Shop by Category

Pharmacology

Topamax is an anti-epileptic 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.

Do not abruptly stop taking Topamax. If the drug isn't withdrawn gradually, the frequency of your seizures could increase.

It is important to take this medication exactly as prescribed. It can be taken with or without food. Avoid breaking the tablets; the medication has a bitter taste.

Topamax increases your risk of developing kidney stones. To prevent this problem, be sure to take this medication 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.

Adverse 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.

More common 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
involuntary eye movement
language problems
leg pain
loss of coordination
menstrual problems
mood problems
nausea
nervousness
rash
sinusitis
slowing of movements
sore throat
speech problems
tingling or burning sensations
tremors
upper respiratory infection
weakness
weight loss

Less common side effects may include:

abnormal gait
abnormal menstrual bleeding
acne
aggressiveness
apathy
bladder infection
changes in taste
bloody urine
body odor
bronchitis
cough
decreased awareness
decreased mobility
decreased sensitivity
diarrhea
digestive inflammation
dry mouth
exaggerated sense of well being
eye pain
feelings of illness
feelings of unreality
fever
fluid retention
frequent urination
gas
gum inflammation
hair loss
hallucinations
headache
hearing difficulties
heart palpitations
hot flushes
hyperactivity
impotence
increased sweating
irritable bladder
joint pain
kidney stones
loss of balance
loss of consciousness
low sex drive
mood swings
muscle ache
muscle tension
muscle weakness
nosebleeds
painful or difficult urination
personality problems
pinkeye
ringing in the ears
sensitivity to touch
severe itching
shivers
shortness of breath
sleeplessness
suicidal tendencies
swelling
vaginal infection
vomiting
weight gain

Topamax has also been known to cause a number of very rare side effects (typically striking less than one person in a hundred). If you develop any unfamiliar problems while taking Topamax, report them to your doctor.

Warnings

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.

Tell your doctor if you have kidney problems or if you are on hemodialysis. Your dosage of Topamax may need adjustment. 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.

CHILDREN

The safety and effectiveness of Topamax in children have not been established.

Food and drug interactions

Topamax can depress the central nervous system. Be extremely cautious about combining it with alcohol, sedatives, tranquilizers, and other central nervous system depressants.

For people with poor kidney function, the dosage is usually cut in half. On the other hand, those undergoing hemodialysis may need a supplemental dose.

If you are also taking Dilantin or Tegretol, the dosage of Topamax may need adjustment. Likewise, the doctor may adjust your dosage if you have liver problems.

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) Phenytoin (Dilantin)
Oral contraceptives
Valproic acid (Depakene)

Price: $260.00

Tell a Friend

Product Code: 190006

In Stock: 100

Quantity: Add to Basket

Shopping Basket

Your basket is empty.

0Items in cart:
$0.00Total:

View Basket