Information about Topiramate (Generic Topamax) :


Topiramate is a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor used to treat certain kinds of seizures in patients 2 years of age or older. It controls nerve impulses in the brain. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

You should not use Topiramate in case you have any condition mentioned below: you are allergic to any ingredient in it; you are taking other carbonic anhydrase inhibitors (eg, acetazolamide).

In such cases it is obligatory to consult with your doctor or health care provider before taking this drug.

Before using Topiramate:
Before using Topiramate you should tell your doctor if you have any medical conditions listed below: you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding a baby; you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement; you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances; you have liver or kidney problems, kidney stones, or regularly consume alcohol; you have diarrhea, a respiratory tract disease, or you are scheduled for surgery; you have status epilepticus (continuous seizure activity or a series of seizures without a full return to consciousness); you are on a diet that increases the amount of ketones in your blood and results in fruity-smelling breath.

Be aware that Topiramate may interact with some medicines. Consult with your health care provider in case you are taking any other drugs, especially any of the following: carbamazepine or hydantoins (eg, phenytoin) because the effectiveness of Topiramate may be decreased; amitriptyline, carbamazepine, hydantoins (eg, phenytoin), or metformin because the actions and side effects of these medicines may be increased; risperidone because its effectiveness may be decreased by Topiramate.

It may not be a complete list of all interactions with other drugs. To prevent any complications you should check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use Topiramate:
Use this medicine as recommended by your physician. Topiramate should be taken with or without food. Swallow Topiramate whole without crushing, breaking, or chewing. It is recommended to drink plenty of fluids while using Topiramate to prevent kidney stones from forming.

Do not stop taking Topiramate suddenly as it may cause seizures. Therapy should be stopped gradually.

In case you miss a dose of Topiramate, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next intake, skip the missed dose and take it according to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take double doses to catch up.

Important safety information:
Be careful when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities as Topiramate usage may lead to drowsiness, dizziness, or blurred vision. Try to avoid such activities. Alcohol and certain other medicines (eg, sedatives, tranquilizers) may increase the risk of unfavorable reactions while taking Topiramate.

Sweating may be reduced by Topiramate. The risk of this serious side effect is greater in hot weather and/or during vigorous exercise. Drink plenty of fluids and dress lightly while in hot climates or when exercising. Check carefully for signs of decreased sweating. If this occurs, promptly seek cooler or air-conditioned shelter and/or stop exercising. Seek immediate medical attention if your body temperature is above normal, or if you have mental or mood changes, headache, or dizziness. Additional monitoring of your dose or condition may be used in case you are using other medicines that reduce sweating. These medicines include anticholinergics (eg, benztropine), amitriptyline, haloperidol, or carbonic anhydrase inhibitors (eg, acetazolamide).

The acidity (pH) of your blood may be changed by Topiramate. In case you experience loss of appetite, changes in breathing, tiredness, or change in heart rhythm, contact your health care provider.

Notify your doctor or dentist that you are taking Topiramate before you undergo any medical or dental treatments, emergency care, or surgery.

The effectiveness of your birth control pills may be decreased by Topiramate. Use an additional form of birth control to prevent pregnancy, while using Topiramate.

Diabetes patients should check their blood sugar levels closely, as Topiramate may affect your blood sugar. Consult with your doctor before you change the dose of your diabetes drug.

Lab tests, such as serum bicarbonate, may be performed while you are using Topiramate. It is important to control your progress or to check for side effects. Follow all doctor and lab appointments strictly.

Do not use Topiramate in CHILDREN under the age of 2 years, as safety and effectiveness in this group have not been proved.

PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING:
In case you plan pregnancy, consult with your doctor and discuss the benefits and risks of using Topiramate while pregnancy. It is known that Topiramate passes into breast milk. In case you are or will be breast-feeding a baby, consult with your doctor and discuss the risks to your baby.

Possible side effects of Topiramate:
You should consult with your doctor in case you have any of side effects especially bothersome listed below: abnormal skin sensations (numbness or tingling, decreased sensitivity); abnormal walking; agitation or aggression; appetite loss; back pain; breast pain; change in speech; clumsiness; coordination decreased; confusion; constipation; decreased hearing; decreased sweating; depression; diarrhea; difficulty with concentration or attention; 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.

Seek emergency immediately in case you have any of these severe side effects: severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, 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; severe stomach pain; significant weight loss; speech problems; stupor; unexplained fever; unusual eye movements; unusual tiredness; urinary incontinence; urinary tract infection.

What is the expiration date of the pills?
This information is mentioned on each blister. The expiration date is 2 years from the date of manufacture.