What is Topaz (Topiramate)?
Topaz (Topiramate) is either used alone or with other medications to treat some types of epilepsy or seizures including primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures which is formerly known as a grand mal seizure (seizure that involves the entire body) and partial onset seizures (seizures that involve only one part of the brain). Topiramate is also used with other medications to control seizures in people who have Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (a disorder that causes seizures and developmental delays). Topiramate is also used to prevent migraine headaches but not to relieve the pain of migraine headaches when they occur. Topiramate is in a class of medications called anticonvulsants. It works by decreasing abnormal excitement in the brain.
Recommendations for use of Topaz (Topiramate)
Topiramate oral tablet is used to
treat certain types of seizures alone (without use of other drugs). The seizures treated are partial onset seizures and primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures.
treat certain types of seizures in combination with other drugs. The seizures treated are partial onset seizures, primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures, and seizures associated with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome.
prevent migraine headaches.
Dosage and direction of taking Topaz (Topiramate)
Read the Medication Guide and the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before you start using Topiramate and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Topiramate comes as a tablet usually taken with or without food once or twice a day.
The tablet should be swallowed with water.
Take topiramate at around the same time(s) every day.
Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand.
Your doctor will work out the dosage for you based on your age, medical condition, response to treatment and other medications that you are taking.
Take Topaz (Topiramate) exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take in doses which are either larger or for longer than what is recommended by your doctor.
Regular usage will help to get the most from this medication. Take it always at the same time every day.
There is another medication with a name similar to the brand name for topiramate. You should be sure that you receive topiramate and not the similar medication each time you fill your prescription.
Be sure that the prescription your doctor gives you is clear and easy to read. Talk to your pharmacist to be sure that you are given topiramate.
Topiramate tablets have a bitter taste so you should swallow them whole.
It is especially important that you not take topiramate tablets that have been broken for any length of time because tablets that are broken may lose their effectiveness over time.
Missed Dose of Topaz (Topiramate)
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time to take your next dose. Do not take an dose of medicine to make up the missed dose.
Overdose of Topaz (Topiramate)
If you think you have taken more than the required dose contact a poison control center or emergency room at once. NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
How does Topaz (Topiramate) work?
Topiramate belongs to a class of drugs called sulfamate-substituted monosaccharide anticonvulsants or antiepileptic drugs (AEDs). A class of drugs is a group of medications that work in a similar way. These drugs are often used to treat similar conditions.
It isn't known exactly how this drug works. It's thought that it works on certain chemicals, channels, receptors, and enzymes in your brain to help control seizures and prevent migraines.
Precautions before taking Topaz (Topiramate)
Before taking Topiramate, tell your doctor if you:
have any allergy to topiramate, any other medications, or to any ingredients in topiramate tablets by asking your pharmacist for a list of the ingredients.
have a history of metabolic acidosis and if you are taking metformin
are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking topiramate.
are taking topiramate to control seizures, you should know that you may continue to have seizures during your treatment. You may need to avoid activities such as swimming, driving, and climbing so that you will not harm yourself or others if you lose consciousness during a seizure.
if you or any family members have or have ever had kidney stones, thoughts about killing yourself or attempted. Have osteopenia, osteomalacia, or osteoporosis, diabetes; glaucoma, breathing dieases such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, depression or abnormal moods, a growth problem, or liver or kidney disease.
Tell your doctor if you have diarrhea or if you develop diarrhea during your treatment.
Consumption of alcohol is not recommended while taking topiramate.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant or if you are breast-feeding. As if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant doctor may prescribe a different medication instead of topiramate because topiramate may harm the fetus.
If you are not planning to become pregnant, take birth control to prevent pregnancy during your treatment with topiramate. Take doctors advise as taking topiramate decreases the effectiveness of some types of birth control. If you become pregnant while you are taking topiramate, call your doctor right away, but do not stop taking topiramate before talking to your doctor.
Tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following medications:
acetazolamide
amitriptyline
antidepressants
antihistamines
digoxin
hydrochlorothiazide
lamotrigine
lithium
medications for motion sickness, ulcers, or urinary problems
metformin
hormonal contraceptives
other medications for seizures such as carbamazepine
phenytoin
valproic acid
zonisamide
pioglitazone
Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
About other prescription and nonprescription medicines, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Taking Topiramate together with certain medicines or products may cause serious, life-threatening side effects.
Side Effects of Topaz (Topiramate)
Topiramate may have unwanted side effects in some people. All medicines can have side effects. Sometimes they are serious, most of the time they are not. You may need medical treatment if you get some of the side effects.
Tell your pharmacist or doctor as soon as possible if you do not feel well while you are taking Topiramate.
numbness, burning, or tingling in the hands or feet
slowed reactions
nervousness
headache
drowsiness
weakness
uncontrollable shaking of a part of the body
uncontrollable eye movements
weight loss
constipation
heartburn
change in ability to taste food
dry mouth
nosebleed
teary or dry eyes
back, muscle, leg, or bone pain
missed menstrual periods
excessive menstrual bleeding
Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of the following symptoms call your doctor or get to the emergency clinic
blurred vision, loss of vision or double vision or eye pain with eye redness
worsening of seizures
feeling cold, chills, or low body temperature
difficulty concentrating
speech problems, especially difficulty thinking of specific words
confusion
memory problems
loss of coordination
pounding or irregular heartbeat
chest pain
shortness of breath
trouble breathing
fast, shallow breathing
inability to respond to things around you
excessive tiredness
diarrhea
nausea
vomiting
stomach pain
loss of appetite
intense back or side pain
bloody, cloudy, or foul-smelling urine
constant need to urinate
difficulty urinating or pain when urinating
fever or other signs of infection
The above list includes very serious side effects. You may need urgent medical attention or hospitalisation. These side effects are very rare. Tell your pharmacist or doctor if you notice anything that is making you feel unwell.
Other side effects not listed above may occur in some patients. Do not be alarmed by the lists of possible side effects. You may not experience any of them. Ask your pharmacist or doctor if you have any questions.
Interaction with Topaz (Topiramate)
Inform your doctor about any medications that you are taking including prescription medications, over the counter medications, vitamins, supplements and herbal remedies. Do not start, stop and change the dosage of any medicine without your doctor's permission.
Alcohol may reduce the efficacy of the medicine therefore, its consumption must be avoided.
Also tell your doctor if you are using any of the following medicines:
Allergy drugs such as diphenhydramine, chlorpheniramine, hydroxyzine
Antidepressant such as amitriptyline
Anxiety drugs such as alprazolam, clonazepam, diazepam and lorazepam
Diabetes drugs like glyburide or pioglitazone or metformin
Heart drugs such as digoxin and diltiazem
Diuretic (water pill) - hydrochlorothiazide
Insomnia drugs such as zolpidem, eszopiclone, triazolam, temazepam
Bipolar disorder drug - lithium
Menopause drugs contain estrogen
Oral birth control pills
Pain drugs such as hydrocodone, oxycodone, morphine, hydromorphone
Seizure drugs such as phenytoin, carbamazepine, lamotrigine, valproic acid
Other drugs such as zonisamide, acetazolamide, dichlorphenamide
This list is not complete and there are many other medicines that can interact with Topiramate. Tell your doctor about all your prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor. Keep a list with you of all the medicines you use and show this list to any doctor or other healthcare provider who treats you.
Storage of Topaz (Topiramate)
Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children.
Store at 15°C - 30°C (59°F - 77°F); protect drug from excessive light, humidity, and temperature over 30°C (86°F)
Keep Topiramate tablets in the container that they came in and keep the container tightly closed.
Throw away capsules that are no longer needed or expired (out of date).
Medicines should not be disposed of via waste water or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medicines no longer required. This will help to protect the environment.
Topiramate should not be used after the given expiration date.
Scientific Information about Topiramate or Topaz (generic Topamax)
Formula: Topiramate | C12H21NP8S
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