to this board...this is my first email. You seem to know a lot about meds and it is a relief to have a knowledgable person explain this stuff in a way a non MD can understand. I have had little success with Paxil, Prozac, Zoloft and Wellbutrin. The SSRI's made me an agressive rageaholic. When I wasn't angry, I was sleeping. The Wellbutrin made me very anxious, but initially it seemed to shut my brain down, but after 6 months I was anxious and paranoid. My GP thinks that I am BP. I do not have huge ups and downs but based on what I have read, I believe that I am indeed BP. I am taking Effexor and I do like it although I am still unable to concentrate. I thought of Topamax but it may be overkill for me. My GP suggested Geodon last week. Any thoughts on this new atypical? In combo with Effexor? Thank you. :)
poster:Murphia
thread:50878
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20031121/msgs/283255.html