"i have taken topamax for bipolar twice. first for three years then now for a year. do not know why i ever went off! this has been great for me after 25 years on lithium which was like living under 4 wet wool blankets. i also tried depakote which only increased the weight gain and depression. at first, the side effects were a bit rough even at the initial very low dose of 25 mg. very sleepy and tingly of hands and feet. but they pass, they really do. it may take a week of just being exhausted even when you increase your dose. the appetite depressant is wonderful. also cuts down on general anxiety. takes the real edge off the hypomania. i have not had any of the problems with finding words, etc. "