Topamax

Drug Uses
 

Topamax is an anticonvulsant that is used to treat certain type of seizures especially in children who are 2 years of age or older. In adults, it is effective in reducing migraine headaches.

How it is taken

Topamax can be taken by mouth with or without food. Increase your fluid intake while taking the drug to prevent the formation of kidney stones.

Take it for the entire duration of treatment preferably at the same time everyday.

Do not stop without consulting your doctor as it may increase your chances of getting seizures. The best way to use the drug is as recommended by your doctor.

Missed Dosage

If you miss a dose of Topamax then you may take it as soon as you remember and adjust the remaining doses accordingly. However, if it is nearly time for the next dose then you may skip this dose and continue with the regular dosage. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed dose.

Storage

Store it at room temperature (between between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C) in an air tight container protecting it from direct exposure to light, heat and moisture. Keep away from pets and children.
 

.

Warnings/Precautions
Discuss with your doctor about any prior medical condition that you may have including allergies to medicines, food or other substances, if you have status epilepticus (continuous seizure activity or a series of seizures without a full return to consciousness), if you have liver or kidney problems, kidney stones, or regularly consume alcohol, have diarrhea, a respiratory tract disease, or you are scheduled for surgery, if you are on a diet that increases the amount of ketones in your blood and results in fruity–smelling breath.

You must not take if you are allergic to any ingredient in it or you are already taking other carbonic anhydrase inhibitors (eg, acetazolamide).

If you are pregnant or suspect that you are, then stop using Topamax and contact your doctor immediately.

It is unknown whether Topamax is secreted in breast milk. Avoid breast feeding while using the drug.

Certain drugs can interact with and hence, mention clearly to your doctor or pharmacist all medicines, dietary supplements and herbal prescriptions that you are taking.

Topamax reduces sweating and the risk of this happening increases manifold in hot weather and during vigorous exercise. Check for signs of reduced sweating. Drink plenty of fluids to prevent this from happening and get into an air conditioned room if this occurs.

Seek immediate medical attention if your body temperature is above normal, or if you have mental or mood changes, headache, or dizziness. Additional monitoring of your dose or condition may be needed if you are taking other medicines that reduce sweating.

If your doctor has prescribed a potassium supplement to you, then keep taking it according to the prescribed dosage.

Topamax may affect your blood sugar level. Contact your doctor immediately if this occurs.

Topamax should not be used in children under 2 years of age as the safety and effectiveness of the drug have not been confirmed yet.

Ensure that you inform your doctor and your dentist about Topamax before receiving any form of medical treatment or dental treatment or emergency surgery.
 

Possible Side Effects
Some of the common side effects of are abnormal skin sensations (numbness or tingling, decreased sensitivity), abnormal walking, agitation or aggression, appetite loss, back pain, breast pain, change in speech, clumsiness, coordination decreased, confusion, constipation, decreased hearing, decreased sweating, depression, diarrhea, dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, fatigue, flu–like symptoms, hot flushes, injury, indigestion, infection, itching, leg pain, menstrual disorder, mood swings, muscle pain or contractions, nausea, nervousness, runny nose, saliva increased, sex drive decreased, sinus swelling, skin disorder, stomach ache, strange taste, sore throat, thinking problems, thirst, tremor, unstable emotions, vomiting. Please contact your doctor if the symptoms persist or become bothersome.

Other severe side effects include allergic reactions (rash, hives, difficulty breathing, tightness in the chest, swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue), blood in the urine, blurred vision or sudden worsening of vision, chest pain, difficulty concentrating, fast, deep breathing, feeling of moving slowly, increased body temperature, irregular heartbeat, loss of consciousness, memory problems, painful/red eyes, prostate problems, severe stomach pain, significant weight loss, speech problems, stupor, unexplained fever, unusual eye movements, unusual tiredness, urinary incontinence, urinary tract infection.

You must seek medical attention immediately if any of these side effects occur.