What is topamax




















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Topamax topiramate is an anticonvulsant medication used in the treatment of epilepsy and migraine headaches. Topamax is also commonly used off-label to treat a wide range of mood disorders and eating disorders and to aid in substance abuse therapy.

While Topamax's mechanism of action is unclear, we know that the drug blocks sodium channels in the body that deliver electrical impulses to excitable cells such as nerve, muscle, and brain cells. By doing so, Topamax appears to enhance the activity of a chemical messenger neurotransmitter known as gamma-aminobutyric acid GABA. Topamax has both its approved and off-label uses. Topamax can also be in combination with other drugs to treat partial-onset seizures, primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures, and seizures associated with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome a severe form of childhood epilepsy.

Among its off-label uses, Topamax is sometimes prescribed to treat:. Topamax is available in capsule and tablet formulations. The tablet is offered in a , , , and milligram mg dose.

The capsule is available in mg or mg dose. The dosage can vary by the condition and the age of the user. When starting treatment, the dosage is typically tapered up to reduce the risk of potential side effects. It takes approximately five days for the medication to build up and reach a steady-state in a person's system. It should also be tapered down if the decision is made to stop treatment. Stopping abruptly can cause a rebound of disease symptoms such as seizures in people with epilepsy or abnormal moods in people with bipolar disorder.

For more information on the approved uses and dosages of topiramate oral tablets, talk with your doctor. Topiramate oral tablets are sometimes used together with phentermine for weight loss.

But this is an off-label use for topiramate. A brand-name prescription medication called Qsymia contains both phentermine and extended-release topiramate. But keep in mind that topiramate oral tablets contain immediate-release topiramate.

Topiramate is sometimes used off-label to treat bipolar disorder , anxiety , pain, and other conditions. Bipolar disorder is usually treated with drugs known as mood stabilizers. Topiramate works inside your brain. Its mechanism of action is to interfere with signals that your brain cells use to communicate with the rest of your body. If excessive or inappropriate signals are sent, they could lead to seizures or migraine headaches. The average half-life of topiramate oral tablets is around 21 hours.

It generally takes five half-lives for a drug to be fully cleared out of your system. So, topiramate oral tablets will be cleared from your body about 5 days after you stop taking them.

But doing so could cause your seizures or migraine headaches to return. And they could be severe for you. Before stopping this drug, first talk with your doctor to decide whether you should stop taking it. Your doctor may give instructions to you on how to gradually reduce your dose before stopping the drug altogether.

They may also recommend a different medication to replace topiramate, depending on your condition. The use of controlled drugs is regulated by the federal government. These drugs carry a higher risk of misuse or dependence than other drugs do. And with dependence, your body needs the drug in order for you to feel normal.

Your doctor will explain how you should take topiramate oral tablets. Below are commonly used dosages, but always take the dosage your doctor prescribes. Topiramate also comes in other forms.

This means their active drug gets released into your body shortly after you swallow them. Your doctor will likely start you taking a low dosage of topiramate. The usual dosage of topiramate for migraine prevention is taken twice a day. And the usual dosage of topiramate for seizures is taken twice a day.

If you have questions about your dosage of topiramate oral tablets, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. To treat certain types of seizures, topiramate oral tablet is used in combination with other medications that treat seizures. These drugs belong to a group of medications called antiepileptic drugs AEDs.

You may have questions about topiramate oral tablets and your treatment plan. Remember, your doctor and other healthcare professionals are available to help you.

And they want you to get the best care possible. Before starting treatment with topiramate oral tablets, be sure to talk with your doctor about a few important considerations. These include your current and past health conditions, current medications, and any health goals that you have.

Taking medications, vaccines, foods, and other things with a certain drug can affect how the drug works. These effects are called interactions. Before taking topiramate oral tablets, be sure to tell your doctor about all medications you take, including prescription and over-the-counter types. Also describe any vitamins, herbs, or supplements you use. Your doctor or pharmacist can tell you about any interactions these items may cause with topiramate oral tablets. This list does not contain all types of drugs that may interact with topiramate oral tablets.

Your doctor or pharmacist can tell you more about these interactions and any others that may occur with use of topiramate oral tablets. Topiramate oral tablets can interact with supplements. The drug can also be affected by your diet. But some herbal supplements may have central nervous system depressant effects.

They can slow down the activity of your brain or nerves. Topiramate works by reducing the activity of your brain. So, using topiramate with other treatments that do this may reduce your brain activity too much. And this can lead to adverse effects. The ketogenic diet could increase your risk for kidney stones with topiramate.

It also increases your risk for metabolic acidosis high acid level in your blood. Drinking plenty of fluids with this medication can reduce your risk for kidney stones.

Topiramate oral tablets may not be right for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors that affect your health. Talk with your doctor about your health history before you take topiramate oral tablets. Factors to consider include those in the list below. Alcohol can increase your risk for certain side effects of topiramate, such as:. Additionally, an interaction between topiramate and alcohol could increase your risk for serious side effects. These include:.

This is because taking topiramate during pregnancy can be harmful. Studies show that babies born to people who took topiramate during pregnancy had an increased risk for:. If you take topiramate while breastfeeding, this drug will pass into your breast milk.

Taking more than this can lead to serious side effects, including, in some cases, death. You can also call to reach the American Association of Poison Control Centers or use its online resource. But if you have severe symptoms, immediately call or your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency room.

Costs of prescription drugs can vary depending on many factors. Get Involved Become a Fundraiser. Get Involved Awareness Events. Get Involved Share Your Story. Get Involved Partner with Us. Advocacy Advocate for Change. Advocacy Policy Priorities. Advocacy Policy Platform. Advocacy Crisis Intervention. Advocacy State Fact Sheets. Advocacy Public Policy Reports. Topiramate Topamax. Know the warning signs Learn the common signs of mental illness in adults and adolescents.

Mental health conditions Learn more about common mental health conditions that affect millions. Breastfeeding is not recommended in women who are taking topiramate. Symptoms of your condition that bother you the most If you have thoughts of suicide or harming yourself Medications you have taken in the past for your condition, whether they were effective or caused any adverse effects If you experience side effects from your medications, discuss them with your provider.

Some side effects may pass with time, but others may require changes in the medication. Any other psychiatric or medical problems you have All other medications you are currently taking including over the counter products, herbal and nutritional supplements and any medication allergies you have Other non-medication treatment you are receiving, such as talk therapy or substance abuse treatment. Your provider can explain how these different treatments work with the medication.

If you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding If you drink alcohol or use illegal drugs How Should I Take Topiramate? Topiramate is usually taken one or two times a day with or without food. Do not split or chew tablets as they have a bitter taste.

Extended-release capsules: Swallow whole. Do not sprinkle on food, chew, or crush capsule. A specific treatment to reverse the effects of topiramate does not exist.

These eye problems can lead to permanent vision loss if not treated. Serious skin reactions Stevens-Johnson Syndrome have been reported with use of topiramate. At the first sign of a rash, topiramate should be discontinued unless the rash is clearly not drug related. Topiramate may cause decreased sweating and increased body temperature. People, especially children, should be watched for signs of this — especially in hot climates.

Some people may need to be hospitalized for this condition. Topiramate can increase the level of acid in your blood metabolic acidosis. If left untreated, metabolic acidosis can cause brittle or soft bones, kidney stones, can slow the rate of growth in children, and may possibly harm your baby if you are pregnant.



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