Brand Name

Topamax {Janssen}

Generic Name

topiramate, pronounced toe PYRE a mate

 

What is Topamax?

Topamax is a medication used to treat seizures. It is in the group of medications called anticonvulsants. Adults and children over age 2 can safely take Topamax either as monotherapy or with other medications to treat seizures. Topamax is also used to prevent migraine headaches in adults. It will not cure migraine headaches, it will only prevent or reduce the number of attacks. It will also not treat a migraine headache that has already started. Topamax may also be used for purposes that are not listed here.

 

Key Facts About Topamax

You should seek emergency medical attention if you have a sudden change in vision or pain around or behind your eyes while taking Topamax. Sudden change in vision may be an early signs of possible serious and permanent side effect.

Do not stop using Topamax without first talking to your doctor, even if you feel fine. Stopping this medication suddenly may trigger a return of your seizure condition. Your doctor will help you to stop using Topamax safely and you may need to taper off of the medication slowly to prevent adverse effects.

Let your doctor know if your seizures get worse while you are taking Topamax.

PREGNANCY/BREASTFEEDING: Taking Topamax during your pregnancy may increase the risk of cleft lip or cleft palate in your newborn. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, and be sure to use effective birth control while you are taking Topamax. Control of your seizures is extremely important during pregnancy and the benefit of preventing seizures may outweigh any risks posed by taking Topamax. You should follow your doctor’s instructions about taking Topamax if you are pregnant. Topiramate can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

It is important for you to tell your doctor right away if you have thoughts of suicide while taking Topamax. Also tell your doctor if you have new or worsening symptoms of depression, anxiety, or suicidal thoughts. Your doctor will need to check you at regular visits to be certain that Topamax is working for you.

 

Before You Take Topamax

If you are allergic totopiramate you should not take Topamax.

You should avoid drinking alcohol while you are taking Topamax as it can increase your risk of seizures. Talk to your doctor if you are concerned about your alcohol consumption.

You should tell your doctor if you are on a Ketogenic or “ketosis” diet. Because these diets are high in fat and low in carbohydrates it may increase your risk of kidney stones while taking Topamax.

Be aware that Topamax may cause blurred vision or impair your thinking and reaction time. You should be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert and able to see clearly.

You may need to have blood tests to determine if Topamax is affecting your kidney or liver functions. Plan to visit your doctor regularly while you are taking Topamax.

You should have a medical ID card stating that you take Topamax, and let any doctor, dentist or medical care provider you see know that you are taking this medication

Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease or a history of kidney stones, liver disease or glaucoma before taking Topamax.

You should inform your doctor before starting treatment with Topamax if you have a growth disorder, osteoporosis, low bone density or a history of metabolic acidosis.

It is important for your doctor to know if you have a history of depression or suicide attempts before taking Topamax.

Let your doctor know if you asthma, emphysema, or another breathing disorder before beginning treatment with Topamax.

 

Topamax Drug Interactions

• acetazolamide (Diamox)
• atropine (Atreza, Sal-Tropine)
• belladonna (Donnatal, and others)
• benztropine (Cogentin)
• bronchodilators like ipratropium (Atrovent) or tiotropium (Spiriva)
• darifenacin (Enablex)
• dimenhydrinate (Dramamine)
• hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ, HydroDiuril, Hyzaar, Lopressor, Vasoretic, Zestoretic)
• lithium (Eskalith, LithoBid)
• metformin (Glucophage, Actoplus Met, Avandamet, Fortamet, Janumet, PrandiMet, Riomet)
• methazolamide (Neptazane)
• methscopolamine (Pamine)
• seizure medications carbamazepine (Carbatrol, Equetro, Tegretol), lamotrigine (Lamictal), phenytoin (Dilantin), valproic acid (Depakote, Depakene), and zonisamide (Zonegran)
• scopolamine (Transderm-Scop)
• solifenacin (Vesicare)

Other drugs you may take and are not listed may interact with Topamax. You should tell your doctor about all of the medications you use. This includes prescription drugs, vitamins, supplements and herbal products, and over the counter medications. You should not begin taking a new medication without telling your doctor first.

 

Directions for Taking Topamax

Take Topamax exactly as your doctor has prescribed. Follow the directions CAREFULLY on your prescription label.

Topamax may be taken with or without food.

Do not chew or break the Topamax tablet, as it has a very bitter taste and is designed to be swallowed whole with a glass of water.

Topamax capsules may also be opened and sprinkled into a spoonful of applesauce or pudding to make swallowing it easier. Be sure to swallow the mixture right away without chewing it. Be sure to discard your empty capsule.

You should drink plenty of liquids while you are taking Topamax. Your risk of dehydration is higher when taking Topamax, so you should take care to stay hydrated, especially when it is very hot or when you exercise. Keeping hydrated will also help lower your risk of having kidney stones or an electrolyte imbalance. Should you experience a flu or virus with ongoing vomiting or diarrhea you should call your doctor immediately.

Topamax needs to be stored at room temperature, and away from light, moisture and heat. Be sure the cap is on the bottle tightly when it is not in use.

If you miss a dose of Topamax you should attempt to take the missed dose within 6 hours of your dose time. If more than 6 hours has passed you should not take the missed dose in addition to your regular dose.

 

Topamax Side Effects

Seek emergency medical help immediately:If you experience any of the following adverse effects you should

• v allergic reaction such as difficulty breathing, hives or swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• v NEW OR WORSENING anxiety, behavior or mood changes, including agitation and hostility, suicidal thought or thoughts of hurting others.

 

Contact your physician if you experience

• sudden vision loss and pain around or behind your eyes
• hot and dry skin
• increased body temperature, decreased sweating
• confusion or memory loss
• trouble concentrating with slowed thinking and problems with speech or balance
• dry mouth and increased thirst
• exhaustion
• faint feeling
• hyperactivity
• pain that is severe in your lower back
• urination that is painful
• insomnia
• vomiting
• appetite loss

Less serious side effects of Topamax may include:

• cold symptoms like a stuffy or runny nose and a sore throat
• mild diarrhea
• mild dizziness
• nervousness
• numbness or tingly feeling
• weight loss

It should be noted that this is not a complete list of possible side effects of Topamax. You should contact your physician for a complete list and medical advice regarding these effects.

 

Topamax Description and Dosing

Topamax is available in tablet form, which are all debossed, coated, and round.

The 25 milligram tablet is cream colored and debossed “OMN” on one side and “25” on the other side.

The 50 milligram tablet is light-yellow and debossed “OMN” on one side and “50” on the other side.

The 100 milligram tablet is yellow and debossed “OMN” on one side and “100” on the other side.

The 200 milligram tablet is salmon (pinkish) and debossed “OMN” on one side and “200” on the other side.

Topamax Sprinkle Capsules contain small, white to off-white spheres. The gelatin capsules are white and clear. The 15 milligram capsule is marked with”TOP” and “15 mg” on the side. The 25 milligram capsule is marked with “TOP” and “25 mg” on the side.

All patients taking Topamax should consult their doctor for specific dosing pertaining to them. Each dose is individual. Do not attempt to alter or change your dose without your physician’s consent.

If you suspect that you have overdosed with Topamax you should seek emergency help immediately.

 

Ingredients in Topamax

The primary active ingredient in Topamax is topiramate. Other inactive ingredients in Topamax tablets include lactose monohydrate, pregelatinized starch, microcrystalline cellulose, sodium starch glycolate, magnesium stearate, purified water, carnauba wax, hypromellose, titanium dioxide, polyethylene glycol, synthetic iron oxide, and polysorbate 80.

Topamax capsules contain topiramate-coated beads in a hard gelatin capsule. The inactive ingredients are sugar spheres (sucrose and starch), povidone, cellulose acetate, gelatin, sorbitan monolaurate, sodium lauryl sulfate, titanium dioxide, and black pharmaceutical ink.

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