Topamax (topiramate)

Topamax Description

Topamax is the brand name for the generic drug Topiramate. The drug has been marketed as an anticonvulsant. The chemical structure is a little unusual for anticonvulsants. Topiramate is related to fructose – it is a monosaccharide with a sulfamate group substitution. The drug is used orally and is absorbed very fast. 0% of it is eliminated from the body through urine in an unchanged condition. The mechanism of action of this medicine has not been discovered. It has been suggested that four properties of the drug may contribute to its effectiveness in antimigraine and antiepileptic medication. These include its ability to block voltage gated sodium ion channels in the cell membranes, action at different signal transduction receptors and inhibition of the enzyme carbonic anhydrase.

Conditions Treated by Topamax

Topamax is used in children affected with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, a disorders that causes delay in development and symptoms include seizures. This medicine is used to control or prevent epileptic seizure. It is also called an anticonvulsant, used in combination with other medicines in treating adults as well as children over 2 years age. When used alone, it can be administered to children over 10 years of age. US Food and Drug Administration approves its use for prevention of migraines. It cannot cure an attack that has already begun. It can only reduce the possible number of attacks.

Investigations have been conducted for assessing the efficacy of the drug in the treatment of alcoholism and obesity, especially for reducing binge eating. Clinical trials have been made with this drug to test if it can be used to treat posttraumatic stress disorder.

Topamax Dosage Information

a.) Typical Dosage Recommendations

The diagnosis determines the dosage. Initially the dosage is kept to low, typically 25 to 50 mg per day in 2 unit doses, to prevent early side-effects like cognitive dysfunction. The dosage is increased slowly in gradual steps. Maintenance treatment dosage is commonly kept at 100 to 200 mg daily. Recommended highest dosage is 400 mg per day in divided doses. But patients using Topamax as the primary drug for the treatment of seizures have well tolerated higher dosages up to 1600 mg daily.

b.) Missing a Dose

Just in case you forget a dose take it as soon as you remember. If the time is close to that for your next dose, say within 6 hours of the next dose, skip the missed dose and start with the next dose at the regular scheduled time. Do not take double doses to make up for the missed dose. Ask your doctor for advice in case you forget to take more than a single dose.

c.) Overdosing

If you accidentally take an overdose contact your local emergency room or poison control centre as soon as possible.

Topamax Warnings

If you experience sudden alteration in vision or pain around or behind your eyes, seek medical help immediately because these can be early signs of a serious side effect of Topamax. Do not alter the dosage or stop taking the drug without first consulting your doctor, even if you feel your condition has improved. This may result in increased occurrence of seizures. The dosage should be gradually deceased before stopping it entirely. Contact your doctor as soon as you can if you feel worsening of symptoms or any new symptom comes up, like changes in behavior, mood swings, depression, anxiety, feelings of agitation, restlessness, suicidal tendencies and the like. Do not get involved in activities requiring mental alertness and coordination until possible side effects are ruled out. Remember that efficacy of oral contraceptives containing estrogen may be reduced by Topamax. Consider carrying an ID card or wearing medical alert bracelets stating that you are under topiramate medication, which may come in useful in medical emergencies. Doctors treating you should know that you take medications for seizure. Avoid high protein diets as these can increase the risk of kidney stone formation.

Topamax Side Effects

You should seek emergency medical checkup if you see any signs of allergic reactions like:

• hives
• breathing problems
• swelling of lips, tongue, face or throat

Serious side effects include:

• Infections in the upper respiratory tract
• diarrhea
• Somnolence
• Psychomotor
• slowing
• Glaucoma
• myopia
• Sudden loss of vision
• Congenital malformations in women undergoing topiramate treatment for migraine
• Increased suicidal tendencies
• Feeling of dryness in mouth and increased thirst levels
• Increase in body temperature and decreased sweating
• Drowsiness
• light-headedness
• lack of alertness of mind
• heart palpitations
• Increased urination frequency
• difficulty in passing urine
• Muscle soreness
• lower back pain

Some less severe side effects may include:

• Problem in remembering
• trouble in concentrating
• Speech and balance problems
• Tingling sensations or numbness
• Insomnia
• Headache
• fatigue
• faintness
• Extreme weight loss

Possible Drug Interactions with Topamax

If your doctor prescribes Topamax to you, inform him/her about all prescription drugs or nonprescription herbal products you may be using. Drugs the use of which should be disclosed include:

• Water pills or diuretics
• Drugs that caused decreased sweating that is anticholinergics like Donnatol (belladonna) and other alkaloids
• Antihistamines or drugs that cause drowsiness e.g. products for treating cough
• Medicines for insomnia like alprazolam (Xanax)
• Narcotic pain relievers like codeine
• Muscle relaxants
• Depakene (valproic acid)
• Risperdal (risperidone)
• Actos (pioglitazone)
• Dilantin (phenytoin)
• Glucophage (metformin)
• Tegretol (carbamazepine)
• Elavil (amitriptyline)
• Psychiatric medicines

To effectively prevent pregnancy, use of oral contraceptives should be supplemented by other birth control measures. Contraindications may occur with such birth control pills. Vaginal bleeding if any should be immediately reported.

If you have any questions about buying discount Topamax online or any other prescription products you can contact our team of professional Patient Service Representatives or one of our pharmacists 24-7 by calling 1-800-226-3784.