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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 4 of 4. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Compucat on August 6, 2002, at 20:25:03
This is week 1 where 150 mg. Wellbutrin and 50 mg. Topamax have been added to the 2400 mg. Neurontin and 70 mg. Celexa I have been taking for approximately 2 months. Next week, the Celexa will be dropped down to 40 mg. and the Neurontin will remain the same.
Prior to the addition of Wellbutrin and Topamax, the only side effects I was conscious of were some problems with sleeping, and of course the lack of a sex drive. Now, I feel like I am in a lithium stupor (I tried lithium about 18 years ago, but could not tolerate even the lowest dose).
I feel calmly dazed, in a pleasant stupor. My memory is the worst it has ever been. I have decided that I must stop driving because I find that I am phasing out while I am driving (I visually fixate on something and get into a hypnotic stare).
Is this normal for these meds, or is this the result of the combination of meds I am on? I understand that Wellbutrin often gives people a lift to get up and do things - and perhaps it has done that for me, as I have started bike riding again - but it is almost like my head does not have the capacity to tell myself that I rather sit like a depressed person in front of the television and do nothing.
I don't really mind this feeling, but I would like to know if this is typical for these meds or if it could be due to the combination I am on. I would prefer to be a little more "with it", but at least this way I am not so aware of being depressed. It's not perfect, but it's better than it was.
Any comments would be greatly appreciated.
regards,
Compucat
Posted by Shawn. T. on August 7, 2002, at 0:00:42
In reply to HELP - Is this Typical For Wellbutrin Topamax?, posted by Compucat on August 6, 2002, at 20:25:03
Topamax increases the frequency at which GABA (the brain's primary inhibitory neurotransmitter) activates GABAa receptors. That translates into a decrease in the rate at which electrical activity takes place in the brain. Thus, cognitive processes are disrupted. Difficultly with concentration or attention is listed as a common reason for patient discontinuation of Topamax. Topamax related memory problems were reported in 3.2% of adults in one large trial. Difficulty with concentration and attention were reported in 2.9% of individuals. Note that more people probably experienced these problems and either did not notice or report them. That information is taken from the prescribing information for Topamax. Wellbutrin shouldn't cause problems like that; some studies seem to show that it can enhance certain types of memory.
Shawn
Posted by jay on August 7, 2002, at 5:02:20
In reply to HELP - Is this Typical For Wellbutrin Topamax?, posted by Compucat on August 6, 2002, at 20:25:03
Just to note, I found when I was on Topamax, I had to INCREASE my antidepressant dose. Afterall, it (Topamax) does have depressive effects on the CNS.(As why it is used in epilepsy.) Have a look at your med combo too. Why the Wellbutrin...and has it helped?Best wishes,
Jay
Posted by Compucat on August 8, 2002, at 14:12:38
In reply to Re: HELP - Is this Typical For Wellbutrin Topamax? » Compucat, posted by jay on August 7, 2002, at 5:02:20
>
> Just to note, I found when I was on Topamax, I had to INCREASE my antidepressant dose. Afterall, it (Topamax) does have depressive effects on the CNS.(As why it is used in epilepsy.) Have a look at your med combo too. Why the Wellbutrin...and has it helped?
>
> Best wishes,
> JayI am currently on 2 ADs (Wellbutrin and Celexa) and 2 mood stabilizers (Topamax and Neurontin). Wellbutrin and Topamax were new additions last week. Next week my Wellbutrin and Topamax doses are going up, my Celexa is going down and my Neurontin is staying the same. I have had inconsistent results with the Celexa and Neurontin, so my pdoc is hoping the addition of Wellbutrin and Topamax will help lift me out of my depressive bout (I am BP II) and big time lack of get up and go.
This is the end of the thread.
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