Topamax ? - Bipolar Disorder Message Board

klawk316 · 10-20-2005, 12:37 PM

Can anyone direct me to a website that speaks of Topamax being FDA approved for bipolar. My doctor said, --- topamax hasn't been approved and clinical trials are sketchy.

Anyone on Topamax for more then a year? What is your experience? thx.

GatsbyLuvr1920 · 10-20-2005, 04:40 PM

I honestly don't know whether or not Topamax is FDA-approved for the treatment of bipolar disorder. I do know that my grandfather takes it for a non-Parkinsonian tremor he's had in his hands for 25 years- he's NOT bipolar in the least. Personally, I don't really know why Topamax is being used for bipolar disorder as it's primary focus isn't epilepsy, so it's obviously not an anti-epileptic drug like Depakote and Tegretol...
-GatsbyLuvr1920-

Toby706 · 10-20-2005, 05:50 PM

klawk316-
Good question! I don't know why I even take Topamax for BP, the doc said it was going to be d/c'd in the next few months for me anyways. I'm sitting pretty with Lamictal and my other meds. Less is more, right?

daystar91 · 10-20-2005, 10:21 PM

Hi,
I've been taking Topamax for over a year now..I know that my doctor said that it's a mood stablizer and used for other things as well ..I been through several different meds before finding the one that suits me and Topamax has worked for me...It's not a weight gainer like some of the other meds out there..For some people it does make you tired but i take my dose at night and sometimes it does help me sleep since i do have a sleeping problem as well..As for FDA approved i'm not sure, i've never looked into.Thinking that a doctor prescribed it to you i guess you would think it's safe but really what meds are any more..

daystar91 · 10-20-2005, 10:37 PM

Hi again,
I was just searching the web to see what Topamax is used for since you have me curious now..It is used for PTSD, Mood stablizer, migraines, weightloss, epilepsy, and chronic pain..As for FDA approved i found several web sites that said that it is approved but has several FDA warnings..Just looking them up on your computer..It's kind of scary what we actually put in our bodies..