I actuallly went off my anti-depressant just prior to starting topamax. I figured most of my depression, anxiety, and insomnia were probably attributed to my alcohol problem. So that's what I needed to get a handle on. Then when I cut back on my drinking I was even more HUGELY crabby and depressed than ever! Plus, in the first few weeks of taking topamax I was so fatigued that that made me feel even worse, but thankfully that feeling went away with time. I've been at 150mg for the past two weeks and plan to dose up to 175mg this week. I've been modding with great success, but I have to admit AF is looking very appealing. I don't miss the compulsion to drink at all. And I don't miss the hangovers. There are many things I don't miss about drinking! The quality of my life (and my sleep) have improved greatly since I've started taking the topamax and committed myself to positive change in my life. Topamax may not be for everyone, but it certainly has been a godsend for me. Good luck everyone!
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Topamax - Depression
I actuallly went off my anti-depressant just prior to starting topamax. I figured most of my depression, anxiety, and insomnia were probably attributed to my alcohol problem. So that's what I needed to get a handle on. Then when I cut back on my drinking I was even more HUGELY crabby and depressed than ever! Plus, in the first few weeks of taking topamax I was so fatigued that that made me feel even worse, but thankfully that feeling went away with time. I've been at 150mg for the past two weeks and plan to dose up to 175mg this week. I've been modding with great success, but I have to admit AF is looking very appealing. I don't miss the compulsion to drink at all. And I don't miss the hangovers. There are many things I don't miss about drinking! The quality of my life (and my sleep) have improved greatly since I've started taking the topamax and committed myself to positive change in my life. Topamax may not be for everyone, but it certainly has been a godsend for me. Good luck everyone!
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Topamax - Depression
Julie,
I so agree with you about not missing the compulsion to drink, no hangovers, etc.
Life without alcohol is so much better. btw, my anxiety and panic attacks have been gone since the second week AF. No anxiety, completely serene. It is weird. 30+ years of drinking and anxiety, now I am finally free of them.
Glad the topa is helping you. I am allergic to it but found my way through Antabuse.
Whatever it takes!!
CindiAF April 9, 2016
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Topamax - Depression
I took Topa but under a Doc's supervision and I must be honest it definetly helped. I didn't go to my usual GP but i found a female GP who was really amazing and supportive although she hadn't heard of the MWO program nor had she prescribed Topa for AL.
I didn't take a AD, but I was vigilant in taking ALL my supps."The person who says it cannot be done should not interrupt the person doing it"
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Topamax - Depression
WTE, I had to get my topa online, but it helped me enormously, if that helps motivate you! I never thought I could stop drinking daily, and I have over 90 days now. It had a very real, physical impact on me that enabled me to stop. Not a magic bullet, as they say, but definitely a difference. It took me until a few days after I reached 200 mg to really get there, and it's different for everyone, so don't get discouraged if it doesn't happen right away, like in the MWO book. (And BTW, my stomach was chronically sour when I was drinking wine all the time - totally fine once I quit, and I'm on 300 mg of topa now).
Best wishes to you!
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Topamax - Depression
Waiting to Exhale--I have stayed off the antidepressants. I think cutting back on the on the alcohol has helped alleviate the vicious cycle of depression, anxiety, and guilt. Good luck. I've still got a ways to go, but I'm getting there.
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Topamax - Depression
Thank you!! It's a complete miracle, and I'm still astounded every day. I feel like I've been given the biggest cosmic whopper of a gift I could ever imagine.
I found that the stuff that RJ recommends for mental fogginess while taking topa, Adrafinil, seems to help me with drowsiness and act as a mood lifter as well (maybe because it helps with tiredness!). I get it here: Adrafinil (Olmifon) 40x300mg Tablets Biogenesis AntiAging. I take two of the tablets at a time as needed. It's a little expensive ($40/box) but has been well worth it for me.
Hang in there! It will get easier and easier!!
BTW, when the topa kicked in for me, it made red wine taste absolutely horrible - and worse the more you drink. A wonderful deterrent!
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Topamax - Depression
Hi all: Just a tip--if Topa makes you tired during the day, take it at night. It has really helped me a lot. I had lots of trouble shutting off my brain so I could sleep. The racing thoughts seem to be under control now. You should be able to rely on the Kudzu extract and L-Glut for cravings during the day. My doc said another off label use of Topa is for bi-polar mania so I wonder if the depression people are feeling is from the Topa or from alcohol withdrawal? I feel great. I was weepy the first couple or days (and bitchy), but fine now. Best of luck to all. I'm going to keep on keeping on! Looking forward to ever increasing better sleep. Yawn! Kay
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Topamax - Depression
I guess maybe it is coming off of Al, although after this long you would think it would be fully flushed out of my system.
I think I have just stayed relatively "happy" with Al for a long time...just haven't really dealt with or felt anything in really long time. My family and people that know me well have always described me as "balanced" and "even keeled." Never hyper, excitable, jubilant. Never in a terrible mood. And now it's all coming up. I'm vomiting emotion all over the place.
Was put on AD yesterday. Went and saw my doctor, cried for the entire appointment. Cried all day as a matter of fact. And this is not unusual these days.
The topa seems to be working well, I think I just titrated too quickly and that combined with my raw emotions has just been too much.
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Topamax - Depression
Today will be day 6 of Topa for me. Im trying to take it late afternoon since I am still on the 25 mg. The weepies seem to be less today and yesterday. Thankfully. I'm gonna do this really slow.
I feel more anxious than anything. But that could be the Ex stuff still happening and heartbreak crap. At least I am sleeping OK.
I really did feel less cravings yesterday, but then again, switched from white to red wine. Hoping it starts tasting nasty! LOL Thanks for that hint! And made spritzers. And kept busy with kayaking until 930 PM. I DO think Kudzu and the L-Glut helps during the day.
Thanks all! Love you guys!
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Topamax - Depression
Waiting,
Since going on the AD (the one I was put on is a known offender for killing your appetite) this - combined with the topa - has completely killed my desire for drink. It's killed my desire for food at the moment too. And I am on only 75 mg of Topa. Not sure how long this will last, but it sure is nice not having to deal with those cravings. (Just dealing with the depression is enough...)
Hugs to you...I hope you can get some AF days under your belt soon. I think it's important for your confidence long-term...
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Topamax - Depression
The Kudzu and L-Glut definetly helped me during the day. I am still taking it now even though I am not taking the Topa any more and it definetly must be helping as I haven't had a craving in ages - day 43 AF so far and going for 60.
You are both doing great! Stay strong coming up and into the weekend!"The person who says it cannot be done should not interrupt the person doing it"
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