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Drug Information: Topamax

TOPAMAX (Topiramate), an anti-convulsive drug is prescribed by the physicians for the treatment of epilepsy or the generalized tonic-clonic seizures and in the prevention of acute migraine attacks and the recurrent episodes. TOPAMAX (Topiramate) can be prescribed for the adults as well as the children over the age of 2 years. For the treatment of convulsions, TOPAMAX (Topiramate) can be given as a monotherapy or in combination with Lithium or Valproic acid. However, the absorption of TOPAMAX (Topiramate) is significantly affected by the Lithium and Valproic acid. The off-label use of TOPAMAX (Topiramate) is the treatment of bulimia nervosa and essential tremors. However, it is not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Who should not take TOPAMAX (Topiramate)?

TOPAMAX (Topiramate) should not be prescribed for the patients with breathing disorders like lung infections, bronchial asthma or emphysema, osteoporosis, liver diseases, glaucoma, metabolic acidosis, endocrine disorders, history of suicidal attempts or thoughts with depression, mood swings, schizophrenia, hallucinations, anxiety disorders, bleeding disorders, patients having any kind of surgery in the near future. You should not take TOPAMAX (Topiramate), if you are taking drugs like oral contraceptive pills including combined pills, Metformin, haloperidol, amitriptyline, dihydroergotamine like alkaloids, Risperidone, acetazolamide like carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, propranolol, sumatriptan, Pioglitazone, digoxin and other anti-depressants. Some contra indicatory studies show Valproic acid concomitant use can result in the encephalopathy and hyperammonemia.

TOPAMAX (Topiramate) Side Effects:

TOPAMAX (Topiramate) can cause side effects like the frequent and/or difficulty in the urination, sudden loss of vision which may some time become permanent, suicidal thoughts, abnormal mood swings, slurry speech, anorexia, nausea and sometimes vomiting, dehydration, mouth dryness, lumbago, paced heart beat with difficulty in breathing, impaired memory, nervousness, flu like symptoms, dizziness and diarrhoea. Some of the side effects of TOPAMAX (Topiramate) are uncommon and may vary from person to person.

How should I take TOPAMAX (Topiramate)?

The recommended dosage for the TOPAMAX (Topiramate) is 400 mg daily in divided dosages. TOPAMAX (Topiramate) may be prescribed alone or in combination with some other anti-convulsive drugs for the beneficial effects. The recommended dosage of TOPAMAX (Topiramate) in the partial seizure therapy is 200-400 mg daily in divided dosages. The initial recommended dose of the TOPAMAX (Topiramate) treatment is 25 – 50 mg daily which can be increased up to 25 – 50 mg every week up to 400mg. The following instruction should be followed to take the TOPAMAX (Topiramate) – 400 mg once daily: (1) You can take TOPAMAX (Topiramate) any time disregard of food intake 2) Take TOPAMAX (Topiramate) while you are sitting or standing up. 3) Take TOPAMAX (Topiramate) with 6 to 8 ounces (about 1 cup) of plain water. Do not take TOPAMAX (Topiramate) with any other drink besides plain water. Do not take TOPAMAX (Topiramate) with coffee, tea, juice, milk or other dairy drinks. 4) Swallow TOPAMAX (Topiramate) as a whole. Do not chew the tablet or keep TOPAMAX (Topiramate) in your mouth to melt or dissolve. After taking TOPAMAX (Topiramate) you must wait at least 30 minutes BEFORE: 1) lying down. You may sit, stand, or do normal activities like read the newspaper or take a walk. 2) Eating or drinking anything except plain water. Keep taking TOPAMAX (Topiramate) for as long as your health care provider tells you to do so. To treat your problems or keep you from getting these symptoms, you have to take TOPAMAX (Topiramate) as often and in the way TOPAMAX (Topiramate) as prescribed by your Physician.

What is the important information I should know about TOPAMAX (Topiramate)?

  • Take TOPAMAX (Topiramate) exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
  • You can take TOPAMAX (Topiramate) disregard of food intake.
  • For TOPAMAX (Topiramate) dosage one must follow his doctor's instructions.
  • It is important to take TOPAMAX (Topiramate) regularly to get the most benefit, as directed by the Physician.
  • If you have any surgery in the near future, you should inform to the surgeon that you are taking TOPAMAX (Topiramate).
  • Avoid going out in hot weather and never leave your body dehydrated while you are taking TOPAMAX (Topiramate).
  • TOPAMAX (Topiramate) can cause blurred vision or impaired thinking. You should avoid driving vehicles while you are using TOPAMAX (Topiramate).
  • Avoid taking protein rich foods and low carbohydrate diets while taking TOPAMAX (Topiramate). It can lead to ketosis and/or kidney stone formation.
  • If you are experiencing abnormal symptoms like the diarrhoea, vomiting or dehydration, call your Physician right away.
  • Do not stop taking TOPAMAX (Topiramate) without first talking to your doctor, even if you are feeling well. Even after your symptoms improve, you may require continuous treatment for quite some time, as directed by the Physician.
  • Try to wear a medical ID card mentioning you are using TOPAMAX (Topiramate).
  • Store TOPAMAX (Topiramate) as per the instructions on the label.
  • Keep TOPAMAX (Topiramate) away from the reach of the children and pets.

    What happens if I miss a dose of TOPAMAX (Topiramate)?

    Take the missed dose of TOPAMAX (Topiramate) as soon as you remember, during the same day. If you do not remember until the next day, skip the missed dose and take TOPAMAX (Topiramate) next day as routine dose. Do not take a double dose of the medication.

    What happens if I overdose of TOPAMAX (Topiramate)?

    If you feel abnormal symptoms after taking TOPAMAX (Topiramate), it may be sign of TOPAMAX (Topiramate) over dosage. Please seek emergency medical attention immediately.

    Where can I get more information on TOPAMAX (Topiramate)?

    TOPAMAX (Topiramate) prescribed patients, who try to place an order for TOPAMAX (Topiramate) from an online pharmacy store, can place their prescription order at the CanadaDrugsOnline.com which is an online Canadian pharmacy store.
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