Topamax

What is Topamax?

Topamax is the brand name for the medication generically known as Topiramate. It is an anticonvulsant specifically designed to help assist with seizures. Topamax is often used on its own to treat adults and children over 10 for minor to chronic seizures. It can also be used in combination with other medication for adults and children who are over 2 years old.

Topamax is commonly used to prevent and reduce migraine headaches for adults. Topamax will not reduce the severity of a migraine once it has begun, however it will reduce the frequency of migraines and may help to prevent them altogether.

Who should use Topamax?

Topamax should be taken as prescribed by your doctor. You should not take Topamax if you have an allergy to Topiramate. Your doctor might need to adjust your dosage based on any medical conditions. You should make your doctor aware of certain medical conditions such as:

• Kidney disease or a history of kidney stones
• Liver disease
• Glaucoma
• History of depression or attempted suicide
• Growth disorder
• Metabolic acidosis
• Osteoporosis
• Asthma, emphysema, or other breathing disorders

You should also make sure that your doctor knows that you are pregnant before you take Topamax as this drug can cause birth defects. Topamax can also lessen the effectiveness of contraceptive medication, specifically the pill. You should consult with your doctor about using a non-hormone based form of birth control whilst on Topamax. Topamax should not be taken whilst breastfeeding.

Topamax and Children

Children who suffer from migraines and seizures may benefit from Topamax. However, a 2008 study shows that children have radical variations in side-effects. Children often suffer weight loss, fatigue, rashes, and abdominal pain – amongst other problems. Children also suffer more noticeably from emotional problems whilst on Topamax. The study brought to light one significant concern: reduced sweating. There is concern that children on Topamax may suffer severe hyperthermia during hot weather

Conclusion

Topamax is very successful at reducing the frequency of migraine headaches and seizures, but it will not reduce the severity of an episode once it is in progress. The drug should always be taken under professional medical guidance, and you should alert your doctor to any relevant pre-existing medical conditions that may be antagonized by Topiramate. Furthermore, you should immediately contact your doctor if you notice any side-effects from the Topamax.

You should not decide to discontinue using Topamax, even if you feel like your illness has completely disappeared. Usually the amount of Topamax taken will be gradually tapered off so that the body can get used to lower and lower amounts of Topamax.

The use of Topamax can lead to:

• Numbness, burning, or tingling in the hands or feet
• Slower reactions
• Difficulties with concentration
• Speech difficulties
• Memory difficulties
• Lack of coordination
• Nervousness
• Aggression
• Anger
• Manic depression
• Depression
• Headaches
• Drowsiness
• Uncontrollable shaking
• Involuntary eye movements
• Extreme thirst
• Loss of weight
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Heartburn
• Change in ability to taste food
• Swelling of the tongue
• Gum problems
• Dry mouth
• Increased salivation
• Difficulty swallowing
• Nosebleeds
• Teary or dry eyes
• Back, muscle, or bone pain
• Missed menstruations
• Excessive menstrual bleeding
• Skin problems or changes in skin color
• Dandruff
• Hair loss
• Growth of hair in unusual places
• Ringing sound in the ears
• Difficulty sleeping
• Swelling of the hands, arms, feet, ankles, or lower legs
• Difficulty urinating or pain when urinating

You should seek medical attention if you experience any of the following symptoms:

• Blurred or double vision
• Eye pain
• Worsening of seizures
• Pounding or irregular heartbeat
• Chest pain
• Breathing difficulties
• Fast and shallow breathing
• Non-responsiveness
• Excessive fatigue
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Stomach pain
• Loss of appetite
• Intense back or side pain
• Urine with blood or a strong odor
• Fever
• Chills

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