Topamax alternatives

[jezmin]

I started taking topamax about 3 years ago, and for the first time in my life I drank like a social drinker. It made me think about alcohol completely different. However, the effects didn't last. I've seemed to have slipped back to my old ways. I dont know if I've developed a tolerance for topamax or because of circumstances, such as my daughter committing suicide 2 years ago that has caused me to slip back. But I don't want to be this way, I'm just looking for answers. Are there any other alternatives?

[MWOLady]

Topamax alternatives

Jezmin, there are no words to express my sorrow for you at your loss of your daughter. What a terrible pain in your heart. Drinking might seem like a balm for your sore heart but it really isn't is it? Did you drink right over the Topamax? It is not as strong as baclofen, for example, but if you try to abstain while taking Topamax and use some of the other things recommended in the My Way Out book, like the hypnosis tapes and the diet, and exercise it might work for you this time.

Would you consider trying it again? In addition to the Topamax, I'm using GABA to calm my anxiety, and 5HTP to help me sleep and I find the combination helping a lot.

I'm sure others will be along to offer other suggestions too. Good luck to you, and please stay around so we can get to know you.

[sunshinedaisies]

Topamax alternatives

Jezmin - I am so sorry to hear about your daughter. that must have been such a stressful time for you - I am amazed and impressed that you did as well as you did regarding AL through that difficult period.

Are you still taking the Topa? What dose do you take? If you are still taking it, and are not on a high dose, could you maybe go up a little? Just a thought..... If you are on the 300mg daily, then you can't really go up any more - but there are lots of other options on this website. I am sure that others will come along and also reply to you - but there is naltrexone, Baclofen, Campral - have a read through the threads. If you had a grip on AL for a while, maybe you should check out the Tool Box - (please can someone link it for me as I don't know how to) and manage being AF without meds? Try AA if that might help for you?

Welcome to the website anyway - you have come to a good place - lots of help, support and good stuff to read. I wish you all the best,

Sun

[jezmin]

Topamax alternatives

Thanks so much for the good advice! I'll definitely take all of it into consideration. My DR. Has recently taken me off topamax and put me on Keppra. I've been taking meds for seizure control since I was 9 yrs. old, however it's been over 20 yrs. Since I've had a seizure. I've been on Phenobarbitol, Depekote, Topamax, and now Keppra, all with a host of side effects. I was taking 400mg of Topa 2x a day. I was wondering would any of these meds such as Baclofen interact with my seizure meds or even worse, cause seizures. Also, where can I find a DR. that would prescribe such medications? I've already been to outpatient care several years ago and meetings. The counceling helps, but I don't like on going meetings for the rest of my life. I don't drink everyday, or have withdrawls, it's just hard to stop at one drink, sometimes that can lead to trouble the next day because it can sometimes make me feel like I'm going to have a seizure. You would think thats enough to teach me a lesson, but I always think "well next time I'll be more careful". And sooner or later I screw up again. I'm really glad I've found this site, and thanks again for the reply's and advice so far, and I wish all of you the very best!!

[spacebebe01]

Topamax alternatives

Hi Jemzin and welcome back, I am so sorry for your loss of your daughter, I do not have the words to say what I would like to you.
I take antabuse and it has been great in stopping me drinking. I have spent years trying to stop in so many other ways and failing it is wonderful to be free of drinking at last. I have not taken topamax and dont know anything about it but I take low dose bac to help me with anxiety and depression, I dont know if that would be of any help to you, there is also a high dose baclofen route that many on here do that seems to be a great help in stopping drinking, have a good look around this site and have a read, there is lots of support and advice around here, I dont think I would be sober today if it wasnt for taking the meds and coming on here for support. I do hope you find the help you want and send you my best wishes

[MWOLady]

Topamax alternatives

Hi Jezmin. Hope you will keep stopping by and posting so we can keep in touch with you. Sounds like you have an interesting drug history, with some danger of interaction that you need to watch carefully.

I was a daily drinker which is a little different from people who drink sporadically, but have trouble stopping once they start. You might try Naltrexone. You may want to check out The Sinclair Method. With this method you would take one .50 mg Naltrexone tablet one hour before you had a drink. If you are interested the method is fully explained on their site. Many people have had great success.

I hope you stick around. It's always nice to meet new people and share stories

[jezmin]

Topamax alternatives

Thank you all so much for taking the time to respond to my inquiries. You've been very helpful and insightful to getting me on the right path. This website has truly been a godsend!