Topamax vs Nexatrone?

[laylah]

I am alcohol dependent suffering from Bi-polar II. My shrink has suggested I try one of these drugs to help with the manic part of my bi-polar but they also curb urges to drink. Anyone?

[Kajsa]

1. I'm not familiar with either one, Laylah.

Hopefully, someone here is.

It's good to see you back here.

:pals:

[laylah]

3. Long time coming,

huh? :hug: Thanks for your response.

[Journeyman]

2. If you want a second opinion, please seek one from a qualified professional. . .

and don't rely on either anonymous posters on an internet discussion board or the musings of some alcoholic at a meeting.

To put this as bluntly as possible, I knew an alcoholic who committed suicide after well-intentioned fools at an AA meeting encouraged him to "stop taking all drugs," including those prescribed by his doctor for his mental condition. Oh, they thought they were helping him, but to them drugs were drugs and had to be avoided at all cost. Unfortunately, the cost was borne entirely by Tom. The others were left free to continue dispensing idiotic advice, all in the name of "helping people get well."

So while there are undoubtedly very qualified people on this board and in AA who can offer a learned opinion on your question, you don't know that for certain. As your health -- indeed, as Tom showed, your life -- could be in the balance, I strongly urge you to find a second (and maybe even a third or fourth) opinion from someone you can unquestionably trust.

[laylah]

4. What a dear you are...

however, my shrink suggested Topomax for the bi-polar II stuff, as well as the alcohol stuff. I had just heard about Nexatrone and was wanting opinions for anyone that may have taken either one.

:hug: Thanks SO much for your wise advice.

[Journeyman]

5. My misunderstanding. . .

It sounds like you have a good handle on your situation, laylah, and will take the advice you receive with the proper attitude.

Ever since the unfortunate incident with Tom, I've been hypercritical of anyone advising an alcoholic on what drugs they should or should not take. I wasn't there the night Tom was advised to give up his medications, and I'll always regret I didn't have the opportunity to dissuade him from such a rash choice.

Best of luck with all your trying to do to improve your life.

[KitchenWitch]

9. I am a long time member of AA who HATES people who "practice medicine from the podium"

[laylah]

11. Hi Kitchy...

I agree; however, it was a psychiatrist that recommended one of those meds. My psychologist refused either of them because of current medical conditions. Instead, he has put me on zyprexa, to be taken at bedtime. It appears to be working, no anxiety attacks since I started it last Sunday night and I am sleeping much better. Also, feel much better at work, more focused and other than a little twit who enjoys stirring up trouble, have not let much of anything bother me. I feel better since I cannot tell you when and have not had any real urge to "imbibe".

Thanks for the response :hug:

[conscious evolution]

10. I second this advice

Practicing medicine without a liscense is a crime for a reason.

[no name no slogan]

6. If you're like me, you drink when you're manic (or hypomanic)

I am also bipolar, and when I am manic, I drink. A lot. Enough so that it is a problem, although I am not an alcoholic (at least, according to the shrinks I've seen). In fact, a lot of BPs I know tend to drink a lot when they're manic. Also alcoholism appears much more frequently in BPs than in the general population. There's no doubt in my mind that the two are closely related.

I'm not a doctor, but I would guess that once your mania is under control you may lose some of the compulsion to drink. And if taking the drugs (in a responsible, prescribed way) helps you, I say go for it.

[laylah]

7. Thank you!...

:hug:

[no name no slogan]

8. Hope it works out for you!

It's always difficult with a dual diagnosis-- especially since many drugs that may help you may also cause dependency. I was hospitalized once with a guy with a major anxiety disorder who was also addicted to benzos (Xanax, Klonopin, Valium, etc.), which is the major class of drug used to treat-- wait for it-- anxiety disorders. You have the unfortunate burden of having to be extra careful with your medications, but I bet you can do it.

Good luck laylah and keep us updated! :hug: