Topamax (Oral)
Questions | Reviews
Dosage amount of Topamax
I am, again, trying Topamax for miagraine control. My Doctor has decided to try 75 mg. As of 1 and 1/2 weeks no migraine. That may not sound like much but for me, it's heaven. I get migrains weekly. I'm taking 3, 25mg pills a day at $50.00 a w...
by Dawn McConnell in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, 08/24/2006
Topamax (Oral) Drug and Prescription Information
Topamax (Oral)
Topamax (Oral) Medication Classification
TOPIRAMATE (By mouth)
Topamax (Oral) Brandname
Topamax
Topamax (Oral) is used for the Treatment
Topiramate (toe-PYRE-a-mate) Helps control and prevent certain kinds of seizures.
When To Not Use Topamax (Oral)
You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to topiramate.
How Should You Use Topamax (Oral)
Tablet, Capsule
- Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to take and how often. Your dose may need to be changed several times in order to find out what works best for you. Do not take more medicine or take it more often than your doctor tells you to.
- You may take this medicine with or without food.
- Swallow the tablet whole. Do not break, crush, or chew it. The tablet has a very bitter taste.
- You may swallow the sprinkle capsule whole, or you may open it and pour the medicine into a small amount (teaspoon) of soft food such as pudding, yogurt, or applesauce. To do this, hold the capsule so you can read the word "TOP." Holding the capsule over the food, gently twist off the clear part of the capsule. Sprinkle all of the medicine onto the food. Stir this mixture well and swallow all of it without chewing. Drink some water right away.
- Drink extra fluids so you will pass more urine while you are using this medicine. This will keep your kidneys working well and help prevent kidney stones.
- Never share your medicine with anyone. If a dose is missed:
- If you miss a dose or forget to take your medicine, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to take the medicine and skip the missed dose.
- Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
Proper Topamax (Oral) Storage
Store Topamax (Oral) at room temperature away from sunlight and moisture unless otherwise stated by manufacturer's instructions or labelling. Keep Topamax (Oral) and all medications out of the reach of children.
What To Avoid While Using Topamax (Oral)
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
- Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using acetazolamide (Diamox®), dichlorphenamide (Daranide®), digoxin (Lanoxin®), or other medicines for seizures (such as Depakote®, Dilantin®, Keppra, Tegretol®, Depakene®).
- Birth control pills may not work while you are using topiramate. To keep from getting pregnant, use another form of birth control such as condoms, a diaphragm, or contraceptive foam or jelly.
- Make sure your doctor knows if you are using any medicines that make you sleepy (such as sleeping pills, cold and allergy medicine, narcotic pain relievers, or sedatives). Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine.
Topamax (Oral) Warnings
- Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, glaucoma, a history of kidney stones, or if you are on a ketogenic (high-fat, low-protein, low-carbohydrate) diet.
- Do not stop using this medicine suddenly without asking your doctor. You will need to slowly decrease your dose before stopping it completely.
- This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert.
- If your seizures do not improve or if they get worse, call your doctor.
Topamax (Oral) Side Effects
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
- Bloody or cloudy urine
- Changes in mood or behavior
- Problems with walking or coordination
- Sharp pain in your lower back
- Sudden pain in your eye, blurred vision, eye redness If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
- Changes in your menstrual period
- Tingling or "pins and needles" feeling
- Tiredness or sleepiness
- Trouble talking, concentrating, or remembering
- Weight loss, loss of appetite, nausea