Topamax and flat/dull/down mood in the beginning?

[canadiangirl312]

Hi,

I'm new here and am really grateful that I found this site! I am 47 and have bipolar type 2 disorder with alcohol use disorder. Wow, that's the first time I've said that out loud! Anyhow, I just started on Topamax 25 mg. at night on Nov. 2nd for a week and then titrated up to 50 mg. at night, which has now increased to 50 mg. at night and 25 mg. in the morning. Within 2 weeks of starting this medication I was writing in my journal that I was feeling 'flat'. I didn't want to get out of bed. Didn't feel like exercising (I usually go to the gym 4-5 days per week). I just felt "blah". I also have dry mouth and heart burn. Prior to taking Topamax my mood and energy level was very good. I must say that I am not craving alcohol (I used to think a lot about buying my next bottle of wine) which is awesome, but having lived with depression my entire adult life, I'm not sure I want to live my life FLAT. Do these side effects go away with time? Thanks in advance (TIA). J

[neophyte]

no idea about topamax, its fallen out of favor here compared to baclofen or naltrexone (using the sinclair method).

As to this forum it's been riddled with trolls, you will see a lot of strange threads about psychedelics and other rubbish. People who were knowledgeable made a different forum where there is better moderation, so i suggest you make your post there, you might find people on topamax there

General Discussion | Alcohol Medication

as to using baclofen, that might not be a good idea if you have bipolar, though you have bipolar type 2, which is a less sever form, also sounds like your problem is more depression rather than bipolar since you dont mention any mania phases just depression. do you think your diagnosis is accurate? the reason why baclfoen might not be for you is that it can cause psychotic symptoms in those with existing certain psychiatric conditions, though its outcomes in studies show the best success rates vs other medications, if this is a concern then i would look to naltrexone.