Mental Health Topamax (topiramate) for anxiety

[ad lib]

Topamax is a drug marketed mainly for seizures and migraine headaches. Some info can be found here about it: http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Topiramate


I have read of it being used for the treatment of anxiety disorder, I was wondering if anyone here has experience with using topamax for anxiety. If so, please share! How long did you take it for/amount prescribed would be helpful too.


SSRIS, SNRIS, and tricyclics do not work on me for anxiety prevention. Benzodiazepines work great, I'm just not a fan of the side effects.

 

[Anthrogirl]

I am prescribed Topamax for epilepsy and prevention of migraines (migraines tend to occur in greater frequency in epileptics). I had never heard of it being prescribed for anxiety. I do know that some doctors have prescribed neurotinin for anxiety. Neurotinin is another medication that is used for seizures but it is usually utilized for partial and mixed seizures not generalized epilepsy. Usually it's psychiatrists who don't like to write scripts for benzos who will give you a script for neurotinin. Neurotinin can be helpful in treating anxiety that is associated with bipolar disorder. However, Neurotinin doesn't show much efficacy in treating other types of anxiety.

I did a quick google search and it seems that even though this is uncommon, there are a few people who are taking topamax for depression or anxiety. Topamax is used to treat bipolar disorder and they are investigating it as a treatment for PTSD. So, maybe it would help you. I just want to warn you though, topamax has some awful side effects. I know you mentioned that you didn't like the side effects of benzos. Well, I have been prescribed lots of benzos off and on for over ten years (although I never abused them and I'm not taking them currently). I can tell you that IMO the side effects of topamax are much worse than any benzo I've taken. If I didn't have to take the medication the control my seizures then there is no way I would be on it!

Some of the side effects I experienced on topamax (I'm probably forgetting some): vision changes (including minor hallucinations), parenthesia, very painful and annoying tingling in hands and feet, muscle stiffness, taste changes, numbness in mouth, headaches, sleep disturbances, nausea, vomiting, drastic weight loss, painful stomach cramps, extreme fatigue, racing heart rate, foggy headedness, decreased cognitive abilities, forgetfulness, irritability, depression. Also, if u suddenly stop taking it u can have a seizure..even if you're not an epileptic.

Of course everyone is different so you may not get these side effects. But, they are not rare believe me. The nickname of the drug is "dopamax" for a reason. Whatever you decide, I wish you luck! Just remember that you can't stop this medication suddenly. You have to wean off of it. If you stop it suddenly you can not only have weird WD symptoms but you can have a seizure.

 

[brutus]

I know a handful of people that have taken Topamax for anxiety and all of them agreed that it did not work. Of course, it could work for you though.

 

[Morphling]

I was trialed on topamax for misdiagnosed migraines, whilst also suffering concomitant anxiety issues. Did nothing for either problem. Very expensive as well, to be so worthless.

 

[ad lib]

Thanks for the info everyone.

Guess ill scratch that off the list

 

[paranoid android]

Yeah i know a few people that have been on it for epilepsy and migraines. A few of them said it actually gave them anxiety. Also the side effects seem to be pretty shitty especially the cognitive impairment, having everything taste like shit and the weight loss. Most of the people i know who have tried it have found Valproate more tolerable compared to topiramate.

If you haven't tried it already i would recommend giving pregabalin a go or if you can't afford that gabapentin. Neither are that great for anxiety but they do work for some people.