Anyone taking Topamax / Topomax for depression only? not bipolar, migraines, epilepsy, etc...?

Question

Just wondering if anyone is or has taken Topamax for major depression? Here's my situation-
I was on Effexor XR for a year & gained 30 lbs so my Psy dr. had me wean off Effexor while beginning 50mg of Topamax with an increase to 100mg after 4 wks........After 2 wks on the Topamax & weaning off Effexor I began to get extremely moody, irritable, angry, etc... & just quit the Topamax the same day I finished off Effexor, never making it to the 100mg...Now, I'm feeling, depressed, anxiety is sky-rocketing, etc... Help! Everything I read speaks of Topamax being used for migraines, seizures, bi-polar, and nothing about major depression?
I'll add that I was to go back to the Dr. after the 4th week to begin some 'patch' antidepressant to go along with the Topamax but canceled my appointment:( I have another one mid-December--Dr. wants me to try Topamax again. I'm scared & don't want to take meds but think I need them & definitely could use the weight loss side effect!
Mid-30's

Additional Details

BTW, I'm using Xanax to help with the anxiety--

One more update-- I forgot to mention that my 'primary physician' calls it 'major' depression & my Psych Dr. calls it 'atypical' depression---

Answer 1

Best Answer - Chosen by Voters

You probably needed to go off the Effexor slower.

I would start the Topomax as was directed by your doctor. It might help with the moodiness, irritablitiy, etc...

I was on Topomax (to help with the weight gain of my Bipolar meds) but honestly, it did not do anything!!! I did not lose a pound....

Just because a med says it is for something, it does not mean that doctors do not use it for other conditions. Look at the antipsychotics....they were made for schizaphrenia, but everyone takes them now...depressed people, bipolar people, etc.

Also CALL YOUR DOCTOR for an appointment sooner

Source(s):

Below is incorrect....Topomax is used as a mood stabilizer for some people. Just like many of the other drugs that are not FDA approved, they are used for different things...like Tegretal which is used for Bipolar but not FDA approved.

I don't think you have a mood disorder if the Effexor helped you in the passed. In general, people with mood disorders are not affected by anti-depressants. People with mood disorders need mood stabilizers and antidepressants only make them go into mania.

Answer 2

I called the Topamax hotline. They said it's only FDA approved for migraines, seizures and nothing else. It's not made to help depression or bipolar disorder (it doesn't have the ingredients to do that). Topamax can be used with some mood stabilizers that cause weight gain as Topamax causes weight loss. You need a new doctor. You don't have unipolar depression (depression only). You have a mood disorder (that's what the anxiety is all about). See a bipolar specialist at least for a second opinion.

Answer 3

http://www.neurologyreviews.com/feb04/nr…