Topamax is in a group of drugs called anticonvulsants. Topamax (Topiramate) is used to treat seizures in adults and children who are at least 2 years old. It can also be used to prevent migraines in adults and teenagers who are over the age of 12. It will not treat a migraine that has begun, but it will reduce the number of attacks. It works by affecting chemicals in the brain that are involved with sending signals to the nerves. The usual recommended start dose is 25 mg.

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Get medical help immediately if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction while taking Topamax

• Difficulty breathing;
• Hives;
• Swelling of your face, lips, tongue or throat

Stop taking Topamax and call your doctor at once if you have one of these serious side effects:

• New or worsening mood symptoms;
o Mood or behavior changes, anxiety, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, impulsiveness, irritability, agitation, hostility, aggressiveness, restlessness, hyperactivity, depression, or suicidal thoughts or tendencies, etc.
• Vision problems;
o Eye pain, redness, sudden vision loss
• Confusion;
• Problems with thinking or memory;
• Concentration problems;
• Speech problems;
• Dehydration symptoms;
o Decreased sweating, high fever, hot and dry skin
• Kidney stones symptoms;
o Severe pain in your side or lower back, painful urination
• Signs of too much acid in the blood;
o Irregular heartbeats, tiredness, loss of appetite, trouble thinking, feeling short of breath
• Signs of too much ammonia in the blood;
o Vomiting, unexplained weakness, feeling like you may pass out

Less serious side effects of Topamax may include fever, weight loss, numbness or tingling in the arms or legs, flushing, headache, dizziness, drowsiness, tiredness, slow reactions, nausea, stomach pain, diarrhea, loss of appetite, indigestion, cold symptoms, changes in your sense of taste.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Please call your doctor if you have any further concerns or questions.

Topamax should be taken as prescribed by your doctor. Talk to your doctor about your medical history to be sure you can safely take Topamax. Particularly if you have a history of glaucoma or other eye problems, diabetes, metabolic acidosis, kidney disease, kidney stones, lung disease, breathing problems, mood problems, depression, history of suicidal thoughts or actions, liver disease, soft or brittle bones, growth disorder, or if you are currently sick with diarrhea. Do not start or stop this medication without a doctor’s advice. This includes during pregnancy. However, this medication may increase the risk of low birth weight and cleft lip/cleft palate in a newborn. There may be other anticonvulsants that can be used during pregnancy. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant. Topamax can make birth control pills less effective, so be sure to use a barrier form of birth control to prevent pregnancy while on this medication. It may not be safe to breastfeed while using this medication, as it can pass into breast milk. Do not drink alcohol while on this medication, as it can cause dangerous side effects and increase seizure activity. There may be an interaction between Topamax and other medications such as birth control pills, sleeping pills, opioid pain medications, muscle relaxers, antidepressants, antianxiety medication, divalproex, valproic acid, etc. If you are taking any of these medications, speak to your doctor.