Topamax
Both adults and children can receive treatment for seizures with the drug topamax. Additionally, it helps to avert migraines. Topamax may be used alone or in combination with other anti-epileptic drugs.Generic Topamax is a medication that is offered.
What are the side effects of Topamax?
Topamax's most typical side effects include:
dizziness
sleepiness
nausea
vomiting
diarrhea
constipation
slim down
difficulty focusing or thinking
rare adverse effects consist of:
depression
anxiety
hallucinations
Inform your doctor if they continue or get worse. immediately
the following uncommon but serious side effects:
irregular eye movements
muscle tremor
difficulty walking
ureteral stones
Call your doctor IMMEDIATELY if you experience any of these.
Dosage
Topamax is ingested, typically twice or three times per day.
Starting with a low dose of Topamax, your doctor will gradually increase it as needed.
Exactly as directed by your doctor, take Topamax. Never take it in larger or smaller amounts or more frequently than directed by your doctor.
Take your missed Topamax dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose and carry on with your regular schedule if it is almost time for your next dose. Never combine two doses into one.
Keep Topamax in a dark, dry place at room temperature.
Mechanism of Action
Topamax works by reducing brain nerve activity. Its actions on a number of neurotransmitters, including GABA, glutamate, and serotonin, are thought to be the cause of this effect.
Warnings
If you have an allergy to Topamax, you shouldn't take it.
Topamax may make you feel sleepy or lightheaded. Drive carefully and abstain from operating machinery until you know how Topamax affects you.
When taking Topamax, avoid drinking alcohol. Alcohol can make seizures more likely.
Pregnancy and Topamax
Topamax falls under pregnancy drug category C. Thus, two things follow:
Animal studies have demonstrated harmful effects on the fetus when the mother uses the medication. However, there aren't any sufficient human studies.
Topamax shouldn't be taken by women who are pregnant or could become pregnant.
Pharmacokinetics
Topamax's pharmacokinetics have not been thoroughly investigated.
Topamax is believed to be effectively absorbed from the digestive system. Its half-life is 20 to 60 hours and it is metabolized in the liver.
Topamax is primarily eliminated through the kidneys.
Long-term effects
The effects of Topamax over the long term are unknown.
Your doctor will likely want to routinely check your weight, blood pressure, and kidney function if you take Topamax for an extended period of time.
Interactions
Topamax and other medications may interact.
Give your doctor a complete list of all the drugs and supplements you take.
Topamax might have an effect on:
barbiturates
carbamazepine
sodium divalproex
ethosuximide
lamotrigine
phenytoin
primidone
tricyclic mood stabilizers
There may be other medications that interact with Topamax not on this list. Inform your physician of all prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, mineral, herbal, and other prescription drugs you are taking. Never begin a new medication without first consulting your physician.
Overdose
Overdose symptoms could include:
drowsiness
confusion
muddled speech
difficulty coordinating
dual perception
faulty judgment
fainting
Alternatives
There may be other medicines that can treat your condition. Ask your doctor about the advantages and disadvantages of taking Topamax.
How is it supplied?
Topamax comes in oral tablet form in strengths of 25, 50, 100, and 200 mg.
Oral sprinkle capsules in strengths of 15 mg and 25 mg are also offered.
How long does it stay in the body?
The period of time it takes for a drug's concentration in your body to decrease by half is known as its half-life.
The half-life of Topamax is 20 to 60 hours. Accordingly, it takes 20 to 60 hours for the concentration of Topamax in your body to drop to half its original level.
97.5% of the drug will have left your body after five elimination half-lives. In light of this, it would take between 100 and 300 hours (4 and 12 days) for Topamax to be completely gone from your body.