Topamax (Topiramate)

Topamax (topiramate) Tablets and Topamax (topiramate) Sprinkle Capsules are two antiepileptic drugs proven to reduce the frequency of seizures, particularly among patients who are not controlled by other antiepileptic drugs (AEDs).Topamax (topiramate) is indicated as adjunctive therapy for adults and pediatric patients ages 2-16 years with partial onset seizures or primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures and in patients 2 years of age and older with seizures associated with Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome. Topamax (topiramate) Sprinkle Capsules may be swallowed as whole capsules or may be opened and poured over food in the following way: You may sprinkle the contents of Topamax (topiramate) Sprinkle Capsules on a small amount (teaspoon) of soft food, such as applsauce, custard, ice cream, oatmeal, pudding, or yogurt. Hold the Topamax (topiramate) capsule upright so that you can read the word "TOP". Carefully twist off the clear portion of the Topamax (topiramate) capsule. You may find it best to do this over a small portion of the food onto which you will be pouring the sprinkles. Sprinkle all of the Topamax (topiramate) capsule's contents onto a spoonful of soft food, taking care to see that the entire prescribed dosage is sprinkled onto the food. Be sure to swallow the entire spoonful of the Topamax (topiramate) sprinkle/food mixture immediately. Chewing Topamax (topiramate) should be avoided. It may be helpful to drink fluids immediately in order to make sure all of the Topamax (topiramate) mixture is swallowed. IMPORTANT: Never store any Topamax (topiramate) sprinkle/food mixture for use at a later time.

What are the possible side effects of Topamax? • If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking Topamax and seek emergency medical attention: · an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives); · blurred vision, changes in vision, or pain in or around the eyes · worsening of seizures. • Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take Topamax and talk to your doctor if you experience · dizziness, poor coordination, sluggishness, or drowsiness; · irregular back-and-forth movements of the eyes; · nausea, loss of appetite, or weight loss; · tremor, numbness, or tingling; · confusion, difficulty concentrating or decreased memory; · speech or language difficulties; or · changes in behavior, depression, nervousness, or agitation. • Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome. What other drugs will affect Topamax? • Before taking Topamax, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines: · another seizure medication such as valproic acid (Depakote, Depakene), carbamazepine (Tegretol, Carbatrol, Epitol), phenytoin (Dilantin), and others; · a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor such as acetazolamide (Diamox), methazolamide (Neptazane), or dichlorphenamide (Daranide); or · digoxin (Lanoxin, Lanoxicaps). • You may not be able to take Topamax, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you are taking any of the drugs listed above. • Topamax may decrease the effectiveness of birth control pills. Talk to your doctor about other birth control options to prevent unintended pregnancy. • Topamax may increase the effects of other drugs that cause drowsiness, including antidepressants, alcohol, antihistamines, pain relievers, sedative (sleep aids), anxiety medicines, and muscle relaxants. Dangerous sedation, dizziness, or drowsiness may occur if Topamax is taken with any of these medications. • Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with Topamax.

Although the exact mechanism of action is unknown, TOPAMAX appears to work in three ways to help balance electrical activity in the brain to reduce the frequency of seizures. Specifically, TOPAMAX enhances a chemical substance that inhibits electrical activity in the brain, while blocking other substances that increase activity. Epilepsy is a chronic condition characterized by recurrent, unprovoked seizures, or electrical disturbances in the brain that can alter a patient's consciousness, movement or behaviors. Seizures are characterized as either partial or generalized, depending on where they originate in the brain.

Probably the most important medicines to avoid are drugs what can cause kidney stones such as Zonegranâ (zonisamide) and Diamoxâ (acetazolamide). Kidney stones have occurred in people taking TOPAMAX, and the risk could increase when combined with other drugs that can cause kidney stones.

Also, some children may be on a ketogenic diet - a special high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet to help control seizures. The ketogenic diet can also cause kidney stones. Combined use of TOPAMAX and the ketogenic diet should be avoided.

TOPAMAX was discovered and developed by the R.W. Johnson Pharmaceutical Research Institute and is marketed in the United States by Ortho-McNeil Pharmaceutical. Both companies are located in Raritan, NJ.

For additional resources try: American Association of Neuroscience Nurses: The American Association of Neuroscience Nurses is a national organization of 3,400 registered nurses and other healthcare professionals dedicated to improving the care of the neuroscience patient and to furthering the interests of health professionals in the neurosciences. www.aann.org American Epilepsy Society: The American Epilepsy Society promotes research and education for professionals dedicated to the prevention, treatment and cure of epilepsy. www.aesnet.org Topamax and Topamax Sprinkle Capsules are available from only with a Prescription.