So Much for Topamax! - Bipolar Disorder Message Board

Sunka · 10-24-2007, 12:05 AM

Jeez...I had such high hopes for Topamax to be my new medication. Having had no stabilizers for awhile now, I have been up & down, back & forth...well, today being my third day on it, I've had enough already. I know that meds take some time to work, and you need some time to adjust, but I've been so achey since starting it; it's been feeling like I way over-worked at the gym. But the final straw are these chest pains. Well, not PAINS, just tightness. And since I do have heart disease, it's probably best to not allow that to go on, right...well, if anyone has any suggestions for mood stabilizers besides Lamictal and Topamax, I'd like to hear 'em. (Lamictal made me gain 15 pounds!!) I was so tickled to hear that with Topamax you sometimes lose weight. Damn. My BF said I might just be a little hyperconscious because I'm on a new med & to give it a little more time...what do you think?? Anyone?? I'm just so confused & disappointed & I don't know what else - some other emotion I can't put a name to. Arrrrgh. Think I'll read some other posts & try to take my mind off this for awhile.

sacee · 10-24-2007, 11:24 AM

I would definitely consult your pdoc and physician regarding the chest tightness considering you already have heart conditions....but gluck and hang in there you'll find something that will work for you in time

tony72 · 10-24-2007, 02:24 PM

Lady,

Are you on anxiety med? I know that sometimes if I read the side effects I get hyper paronoid. Not saying that it is what is happening to you, but I just am wondering if it may be anxiety.

When I when to the ER for what I thought was a heart attack - they said my chest squeeze and arm pain were actually an anxiety attack. Just an idea. Can you get an ekg or test to rule out the anxiety prior to switching again? I'm soooooooo soooo sorry.

If you do change, what about Risperdal? What ever you do, please call you family doctor and have your heart checked....it may be actual heart symptoms and yet unrelated to the stabilizer.

Concerned,
T