Topamax (Topiramate)

Topamax (Topiramate) is an anti-epileptic drug from the group of sulfamate-substituted monosaccharides. It is used to treat convulsions, epilepsy in children and adults, and also to prevent migraines and certain psychiatric conditions. The ability to suppress Topamax seizures is caused by the ability of its main active substance, topiramate, to block sodium channels in neurons, and suppress the potential for repetitive action in depolarizing neural cell membranes, and for a long time. The effect of Topamax is dose-dependent.

Indication for use

Topamax (Topiramate) can be taken by almost all adults and children over 2 who have: 

• epilepsy: as a means of monotherapy in adults and children older than 2 years with epilepsy (including in patients with newly diagnosed epilepsy); as a part of complex therapy: in adults and children older than 2 years with partial or generalized tonic-clonic seizures, as well as for the treatment of seizures on the background of Lennox-Gasto syndrome.

• Migraine.

Precautions

Topamax (Topiramate) is not recommended to use if you have hypersensitivity to the components of the medicine; pregnancy and the period of breastfeeding.

Dose and usage

Dose of Topamax (Topiramate): 15mg – white gelatin capsule, with the inscription TOP on one side and “15 mg” on the other; 25mg– white gelatin capsule, with the inscription TOP on one side and 25 mg on the other; 50mg– white gelatin capsule, with the  inscription TOP on one side and 50 mg on the other; 100mg– yellow gelatin capsule, with the inscription TOP on one side and 100 mg on the other ; 200mg – orange-pink with Top on one side and 200 on the other.

Topamax is taken independently on mealtime. Treatment is started with minimal doses (25 mg), after 1-2 weeks it can be doubled. The optimum dosage is 0.1-0.2 grams per day, the maximum is 0.5 mg. When used in combination therapy, the starting dose can reach 50 mg. The daily dose in combination therapy ranges from 200 to 400 mg. For the prevention of migraine attacks, Topamax is taken at 100 mg per day. When withdrawing the drug, the dosage is reduced step by step. The more accurate dosage is set by the attending physician.

Side effects

Topamax treatment can be accompanied primarily by a reaction from the central nervous system, in particular, nervousness, convulsions, disorders of psychomotor, ataxia, fatigue, diplopia, nystagmus, depression, drowsiness, aggression. In children, hallucinations may occur. The gastrointestinal tract responds with nausea, anorexia, hepatitis, liver failure.