Topamax acts on the brain and nervous system. It is used with other
drugs to control various types of convulsions and seizures of epilepsy.
Topamax works with your other medication to control seizures.
Topamax is sometimes prescribed for other uses;
ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
How
should Topamax be used?
Topamax comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It usually is taken twice
a day. It may be taken with or without food. Your doctor may adjust
your dosage over the first few weeks, until your seizures are better
controlled. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully,
and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand.
Take Topamax exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or
take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. Topamax controls
epilepsy but does not cure it. Continue to take Topamax even if you
feel well. Do not stop taking Topamax without talking to your doctor,
especially if you have taken large doses for a long time. Your doctor
probably will decrease your dose gradually. This drug must be taken
regularly for a few weeks before its full effect is felt.
Topamax has a bitter taste, so do not break or chew
the tablet. If you cannot swallow the tablet, crush it, mix it with
applesauce or oatmeal, and then eat it immediately.
Before
taking Topamax, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic
to Topamax or any other drugs.
tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription
medications you are taking, especially other seizure medications,
acetazolamide (Diamox), dichlorphenamide (Daranide), digoxin (Lanoxin),
oral contraceptives, and vitamins. Do not drink alcoholic beverages
or take sleeping pills, sedatives, or antihistamines while taking
Topamax.
tell your doctor if you have or have ever had kidney or liver disease
or if you have ever had a kidney stone. If you have a history of kidney
stones, drink six to eight (8-ounce) glasses of water every day to
reduce the risk of kidney stone formation.
tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or
are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking Topamax, call
your doctor. Topamax may decrease the effectiveness of oral contraceptives;
use another method of birth control. Call your doctor if bleeding
or spotting occurs.
you should know that this drug may make you drowsy. Do not drive a
car or operate machinery until you know how this drug affects you.
remember that alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by Topamax.
tell your doctor if you use tobacco products. Cigarette smoking may
decrease the effectiveness of Topamax.
What should I do if I forget a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is
almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your
regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for
a missed one.
What
side effects can Topamax cause?
Although side effects from Topamax are not common, they can occur.
Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go
away:
drowsiness
nervousness
confusion
difficulty coordinating movements
tingling or numbness in the hands or feet
If you experience any of the following side effects, call your doctor
immediately:
blurred or double vision
eye pain
eye redness
What storage conditions are needed for Topamax?
Keep Topamax in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out
of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from
excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication
that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about
the proper disposal of your medication.
What other information should I know?
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory.
Your doctor will order certain lab tests to check your response
to Topamax.
Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask
your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.