For past 5 years, Depakote had been controlling my migraines, but I did not like the side effects (low white blood cell count, constipation, a beard-like hair growing out of my chin), so I had reduced my dosage down to such a low level that it really wasn't controlling my headaches any more, so when I moved to a new state, I asked my new doctor if I could try Topamax instead. I was taking only 150 mg of Depakote/day for the past year (which is probably why I was getting headaches). I've been taking 100 mg/day Topamax for 3 months now and I'm very agitated. Everything is annoying to me. I love that I don't get migraines any more (and I love how productive, and awake I am... and that I've lost 5 lbs that I didn't even need to lose), but I can't stand my agitation. I'm dying for just a tiny dose of Zoloft or something like that. Can I take a SSRI with Topamax?
2007-03-25 19:37:51 · 11 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ Mental Health
Wow! Fantastic! I really appreciate hearing from the people who are taking or who have taken Topamax with a SSRI. I'll research Paxil and Zoloft (and any others anyone else has combined with Topamax) for my next Dr. appointment next week. What a relief it will be to bet rid of the agitation.
2007-03-25 20:07:45 · update #1
If I understand you correctly, you were taking Depakote for both mood and migraines and then switched to Topamax. On Topamax, the side effects are positive and the migraines are under control; however, you are still experiencing agitation. Correct?
So, to answer your question, YES it is okay to take Zoloft with Topamax, assuming you are not on any other medications. Zoloft is an SSRI, thus inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin. 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 affect each other. However, both meds do cause common side effects of sedation and stupidity, which may intensify in combination.
I wonder if increasing the Topamax dosage by 50mg daily might be a better alternative. Topamax calms neural activity...hence its anti-epileptic class and since you are not experiencing depression, but agitation, it is worth a try.
Whatever you decide, consult with your doctor first. And note, that it can take 4-6 weeks for Zoloft to reach a therapeutic blood level, as this med must be titrated up in small increments.
2007-03-25 20:26:22 · answer #1 · answered by LUCKY3 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
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2016-10-13 10:03:48 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
First of all ask your doctor. I have been taking Topamax for 3 years for migraines now and have also taken it with Zoloft. It works differently for every person, so only your doctor would know if you could take zoloft along with your topamax, along with any other medications you may be taking including vitamins. Your best answer would be to not ask us on yahoo as we are not professionals, but to go and talk to your doctor and he can tell you if it is safe or not for you to mix the two drugs. Combinations of drugs affect people differently. So please just go talk to your doctor, one simple visit and he can either tell you yes or no! You'll be glad you went for professional help!
2007-03-25 19:58:55 · answer #3 · answered by rau_kaitlyn 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your should consult a doctor.I take zoloft and Depakote but I never took Topamax with zoloft.I didn't like taking Depakote at first but you will get used to it.It have to be in your system for a long time for you to stop filling the side affect.If you stop taking Depakote your life can be in danger.You will start thinking about hurting your self and weird tought.
2007-03-25 19:53:37 · answer #4 · answered by La Tania W 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would look for an alternative solution to fixing your migraines, something non-medicine related. Sometimes your jaw is not aligned correctly, or your nasal cavity is narrow and causes migraines.
If that isn't an option, Selective serotonin re uptake inhibitors may increase the side effects of Topamax. Change in appetite for instance or higher blood pressure. You could make a quick call your docter to know for sure.
2007-03-25 19:50:47 · answer #5 · answered by jshaw0304 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I use to take both at same time, but the topamax did NOTHING to help my migraines, but I know lots of ppl who take topamax and think it's a miracle drug, it's supposed to aide in weight loss too. Call and discuss with dr.
2007-03-25 19:49:41 · answer #6 · answered by nursegrl 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Please be very very careful with mixing those drugs. My brother is Epileptic and was taking topomax. His doctor put him on paxil for depression and he ended up in a coma for 2 days. Ask you doctor to be sure. It may not matter because of the reasons you take the medication, but be extra careful anyways.
2007-03-25 19:47:13 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not sure about that combo but I;m current taking Tompax and Paxil
2007-03-25 19:41:51 · answer #8 · answered by path2631 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ask you local pharmacist they would be more than happy to let you know what and what not to use.
2007-03-25 19:47:11 · answer #9 · answered by Joyce E 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
here's a website that will give you medical info...best of luck to you.
www.webmd.com/drugs
2007-03-25 20:00:32 · answer #10 · answered by pirate00girl 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋