Topamax
From Holoprosencephaly
Topamax
Generic Name: Topiramate
Uses:
Topamax is an anticonvulsant medication that works by decreasing abnormal excitement in the brain. It may be used alone or with other medications to treat generalized tonic-clonic seizures, partial-onset seizures, or seizures associated with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. It is also prescribed for migraines.
Forms:
Topamax comes as a tablet and a sprinkle capsule to take by mouth. It is usually taken with or without food twice a day in the morning and evening.
Side Effects:
This is an incomplete list of side effects for Topamax. For more information about this medication, please consult your physician.
slow thinking or movements lack of coordination, trouble walking if ambulatory confusion nervousness aggressive behavior mood swings, irritability or depression headache extreme tiredness, drowsiness or weakness extreme thirst weight loss constipation diarrhea gas heartburn change in ability to taste food swelling of the tongue overgrowth of the gums dry mouth increased saliva trouble swallowing nosebleed teary or dry eyes back, muscle, or bone pain skin problems or changes in skin color dandruff hair loss or growth of hair in unusual places runny nose difficulty falling or staying asleep
Some side effects can be serious. The following symptoms are uncommon, but if you experience any of them, call your doctor immediately:
blurred vision, eye pain, crossed eyes or double vision tingling in fingers or toes shaking hands that you cannot control, restlessness or inability to sit still worsening of seizures slow heart rate, pounding or irregular heartbeat chest pain trouble breathing, fast, shallow breathing inability to respond to things around you upset stomach, vomiting, stomach pain loss of appetite or excessive hunger unintentional loss of urine; difficult or painful urination unusual bruising or bleeding sore throat, fever, chills, and other signs of infection
You may experience hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) while you are taking this medication. Your doctor will tell you what you should do if you develop hypoglycemia. He or she may tell you to check your blood sugar, eat or drink a food or beverage that contains sugar, such as hard candy or fruit juice, or get medical care. Follow these directions carefully if you have any of the following symptoms of hypoglycemia:
shakiness dizziness or lightheadedness sweating nervousness or irritability sudden changes in behavior or mood headache numbness or tingling around the mouth weakness pale skin hunger clumsy or jerky movements
If hypoglycemia is not treated, severe symptoms may develop causing a life-threatening emergency.
Precautions:
- Serious risks associated with Topamax include lowered bicarbonate levels in the blood resulting in an increase in the acidity of the blood (metabolic acidosis), and hyperventilation (rapid, deep breathing) or fatigue. More severe symptoms of metabolic acidosis could include irregular heartbeat or changes in the level of alertness. Chronic, untreated metabolic acidosis may increase the risk for kidney stones or bone disease. Your doctor may want to do simple blood tests to measure bicarbonate levels.
- You should know that Topamax can prevent you from sweating and make it harder for your body to cool down when it gets very hot. This happens most often in warm weather and to children who take Topamax. Avoid exposure to heat, drink plenty of fluids and tell your doctor if you have a fever, headache, muscle cramps, an upset stomach, or are not sweating as usual.
- Tell the doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Be sure to mention any of the following: antidepressants; anticoagulants (blood thinners) such as warfarin (Coumadin); aspirin; anti-anxiety medications; anti-seizure medications; antihistamines; and sedatives. Many other medications may also interact with Topamax, so be sure to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking, even those that do not appear on this list. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
- Topamax may cause osteoporosis (a condition in which bones can break more easily) in adults and rickets (abnormal, curved bone growth) in children. Topamax may also slow the growth of children. These conditions can be caught early and prevented through regular laboratory tests. Talk to your doctor about the risks of taking topiramate.
- Tell your doctor if you or any family members have or have ever had kidney stones, if you have or have ever had diabetes; glaucoma (a type of eye disease); nearsightedness; any disease that affects your breathing such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD); or liver or kidney disease.
- Tell your doctor and pharmacist about allergies to Topamax or any other medications.
- If you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking Topamax.
For more information about Topamax, please consult with your healthcare provider.
