Understanding Topamax and Alcohol Dependency

[4tops]

I 've taken zoloft for 10 years, for depression, only to ever increase my drinking (now bottle of wine/night). Do I understand correctly that Topa. might could be added to the zoloft to increase it's effectiveness, and aid in the craving of the wine? Like, it does something in the brain that the wine does, but the zoloft fails to do?

Please advise a Day 2 Newbie!

[allowingtoo]

I don't know about Topa AND Zoloft together. I was telling a friend of mine about Topa and she says her daughter takes Topa for depression. I don't know what dosage she takes or anything. Best to ask your doctor.

Have you read the MWO book by RJ?

[Fresh Hope]

I truly believe there is a connection to Antidepression use and increased drinking ...look for this thread to read other’s comments and experiences. I think there is comment from RJ about studies/research on this topic. I have had the exact same experience as you. Never really drank until I started on Zoloft and gradually built up a habit of wine nightly. I hated it and did not understand it until researched and found it was an issue for many. Like most, when I mentioned it to my Doctor, he had never heard of the connection.... the usual response until the traditional medical community has many years of study and stats to give them the courage and confidence to listen to their patient.

I am now Zoloft free, after many months of slowly weaning, which is crucial!! I have also been successful in moderating AL, less than half of my past use and have had many AF days, with up to a week at once here and there. The gradual trend for me is less all the time and though it is slower than I would like, it is changing and I feel it will continue to go in that direction.

I have no experience with topa but there is tons of info here on topa. I started the supplement program and I believe the kudzu and the entire combo of supps does really help. For me it took a little while for all of it to “ kick in” but it does work.


HOPE N' HEALING: Rebuilding Bodies & Minds from the Adverse Effects of Antidepressants - Login this is a link to HOPE N' HEALING: Rebuilding Bodies & Minds from the Adverse Effects of Antidepressants try reading here for much more on AL and AD use effects etc. You have found a great place for support and info at MWO, write back and tell us how you are. AND be kind to yourself, you can improve your situation. If you want to PM me I can tell you more about my journey to be try to be AF and AD free.

Good Luck
FH

[Larisa]

Just my experience - I've been taking Celexa & Wellbutrin for years depression. They didn't do anything that affected alcohol cravings either way (but Zoloft may be different). I started the topa a few weeks ago; am now on 300 mg. It helps tremendously. I have about 38 AF days, where the most I'd had in the past 7 years was 5.

[allowingtoo]

Just curious - but isn't 10 years an awful long time to be on any one kind of anti depressant? When I was on them my doctors were constantly changing me around after a year or so - maybe it was because I was on free health care at the time and they were going with the flow or whatever was being pushed at the time

[Larisa]

I've been on mine for 5 or so...haven't had anyone warn me about needing to change or stop, but that's just been my experience.

[KatieMA]

Hi, Newbie here......... I take Citalopram (Celexa) and I'm very curious to see whether my doctor will prescribe Topamax......I have had good luck with my depression thanks to Celexa (3 years), and would love to some day taper off to see if I don't need it anymore, but my gut tells me I should become AF before attempting to wean off of AD. I am studying this site, the book, and the supplements before I actually jump in and do this, so thanks for being here, and I would love to hear from anyone who takes both antidepressants and topomax.

Thanks!!

[4tops]

I have taken the med for that time, 10 years, with varying dosages, and a few breaks (bad, bad), and a short stint with Lexapro and Wellbutrin. The Zoloft seems to work best, and each time I've weaned down, I finally crash. I thought I might just have to take it for a post partum period, but I think I'm a long-timer. I can look back and see now that I probably suffered depression starting as early as adolescence. I am going to ask my doc about the topa this week when I go. I'll report back!