Topamax for bipolar disorder?

I know Topamax is generally prescribed for seizures and migraines but it is also an "off label" mood stabilizer, which is what I'm taking it for.

I was put on Wellbutrin XL a few years ago and it made me pretty irritable so this year they put me on 200mg of Topamax a day. They are sort of iffy about diagnosing me with bipolar disorder, but thats what they are leaning towards. I already have been diagnosed with an anxiety disorder, ADHD and insomnia. I've been dealing with drug addiction the past few years though so they've kept me off all the typical anxiety meds, so I've been a nervous wreck.

Thought I'd give you a little bit of background history before I asked the big question. Anyone else take Topamax as a mood stabilizer? I've been on it for about a month now and feel no different. Just a lot of painful tingling in my feet, my taste for soda is completely ****** up and my memory is also ******. So I'd like some feed back please, if anyone has any. Thank you.

I'm extremely depressed, angry and stressed. I just got out of a behavioral health facility for drug abuse, anger and depression. I don't sleep despite the sleeping pills, I don't eat, and I rarely speak. I've lost 17lbs this month.(I am 5'8, 18 years old and weigh 135lbs at the moment). I scare myself half the time. I feel pretty empty and dull.

I took it for bipolar II. and it helped a lot with my anxiety. Also lost about 15 pounds. I was only on 50 mgs a day also, which is not a lot but just enough for my system.

I took a low dose of topomax to counterbalance some of the effects of my other meds. It was AWFUL. I didn't experience any of the cognitive blunting or memory loss--many people do, including my cousin--but I was SO depressed I just bawled and bawled. There are many superior mood stabilizers available. In fact, Topomax is not highly regarded at all. Ask your doctor about a low dose of lithium, or just about anything else. I hate to see a compatriate on topomax :(

Just like the person above me I suffered a lot of side effects of Topamax. I took 150 mg a day and it was awful. I got these weird pins and needles feeling in my hands and feet. I started suffering memory loss. I took mine for headaches but it didn't help. There has to be other meds out there for you to take. I'd stay away from this one. Also, if you already started taking it and want to stop you have to lower your dosage slowly. If you stop suddenly you may develop seizures from it.