Posted by Cairo on June 19, 2006, at 18:57:34
In reply to SEVERE anxiety and slight insomnia on Topamax, posted by slinky on June 17, 2006, at 17:54:23
How slowly are you increasing the dose? VERY slowly, I hope, in case side effects get worse. I ramped up only 25mg every two weeks (starting at 25mg) and things only went from bad to worse. At 100mg, the Topamax caused full blown panic attacks, terrible akathisia, and every other side effect listed in the package insert. Only the bone crunching fatigue improved a bit, but not the other side effects. Had to wean off and take Klonopin for several months before the panic attacks improved. I'll never take Topamax again, just not for me.
The SE may improve for you, but go slow in case they don't.
Cairo
> I'm into my 3rd week on 75mg. I started on 25mg at night for 3 weeks then went up to 50mg a day...it was rough but not this rough.
> It's for bipolar after trying all other stabilising meds...I'm stopping at 100mg daily.
> Tegretol worked up to a point as long as I avoided everthing and everyone.
>
> If you can remember the feeling before an exam or public speech..this is what it feels like all the time. Knotted stomache , hard to eat ( no wonder it's a good diet drug) diahrrea, jumpy. I'm uncertain whether to continue taking it to find out if it's just start up side effect or stop before I explode or implode.
> It's pointless asking my pdoc because I'm his first patient he's prescribed it to ( I'm in sunny UK)
>
> Any input would be appriciated,
>
> Slinky
>
poster:Cairo
thread:658096
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20060617/msgs/658848.html