TOPAMAX – Topiramate

Topamax Used For

Topamax (Topiramate) is prescribed with other medications to control seizures and prevent migraine headaches.

Directions for Topamax medication

The recommended starting dosage of Topamax for use as an anticonvulsant in adults is 25 or 50 mg a day for the first week, which can then be gradually increased to not exceed 400 mg a day. For children between the ages of 2 to 16 years, the starting dose is recommended at 25 mg once a day at night for the first week which may then be titrated every week or bi-weekly to be taken in two divided doses. For preventing migraine headaches, adults can be started at 25 mg for the first week and then titrated gradually every week as needed and tolerated without exceeded 100 mg a day. The use for children must be determined by the doctor.

How Topamax tablet works

It is important to continue taking Topamax to prevent seizures from recurring and this medication should not be stopped suddenly. Patients on Topamax must carry or wear an identification tag informing others that they are on this medication in case of an emergency. Topamax may cause dizziness or drowsiness and may make driving, operating machinery or performing other hazardous activities. Alcohol should not be used while on this medicaiton as it may increase the sedative effect of Topamax. It may also increase the risk of having a seizure. Unless otherwise directed by your doctor, drink several extra glasses of fluid daily during treatment with Topamax to minimize risk of side effects. Extra fluid also becomes necessary during hot weather, vigorous exercise, and illness (e.g., fever, vomiting, diarrhea). Topamax is known to cause decreased sweating and high body temperature in certain patients while may prove dangerous. Such patients should avoid becoming overheated in hot weather and during vigorous exercise and should monitor sweating, and drink plenty of fluid to maintain hydration. Inform the doctor if you have kidney disease or a history of kidney stones, have liver disease, lung or respiratory disease such as asthma, emphysema, or bronchitis, or need to have surgery, since these conditions might prevent prescription of Topamax and may also need dosage adjustment and special monitoring during treatment. Ketogenic diets (high protein, very low carbohydrate diets that may induce ketosis) may increase the risk of kidney stone formation and should be avoided during treatment with this medication.

Topamax side effects

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience blurred vision, changes in vision, or pain in or around the eyes during treatment with Topamax as these may be early indications of a serious side effect. As with all other medications, Topamax also has its side effects which may or may not include any or all of the following: worsening of seizures, metabolic acidosis (a high acidity of the blood that may be detected by blood tests) with symptoms like increased rate of breathing, decreased appetite, irregular heartbeats, decreased sweating, fever or increased body temperature, side or low back pain, painful or difficult urination (may indicate kidney stones), dizziness, poor coordination, sluggishness, drowsiness, irregular back-and-forth movements of the eyes, nausea, decreased appetite, weight loss, tremor, numbness, tingling, confusion, difficulty concentrating, decreased memory, speech or language difficulties, changes in behavior, depression, nervousness, agitation. Seek immediate medical help if any of the above side effects become aggravated or cause undue discomfort.

Other Topamax Information

Topamax tablets should be swallowed whole without breaking. The capsules may be swallowed whole or opened to facilitate swallowing. If opened, the entire contents of the capsule should be sprinkled onto a small amount (teaspoon) of soft food (e.g., applesauce, custard, ice cream, oatmeal, pudding, yogurt) and the mixture swallowed immediately without chewing. The mixture should not be stored for future use. If the mixture is combined in a small container, add some water to the container after the dose has been taken, and drink the water to ensure the whole dose has been taken.