Topamax (Topiramate)

What is Topamax?

Topamax (topiramate) is an anticonvulsant (seizure medication).

What is Topamax used for?

Topamax is indicated for the control and prevention of seizures in adults and children aged 2 years and above. It is also used to prevent migraine headaches. However, the medicine does not treat a migraine headache that has already begun.

How does Topamax work?

Topamax works by keeping under control, the chemicals and nerve cells that cause a seizure.

How to use Topamax

Topamax should be taken in the manner prescribed by the doctor. Taking it for longer periods or in larger amounts than recommended can cause health problems.

The medicine is usually taken twice daily, with a full glass of water. It can be taken with or without food. Do not break, crush or chew the tablet. Swallow it. While taking Topamax, drink plenty of liquids.

If you have trouble swallowing the capsule, you may open it and sprinkle the medicine into a spoonful of applesauce, oatmeal, custard, pudding, ice cream, or yoghurt.

Remember to take the medicine at the same time each day. Get your blood tested on a regular basis. You may also be required to get your liver and kidney functions checked by the doctor.

Topamax warnings and precautions

Before using Topamax, tell your doctor if you are allergic to topiramate. Also inform your doctor if you have a liver or kidney disease, glaucoma, asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, or if you have recently had a surgery.

Avoid drinking alcohol as it can increase some side effects of the drug and may also increase the risk of seizures. Also, avoid performing activities that require alertness (e.g. driving) as the drug may impair your thinking or reactions.

Drink plenty of fluids and make sure that you do not become dehydrated or overheated especially in hot weather or during exercise. Avoid using ketogenic or “ketosis” diets, as the high protein content and low carbohydrate content in such diets can increase the risk of kidney stones. If you have to undergo a surgery, tell your surgeon in advance about the use of Topamax. Avoid taking medicines that make you sleepy.

Topamax can make birth control pills less effective.

What do I do if I have missed a Topamax dose?

If you have missed your Topamax dose, you can take the missed dose as soon as you remember but do not take it if it is time for your next (scheduled) dose.

What do I do if I have taken a Topamax overdose?

If you have taken a Topamax overdose, you should seek emergency medical attention.

Topamax interactions

Before taking Topamax, consult your doctor if you take atropine (Donnatal), amitriptyline (Elavil, Etrafon), glycopyrrolate (Robinul), benztropine (Cogentin), scopolamine (Transderm-Scop) or methscopolamine (Pamine), risperidone (Risperdal), hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ, Hyzaar, HydroDiuril, Vasoretic, Lopressor, Zestoretic), bronchodilators, for example, tiotropium (Spiriva) or ipratropium (Atrovent), diabetes medication taken orally such as pioglitazone (Actos) or metformin (Avandamet, Glucophage, Actoplus Met, Fortamet), bladder or urinary medicines such as oxybutynin (Ditropan, Oxytrol), solifenacin (Vesicare), darifenacin (Enablex), tolterodine (Detrol); bowel medications such as hyoscyamine (Anaspaz, Cystospaz, Levsin), dicyclomine (Bentyl),propantheline (Pro-Banthine); glaucoma medications such as methazolamide (Neptazane), acetazolamide (Diamox), or dichlorphenamide (Daranide); or other medicines to treat seizures, such as phenytoin (Dilantin), lamotrigine (Lamictal), carbamazepine (Carbatrol, Tegreto

Topamax side effects

Topamax side effects include hives, depression, anxiety, restlessness, hyperactivity (mental or physical), mood changes, behaviour changes, nausea, vomiting, muscle pain, breathing difficulty, pain behind or around the eyes, sudden vision loss, dry mouth, drowsiness, confusion, increased thirst, decreased sweating, increased frequency of urination, fast heart rate, increased body temperature, fainting, backache, pain or difficulty while urinating; swelling of face, tongue, lips or throat; and other allergic reactions. If you get any of these side effects after using Topamax, contact your doctor right away.

Headache, loss of appetite, dizziness, fatigue, weight loss, problems with balance or speech, concentration trouble, memory problems and insomnia are some less serious side effects of Topamax.