Is anyone else experiencing depression on the medications?

Question

I am taking Topamax and Lamictal. Topamax says that it is a depressant, see http://www.pslgroup.com/dg/eb8ea.htm. Would these or would these not counteract with each other? I seem to always be depressed, my hands shake and I get very irritable and sometimes take it out on my kids or boyfriend, generally whoever is nearest. I have tried talking to my doctor (in which I hate, I am not racist in the least so please don't take it that way, but he comes over here from another country gets a license saying he's a doctor so thinks he knows it all) and he says that he will not give me anything for it. I don't know what else to do and it is driving me nuts! I am tired of taking it out on everyone else, but this medication seems to be what works best for me.

Answer 1

Obviously, these meds are not working for you. Topamax is an anti convulsant, also used for bi-polar, and prevention of migraines. One of the side effects can be mood changes. Sound familiar? Lamictal is also an epilepsy drug used for bipolar. Read very carefully all the side effects. If you cannot talk to this doc, find another one.

You don;t say exactly what you are taking these for, but I am assuming bipolar?

And, you didn't say the dose. Meds can cause all kinds of side effects. Try talking to your doctor calmly. If that doesn't help, get a new one. I have "fired" doctors before! :o)

Answer 2

i am currently taking prozach and trazadone and i have been on them for about 8 mounths and still seem to be depressed and not feel any differnt my cutting has not got any better my medican is not seem to do anything

Answer 3

A lot of psych meds take a long time to work.  I would find out how look it usually takes these meds to work.  One month to two is a broad rule of thumb.  You have to give them a chance.  Some pscyh meds do intensify depression.

Botton line:  Find another doctor.  It is harder to be helped by someone you don't like.  

Other ideas:  Some people find cognitive therapy helpful.  You would need to find a therapist that does that.  Meditation often can alleviate depression.  I would recommend finding a meditation group if you do that.

Answer 4

That's bad hes obviously not being sympathetic so why not see a different doctor if thats possible?

Answer 5

Ask to change doctors .... or better still go to another surgery (in person) and tell them you want to change doctors - for the reasons you say .... you can also ask for a referral to a specialist (your doctor can't refuse) to check out what your medication is doing ..... or at worse you could take yourself off to A&E and speak with someone there - explaining that you fear for your safety and safety of your family because of the way you feel and you feel the medication is making you like this.... you can then also tell them about how your doctor is treating you ..... it is possible that the dosage you are on is too high ... or perhaps these are the side effects and there are other alternative medications you can have instead..... I only speak from experience of a thyroid condition - treated with 40mg Carbimazole - my response to this level is very much like the way you are describing you feel.... but when I spoke to my consultant he lowered my dosage to 10mg - hey presto!  All the negative symptoms have now diminished to almost non-existent .... don't take no for an answer from your doctor .... be proactive about your health ......

good luck

:)