Topamax Information

Topamax

Topiramate is a seizure medication, also called an anticonvulsant. Topiramate is used alone or in combination with other medications to prevent seizures in adults and children who are at least 2 years old. Topiramate is also used to prevent migraine headaches. Topiramate will only prevent migraine headaches or reduce the number of attacks. It will not treat a headache that has already begun. Topiramate may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide. Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results from this medication. Topiramate can be taken with or without food. Take the medicine with a full glass of water. The topiramate tablet should be swallowed whole. It has a bitter taste when chewed or broken. To make the topiramate capsule easier to swallow, you may open the capsule and sprinkle the medicine into a spoonful of applesauce, custard, ice cream, oatmeal, pudding, or yogurt. Swallow this mixture right away without chewing. Do not save the mixture for later use. To be sure this medication is not causing harmful effects, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. Your kidney or liver function may also need to be tested. Do not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.

What's inside Topamax

Recent Topamax Side Effects

Posted by krubin 4 days ago
I have had migraines/headaches since I was 10 yrs old and am now 27. The doc originally told me it was because I was a teenager (stress). I got a MRI and CATscan done, but nothing came up. I also went to a chiropractor, neurologist, family dr, message therapist, etc. So finally my family dr described me Topamax. I have been on this drug for approx. 2 years. I take 50mg twice a day. I had no clue there were side effects like the ones described in all these passages until my sister saw a commercial on the t.v. and called me asap. In April of 2009 I had 5 kidney stones, 1 being 8mm in size. I had to have Lithotripsy done twice to remove all of them. I am not sure I have experienced the tingling limbs, but I can't say for sure. I do experience severe neck pain and memory loss along with not being able to function due to feeling so tired and fatigued no matter how much sleep I get. I have been a much unhappier person being on this drug and my friends/family/coworkers have seen this, but I never thought to relate it to Topamax. It did help my migraines...I was getting them 3-4/week and now I maybe get 1 every few months if that. On the other side of things I still suffer from mild headaches daily. I could not tell you the last time I woke up and did not have pain in my head. I wish I could. Right now I am taking the generic substitute for Topamax which is Topiramate. I did this because it was cheaper with my insurance.

Posted by ncgirl1971 4 days ago
I have been on Topamax for two years now. I really love the fact that I don't have migraines like I used to. I used to miss work at least one day a month and was getting to the point that many medications weren't working to help my migraines. Along came Topamax and I was a happy camper. Then I started noticing the side effects. I have trouble finding words. I have worked in my career for over 10 years, but started forgetting simple facts that I should know. I have been called on in meetings and been unable to answer questions that I should know the answer to. I have also typed the completely wrong word when typing up reports, knowing what word I want to type but typing something different. I have lost a lot of weight and have a general feeling of weakness. When I try to exercise I can't keep up nearly like I used to before I started taking the medicine. Reading all these posts, at least I don't feel like I'm crazy any more! It is good to see other people have experienced the same effects.

Posted by loriwarnick 6 days ago
Hi all, I have been on Topamax for 7 mos now. I have worked up to 100mg twice daily. I have noticed mild side affects of some of these things each of you have talked about, but I have had migraines 24/7 for the past 2 years. That is truly life changing, so I can handle the side effects. I just try and always be aware of them each day. I monitor my health every 6 mos with my Doc so that nothing gets out of order. True everyones bodies are going to handle this medication differently but some tingling, a menstrual cycle thrown off a bit each month, it just all depends how much it does to your body. My headaches are better. I am a teacher, and so it is the difference between getting out of bed each day to teach my students, or just lying in bed everyday. My life has changed, I don't have much life outside of work, my kids, husband. Socially I have hibernated much more. I feel too tired, and honestly not as confident in conversations as I once was. I don't do much reading in my free time anymore,so as far as making myself as more refined person that certainly isn't happening as I would wish. But..I am making it day to day for now until another medicine source comes along. But as one comment said if you are not having horrible side effects then go forward...go slowly.. and give it a chance. this is my miracle for the time being!

Topamax in the News

ZACKS ANALYST BLOG HIGHLIGHTS: APPLE INC., JOHNSON AMP; JOHNSON, DUPONT EI DE ... - Zacks.com
ZACKS ANALYST BLOG HIGHLIGHTS: APPLE INC., JOHNSON AMP; JOHNSON, DUPONT EI DE ...Zacks.comWhile, drugs such as Topamax and Risperdal were negatively impacted by generic competition, products such as Remicade, Prezista and Velcade recorded strong ...and more »
Wed Jan 27 12:33:30 +0000 2010

Johnson & Johnson Reports 2009 Fourth-Quarter and Full-Year Results: - PR-CANADA.net (press release)
Johnson & Johnson Reports 2009 Fourth-Quarter and Full-Year Results:PR-CANADA.net (press release)Sales results of TOPAMAX® (topiramate), an antiepileptic and a treatment for migraine, and RISPERDAL® (risperidone), an antipsychotic medication, ...and more »
Sat Jan 30 18:58:55 +0000 2010

Drugs can help symptoms of borderline personality - National Post
Drugs can help symptoms of borderline personalityNational PostBenefits were seen with the drugs topiramate (Topamax), divalproex sodium (Depakote) and lamotrigine (Lamictal), which are all anti-seizure medications that ...and more »
Tue Jan 12 18:51:26 +0000 2010

Topamax Chemical Information

topiramate - A sulfamate-substituted monosaccharide with anticonvulsant property. Although the mechanism of action has not been fully elucidated, topiramate antagonizes kainate/AMPA subtype of the glutamate receptors, which are ligand-activated cation channels that mediate the fast component of excitatory postsynaptic currents in neurons of the central nervous system. This antagonistic action results in stabilizing hyper-excited neural membranes, inhibiting repetitive neuronal firing, and decreasing propagation of synaptic impulses, thereby impedes seizure occurrences. In addition, this agent augments gamma-aminobenzoic acid (GABA) activity and thereby attenuating GABAnergic inhibitory transmission.