Generic Topamax

Chemical Name: TOPIRAMATE

Common uses

This medicine is an anticonvulsant used with other medicines to control certain types of seizures.

Before using

Additional monitoring of your dose or condition may be needed if you are taking birth control pills; carbamazepine; or other medicines that cause decreased sweating including anticholinergic medicines such as benztropine, amitriptyline, and haloperidol, or carbonic anhydrase inhibitors including acetazolamide and dichlorphenamide.

Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about taking this medicine.

Directions

Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. Swallow whole. Do not break, crush, or chew before swallowing. This medicine may be taken on an empty stomach or with food.

Drinking extra fluids while you are taking this medicine is recommended. Check with your doctor or nurse for instructions. Store this medicine at room temperature in a tightly-closed container, away from heat and light.

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule.

Cautions

Do not take this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to it or are allergic to any ingredient in this product. Do not stop using this medicine without first checking with your doctor. Some conditions may become worse when the medicine is suddenly stopped. Keep all doctor and laboratory appointments while you are using this medicine. Laboratory and/or medical tests may be done, such as measuring bicarbonate levels in your blood, before you start taking this medicine and during therapy to monitor for side effects.

Before you have any medical or dental treatments, emergency care, or surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking this medicine. This medicine will add to the effects of alcohol and other depressants. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions.

Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how you react to this medicine. Using this medicine alone, with other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or to perform other potentially dangerous tasks. This medicine may reduce sweating which could raise your body temperature, especially in children. 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. Contact your doctor for more details. Before you begin taking any new medicine, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist.

For women, taking this medicine while you are using birth control pills may decrease the effectiveness of your birth control pills. To prevent pregnancy, use an additional form of birth control while you are taking this medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you need more information. If you plan on becoming pregnant, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. It is unknown if this medicine is excreted in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you are using this medicine, check with your doctor or pharmacist to discuss the risks to your baby.

Possible side effects

Side effects that may occur while taking this medicine include drowsiness, constipation, loss of coordination, numbness and tingling, tremor, change in speech, decreased sweating, or loss of concentration. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience severe abdominal pain; significant weight loss; memory problems; vision changes; unusual eye movement; fast, deep breathing; unusual tiredness; or irregular heartbeat.

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience increased body temperature, unexplained fever, or very serious eye problems such as a sudden vision change or blurred vision, eye pain, or redness. An allergic reaction to this medicine is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, or trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

If you take too much

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.

Additional information

Laboratory and or medical tests (e.g., eye exams) may be performed to monitor your progress. Do not share this medicine with others for whom it was not prescribed. Do not use this medicine for other health conditions.

Keep this medicine out of the reach of children. If using this medicine for an extended period of time, obtain refills before your supply runs out.

Drug interactions

Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its job. Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. Inform your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking.