Generic Name(s): Topiramate

This medication description is not meant for treatment prescription without the intervention of a specialist

Common Uses:

Topamax is used for: Treating seizures in certain patients. It may be used alone or with other medicines. It is also used to prevent migraine headaches. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor. Topamax is an anticonvulsant that is also effective for preventing migraine headaches. It affects several chemicals in the brain that help to reduce seizure activity and prevent migraine headaches from occurring.

How to use:

Use Topamax as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

    * Take Topamax by mouth with or without food.
* Drink plenty of fluids while taking Topamax to prevent kidney stones from forming.
* Swallow Topamax whole. Do not crush, break, or chew before swallowing.
* Do not suddenly stop taking Topamax . Suddenly stopping Topamax may cause seizures to occur more often. If you need to stop Topamax , your doctor will gradually lower your dose. * If you miss a dose of Topamax , take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once. Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Topamax .

Warning and Precautions:

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. Topamax has been known to cause a potentially serious condition known as metabolic acidosis (an increase of acid in the blood). In children, chronic metabolic acidosis may affect growth or cause rickets (a softening or weakness of the bones that can lead to bone deformities). Contact your doctor immediately if you experience symptoms of metabolic acidosis such as rapid breathing, an irregular heartbeat, confusion, lethargy, fatigue, or loss of appetite. Your doctor will decide if you should discontinue taking Topamax. Do not abruptly stop taking Topamax on your own; your doctor will gradually taper the dosage to avoid an increase in seizures. Topamax has been known to trigger severe nearsightedness along with increased pressure inside the eye. The problem usually occurs within 1 month of starting treatment. If you develop blurred vision or eye pain, call your doctor immediately. Discontinuation of the drug may be necessary to prevent permanent vision loss.

In children with chronic diarrhea or untreated kidney disorders, use of Topamax may lead to rickets and reduced growth rates. Tell your doctor if you have kidney problems or if you are on hemodialysis; your dosage of Topamax may need adjustment. Elderly patients in particular may experience reduced kidney function when taking Topamax. 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.

Important safety information:

* Topamax may cause drowsiness, dizziness, confusion, or trouble concentrating. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Topamax with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
* Do not drink alcohol or use medicines that may cause drowsiness (eg, sleep aids, muscle relaxers) while you are using Topamax ; it may add to their effects. Ask your pharmacist if you have questions about which medicines may cause drowsiness.
* Topamax may reduce sweating, which could raise body temperature, especially in children. This risk is greater in hot weather and/or during vigorous exercise. Drink plenty of fluids. Dress lightly while in hot climates or when exercising. Check carefully for signs of decreased sweating. If this occurs, promptly seek cooler or air-conditioned shelter and/or stop exercising. Seek medical attention right away if you have unexplained fever, or if you have mental or mood changes, headache, or dizziness.
* Tell your doctor or dentist that you take Topamax before you receive any medical or dental care, emergency care, or surgery.
* Hormonal birth control (eg, birth control pills) may not work as well while you are using Topamax . To prevent pregnancy, use an extra form of birth control (eg, condoms).
* Lab tests, including serum bicarbonate levels, may be performed while you use Topamax . These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
* Use Topamax with caution in the ELDERLY; they may be more sensitive to its effects.
* Caution is advised when using Topamax in CHILDREN; they may be more sensitive to its effects, especially decreased sweating and decreased bicarbonate levels.
* Topamax may affect growth rate in CHILDREN and teenagers in some cases. They may need regular growth checks while they take Topamax .
* Topamax should be used with extreme caution in CHILDREN for migraines and in CHILDREN younger than 2 years old for seizures; safety and effectiveness in these children have not been confirmed.
* PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Topamax while you are pregnant. Topamax is found in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you use Topamax , check with your doctor. Discuss any possible risks to your baby.

Side Effects:

Any of the medicine can cause side effects. If the side effects occur seek medical attention or consult with your doctor for more information. Anyway such common side effects may bother you:  Abdominal pain, abnormal coordination, abnormal vision, agitation, anorexia, 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, language problems, leg pain, loss of coordination, menstrual problems, mood problems, nausea, nervousness, nose inflammation, rash, sinusitis, slowing of movements, sore throat, speech problems, tingling or burning sensations, tremors, weakness, weight loss

 
Overdose:

Almost any medicine taking in excess doses without consultation with your doctor can cause an overdose. Symptoms of Topamax overdose may include:
Abdominal pain, agitation, blurred vision, convulsions, depression, dizziness, double vision, drowsiness, impaired coordination, impaired mental activity, low blood pressure, reduced consciousness, severe diarrhea, sluggishness, speech problems

Missed Dose:

If your doctor gave you strict instructions not to miss dose and if you missed one take the missed dose as soon as you remembered. If it is time for your next dose, skip it and continue taking you medicine regularly. Do not double the medicine. It can cause severe side effects.

Do not use this medicine:

if you have any allergic reaction to any component of this medicine or if you are taking a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor (eg, acetazolamide)

Storage conditions:

Topamax should be kept away from heat, direct light, water, moisture at a room temperature (approximately 23 degrees C ). The medicine should be kept in a place unreachable for children.

All information given above is a summary. You must visit your doctor, pharmacies or health care provider can provide more information about this medicine. Do not share this medicine with others for whom it was not prescribed. Do not use this medicine for other health conditions. Do not store medication with end term of storage.