What is TOPAMAC (Topiramate)?
TOPAMAC (Topiramate) is a seizure medication, also called an anticonvulsant.TOPAMAC (Topiramate) is used alone or in combination with other medications to prevent seizures in adults and children who are at least 2 years old.TOPAMAC (Topiramate) is also used to prevent migraine headaches. Topiramate will only prevent migraine headaches or reduce the number of attacks. It will not treat a headache that has already begun.TOPAMAC (Topiramate) may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Topamax is the brand name of topiramate, an anticonvulsant drug used to prevent seizures and reduce the frequency of migraines.
While its exact mechanism of action is unknown, studies suggest Topamax might alter the production or action of neurotransmitters in the brain, suppressing the abnormal activity of the nerves in the brain that cause seizures or preventing the abnormal activity from spreading to other nerves. Other research has suggested that it might suppress the nerves directly, thereby making them less likely to fire.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Topamax to treat seizures in 1996.
In 2004, Topamax received FDA approval for the prevention of migraines. Manufactured by Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Topamax is now the number-one prescribed medication for migraine prevention in the United States.
It's used to stop migraine headaches from occurring in those 12 and older. It cannot be used to treat a headache that has already begun, but it may help to reduce the number of painful migraine.
Important information about TOPAMAC (Topiramate)
Seek emergency medical attention if you have a sudden change in vision and pain around or behind the eyes. These may be early signs of a serious side effect of TOPAMAC (Topiramate). Do not stop taking TOPAMAC (Topiramate) without first talking to your doctor, even if you feel better. You may have increased seizures if you stop taking TOPAMAC (Topiramate) suddenly. You will need to use less and less before you stop the medication completely. Contact your doctor if your seizures get worse or you have them more often while taking TOPAMAC (Topiramate).You may have thoughts about suicide while taking this medication. Your doctor will need to check you at regular visits. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.Call your doctor at once if you have any new or worsening symptoms such as: mood or behavior changes, depression, anxiety, or if you feel agitated, hostile, restless, hyperactive (mentally or physically), or have thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself. Carry an ID card or wear a medical alert bracelet stating that you are taking TOPAMAC (Topiramate), in case of emergency. Any doctor, dentist, or emergency medical care provider who treats you should know that you are taking a seizure medication.TOPAMAC (Topiramate) can cause side effects that may impair your vision or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert and able to see clearly. Avoid drinking alcohol. It can increase some of the side effects of TOPAMAC (Topiramate), and can also increase the risk of a seizure.Ketogenic or "ketosis" diets that are high in protein and low in carbohydrates can increase the risk of kidney stones. Avoid the use of such diets while you are taking TOPAMAC (Topiramate).
Before taking TOPAMAC (Topiramate)
Do not use TOPAMAC (Topiramate) if you are allergic to topiramate.Before taking TOPAMAC (Topiramate), tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:kidney disease or a history of kidney stones; liver disease; glaucoma;asthma, emphysema, or bronchitis; orif you have recently had surgery.FDA pregnancy category C. TOPAMAC (Topiramate) may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.You may have thoughts about suicide while taking this medication. Tell your doctor if you have new or worsening depression or suicidal thoughts during the first several months of treatment, or whenever your dose is changed.Your family or other caregivers should also be alert to changes in your mood or symptoms. Your doctor will need to check you at regular visits. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.TOPAMAC (Topiramate) can make birth control pills less effective. Talk with your doctor about other forms of birth control if you are trying to prevent pregnancy while taking TOPAMAC (Topiramate). It is not known whether topiramate passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should I take TOPAMAC (Topiramate)?
Take TOPAMAC (Topiramate) exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results from this medication.TOPAMAC (Topiramate) can be taken with or without food.Take the medicine with a full glass of water.The TOPAMAC (Topiramate) tablet should be swallowed whole. It has a bitter taste when chewed or broken.To make the TOPAMAC (Topiramate) capsule easier to swallow, you may open the capsule and sprinkle the medicine into a spoonful of applesauce, custard, ice cream, oatmeal, pudding, or yogurt. Swallow this mixture right away without chewing. Do not save the mixture for later use.To be sure this medicine is not causing harmful effects, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. Your kidney or liver function may also need to be tested. Do not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.If you need to have any type of surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are using TOPAMAC (Topiramate). You may need to stop using the medicine for a short time.Do not stop taking TOPAMAC (Topiramate) without first talking to your doctor, even if you feel better. You may have increased seizures if you stop taking this medicine suddenly. You will need to use less and less before you stop the medication completely. Contact your doctor if your seizures get worse or you have them more often while taking this medicine. Carry an ID card or wear a medical alert bracelet stating that you are taking TOPAMAC (Topiramate), in case of emergency. Any doctor, dentist, or emergency medical care provider who treats you should know that you are taking a seizure medication.Drink extra fluids each day while you are taking TOPAMAC (Topiramate). This will lower your risk of having kidney stones or an electrolyte imbalance. Vomiting or diarrhea can lead to dehydration and cause an electrolyte imbalance. Call your doctor if you have ongoing vomiting or diarrhea while taking TOPAMAC (Topiramate).
Store this medication at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at your next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
If you think you have taken too much Topamax, call 911 or contact your doctor immediately. Signs of an overdose may include:
- Decreased awareness or responsiveness
- Severe or unusual sleepiness/drowsiness
- Dullness
- Tiredness
- Weakness or feeling sluggish
- Dizziness, faintness or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position
What should I avoid while taking TOPAMAC (Topiramate)?
TOPAMAC (Topiramate) can cause side effects that may impair your vision or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert and able to see clearly. Avoid drinking alcohol. It can increase some of the side effects of TOPAMAC (Topiramate), and can also increase the risk of a seizure. Cold or allergy medicine, narcotic pain medicine, sleeping pills, muscle relaxers, and medicine for seizures, depression or anxiety can add to sleepiness caused by TOPAMAC (Topiramate). Tell your doctor if you regularly use any of these other medicines.Ketogenic or "ketosis" diets that are high in protein and low in carbohydrates can increase the risk of kidney stones. Avoid the use of such diets while you are taking TOPAMAC (Topiramate).Avoid becoming overheated or dehydrated during exercise and in hot weather. Drink extra fluids in these situations.
Side effects of TOPAMAC (Topiramate)
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction to TOPAMAC (Topiramate): hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.Call your doctor at once if you have any new or worsening symptoms such as: mood or behavior changes, depression, anxiety, or if you feel agitated, hostile, restless, hyperactive (mentally or physically), or have thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself.Stop taking TOPAMAC (Topiramate) and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:sudden vision loss, pain around or behind your eyes;dry mouth, increased thirst, confusion, drowsiness, decreased sweating, increased body temperature, and hot, dry skin,nausea, vomiting, increased urination, muscle pain or weakness, fast heart rate, feeling light-headed, fainting, or seizure (convulsions); orsevere pain in your side or lower back, painful or difficult urination.
Less serious TOPAMAC (Topiramate) side effects may include:slowed thinking, memory problems, trouble concentrating;problems with speech or balance;numbness or tingling;sleep problems (insomnia);tired feeling;headache, dizziness; orloss of appetite, weight loss.
What other drugs will affect TOPAMAC (Topiramate)?
Before taking TOPAMAC (Topiramate), tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines:amitriptyline (Elavil, Etrafon); atropine (Donnatal, and others);benztropine (Cogentin);glycopyrrolate (Robinul);hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ, HydroDiuril, Hyzaar, Lopressor, Vasoretic, Zestoretic);methscopolamine (Pamine) or scopolamine (Transderm-Scop);risperidone (Risperdal); bladder or urinary medications such as darifenacin (Enablex), oxybutynin (Ditropan, Oxytrol), tolterodine (Detrol), or solifenacin (Vesicare);bronchodilators such as ipratropium (Atrovent) or tiotropium (Spiriva);diabetes medicine you take by mouth, such as pioglitazone (Actos) or metformin (Actoplus Met, Avandamet, Glucophage, Fortamet);glaucoma medications such as acetazolamide (Diamox), methazolamide (Neptazane), or dichlorphenamide (Daranide);irritable bowel medications such as dicyclomine (Bentyl), hyoscyamine (Anaspaz, Cystospaz, Levsin, and others), propantheline (Pro-Banthine); orother seizure medications such as carbamazepine (Carbatrol, Tegretol), lamotrigine (Lamictal), phenytoin (Dilantin), or valproic acid (Depakote, Depakene).
