Brand name: Epitome
Pronounced: Eu-pi-tou-me
Generic name: Topiramate EPITOME ( Topamax)
Why is Topamax prescribed?
Topamax is an antiepileptic drug, prescribed to control both the mild
attacks known as partial seizures and the severe tonic-clonic convulsions
known as grand mal seizures. It is typically added to the treatment
regimen when other drugs fail to fully control a patient's attacks.
Topamax is also prescribed for the prevention of migraine headaches
(also known as prophylactic treatment). However, due to a lack of studies,
it's not known whether the drug can treat acute migraine attacks.
Most important fact about Topamax without prescriptions
Do not abruptly stop taking Topamax. If the drug isn't withdrawn gradually,
the frequency of your seizures could increase.
How should you take Topamax?
It is important to take Topamax exactly as prescribed. It can be taken
with or without food. Avoid breaking the tablets; the medication has
a bitter taste.
Topamax capsules may be swallowed whole, or the capsule may be opened
and its contents sprinkled on a teaspoonful of soft food. To open the
capsule, hold it so you can read the word "top" and carefully
twist off the clear portion of the capsule. The drug and food mixture
should be swallowed whole and not chewed. Do not store the mixture
for future use.
Topamax increases your risk of developing kidney stones. To prevent
this problem, be sure to take Topamax with plenty of fluids.
If you miss a dose...
Take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next
dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule.
Never take two doses at once.
Storage instructions...
Store Topamax at room temperature in a tightly closed container. Protect
the tablets from moisture.
EPITOME (Topiramate, Topamax) side effects
Some side effects, such as fatigue, are more likely to surface with
high doses of Topamax. Others occur regardless of dosage. While many
tend to disappear after the first 8 weeks of therapy, it's still important
to report them to your doctor. Only your doctor can determine if it
is safe for you to continue taking Topamax.
* Side effects may include:
Abdominal pain, abnormal coordination, abnormal vision, agitation, anxiety,
appetite loss, back pain, breast pain, chest pain, confusion, constipation,
depression, difficulty with concentration, difficulty with memory, dizziness,
double vision, drowsiness, fatigue, flu-like symptoms, indigestion, language
problems, leg pain, loss of coordination, menstrual problems, mood problems,
nausea, nervousness, nose inflammation, rash, sinusitis, slowing of movements,
sore throat, speech problems, tingling or burning sensations, tremors, weakness,
weight loss
In children, the more common side effects are abnormal gait, aggressiveness,
behavior problems, confusion, constipation, difficulty concentrating,
difficulty with memory, difficulty sleeping, dizziness, drowsiness,
fatigue, increased muscle movement, increased saliva, injury, loss
of appetite, loss of coordination, nausea, nervousness, nosebleed,
pneumonia, rash, speech problems, urinary incontinence, viral infection,
and weight loss.
Other, less common side effects in children include allergic reaction,
digestive inflammation, increased thirst, skin disorders, slowing of
movement, vaginal discharge, vision disorders, and weakened reflexes.
Topamax has also been known to cause a number of very rare side effects
in adults and children (typically striking less than one person in
a hundred). If you develop any unfamiliar problems while taking Topamax,
report them to your doctor.
Why should Topamax not be prescribed?
If Topamax gives you an allergic reaction, you'll be unable to use
the drug.
Special warnings about EPITOME (Topiramate, Topamax)
Because Topamax sometimes causes confusion, dizziness, fatigue, and
problems with coordination and concentration, you should not drive,
operate machinery, or participate in any hazardous activity that requires
full mental alertness until you are certain how the drug affects you.
Topamax has been known to cause a potentially serious condition known
as metabolic acidosis (an increase of acid in the blood). In children,
chronic metabolic acidosis may affect growth or cause rickets (a softening
or weakness of the bones that can lead to bone deformities). Contact
your doctor immediately if you experience symptoms of metabolic acidosis
such as rapid breathing, an irregular heartbeat, confusion, lethargy,
fatigue, or loss of appetite. Your doctor will decide if you should
discontinue taking Topamax. Do not abruptly stop taking Topamax on
your own; your doctor will gradually taper the dosage to avoid an increase
in seizures.
Topamax has been known to trigger severe nearsightedness along with
increased pressure inside the eye. The problem usually occurs within
1 month of starting treatment. If you develop blurred vision or eye
pain, call your doctor immediately. Discontinuation of the drug may
be necessary to prevent permanent vision loss.
In children with chronic diarrhea or untreated kidney disorders, use
of Topamax may lead to rickets and reduced growth rates.
Tell your doctor if you have kidney problems or if you are on hemodialysis;
your dosage of Topamax may need adjustment. Elderly patients in particular
may experience reduced kidney function when taking Topamax. Also make
sure the doctor is aware of any liver disorder you may have. Topamax
must be used cautiously by individuals with impaired liver function.
Anyone using Topamax, particularly children, should be carefully monitored
by their doctor for signs of increased body temperature or decreased
sweating, especially during hot weather.
In rare instances, suicide attempts have been reported in people taking
Topamax.
Possible food and drug interactions when taking Topamax
If Topamax is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either
could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important
to check with your doctor before combining Topamax with:
Acetazolamide (Diamox)
Carbamazepine (Tegretol)
Dichlorphenamide (Daranide)
Digoxin (Lanoxin)
Metformin (Glucophage)
Phenytoin (Dilantin)
Oral contraceptives
Valproic acid (Depakene)
Topamax can depress the central nervous system. Be extremely cautious
about combining it with alcohol, sedatives, tranquilizers, and other
central nervous system depressants.
Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
In animal studies, Topamax has caused harm to the developing fetus,
and its safety has not been verified in pregnant humans. It is recommended
for use during pregnancy only if the doctor feels that its potential
benefit outweighs the potential risk to the infant.
This medication may appear in breast milk, and its possible effect
on the nursing infant remains unknown. Check with your doctor if you
plan to breastfeed your baby.
Recommended dosage for Topamax
ADULTS
Overdosage
Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you
suspect an overdose of Topamax, seek medical attention immediately.
* Symptoms of Topamax overdose may include:
Abdominal pain, agitation, blurred vision, convulsions, depression, dizziness,
double vision, drowsiness, impaired coordination, impaired mental activity,
low blood pressure, reduced consciousness, severe diarrhea, sluggishness,
speech problems
A Topamax overdose may result in metabolic acidosis (see "Special
warnings about Topamax").
