Name of the Drug
Topamax (Topiramate)
Uses of the Drug
Seizures might be categorized as partial when only a part of brain is involved or generalized when more part of brain is involved. Topamax along with some anti-seizure medicines are used for the children and adults. The commonly found seizures in the syndrome include atonic (brief loss of consciousness and muscle tone, that causes abrupt falls), tonic (stiffening of body, with eyes rising and falling upwards, dilation of pupils and irregular, shallow breathing), myoclonic (unexpected muscle jerks), plus absence (staring spells).
How to Take
In most cases, topamax is used in lower doses like 25 or 50 mg daily. Then the dosage is increased. This slow dosage to the treatment helps in decreasing the side effects. However, the adults are asked to take 200 mg two times in a day. The medicine should be taken with adequate amount of water for minimizing risks of kidney stones.
Drug Mechanism and Class
Topamax, the oral medicine helps in preventing epileptic seizures. This drug is basically used for those patients whose seizure cannot be managed by some other anti-seizure drugs. Topamax also helps in preventing migraine headaches. Seizures occur because of abnormal nerve endings in your brain. However, how topamax works is still not known. Some scientists are of the opinion that Topamax alters the neurotransmitters in the brain.
Missed Dose
If you ever miss a single dosage of Topamax, try taking it as early as you can. If it’s time for the next dosage, then the already missed dosage should be skipped. You can now follow the regular schedule of dosing. 2 doses should not be taken simultaneously.
Storage
Topamax should be stored at the room temperature somewhere between 15 to 30 degrees C (59 to 86 degrees F).
Warnings Precautions
The medications mentioned here, when taken along with topamax, can increase chances of having kidney stones: dorzolamide (Trusopt), acetazolamide (Diamox), dichlorphenamide (Daranide), methazolamide (Neptazane). phenytoin (Dilantin) and Carbamazepine (Tegretol) noticeably decreases amount of ???topamax’ within your ???body’ by increasing topamax elimination from your body. Topamax might help in decreasing the estrogen amount within your body in those females who take oral contraceptives. Therefore, the risk of unwanted and unexpected pregnancy increases. Don’t drink alcohol while taking this drug. Before having any surgery or dental care, inform your doctor that you take topamax. If you are planning to conceive, discuss with the physician about the possible risks that this drug can have.
Common Side Effects
The commonly observed side effects in adults are coordination problems, tiredness, dizziness, speech problems, difficulty with memory, double vision or changes in vision, plus sensory distortion. The commonly observed side effects in children are tiredness, drowsiness, loss of appetite, difficulty with attention/concentration, nervousness, weight decrease, difficulty with memory and aggressive reaction.
More Information
Medical and or (e.g., eye exams) Laboratory tests might be done for monitoring your progress. This medicine should not be used for some other diseases. Children should not be able to touch this medicine. If the medicine is being used for a longer time period, refills should be obtained before the supply is over.
