Topamax is used not only as an independent medicament. It is also used in combination with other drugs with anticonvulsant action. It is available in form of coated tablets. Active ingredient is a Topiramate.
Available reviews about Topamax leave a good impression on its effective action, thanks to patients with experience of using of the drug, thereby allowing giving an objective assessment of the level of quality of represented drug.
The action of the active substance of the drug is in blocking of sodium channels, inhibition of occurrence of repeated action that emerged from the background of the depolarization of the neuron membrane.
In what kind of disease treatment Topamax is helpful?
The drug is prescribed to patients who suffer from headaches. It may be prescribed as a preventive measure.
It is used for medical treatment of epilepsy as monotherapy from 2 years of age; in combination therapy starting with 2 years in the case of generalized, partial seizures (tonic-clonic), seizures that are result of Lennox-Gastaut syndrome; to prevent migraine attacks. Also it has a possibility to eliminate the nervous excitability.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take Generic Topamax?
Before taking this medication read the contraindications.
The drug should not be taken if you have:
sensitivity to the ingredients of the drug;
age less than 2 years;
pregnancy;
lactation;
patients who are suffering from liver failure;
hypercalciuria;
urolithiasis.
How should I take Topamax?
The tablets according to the instructions you need to wash down with a small amount of plain water before eating or after. It can also be taken as a whole tablet as well as mixed with a small amount of food. In order to achieve control for the attacks of epilepsy it is recommended to start a course with receiving small doses and gradually increasing it to the desired. Take Topamax twice a day.
Dosage information
200 mg per day should be taken in the case of the combined type of anticonvulsant therapy for adults for 2 admissions. Is possible a gradual increase up to 1600 mg. For children from 2 years physicians select a dose rate of 5-9 mg per kg which should be consumed in 2 hours. If you are using it as a monotherapy then you should take it in the amount of 25 mg before sleep for one week. It is allowed a gradual increase in compliance with the interval of 1-2 weeks.
The average recommended dose for the treatment is 200-400 mg.
What may interact with Topamax?
The use of Topamax with other antiepileptic drugs is allowed. In some cases the simultaneous use can lead to increased Phenytoin. In this case you need to control the concentration of Phenytoin in blood plasma.
With a combined use of Phenytoin and Carbamazepine with Topamax drug decreases the concentration of Topiramate in plasma. The dosage of Phenytoin and Carbamazepine is calculated from a particular clinical case.
Before the use of Topamax and Pioglitazone doctor should carry out a thorough study of the diabetic status of the patient.
What should I watch for while taking Topamax?
If you are using antiepileptic drugs then is a possible increase of the risk of suicidal thoughts, so you need to monitor the condition of patients.
The process of withdrawal of the drug should be made gradually to minimize the likelihood of increased frequency of seizures.
To avoid symptoms of side effects and to achieve maximum effectiveness in the treatment of drug it is necessary strictly adhere the dosage and course of treatment prescribed by the attending specialist. The drug Topamax is not being tested for the treatment of pregnant women. Its use is possible only when the intended effect for the mother outweighs the possible future risk to the baby.
During the few studies we can suggest that Topamax is excreted in breast milk. Therefore if you take it during lactation then it is better to abandon and completely stop breastfeeding.
For children in the period of the researches the drug is canceled within 2-8 weeks. In the treatment of epilepsy the dose for adults was reduced with 50-100 mg once a week. If the rapid rejection of the drug is necessary then it is recommended to do it under medical supervision. In some patients the abolition of the drug has passed without any complications and in a short period.
Age did not affect the speed of excretion of the drug. Much of this is depend on renal function. With normal kidney health clearance time is 4-8 days whereas in people with impaired kidney function take up to 15 days. Patients with liver disease should be used Topamax with extreme caution. Topiramate treatment may cause an increased number of mood disorders, depression and melancholia.
At the use of Topamax increases the risk of developing kidney stones. It may also manifest with associated symptoms such as renal colic. The most susceptible patients are those with predisposition to nephrolithiasis.
Chronic metabolic acidosis in children can provoke a slowdown. Effects of Topiramate on bone system in children and adults have not been systematically investigated. In case of occurrence of metabolic acidosis it is recommended to reduce the dosage or completely interrupt the drug.
If during the use of the drug you noticed a decrease in body weight then it is recommended to adjust your diet or add the diet supplements.
During the period of administration of the drug, doctors insistently do not advise to drive and engage in other dangerous activities that require increased discipline because Topamax can lower your psychomotor reactions.
If you experience side effects then it is recommended to take time off from drug treatment. One of the most effective ways to excrete the drug is to carry out a blood purification procedure which is prescribed for kidney failure (hemodialysis).
What side effects may I notice from Generic Topamax?
In addition, the drug may cause some side effects, including:
slow thinking;
drowsiness;
myalgia;
dizziness;
decreased appetite;
diplopia;
tiredness;
muscle spasms;
blurred vision;
anemia;
depression;
ear pain;
speech disorder;
nausea;
weight loss;
tiredness;
loss of attention;
confusion, etc.
In adult patients treated with Topiramate there were cases of cognitive impairment requiring dose reduction or discontinuation of therapy. Data on the effect of Topiramate on cognitive function in children are insufficient and its effects require further study.
Defects of view were observed in patients regardless of whether they have elevated IOP, in some cases occurred mydriasis. In clinical trials the majority of these cases were reversible and visual defects disappear after discontinuation Topiramate.
Normally side effects are manifested at the beginning of the course.
Where can I keep Topamax?
Topamax should be kept in the dry place out of sunlight at the room temperature.
