Uses of Topiramate:

Topiramate, generic topamax, is a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor, used to treat certain types of seizures. It is used by patients aged two years and older. Topiramate is also used to relieve migraine and headache. This drug works by facilitating and regulating the nerve impulses that pass through the brain.

When not to use Topiramate:

Topiramate should not be used when you have the following conditions:

• You are allergic with Topiramate or any of its ingredients
• You are already taking other carbonic anhyrase inhibitors such as acetazolamide.

If you are have the conditions in the list above contact your doctor immediately.

Things to Consider Before You Use Topiramate:

There are certain conditions that interact with the drug. Contact your doctor if you have a persistent medical condition, especially if you have one of the conditions in this list:

• Pregnancy, Breast Feeding
• Thinking about pregnancy
• Allergies
• Taking nonprescription or prescription meds, dietary supplements, and herbal medicines.
• Other known heart complications such as enlarged heart or heart failure
• Liver problems, kidney complications, or if you regularly drink alcohol
• Respiratory tract disease, diarrhea, or have an upcoming surgery
• Status epilepticus or seizures/series of seizures without the ability to return to full consciousness.
• Diet that increases ketone levels in blood. A symptom of this is fruity-smell breath.

In addition, there are medicines that may interact with the drug. Your doctor should know what medicines you are taking. Notify your doctor of any medicine intake with emphasis of medicines on this list.

• Hydantoin (phenytoin) or Carbamezipine - interaction will result to decreased effectiveness of Topiramate.
• Hyndantoins (phenytoin), amitriptyline, carbamezepine, metformin - the side effects of these drugs will increase upon interaction with Topiramate.
• Risperidone - the effectiveness of this drug may decrease with Topiramate.

Ask you health care provider if you are taking one of the drugs above. However, this is not the complete list of the interaction that may happen with Topiramate. Discuss the different medication that you take with your doctor so that he can modify your dosage as needed.

Guideline in using Topiramate:

Your medicine label has dosing instructions as instructed by the doctor. Always read the label every time you refill your medicine.

• You can take Topiramate with or without food
• Drink a full glass of water with Topiramate. This will prevent the formation of kidney stones.
• Do not chew, or break the tablet. Instead, swallow the drug whole.
• Topiramate is part of a therapy procedure. Do not suspend taking the drug as this may cause more seizures to occur. If you need to stop medication, do so gradually.
• Take a missed of Topiramate as soon as you remember. However, do not take double dosage if it is almost time for the next dose. Once you caught up with the dose, go back to the usual schedule.

If you have any questions about the use of Topiramate, let the doctor know your queries first.

Some Hazards in using Topiramate:

• Topiramate may result in drowsiness, difficulty concentrating, dizziness, blurred vision, and confusion. Do not drive or do highly physical activities until you are familiar with how the drug works in your body.
• Topiramate may lessen your stamina, or undermine your ability to do dangerous, physical tasks.
• Topiramate reduces sweating, which affects children. This side effect is more evident during hot weather and during the summer. If you are doing physical activities while under medication, drink plenty of water and dress loosely to keep yourself cool. If you still experience decreased sweating, proceed to an air conditioned room. Seek medical attention immediately if your body temperature is above normal.
• Monitor your mental changes or mood swings as well as occurrence of dizziness and headache.
• If you are taking Topiramate or other meds that reduce sweating, you need to constantly check your condition. These medicines are anticholinergics (benztropine), haloperidol, amitriptyline, and carbonic anhydrase inhibitors.
• Topiramate may cause your blood to increase or decrease its pH level. Notify your health provider if you are experiencing loss off appetite, tiredness, changes in breathing, or difference in heart rhythm.
• Your doctor or dentist should know if you are taking Topiramate before undergoing dental or medical care.
• If you are taking oral contraceptives, you should use additional form of contraception while you are under medication. Topiramate decreases the effectiveness of pills.
• Topiramate may modify the level of blood sugar in the body for patients, especially if you are under metformin treatment. Monitor your blood sugar regularly. If you have diabetes, your doctor will likely modify your dose.
• Patients who take Topiramate usually undergo laboratory testing to monitor the progress of the treatment. Always attend your laboratory appointments.
• This drug is not recommended for children two years old and below. There is no conclusive study about the effectiveness of Topiramate in children.
• Talk to your doctor if you are thinking about getting pregnant. Then discuss with your doctor on the benefits and risks of pregnancy. Topiramate can be passed from the mother to the baby via breast milk. Ask your doctor if he will allow you to breast-feed.

What are its side effects?

Medicines may cause mild to severe side effects. Usually, patients experience negligible side effects or none at all. However, if some of these side effects become bothersome, consult your doctor.

• Abnormal skin sensations
• Abnormal walking
• Agitation/aggression
• Appetite loss
• Back pain
• Breast pain
• Change in speech
• Clumsiness
• Coordination decreased
• Confusion
• Constipation
• Decreased hearing
• Decreased sweating
• Depression
• Diarrhea
• Dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Dry mouth
• Fatigue
• Flu-like symptoms
• Hot flushes
• Injury
• Indigestion
• Infection
• Itching
• Leg pain
• Menstrual disorder
• Mood swings
• Muscle pain or contractions
• Nausea
• Nervousness or anxiety
• Runny nose
• Saliva increased
• Sex drive decreased
• Sinus swelling
• Skin disorder
• Stomach pain or ache
• Strange taste
• Sore throat
• Thinking problems
• Thirst
• Tremor
• Unstable emotions
• Vomiting
• Weakness

If you have any of the severe side effects listed below, seek medical attention right away:

• Severe allergies such as rash, hives, itching, breathing difficulty, chest tightness, swelling in the mouth, lips, face, or tongue
• Blood in the urine
• Blurred vision or sudden worsening of vision
• Chest pain
• Difficulty concentrating
• Fast, deep breathing
• Feeling of moving slowly
• Increased body temperature
• Irregular heartbeat
• Loss of consciousness
• Memory problems
• Painful/red eyes
• Prostate problems
• Stomach pain
• Weight loss
• Speech problems
• Stupor
• Unexplained fever
• Unusual eye movements
• Unusual tiredness
• Urinary incontinence
• Urinary tract infection

Shelf life of Topiramate:

The expiration date of Topiramate is mentioned in its blister pack. Take note that the expiration date is varied from different batches. Usually, the shelf life is two years from the time of manufacture.

What is the shelf life of the pills?

• The expiry date is mentioned on each blister. It is different for different batches. The shelf life is 2 years from the date of manufacture and would differ from batch to batch depending on when they were manufactured.