Prescription Drug Information, Side Effects & Interactions for Topamax
Uses
This medication is used for the treatment of certain seizure disorders.
Notes
Do not share this medication with others.
Lab tests may be performed to monitor for drug side effects.
Storage
Store at room temperature away from light and moisture.
Topamax Topamax (topiramate) 50 mg
How To Use
HOW TO USE THIS MEDICATION: This drug is taken by mouth, generally twice daily.
Dosage is slowly increased over several weeks and adjusted to improve seizure control.
Because of the bitter taste, do not chew or crush tablets.
Doses above 400 mg daily generally are not more effective than lower doses.
If it is necessary to discontinue this drug, generally the dosage should be decreased slowly, not stopped suddenly.
Use exactly as directed.
Do not stop using your other seizure medications unless directed to do so.
Side Effects
Weakness, tiredness, drowsiness, dizziness, tingling sensations, loss of appetite and weight loss may occur.
If these persist or worsen, notify your doctor promptly.
Report promptly any unsteadiness, slowing or shakiness, speech problems, mental/mood changes, stomach/abdominal pain or vision problems.
Unlikely but report promptly itching or shortness of breath, fever or persistent sore throat.
If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Precautions
Before using this drug, tell your doctor your medical history, including any allergies (especially drug allergies), kidney or liver disease.
Drink plenty of fluids to decrease the chance of kidney stones.
Limit alcohol intake as it may aggravate side effects.
Caution performing tasks that require mental alertness (e.g., driving).
This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy.
Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
It is not known if this drug is excreted into breast milk.
Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember.
If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule.
Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.
Drug Interactions
Tell your doctor of all nonprescription and prescription medication you may use, especially phenytoin, carbamazepine, carbonic anhydrase inhibitors (e.g., acetazolamide), birth control pills or drugs that can make you drowsy, such as sedatives, sleep medicines, psychiatric medications, narcotic pain relievers (e.g., codeine), certain antihistamines (e.g., diphenhydramine), anti-anxiety drugs or other anti-seizure drugs.
This drug may interfere with the effectiveness of birth control pills.
Discuss using other methods of birth control with your doctor.
Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.