Topamax and lack of sleep

I am going to begin taking 25 mg of Topamax at bedtime tonight. After reading all of these posts I am a scared. I was prescribed Topamax for bipolar disorder. I am currently taking Lamictal as well. I always gain weight on psychotropic drugs and need to lose about 15 lbs (all of which I have gained over the course of being on Lamictal). Any who-my psychiatrist said that this medication may help counteract the weight gain I have experienced. Although I do not consider my self an overeater now. I do hope that it helps me to not like the taste of sodas though. I am addicted to Mt. Dew and caffeine, which I wouldn't mind stopping. Anyway, I am supposed to increase my dosage by 25mg per week until I reach 75mg per day. I am also supposed to go back and see my doctor before I increase the dosage beyond 75mg. I just hope I do not have the horrible side effects I have read here. Some of them I know I can deal with especially if they are temporary but the anxiety/depression/shortness of breath/lack of energy/morbid thoughts are the main ones that concern me. My psychiatrist said that with this medication I should drink plenty of water. He said that it could cause headaches and other side effects if I'm not sure to drink plenty of fluids with this medication. So, I am planning on hydrating myself really well today before taking it this evening. I'll post back and let you know how the side effects are going. Is anyone else on a combination of Lamictal and Topamax or on it for bipolar disorder? I'd like to hear more of your experiences.

I've been on Topamax for over a year for hormonal migraines, and it's working great for the headaches. I started out at 25mg twice a day and now I'm up to 100mg twice a day. I've lost 40lb (mostly due to the drug -- but my appetite is starting to come back) and have just recently started experiencing the anxiety and tingling in the extremities. I've always felt I've had trouble concentrating and "finding the word", but I attributed it to lack of sleep because I have two small children. My most recent side effect, however, is most worrisome, which is the reason for my visit to this website. I am experiencing severe abdominal pain, almost constant, and it seems to be increasing. I had abdominal pain and diarrhea when I first started Topamax last year, but it stopped after the first month or so. I'm just wondering if maybe long term use can cause ulcers or other stomach problems. Anyone have any experience with this? I know from experience that Topamax dosages have to gradually weaned up and down, so I'm considering decreasing my dosage to see if my stomach problems will stop. I'm just in so much pain, yet my migraines have almost stopped now with 200mg a day, that I'm reluctant to change my dose.

I have been on this drug now for 4 months. The first week i did experience the loopines and the loss of memory. My symptons went a way it has been a god send I have lost 37 lbs and also am sleeping (I have chronic lack of sleep issures) this has been the best drug I have been prescribed after being diagnosed with bi-polar disease. I has helped even out emotional swings and has allowed me to live a more normal life. I am a great fan of this drug...THANKS DR.!!!!!!!
HIGGY21965

I started Topamax about a week ago. Also after starting Depakote which made me gain weight. They stated they would start me on the Topamax due to help with the migraines that I have had all my life and weight loss. I had a recent MRI which stated that I have been having mini strokes. I am a 30 yr old single mom.. Who now has been at home for a week because I feel so ill. My doctor has me taking Topamax at night and I am not sure if anyone else has had these problems but I am really confused between dreams and reality. I wake and think that there are things there. That really are not there at all. Then because I am scared to fall asleep because of what I might dream of since they are all nightmares and I cant seem to get out of them even when I am awake. I feel like crap the next day and have a migraine. Due to lack of sleep. I also deal with Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue. I tell the doctors that I am always falling alseep at work. All the meds they give me make me sleepy anyways on top of that. I work 2 miles from where I live and I cant make it sometimes without falling asleep at the wheel. I do not understand why these doctors do not see fit to help me more. This is all affecting my job and life...