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Topamax Information:

Topamax (topiramate) Tablets and Topamax (topiramate) Sprinkle Capsules are two antiepileptic drugs proven to reduce the frequency of seizures, particularly among patients who are not controlled by other antiepileptic drugs (AEDs).Topamax (topiramate) is indicated as adjunctive therapy for adults and pediatric patients ages 2-16 years with partial onset seizures or primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures and in patients 2 years of age and older with seizures associated with Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome. Topamax (topiramate) Sprinkle Capsules may be swallowed as whole capsules or may be opened and poured over food in the following way: You may sprinkle the contents of Topamax (topiramate) Sprinkle Capsules on a small amount (teaspoon) of soft food, such as applsauce, custard, ice cream, oatmeal, pudding, or yogurt. Hold the Topamax (topiramate) capsule upright so that you can read the word "TOP". Carefully twist off the clear portion of the Topamax (topiramate) capsule. You may find it best to do this over a small portion of the food onto which you will be pouring the sprinkles. Sprinkle all of the Topamax (topiramate) capsule's contents onto a spoonful of soft food, taking care to see that the entire prescribed dosage is sprinkled onto the food. Be sure to swallow the entire spoonful of the Topamax (topiramate) sprinkle/food mixture immediately. Chewing Topamax (topiramate) should be avoided. It may be helpful to drink fluids immediately in order to make sure all of the Topamax (topiramate) mixture is swallowed. IMPORTANT: Never store any Topamax (topiramate) sprinkle/food mixture for use at a later time.

Topamax Side Effects:

In pediatric triald, the most common Topamax side effects associated with TOPAMAX and TOPAMAX SPRINKLE as add-on therapies included excessive drowsiness, loss of appetite, fatigue, nervousness, difficulty with concentration/attention, weight decrease, aggressive reaction and difficulty with memory. The safety and effectiveness in patients younger than two have not been established. In adults, the most common Topamax side effects were somnolence, dizziness, coordination problems, speech disorders, psychomotor slowing, abnormal vision, difficulty with memory, sensory distortion and double vision.

Although the exact mechanism of action is unknown, TOPAMAX appears to work in three ways to help balance electrical activity in the brain to reduce the frequency of seizures. Specifically, TOPAMAX enhances a chemical substance that inhibits electrical activity in the brain, while blocking other substances that increase activity. Epilepsy is a chronic condition characterized by recurrent, unprovoked seizures, or electrical disturbances in the brain that can alter a patient's consciousness, movement or behaviors. Seizures are characterized as either partial or generalized, depending on where they originate in the brain. Probably the most important medicines to avoid are drugs what can cause kidney stones such as Zonegranâ (zonisamide) and Diamoxâ (acetazolamide). Kidney stones have occurred in people taking TOPAMAX, and the risk could increase when combined with other drugs that can cause kidney stones. Also, some children may be on a ketogenic diet - a special high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet to help control seizures. The ketogenic diet can also cause kidney stones. Combined use of TOPAMAX and the ketogenic diet should be avoided. TOPAMAX was discovered and developed by the R.W. Johnson Pharmaceutical Research Institute and is marketed in the United States by Ortho-McNeil Pharmaceutical. Both companies are located in Raritan, NJ. For additional resources try: American Association of Neuroscience Nurses: The American Association of Neuroscience Nurses is a national organization of 3,400 registered nurses and other healthcare professionals dedicated to improving the care of the neuroscience patient and to furthering the interests of health professionals in the neurosciences. www.aann.org American Epilepsy Society: The American Epilepsy Society promotes research and education for professionals dedicated to the prevention, treatment and cure of epilepsy. www.aesnet.org Topamax and Topamax Sprinkle Capsules are available from Medisave Canada Pharmacy only with a Prescription.