Precautions
Topiramate is a medication that works in the brain and is sometimes used in patients with bipolar disorder (also known as manic depression). It is approved for the treatment of seizures (epilepsy) in adults and children in combination with other anticonvulsants and for preventing migraine headaches in adults.
What are the long term side effects of Topamax?
Mar 21, 2022 · Topamax is also used to prevent migraine headaches in adults and teenagers who are at least 12 years old. This medicine will only prevent migraine headaches or reduce the number of attacks. It will not treat a headache that has already begun. Warnings Topamax may cause vision problems that can be permanent if not treated quickly.
Is topiramate and Topamax the same thing?
Jan 07, 2022 · According to an article from a drug information organization called Center Watch, Topamax, a brand name of topiramate, was developed by Ortho-McNeil Pharmaceutical and was approved by the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) in 1997 for use in treating seizures. Based on information from the FDA, topiramate was approved in 2012 to be used in combination with …
What not to take with topiramate?
Jan 23, 2022 · Topamax is used to treat epilepsy in people ages 2 years and older. For this purpose, Topamax may be used on its own to treat two kinds of seizures: focal-onset or primary generalized tonic-clonic ...
Is Topamax a narcotic?
Topamax (topiramate) is a drug approved to treat seizures in adults and children and to reduce the frequency of migraine headaches in people 12 years of age and older. For the treatment of seizures, Topamax may be used alone or in combination with other medications. Johnson & Johnson subsidiary Janssen Pharmaceuticals manufacturers Topamax.
Can Topamax be used for anxiety?
Topamax for anxiety Topamax isn't approved to treat anxiety. However, the drug may sometimes be used off-label to treat people with certain anxiety disorders, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). However, it's not known for sure if Topamax is effective for this purpose.
Why would a doctor prescribe Topamax?
Topiramate is used alone or with other medications to prevent and control seizures (epilepsy). This medication is also used to prevent migraine headaches and decrease how often you get them.
What are the most common side effects of Topamax?
Common side effects of Topamax include:tiredness,drowsiness,dizziness,nervousness,numbness or tingly feeling in the hands or feet,coordination problems,diarrhea,weight loss,More items...
Is Topamax a good mood stabilizer?
The study found that the participants taking Topamax in addition to their prescribed depression medication significantly improved depressed mood, suicidality, insomnia, agitation, and anxiety symptoms compared to those taking a placebo.Mar 12, 2019
Is Topamax a narcotic?
Topamax (generic name: topiramate) is not classified as a controlled substance under the U.S. Controlled Substances Act (CSA). Topamax is an anticonvulsant (seizure) medication, but is also prescribed for other conditions such as prevention of migraine.Jan 25, 2021
Are topiramate and gabapentin similar?
Are Topamax and Neurontin the Same Thing? Topamax (topiramate) and Neurontin (gabapentin) are anticonvulsants used to treat and prevent epileptic seizures. Topamax is also used to prevent migraine headaches. Neurontin is also used to treat nerve pain caused by shingles (herpes zoster).
Does Topamax help with energy?
Topiramate treatment reduced energy intake, be it in the context of an ad libitum buffet-type meal or under free living conditions. The 24-h daily energy expenditure (DEE) assessed by whole-body indirect calorimetry adjusted for body weight and age was not altered by TPM treatment.
How fast does Topamax work?
How long does Topamax take to work. You'll likely not notice Topamax working right away when you first start using it. It may take 1 month for your migraine attacks to become less frequent and 2 to 3 months for Topamax to become fully effective. Keep your doctor updated on your symptoms while taking Topamax.
Can you drink alcohol on Topamax?
The bottom line. Topiramate and alcohol both work as depressants on your brain. People taking topiramate should avoid drinking any amount of alcohol when possible. And if you're taking the extended-release version of topiramate (Trokendi XR), you should avoid alcohol completely within 6 hours of your dose.Jun 21, 2021
Does Topamax help with sleep?
Benefits of topiramate treatment have been maintained for a mean period of 8.5 months. Conclusions: Topiramate may be of benefit for patients with NES or SRED in reducing nocturnal eating, improving nocturnal sleep, and producing weight loss.
Can topiramate make you feel high?
There have not been any studies on whether topiramate can cause dependence, but it may be possible. Unlike many other drugs of abuse, topiramate won't make you feel high. Instead, you're more likely to feel sleepy, dazed, or a little bit confused. It won't produce feelings of pleasure, excitement, or happiness.
What are racing thoughts a symptom of?
Racing thoughts are often one of the first symptoms to develop when someone with bipolar disorder is entering a hypomanic or manic episode. 4 It can be—but is not always—a debilitating experience. Some people describe it as having excessive thoughts that move quickly, but with a sense of fluidity and pleasantness.Jul 19, 2020
When's the best time of day to take Topamax?
Topamax (topiramate) is approved to be taken alone or with other medicines to control certain types of seizures and for the prevention of migraine...
Can you stop taking Topamax suddenly?
Talk to your doctor first if you want to stop taking Topamax (topiramate), even if you do not have epilepsy. You should not stop taking Topamax sud...
Does topiramate cause weight loss?
Yes, topiramate (Topamax) has been shown to cause weight loss when used for both seizure control and migraine prevention. Topiramate by itself is n...
Is Topamax a controlled substance?
Topamax is not classified as a controlled substance under the U.S. Controlled Substances Act (CSA). Topamax is an anticonvulsant (seizure) medicati...
Does topiramate cause hair loss?
Yes, topiramate has been shown to cause hair loss in studies, but it is not a common side effect. Hair loss (also called alopecia) has been reporte...
How long do you stay on Topamax for migraines?
You can usually stay on Topamax (topiramate) to help prevent your migraine headaches as long as the treatment is needed and remains safe for you. Y...
What is topiramate used for?
Topiramate is a medication that works in the brain and is sometimes used in patients with bipolar disorder (also known as manic depression). It is approved for the treatment of seizures (epilepsy) in adults and children in combination with other anticonvulsants and for preventing migraine headaches in adults. ...
How much topiramate should I take?
Topiramate is usually taken one or two times a day with or without food. Typically patients begin at a low dose of medicine and the dose is increased slowly over several weeks. The dose usually ranges from 25 mg to 400 mg. Only your healthcare provider can determine the correct dose for you.
How do you know if you are depressed?
Symptoms of depression include: Depressed mood — feeling sad, empty, or tearful. Feeling worthless, guilty, hopeless, or helpless. Loss of interest or pleasure in normal activities. Sleep and eat more or less than usual (for most people it is less)
What are the side effects of a syringe?
Thinking problems: slow thoughts, trouble finding the right word, confusion, trouble concentrating. Feel clumsy, unsteady, dizzy, tired, weak, or nervous. Loss of appetite, change in the way food tastes, weight loss, stomach pain. Numbness or tingling sensation in limbs and extremities.
Does topiramate cause birth defects?
It is important to discuss the risks and benefits of treatment with your doctor and caregivers. Topiramate has been associated with an increased risk of oral cleft birth defects. There may be precautions to decrease the risk of this effect.
Does topiramate cause sweating?
Topiramate may cause decreased sweating and increased body temperature. People, especially children, should be watched for signs of this — especially in hot climates. Some people may need to be hospitalized for this condition. Topiramate can increase the level of acid in your blood (metabolic acidosis).
Can you stop taking topiramate?
Bipolar disorder requires long-term treatment. Do not stop taking topiramate even when you feel better. With input from you, your health care provider will assess how long you will need to take the medicine. Missing doses of topiramate may increase your risk for a relapse in your mood symptoms.
What are the side effects of Topamax?
Common Topamax side effects may include: 1 fever, weight loss; 2 numbness or tingling in your arms and legs; 3 flushing (warmth, redness, or tingly feeling); 4 headache, dizziness, drowsiness, tired feeling, slow reactions; 5 mood problems, feeling nervous; 6 nausea, diarrhea, stomach pain, loss of appetite, indigestion; 7 cold symptoms such as stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat; or 8 changes in your sense of taste.
What is the best medicine for seizures?
Topiramate is used to treat seizures in adults and children who are at least 2 years old. Topamax is also used to prevent migraine headaches in adults and teenagers who are at least 12 years old. This medicine will only prevent migraine headaches or reduce the number of attacks.
Can topiramate cause seizures?
Dangerous side effects or increased seizures may occur. Avoid becoming overheated or dehydrated in hot weather. Topiramate can decrease sweating and increase body temperature, leading to life-threatening dehydration (especially in children).
Does Topamax cause numbness?
signs of too much ammonia in your blood - vomiting, unexplained weakness, feeling like you might pass out. Common Topamax side effects may include: fever, weight loss; numbness or tingling in your arms and legs; flushing (warmth, redness, or tingly feeling); headache, dizziness, drowsiness, tired feeling, slow reactions;
Can you take Topamax at night?
When increasing your dose at the start of treatment, your dose may be taken only at night for one week. Follow your healthcare providers directions exactly. Topamax can cause drowsiness and dizziness, so do not drive or perform other hazardous activities until you are aware of its effects. Continue reading.
Can you stop taking Topamax?
You should not stop taking Topamax suddenly unless your doctor has told you to stop. Stopping suddenly may increase the risk of seizures or other withdrawal side effects. If you have epilepsy and you stop taking Topamax suddenly, you may have seizures that do not stop. Continue reading.
Is Topamax a controlled substance?
Topamax is not classified as a controlled substance under the U .S. Controlled Substances Act (CSA). Topamax is an anticonvulsant (seizure) medication, but is also prescribed for other conditions such as prevention of migraine. It may causes side effects like confusion, drowsiness, dizziness, or blurred vision.
What Is Topiramate?
The labeling provided by the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) defines topiramate a sulfate-substituted monosaccharide, also known as a sugar sulfamate. It was originally developed for the treatment of epileptic seizures. It is known as brand names Qudexy XR, Trokendi XR, and Topamax in the U.S.
The History of Topiramate
According to an article from a drug information organization called Center Watch, Topamax, a brand name of topiramate, was developed by Ortho-McNeil Pharmaceutical and was approved by the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) in 1997 for use in treating seizures.
Topiramate Drug Information
According to the drug label information provided by the FDA, Topamax topiramate is available in 25 mg, 50 mg, 100 mg, and 200 mg tablets or as 15 mg and 25 mg “Sprinkle Capsules” that can either be taken whole or opened up to sprinkle the coated beads of medicine in the capsule over a spoonful of soft food like yogurt or applesauce.
Topiramate Side Effects
As described by the National Library of Medicine on MedLine Plus, there are many potential side effects, such as:
Topiramate Overdose
As with any drug, overdose is possible and is exacerbated by use with other drugs or alcohol. If you believe you or someone you love may be experiencing an overdose, please seek medical attention immediately. Signs and symptoms include some of the more severe side effects listed above as well as:
Topiramate in Addiction Treatment
Early research into using topiramate for addiction treatment involved studies of alcohol use. More recently, studies into using topiramate for alcohol addiction, like this one from the American Journal of Psychiatry, have shown that the drug can help people reduce heavy alcohol use.
What is topamax used for?
Topamax (topiramate) is a drug approved to treat seizures in adults and children and to reduce the frequency of migraine headaches in people 12 years of age and older. For the treatment of seizures, Topamax may be used alone or in combination with other medications. Johnson & Johnson subsidiary Janssen Pharmaceuticals manufacturers Topamax.
When was Topamax first used?
The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) first approved Topamax for the treatment of seizures in 1996. The regulatory agency expanded the drug’s uses to include migraine prevention in 2004. By 2007, Topamax controlled 21 percent of the $10.2 billion epilepsy drug market, according to Bloomberg News. Topamax sales reached $2.7 billion in 2008.
Why was Topamax recalled?
Also in 2011, J&J recalled 57,000 bottles of Topamax because of possible chemical contamination.
What are the side effects of Topamax?
Commonly reported side effects with Topamax include: Fatigue/sleepiness. Nausea. Weight loss.
How long does it take for Topamax to work?
It takes time for Topamax to build up to the right level in the bloodstream. It may take two to three months of daily Topamax use for the medication to start working.
Is Topamax a weight loss drug?
Topiramate, the active ingredient in Topamax, is also a main ingredient in the weight-loss drug Qsymia, along with phentermine. The FDA approved Qsymia in 2012. A year earlier, the same drug — then called Qnexa — was rejected by the FDA because of the adverse side effect profile of the combination product ...
What is the FDA warning about?
FDA required a warning about metabolic acidosis (an increase in the level of acid in the blood); oligohydrosis (decreased sweating); and hyperthermia (increased body temperature) 2006.
What is topiramate used for?
It is an anti-convulsive drug that stands apart from all other drugs used to treat convulsions or mood disorders because it does not share the same chemical composition. Medical researchers currently do not know how Topiramate works.
What are the side effects of topiramate?
The five side effects that were most likely to cause people to discontinue use of Topiramate were psychomotor slowing, fatigue, memory problems, confusion, and somnolence. In rare cases, approximately one person of patients develop kidney stones and a very few develop acute glaucoma.
Is topiramate a mood stabilizer?
That is precisely the role of Topiramate. It is effective for those who found no useful effect from other mood stabilizers. Potential new uses of the drug include PTSD and reducing alcohol cravings, as well as heading off migraine headaches.
Is topiramate good for PTSD?
First of all, Topiramate generally has a better side effect profile than those older drugs. Some patients find that older mood stabilizers have side effects that are too dangerous or impact their lives too much.#N#Second of all, many patients find that the older drugs do not control their disorders, while Topiramate does. That makes it the only effective known remedy for them.#N#Lastly, topirmate is so far the only psychopharmacologic agent that appears to have an effect in providing relief for PTSD symptoms. These symptoms can be extremely debilitating.
How much does topiramate cost?
When bought in bulk, Topiramate is not particularly expensive. The 25 mg per pill set costs about $1.45 a pill, 100 mg costs $3.75 a pill, and 200 mg costs about $5.75 a pill.
When did the FDA approve the sulfate sulfate?
When did the FDA approve this drug for marketing in the US, and what uses of the drug are approved? The FDA gave final approval for the drug on December 24, 1996. As stated above, the only approved use to date is the treatment of convulsions.
Does carbamazepine lower plasma levels?
However, carbamazepine can lower the blood-plasma level of Topiramate by 50 percent and valproate can lower it by 15 percent. Topiramate itself can lower the blood-plasma level of valproate by 10 percent. Thus far, there are no known interactions for patients taking Topiramate and either lamotrigine or gabapentin.
When was Topamax first used?
It was first used in the United States in 1996. Topamax has numerous off-label uses. It is prescribed most often for the treatment of migraines, not epilepsy. It is also used to treat pain, bipolar disorder, obesity, and alcohol dependence. Its use as a medicine for alcohol addiction began not long after it hit the market.
What are the side effects of a syringe?
When taking a drug that no longer has a purpose, it is possible for the standard side effects of the medication to become more pronounced. These include: 1 Drowsiness 2 Dizziness 3 Nervousness 4 Weight loss 5 Sensory distortion 6 Slowed thinking 7 Cold symptoms
Is topiramate effective for alcoholism?
Topiramate Effectiveness For Alcoholism Treatment. While the mechanism of action that makes topiramate for alcoholism work is not fully understood, studies seem to indicate that it is effective. When looking at Topamax and drinking, one study found that the drug resulted in greater success both during inpatient treatment and after.
Can topiramate cause a relapse?
Another concern with the use of topiramate in alcoholics is that it can decrease the effectiveness of hormonal birth control, including pills, patches, shots, and the ring. This can result in pregnancy. This is problematic as people recovering from alcoholism are at risk of relapse while pregnant, especially since Topamax is contraindicated ...
Can you take Topamax while pregnant?
This is problematic as people recovering from alcoholism are at risk of relapse while pregnant, especially since Topamax is contraindicated for pregnancy, putting the child at risk of fetal alcohol syndrome . It is suggested that women who are taking Topamax use multiple forms of birth control.
Is Topamax a drug?
Topamax is not the only drug used in the treatment of alcohol dependence that is not fully understood. The acamprosate mechanism of action is also unknown. As such, some doctors try to steer clear of topiramate treatment and opt for drugs that are better understood. For example, disulfiram (Antabuse) is well understood and often seen as safer as ...
Is topiramate a double blind study?
They tend to follow users for short-term use only or do not engage in double-blind studies.
What is topiramate used for?
Topiramate is used for the treatment of partial-onset seizures, primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures, and seizures associated with Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome. It is also frequently prescribed "off-label" for other uses such as alcohol dependence, but this use is not approved by the FDA. Topiramate is classified as a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor ...
Is Topamax a generic?
Topamax is available as a tablet (25 mg, 50 mg, 100 mg, and 200 mg) or capsule (15 mg, 25 mg) and is approved to control seizures and for migraine prevention. Generic options are approved. Topamax Sprinkle capsules have been discontinued.
Is topiramate an anticonvulsant?
Topiramate is classified as a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor anticonvulsant. Experts think it works by quieting excessive nerve activity in the brain and central nervous system, increasing the actions of GABA, and blocking the effects of other chemical messengers (neurotransmitters).