I can't see this on any other indication of side effects. I take it at night, and it seems as if I sleep for only about 3-4 hours, then I have a funny dream & wake up laughing so hard I can't stop that I start crying! Then, I'm awak with a burst of energy. I was given this for moderate bipolar. What's going on? Driving my faminly nuts!!
2006-09-02 23:41:22 · 5 answers · asked by ? 6 in Health ➔ Mental Health
its making your bi-polar extremely more bi-polar!!!!!
2006-09-08 12:22:16 · answer #1 · answered by keepingthefaith 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The first thing that I would say would be - check the packet to make sure you've got the right medicine, as there have been a lot of prescription errors/confusion.
I found this which may help.
Approximately 28% of the 1,757 adults who received topiramate at dosages of 200 to 1,600 mg/day in clinical studies discontinued treatment because of adverse events; an individual patient could have reported more than one adverse event. These adverse events were: psychomotor slowing (4.0%), difficulty with memory (3.2%), fatigue (3.2%), confusion (3.1%), somnolence (3.2%), difficulty with concentration/attention (2.9%), anorexia (2.7%), depression (2.6%), dizziness (2.5%), weight decrease (2.5%), nervousness (2.3%), ataxia (2.1%), and paresthesia (2.0%). Approximately 11% of the 310 pediatric patients who received topiramate at dosages up to 30 mg/kg/day discontinued due to adverse events. Adverse events associated with discontinuing therapy included aggravated convulsions (2.3%), difficulty with concentration/attention (1.6%), language problems (1.3%), personality disorder (1.3%), and somnolence (1.3%).
(http://www.rxlist.com/cgi/generic2/topiram_ad.htm)
So sleep problems, confusion and mood affectors are definately considered to be noticed side effects.
Speak to your CPN, but before you go back to the doc, try taking them in the morning instead. It is possible that the meds interact with your sleep and you may find that as a daytime med it works well and it obviously isn't causing drowsiness for you! (forget this if you work with big dangerous machines as it's not worth the risk!)
Do not worry if you cannot get on with this medicine. Very few people with bipolar "gel" with the first thing they are given.
Hope this helps
All the best
2006-09-07 08:18:37 · answer #2 · answered by krazykarenteague 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think you need to go back and get you doctor to re prescription you with a different med!
There are quite a few out there,Abilify ( aripiprazole) come to mind. Don't know if you can get it where you are.
On the other hand it may be too strong for you; but I have had good feedback about it.
I do feel for your family but it is your sanity that comes first. they can move on with their lives , you have to live yours.
Good luck.
2006-09-03 06:48:46 · answer #3 · answered by Christine H 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I like that side effect!
2006-09-08 17:12:03 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think you should REALLY tell your doctor. But you possibly will have to be weaned off it.
Good Luck
2006-09-07 17:55:58 · answer #5 · answered by greylady 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋