Ok, How about this? I have a prescription for Zoloft from my old doc. Please read further details?

Question

This pertains to my other posted question. I'm going insane. If I fill my presctiption for Zoloft, will it be okay to take with the Topamax? WIll I begin to feel better?

And, don't tell me to ask my DOCTOR, because if you read my other question, you will see I have been trying to contact him!
Here's the link to my other question, please read before judging me!

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=AvoI5FteWM2qZUCjqy_Wso3sy6IX?qid=20061009124806AAi65DT

Answer 1

Hey you...In my opinion when people take psychotropic drugs they surrender their mental health to a pill, thus robbing themselves of any responsibility for their own life's journey. But you didn't ask for my opinion, so YES it is perfectly okay to take Zoloft with Topamax, assuming you are not on any other medications.

Zoloft is an SSRI thus inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin. And Topamax is an adjunct anti-epileptic, thus enhances inhibitory effect of GABA, blocks excitatory effect of glutamate, blocks Na+ channels, reduces Ca++ channel activity, and inhibits carbonic anhydrase activity.

What does that mean to you--there is no interference and they do not effect each other. However, both meds do cause common side effects of sedation and stupidity, which may intensify.

Will you begin to feel better? I haven't the slightest clue. It you think you will, you've half the placebo battle won right there. Do know, that it can take 4-6 weeks for Zoloft to reach a therapeutic point--and this med must be titrated up in small increments. DO NOT start taking it at the full prescribed dosage if you have been off the med for some time.

I would never judge you, especially someone courageous to seek help for their own well-being.

Best To You!

Answer 2

I am not a doctor but in my opinion you should not take the Zoloft if it is over 1 year old. Drugs (whether prescription or OTC) have a shelf life and they don't last very long. Same is true for prescriptions. I have an old bottle of Oxycontin for a broken bone and within 6 months it was outdated. So in my opinion if you already have a new doctor (even though you can't get a hold of him) go with the new medication but you might ask the pharmacist where you get your prescription filled what the shelf life of the bottles is and how long can you use the prescription. Ask him if you can mix Zoloft and Topamax together and if not why not. I would not advise taking them together until you check with one of the above people.
As for trying to reach your doctor good luck! they are usually so buzy that they don't get a chance to call/talk to patients that easlily. Kep trying to reach him if you have any questions. I beleive most of the time it is better to call doctor's offices mid week. Not good on Mondays because they are dealing with lab results, phone messages, mail etc that came in over the weekend that has to be dealt with before they can talk to patients. As for Fridays well some are probably thinking of the weekend and trying to get out early and will not schedule any appointments for the afternoon so they cram everybody in in the morning.
One of my doctors did rounds at the hospital on Fridays and another went on rounds to the Nursing Home on Tuesdays I beleive. The point I am making is try to reach him went it is the down time for him most likely Wednesday or Thursday. I hope you get your answer soon for your sake.

Answer 3

I had the same problem with my shrink as far as not getting back to me. So on the 4th dayl I told the receptionist I was going to commit suicide. It was simply amazing how fast the shrink returned my call. I feel this is probably the wrong thing to do, but I needed an answer and I was tired of waiting 4 days. Good luck, and don't let anyone roll over you. As a patient you have rights!

Answer 4

I seriously wouldn't take both medications.
If you can't reach your psychiatrist, why not try your regular MD for advice? Or ask the pharmacist where you get your prescription filled.
But don't take both meds at the same time.
Plus, your insurance company might not let you fill both meds if they are for the same issue due to the cost nad such. I ran into problems with that when I was going out of town.

Answer 5

Topamax may increase the effects of other drugs that cause drowsiness, including antidepressants, alcohol, antihistamines, pain relievers, sedative (sleep aids), anxiety medicines, and muscle relaxants. Dangerous sedation, dizziness, or drowsiness may occur if Topamax is taken with any of these medications.

Answer 6

Hi Laughout,

These two links talk about side effects/drug interactions:

Zoloft:
http://www.pdrhealth.com/drug_info/rxdrugprofiles/drugs/zol1503.shtml

Topamax:
http://www.pdrhealth.com/drug_info/rxdrugprofiles/drugs/top1541.shtml

They don't appear to interact with each other BUT - I'm not a physician.

Listen - if your psychiatrist isn't getting back to you in a timely manner - there should be some sort of "emergency" paging number his office should be able to use. If there isn't or he still can't be reached, go the emergency room or some local mental health facility. I know it's horrible to feel this badly....

Answer 7

Don't take anything else now. Trust me you don't want to have a problem. just wait it out. or call a help line a local hospital or even your health insurance co. has a hot line for people in mental health crisis.