Topamax

In children with chronic diarrhea or untreated kidney disorders, use of Topamax may lead to rickets and reduced growth rates.

Tell your doctor if you have kidney problems or if you are on hemodialysis; your dosage of Topamax may need adjustment. Elderly patients in particular may experience reduced kidney function when taking Topamax. Also make sure the doctor is aware of any liver disorder you may have. Topamax must be used cautiously by individuals with impaired liver function.

Anyone using Topamax, particularly children, should be carefully monitored by their doctor for signs of increased body temperature or decreased sweating, especially during hot weather.

In rare instances, suicide attempts have been reported in people taking Topamax.

Possible food and drug interactions when taking Topamax

If Topamax is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Topamax with:

Acetazolamide (Diamox)
Carbamazepine (Tegretol)
Dichlorphenamide (Daranide)
Digoxin (Lanoxin)
Metformin (Glucophage)
Phenytoin (Dilantin)
Oral contraceptives
Valproic acid (Depakene)

Topamax can depress the central nervous system. Be extremely cautious about combining it with alcohol, sedatives, tranquilizers, and other central nervous system depressants.

Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding

In animal studies, Topamax has caused harm to the developing fetus, and its safety has not been verified in pregnant humans. It is recommended for use during pregnancy only if the doctor feels that its potential benefit outweighs the potential risk to the infant.

This medication may appear in breast milk, and its possible effect on the nursing infant remains unknown. Check with your doctor if you plan to breastfeed your baby.

Recommended dosage

ADULTS

For Seizures

Topamax therapy usually begins with a dose of 50 milligrams once daily during the first week. The daily dosage is then increased each week until, by the eighth week, the patient is taking 200 milligrams twice a day.