Topamax

Common Name: topiramate

How does Topamax work?

Topiramate is a medication that is used to treat epilepsy. It is added in combination with other epilepsy medications to treat people whose epilepsy has not been satisfactorily controlled by conventional treatment. It works by helping to control the abnormal electrical activity in the brain that is seen in epilepsy.

How should I use Topamax?

Recommended adult doses start at 25 mg to 50 mg daily, increasing to a usual dose of 200 mg to 400 mg daily in two divided doses. The maximum recommended dose is 800 mg daily. Recommended doses for children aged 2-16 years start at 25 mg daily (or 1-3 mg per kilogram of body weight), increasing to a usual dose of 5-9 mg/kg/day in two divided doses. The tablets can be taken with or without food.

What form(s) does Topamax come in?

Topamax® is supplied as 15 mg and 25 mg sprinkle capsules and 25 mg, 100 mg, and 200 mg tablets.

What should I NOT take with Topamax?

Anyone with an allergy to topiramate or any ingredients of the tablet should not take this medication.

Are there any other precautions or warnings for Topamax?

Kidney stones: Approximately 1.5% of people taking topiramate have developed kidney stones. Men seem to be at greater risk for this. Be sure to drink plenty of fluids while taking this medication in order to reduce the risk for kidney stone formation. Occupational hazards: Topiramate can cause difficulty with concentration, speech or language problems, and drowsiness or fatigue. People taking this drug should not drive or operate machinery until they have had a chance to see if it affects their mental and/or physical performance. Birth control: Topiramate has been shown to affect birth control pills with low doses of estrogen. Women taking birth control pills should receive a preparation containing not less than 50 µg of estrogen and report any changes in bleeding patterns. Pregnancy: There are no studies using topiramate in pregnant women. It should not be used during pregnancy unless the potential benefit outweighs the risk. Breast-feeding: It is not known whether topiramate is excreted in breast milk. Many drugs are excreted in breast milk, and there is a potential for serious adverse reactions to topiramate in nursing infants. For these reasons, a decision should be made whether to stop nursing or stop the drug. In making this decision, the doctor must balance the benefit of the drug to the mother and the risks to the infant. Children and adolescents: Topiramate can be used in children aged 2 and older. Safety and effectiveness in children under the age of 2 has not been established.