Topamax

Generic Name: Topiramate

US Brand Name: Topamax

Other Brand/Trade Names: Topiramate is sold with the brand name Topamax

Uses

Topiramate is an anticonvulsant that is also effective for preventing migraine headaches. It affects several chemicals in the brain that help to reduce seizure activity and prevent migraine headaches from occurring.

Topiramate is used for treating seizures in certain patients. It may be used alone or with other medicines. It is also used to prevent migraine headaches.

Active Ingredients: topiramate

Inactive Ingredients: sodium starch glycolate, magnesium stearate, purified water, lactose monohydrate, pregelatinized starch, microcrystalline cellulose, carnauba wax, hypromellose, titanium dioxide, polyethylene glycol, synthetic iron oxide (50, 100 and 200 mg tablets) and polysorbate 80.

Dosage and Forms

Topiramate is available in tablets and sprinkle capsules. Topiramate should be taken in the morning and in the evening at the same time every day. You should follow the directions on your prescription label and consult your doctor. Don’t split, chew, or crush the tablets because Topiramate tablets lose their effectiveness quickly when broken.

If overdose of Topiramate is suspected seek emergency medical attention. Symptoms of a Topiramate overdose include loss of coordination; agitation; depression; lethargy; mental impairment; seizures; severe drowsiness or dizziness; severe or persistent stomach pain; stupor; vision problems.

Contraindications and Precautions

Topiramate is contraindicated to persons with an allergy. Topiramate can cause difficulty with concentration, speech or language problems, and drowsiness or fatigue. People taking this medication should not drive or operate machinery until they have had a chance to see if it affects their mental or physical performance.

Side Effects

If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking Topiramate and seek emergency medical attention:

• an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
• blurred vision, changes in vision, or pain in or around the eyes
• worsening of seizures.

Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take Topiramate and talk to your doctor if you experience:

• dizziness, poor coordination, sluggishness, or drowsiness;
• irregular back-and-forth movements of the eyes;
• nausea, loss of appetite, or weight loss;
• tremor, numbness, or tingling;
• confusion, difficulty concentrating or decreased memory;
• speech or language difficulties; or
• changes in behavior, depression, nervousness, or agitation.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome

Interactions

Before taking Topiramate, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines:

• another seizure medication such as valproic acid (Depakote, Depakene), carbamazepine (Tegretol, Carbatrol, Epitol), phenytoin (Dilantin), and others;
• a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor such as acetazolamide (Diamox), methazolamide (Neptazane), or dichlorphenamide (Daranide); or
• digoxin (Lanoxin, Lanoxicaps).

You may not be able to take Generic Topamax, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you are taking any of the drugs listed above.