What is the most important information I should know about Topamax?
How Topamax Works
Topamax’s mechanism of action is unclear.
Topamax is available in capsule and tablet formulations.
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The tablet is offered in 25-, 50-, 100-, and 200-milligram (mg) formulations.
The capsule is available in 15 mg and 25mg.
The dosage varies with the person’s condition and age.
Topamax has both approved and off-label uses.
Off-Label Uses
Topamax can also be prescribed off-label to treat other conditions.
While legal and common, you should talk to your doctor if you have any concerns.
Don’t stop taking topiramate without consulting your healthcare provider.
What Are the Side Effects of Topamax?
Side effects of topiramate tend to be transient and resolve on their own as your body adapts.
Generally, this will be the lowest dosage that’s likely to provide the desired results.
This gives your body time to adapt and reduces the risk of side effects.
In that case, skipped the missed dose and then resume your usual dosing schedule.
Don’t ever take more than one dose at a time.
If you miss more than one dose, consult your healthcare provider.
You’ll probably have to reset your treatment regimen.
All listed dosages are according to the drug manufacturer.
Check your prescription and talk to your doctor to ensure you are taking the right dose for you.
Overdose: What Happens If I Take Too Much Topamax?
Symptoms of a topiramate overdose include:
Seek help immediately if you think you’ve taken too much Topamax.
Precautions
When deciding on any medical treatment, healthcare providers weigh risks vs. benefits.
Still, some precautions are in order.
Here are a few:
What Are Reasons I Should Not Take Topamax?
Although it’s not common, Topamax can cause serious complications that require you to stop or avoid treatment.
Among them are:
What Other Medications Interact With Topamax?
Certain drugs reduce or increase the availability of Topamax.
What Medications Are Similar?
A wide variety of Topamax alternatives is available, depending on the condition for which you take it.
Consult your healthcare provider if you’d rather take a different medication.
How Can I Stay Healthy While Taking Topamax?
to help Topamax do its work.
Avoid ketogenic diets while you’re taking Topamax to minimize the risk of kidney stones.
Drink lots of fluids.
Topamax can reduce the efficacy of oral contraceptives, so consider using additional methods as backup.
You probably won’t feel any change until then.
Doctors don’t prescribe topiramate specifically for weight loss, but the drug often causes it.
In some studies, people lost up to 17% of their body weight while taking Topamax.
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