Bipolar Topamax Treatment

Topamax (generic name topiramate) is an anticonvulsant that can help alleviate the symptoms of bipolar disorder, a mood disorder that affects approximately 2.6 percent of adults, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. Bipolar disorder is characterized by extremes of mood, ranging from mania to depression, which can be severely disabling if left untreated. Topamax is not FDA approved for psychiatric treatment, but doctors may prescribe it "off-label" for bipolar disorder and other conditions.

Indications

• Bipolar disorder can cause deep depression and euphoric highs.

  Your doctor might recommend Topamax for treatment-resistant mania or depression, or for rapid cycling between high and low moods, either alone or in combination with other medications.

Side Effects

• With effective treatment, people with bipolar disorder can live happy and productive lives.

  According to prescribing information from Ortho-McNeil-Janssen Pharmaceuticals, the most common adverse effect is paresthesia (abnormal skin sensations, such as numbness or "pins and needles"). Other possible side effects include problems with memory, concentration and attention; fatigue; sedation; decreased appetite; weight loss; and nausea.

Effectiveness

• Each person responds differently to psychiatric medication.

  Recent reports, including a 2007 Consumers Union summary of the effectiveness of anticonvulsants, suggest that there is little, if any, statistical evidence supporting the use of Topamax in bipolar disorder. However, response to psychiatric medication is highly individual, and Topamax might be the optimal treatment for some people.

Similar

• Several other anticonvulsants are used in the treatment of bipolar disorder, including Tegretol (carbamazepine), Depakote (valproic acid), Lamictal (lamotrigine) and Trileptal (oxcarbazepine). Safety profiles differ, and some anticonvulsant medications require blood tests to measure liver function. Depakote and Tegretol are FDA approved for the treatment of bipolar disorder.

Warnings

• Any medication for bipolar disorder must be taken consistently. Do not stop taking Topamax without consulting your doctor.

  Bipolar disorder can cause suicidal thinking during the depressive phase. Call your doctor immediately if you have thoughts of suicide.