Do you need Topamax?
Topamax is an anticonvulsant intended to be taken orally. Doctors use Topamax primarily for treatment to counteract epileptic seizures and in patients with severe migraines. In both treatment cases, patients use Topamax as a preventive measure, not for acute treatment.
The drug is available from us in different versions
- Topamax as film-coated tablets with an active ingredient strength of 25, 50 and 100 milligrams
- Topamax as hard capsules with an active ingredient strength of 15, 25 and 50 milligrams.
The tablets contain the active substance topiramate. The active ingredient uses different mechanisms of action to relieve your epileptic convulsions and seizures or to prevent migraine headaches.
More information about topiramate: The anti-epileptic drug has a complex mechanism of action. The mechanism of action is not yet fully understood. The active substance blocks the voltage-dependent calcium and sodium channels in the brain, as well as the docking sites for glutamate. Secondly, topiramate activates the GABA-A receptor.
By taking topiramate, the stimulus threshold of the nerve cells can be raised so that they do not become excited so easily. All together, this results in the anti-epileptic and migraine-preventing effect.
What is epilepsy?
Doctors use the term to describe functional disorders of the brain that occur in the form of seizures. These disorders are based on excessive excitation of the nerve cells in the central nervous system. This triggers uncontrolled stimuli that cause completely unnatural movements, such as twitching or convulsions.
Cell excitability is determined by the distribution of ions (electrically charged particles) inside and outside the cell. Certain channels in the cell membrane control the concentration of ions. Potassium and chloride channels have a dampening effect on the nerve cells, while sodium and calcium channels increase the excitability of the nerve cells. In addition, an imbalance of the nerve messengers such as gamma-aminobutyric acid and glutamate can trigger epilepsy.
The correct way to use Topamax!
The doctor will tell you how to take Topamax when writing your prescription. Follow the doctor’s instructions so that you experience the best treatment success and notice few side effects. The dosage and method of use are tailored to you personally. If no other information is available, follow the manufacturer’s instructions:
Normally, the capsules are taken by the patient twice a day without chewing. It is not important whether the tablets are taken with or without food. Drink enough water when taking the tablets to prevent the formation of kidney stones.
Dosage:
Topamax Ask your doctor for the correct dosage. The dosage always depends on the severity of the disease and, in children, on the body weight. In some circumstances, the patient starts with a low dosage. The doctor will gradually increase the dosage during the course of therapy, which will reduce the side effects.
It is advisable to always take the tablets regularly at the same time. This helps the body to handle the active substance well. If you suddenly stop taking Topamax, the symptoms of some diseases may come back more often. Always seek medical advice before stopping any therapy. If you have any questions, ask your doctor. If there is no improvement after some time or the symptoms worsen, contact your doctor directly. Either the dosage must be adjusted or a new therapy must be found for you. Always read the package leaflet thoroughly first.
Are there any side effects associated with taking Topamax?
It is known that taking certain medicines can cause side effects. It is not always said that the patient will suffer from side effects. It depends on the particular reaction of the body. Please consult your doctor if you have any doubts or concerns.
Topamax can also cause side effects. In many cases, these minor negative symptoms will go away on their own after a while. Please note that the most common side effects include the following:
- Nausea
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Diarrhoea
- Coordination problems
- Loss of appetite
- tingling in the hands, arms, legs or feet
- Impaired taste
- Blood in the urine
- Fever
- Pain when urinating
- Chills
- Pain in the lower back
- Pain in the lower abdomen
If you notice any of the side effects listed above and they are bothering you a lot, please contact your doctor. The last side effects listed could be kidney stones that need to be treated.
In rare cases, patients have reported serious allergic reactions to Topamax. If you experience symptoms such as: Hives, ‘dizziness, shortness of breath, itching or swelling, seek medical help immediately as it is an allergic reaction.
Some patients have reported an altered mood or increasing depressed mood/thoughts. Contact your doctor if you or a loved one notice any changes in your behaviour or mood.
Please be careful: If you experience sudden visual disturbances or irritated or reddened eyes, contact your doctor. Sporadic therapy with Topamax can lead to serious eye disease. If this eye disease remains untreated, blindness may result.
When should you not use Topamax?
Before writing the prescription, you must inform your doctor about your medical history and about all medicines you are currently taking. Please mention all prescription, over-the-counter and herbal medicines. If other medicines are not mentioned, they may interact with each other.
Please refer to the package leaflet for a detailed list of all interactions. It is known that orlistat, for example, can interact with Topamax.
Note: Tell your doctor if you have narrow/wide-angle glaucoma, kidney disease or brittle bones. Also inform the doctor if you have a high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet. It may affect the way the active ingredient works or have negative side effects.
What should be said about pregnancy / breastfeeding / driving / drinking alcohol?
The use of Topamax during pregnancy or breastfeeding should be discussed with the doctor beforehand. In such cases, a careful risk-benefit assessment is always carried out. In small amounts, the medicine can pass to the baby with the breast milk, so make sure you are informed about the use and risks of Topamax while you are breast-feeding.
It has been mentioned in the side effects that taking Topamax can cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you notice these side effects, refrain from driving. Do not endanger yourself or other road users.
During therapy, doctors advise you to avoid drinking alcohol. This can lead to increased side effects. In addition, too much alcohol is detrimental to good health.
Ingredients
The tablets contain the active substance topiramate, in the respective strength. Other ingredients: Lactose monohydrate, microcrystalline cellulose, pregelatinised maize starch, sodium starch glycolate, magnesium stearate, carnauba wax, hypromellose, macrogol, titanium dioxide and polysorbate 80, yellow iron (III) hydroxide oxide x H O.
Hard capsules: Sugar pellets of sucrose and (maize starch, povidone and cellulose acetate.
Capsule: Gelatine and titanium dioxide.
Store the medicinal product out of the reach of children.