Brand name:
Topamax
Pronounced: TOW-pah-macks
Generic name: Topiramate
Why is this drug prescribed?
Topamax is an antiepileptic drug, prescribed to control both the
mild attacks known as partial seizures and the severe tonic-clonic
convulsions known as grand mal seizures. It is typically added to the
treatment regimen when other drugs fail to fully control a patient's attacks.
Most important fact about this drug
Do not abruptly stop taking Topamax. If the drug isn't withdrawn
gradually, the frequency of your seizures could increase.
How should you take this medication?
It is important to take this medication exactly as prescribed. It
can be taken with or without food. Avoid breaking the tablets; the
medication has a bitter taste.
Topamax increases your risk of developing kidney stones. To
prevent this problem, be sure to take this medication with plenty of
fluids.
--If you miss a dose...
Take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your
next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular
schedule. Never take two doses at once.
--Storage instructions...
Store Topamax at room temperature in a tightly-closed
container. Protect the tablets from moisture.
What side effects may occur?
Some side effects, such as fatigue, are more likely to surface
with high doses of Topamax. Others occur regardless of dosage. While many
tend to disappear after the first 8 weeks of therapy, it's still important
to report them to your doctor. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe
for you to continue taking Topamax.
- More common side effects may include:
Abdominal pain,
abnormal coordination,
abnormal vision,
agitation,
anxiety,
appetite loss,
back pain,
breast pain,
chest pain,
confusion,
constipation,
depression,
difficulty with concentration,
difficulty with memory,
dizziness,
double vision,
drowsiness,
fatigue,
flu-like symptoms,
indigestion,
involuntary eye movement,
language problems,
leg pain,
loss of coordination,
menstrual problems,
mood problems,
nausea,
nervousness,
rash,
sinusitis,
slowing of movements,
sore throat,
speech problems,
tingling or burning sensations,
tremors,
upper respiratory infection,
weakness,
weight loss
- Less common side effects may include:
Abnormal gait,
abnormal menstrual bleeding,
acne,
aggressiveness,
apathy,
bladder infection,
changes in taste,
bloody urine,
body odor,
bronchitis,
cough,
decreased awareness,
decreased mobility,
decreased sensitivity,
diarrhea,
digestive inflammation,
dry mouth,
exaggerated sense of well being,
eye pain,
feelings of illness,
feelings of unreality,
fever,
fluid retention,
frequent urination,
gas,
gum inflammation,
hair loss,
hallucinations,
headache,
hearing difficulties,
heart palpitations,
hot flushes,
hyperactivity,
impotence,
increased sweating,
irritable bladder,
joint pain,
kidney stones,
loss of balance,
loss of consciousness,
low sex drive,
mood swings,
muscle ache,
muscle tension,
muscle weakness,
nosebleeds,
painful or difficult urination,
personality problems,
pinkeye,
ringing in the ears,
sensitivity to touch,
severe itching,
shivers,
shortness of breath,
sleeplessness,
suicidal tendencies,
swelling,
vaginal infection,
vomiting,
weight gain,
Topamax has also been known to cause a number of very rare side
effects (typically striking less than one person in a hundred). If you
develop any unfamiliar problems while taking Topamax, report them to your
doctor.
Why should this drug not be prescribed?
If Topamax gives you an allergic reaction, you'll be unable to
use the drug.
Special warnings about this medication
Because Topamax sometimes causes confusion, dizziness, fatigue,
and problems with coordination and concentration, you should not drive,
operate machinery, or participate in any hazardous activity that requires
full mental alertness until you are certain how the drug affects you.
Tell your doctor if you have kidney problems or if you are on
hemodialysis. Your dosage of Topamax may need adjustment. Also make
sure the doctor is aware of any liver disorder you may have. Topamax
must be used cautiously by individuals with impaired liver function.
Possible food and drug interactions when taking this medication
If Topamax is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of
either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially
important to check with your doctor before combining Topamax with:
Acetazolamide (Diamox)
Carbamazepine (Tegretol)
Dichlorphenamide (Daranide)
Digoxin (Lanoxin)
Phenytoin (Dilantin)
Oral contraceptives
Valproic acid (Depakene)
Topamax can depress the central nervous system. Be extremely
cautious about combining it with alcohol, sedatives, tranquilizers, and
other central nervous system depressants.
Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
In animal studies, Topamax has caused harm to the developing fetus,
and its safety has not been verified in pregnant humans. It is recommended
for use during pregnancy only if the doctor feels that its potential benefit
outweighs the potential risk to the infant.
This medication may appear in breast milk, and its possible effect
on the nursing infant remains unknown. Check with your doctor if you plan
to breastfeed your baby.
Recommended dosage
ADULTS
Topamax therapy usually begins with a dose of 50 milligrams once
daily during the first week. The daily dosage is then increased each
week until, by the eighth week, the patient is taking 200 milligrams twice
a day.
For people with poor kidney function, the dosage is usually cut
in half. On the other hand, those undergoing hemodialysis may need
a supplemental dose.
If you are also taking Dilantin or Tegretol, the dosage of Topamax
may need adjustment. Likewise, the doctor may adjust your dosage if you
have liver problems.
CHILDREN
The safety and effectiveness of Topamax in children have not
been established.
Overdosage
Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you suspect
an overdose, seek medical attention immediately.
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