Topamax (Topiramate) Review

Topamax, which is generically prescribed as topiramte, is commonly used in the treatment of seizures as an anticonvulsant. Topamax is often used to prevent the onset of migraine headaches as well. Sometimes Topamax is not able to prevent migraines from happening altogether, but can reduce the intensity and the number of headaches significantly to improve patient life quality.

Of course, Topamax is not appropriate for everyone and a medical history should be thoroughly assessed prior to prescribing Topamax. Patients with a medical history of kidney disease, kidney stones, glaucoma, liver disease, asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, or a recent or unhealed surgery may or may not be able to take Topamax, depending on the condition and its severity, or the patient may require special monitoring while undergoing drug therapy with this medication.

The prescribing physician should provide a pregnancy test for women who may be pregnant before prescribing Topamax, as the American Food and Drug Administration rated this medication as a category C. This means that there is the potential for harm or birth defects to unborn babies who are exposed to Topamax while still in the uterus. Topamax is also known to pass through the mother’s breast milk. Topamax should not be prescribed to women who are pregnant or nursing, or who may become pregnant while taking Topamax.

There is a risk of side effects that may in fact be severe when taking Topamax. Patients who experience either an allergic reaction or a severe side effect should find medical assistance immediately. An allergic reaction will present with symptoms such as facial swelling which may mean swelling of the lips, mouth, tongue, or throat, hives, or difficulty breathing. Other serious side effects may include symptoms such as Severe lower back pain, painful urination, great difficulty urinating, nausea, vomiting, an increase in the frequency of urination, muscle pain, muscle weakness, lightheadedness, rapid heart rate, fainting, seizures and convulsions, dry mouth, increased thirst, high body temperature, drowsiness, hot and dry skin, decreased ability to sweat, pain around or behind the eyes, or a sudden loss of vision.

It is more likely that the patient will experience less serious side effects, which rarely require immediate medical attention. Less serious side effects should be reported to the prescribing physician to help determine the correct dosage level for each patient. Less serious side effects can often be made more tolerable by reducing the dosage of Topamax. Less serious side effects include symptoms such as problems with speech, problems with balance, slower thought processes, memory problems, difficulty concentrating, fatigue, numbness, tingling, headaches, dizziness, loss of appetite, anxiety, mild depression, insomnia, weight loss, and changes in behavior, nervousness, and agitation.

Topamax should be taken as it has been prescribed by the physician. Should the patient accidentally miss a dose, the dose should be taken as soon as possible, provided it is not nearing time for the next regular dose. If the next dose is near, the missed dose should be skipped to avoid the potential for an overdose. The patient should not take a double dose of Topamax to make up for a missed dose. In the event an overdose is likely, the patient should seek emergency medical attention. An overdose will present with symptoms such as agitation, depression, drowsiness, dizziness, blurry vision, loss of balance, problems with clear speech, chest pain, rapid heart rate, pounding heart beat, stomach pain, lightheadedness, seizures, convulsions, or fainting.

There is a risk of drug interactions that may occur if the patient mixes Topamax with other medications. Patients should be urged to speak with the prescribing physician before taking any new medications, even over the counter medications, vitamins, or herbal remedies. Medications with known interactions with Topamax include additional seizure medications, bronchodilators, medications to treat irritable bowel syndrome, diabetes medications, medications for glaucoma, risperidone, methscopolamine, bladder or urinary tract medications, hydrochlorothiazide, amitriptyline, benztropine, glycopyrrolate, or atropine. Patients should wear a medical identification tag that alerts medical staff that they are taking Topamax to avoid drug interactions in the event of an emergency.