Generic: Topiramate
Name: Generic Topamax
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What is/are Topamax?
TOPIRAMATE is used to treat seizures in adults or children with epilepsy. It is also used for the prevention of migraine headaches. This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
What should I tell my health care providers before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
cirrhosis of the liver or liver disease diarrhea glaucoma kidney stones or kidney disease lung disease like asthma, obstructive pulmonary disease, emphysema metabolic acidosis on a ketogenic diet schedule for surgery or a procedure suicidal thoughts, plans, or attempt; a previous suicide attempt by you or a family member an unusual or allergic reaction to topiramate, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives pregnant or trying to get pregnant breast-feedingHow should I use this medicine?
Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Do not crush or chew. You may take this medicine with meals. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take it more often than directed.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 10 years of age for various seizure disorders, precautions do apply.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
Note: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
What may interact with this medicine?
Do not take this medicine with any of the following:
probenecidThis medicine may also interact with the following:
acetazolamide amitriptyline dichlorphenamide digoxin hydrochlorothiazide lithium medicines for pain, sleep, or muscle relaxation methazolamide other seizure or epilepsy medicines pioglitazone risperidoneThis list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care providers a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
What side effects may I notice from this medicine?
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue decreased sweating and/or rise in body temperature depression difficulty breathing, fast or irregular breathing patterns difficulty speaking difficulty walking or controlling muscle movements hearing impairment redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth tingling, pain or numbness in the hands or feet unusually weak or tired worsening of mood, thoughts or actions of suicide or dyingSide effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
altered taste back pain, joint or muscle aches and pains diarrhea, or constipation headache loss of appetite nausea stomach upset, indigestion tremorsThis list may not describe all possible side effects.
What should I watch for while using this medicine?
Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Do not stop taking this medicine suddenly. This increases the risk of seizures if you are using this medicine to control epilepsy. Wear a medical identification bracelet or chain to say you have epilepsy or seizures, and carry a card that lists all your medicines.
You should drink plenty of fluids while taking this medicine. If you have had kidney stones in the past, this will help to reduce your chances of forming kidney stones.
If you have stomach pain, with nausea or vomiting and yellowing of your eyes or skin, call your doctor immediately.
You may get drowsy, dizzy, or have blurred vision. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. To reduce dizziness, do not sit or stand up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. Alcohol can increase drowsiness and dizziness. Avoid alcoholic drinks.
Birth control pills may not work properly while you are taking this medicine. Talk to your doctor about using an extra method of birth control.
If you notice blurred vision, eye pain, or other eye problems, seek medical attention at once for an eye exam.
The use of this medicine may increase the chance of suicidal thoughts or actions. Pay special attention to how you are responding while on this medicine. Any worsening of mood, or thoughts of suicide or dying should be reported to your health care professional right away.
Where should I keep this medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children.
Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F) in a tightly closed container. Protect from moisture. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.