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Topiramate
Brand Names: Topamax
Overview
Topamax is the brand name for topiramate, an anticonvulsant. It is usually
used to control epileptic seizures either alone or with other
medications.
Why
is this drug prescribed?
Topamax is used to treat epileptic seizures including:
- partial seizures
- grand mal seizures
Although the drug has not been found effective in acute mania, it is often
used as add-on treatment in patients with bipolar disorder, especially to
help control weight gain (due to it’s appetite-suppression properties).
Warnings
and Precautions
Because Topamax causes an increased risk of kidney stones, it is especially
important to drink plenty of fluids while taking this medication.
Topamax should not be discontinued abruptly or withdrawal symptoms,
including an increased frequency of seizures, may appear. Dosage should be
gradually tapered when it is discontinued.
Topamax may cause blurred or double vision, clumsiness or unsteadiness,
dizziness, drowsiness, and difficulty thinking or concentrating. Patients
taking this medication should not drive or do anything requiring mental
alertness and concentration until the effects of this medication are known
not to impair these abilities.
For Pregnant or Nursing Mothers: Topamax has not been studied in pregnant
or lactating women, but high-dose animal studies suggest that Topamax may
increase the chances of birth defects and complications during pregnancy.
Topamax may pass into breast milk and is not recommended for use in
breastfeeding mothers.
Contraindications
Topamax should Not be used for people with an allergic reaction to it.
Precautions
Topamax may be used with caution in people with the following conditions:
- A history of kidney stones – Topamax increases the risk of getting kidney stones
- Liver or kidney disease – a lower dose may be required
Adverse
Reactions
Topamax may cause the following reactions:
In children:
- Nausea
- Nervousness
- Confusion
- Constipation
- Weight loss
- Difficulty concentrating
- Difficulty with memory
- Insomnia / difficulty sleeping
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Fatigue
- Restlessness / increased muscle movement
- Anorexia (loss of appetite)
- Loss of coordination
- Nosebleed
- Pneumonia
- Rash
- Aggressiveness
- Behavior problems
- Increased saliva production
- Speech problems
- Urinary incontinence
- Viral infection
- Abnormal gait
In adults:
- Breast pain (in women)
- Nausea
- Clumsiness or unsteadiness
- Confusion
- Slowed mental and/or physical ability
- Dizziness
- Tiredness or weakness
- Double vision or other vision problems including sudden nearsightedness
- Drowsiness
- Memory problems
- Nervousness or anxiety
- Burning, prickling, or tingling sensations
- Tremors
- Menstrual changes and/or pain
- Back or leg pain
- Speech or language problems
- Trouble in concentrating or paying attention
- Continuous, uncontrolled back-and-forth or rolling eye movements
- Abdominal pain
- Agitation
- Nose inflammation
- Sore throat
- Rash
- Sinusitis
Interactions
with Drugs and Other Substances
Drugs or substances that may interact with Topamax include:
- Acetazolamide (Diamox) or dichlorphenamide (e.g., Daranide)—Taking these medicines with Topamax may increase the risk of getting kidney stones
- Carbamazepine (Tegretol)—May reduce blood levels of Topamax. Dosage of one or both medications may need to be adjusted.
- Oral contraceptives (birth control pills) containing estrogen—Topamax may decrease the effects of these medicines, and a different or additional method of birth control should be used while taking Topamax.
- Phenytoin (Dilantin)—May reduce blood levels of Topamax. Dosage of one or both medications may need to be adjusted.
- Valproic acid (Depakote)—Blood levels of topiramate and/or valproic acid may be decreased. Dosage of one or both medications may need to be adjusted.
- Digoxin (Lanoxin)
- Metformin (Glucophage)
- Alcohol, sedatives, tranquilizers, and other CNS (central nervous system) depressants – Topamax may increase the effects of these drugs and should not be used only with great caution in combination with them.
- Cigarette smoking – may decrease Topamax’s effects.
Sources
http://www.healthtouch.com
http://www.healthsquare.com
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/medmaster/a697012.html
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