Topiramate/Topamax is a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor. It works by controlling nerve impulses in the brain.
Treating certain kinds of seizures in patients 2 years of age or older. It is also prescribed to prevent migraine headache in adults.
BEFORE USING Topamax/Topiramate :
Some medical conditions may interact with
Topiramate/Topamax . Tell your health care provider if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:
if you have liver or kidney problems, kidney stones, or regularly consume alcohol
if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
if you are on a diet that increases the amount of ketones in your blood and results in fruity-smelling breath
if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
if you have diarrhea, a respiratory tract disease, or you are scheduled for surgery
if you have status epilepticus (continuous seizure activity or a series of seizures without a full return to consciousness)
This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if
Topiramate/Topamax may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.
Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with
Topiramate/Topamax . Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:
shift
Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use
Topiramate/Topamax .
Use
Topiramate/Topamax as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.
If you miss a dose of
Topiramate/Topamax , 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.
Topiramate/Topamax may be taken with or without food.
Swallow
Topiramate/Topamax whole. Do not crush, break, or chew before swallowing.
Drink plenty of fluids while taking
Topiramate/Topamax to prevent kidney stones from forming.
Suddenly stopping
Topiramate/Topamax may cause seizures to occur more often. Stopping therapy should be gradual.
you are allergic to any ingredient in
Topiramate/Topamax
Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.
POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS OF Topamax/Topiramate :
All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:
shift
skin disorder
sex drive decreased
coordination decreased
muscle pain or contractions
vomiting
sinus swelling
confusion
abnormal walking
constipation
depression
infection
indigestion
dizziness
runny nose
nervousness or anxiety
unstable emotions
thinking problems
diarrhea
strange taste
nausea
injury
fatigue
back pain
change in speech
thirst
clumsiness
flu-like symptoms
dry mouth
decreased hearing
tremor
weakness.
saliva increased
appetite loss
leg pain;menstrual disorder;mood swings
stomach pain or ache
agitation or aggression
decreased sweating
difficulty with concentration or attention
itching
breast pain
drowsiness
hot flushes
sore throat
Abnormal skin sensations (numbness or tingling, decreased sensitivity)
Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:
Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue)
loss of consciousness
significant weight loss
unusual eye movements
urinary incontinence
difficulty concentrating
increased body temperature
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION:
Topiramate/Topamax is not recommended for use in CHILDREN under the age of 2 years; safety and effectiveness in this age group have not been confirmed.
Topiramate/Topamax may reduce sweating, which could raise 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.
Topiramate/Topamax may result in a change in the acidity (pH) of your blood. If you experience loss of appetite, changes in breathing, tiredness, or change in heart rhythm, contact your health care provider.
Topiramate/Topamax may decrease the effectiveness of your birth control pill. To prevent pregnancy, be sure to use an additional form of birth control while using
Topiramate/Topamax .
Before you have any medical or dental treatments, emergency care, or surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking
Topiramate/Topamax .
Topiramate/Topamax may cause dizziness, drowsiness, confusion, difficulty concentrating, or blurred vision. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how you react to
Topiramate/Topamax . Using
Topiramate/Topamax alone, with other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or perform other potentially dangerous tasks.
Diabetic patients -
Topiramate/Topamax may alter blood sugar levels in patients taking metformin. Check your blood sugars more frequently and contact your doctor for dose changes.
. PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you plan on becoming pregnant, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using
Topiramate/Topamax during pregnancy.
Topiramate/Topamax is excreted in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding, check with your doctor to discuss the risks to your baby.
LAB TESTS, such as serum bicarbonate, may be performed to monitor your progress. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
Avoid drinking alcohol or taking other medications that cause drowsiness (eg, sedatives, tranquilizers) while taking
Topiramate/Topamax .
Topiramate/Topamax will add to the effects of alcohol and other depressants. Ask your pharmacist if you have questions about which medicines are depressants.
Additional monitoring of your dose or condition may be needed if you are taking other medicines that reduce sweating. These medicines include anticholinergics (eg, benztropine), amitriptyline/Endep, haloperidol, or carbonic anhydrase inhibitors (eg, acetazolamide/Diamox).
What is the shelf life of the pills?
The expiry date is mentioned on each blister. It is different for different batches. The shelf life is 2 years from the date of manufacture and would differ from batch to batch depending on when they were manufactured.
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