TOPAMAX

Name

Topamax (Topiramate)

Application

Seizures may be classified as partial if they involve only a small part of the brain or generalized if they involve a greater part of the brain. Topamax is used in combination with other medications for adults and children aged 2-16 years with partial seizures or generalized tonic-clonic seizures (in which there is prolonged contraction of the muscles of the body which causes twitching of the body).

Topamax capsules are approved for treatment without other drugs in patients aged 10 years or older.

Topamax is also used in patients of two years old and older with seizures associated with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, a severe form of epilepsy which accounts for 10 percent of all cases of childhood epilepsy. Children with Lennox-Gastaut have mental delays and to dozens of different, mixed types of seizures every day. The most common symptoms of this syndrome are seizure dilated pupils and shallow, irregular breathing, seizures may be atonic (brief loss of muscle tone and consciousness, causing abrupt falls) and myoclonic (sudden jerking muscles).

Mode of application

Most often, Topamax is taken in small doses, 25 or 50 mg per day, and the dose may increase gradually as directed by the doctor, from 25 to 50 mg per week until an effective daily dose is reached. This slow approach to treatment reduces side effects. In children, the initial dose is 25 mg (1 to 3 mg / kg / day), taken at night during the first week. Then the dose is increased by 1 or 2, at weekly intervals from 1 to 3 mg / kg / day. Although the usual adult dose is 200 mg twice daily, some adult patients may feel the effectiveness of the drug at 200 mg per day. Some patients need doses higher than 200 mg per day. In children the usual dose is 2.5 to 4.5 mg / kg twice a day. Patients should maintain adequate fluid intake in order to minimize the risk of kidney stones.

Mechanism of action

Topamax is an oral drug that is used to prevent seizures of epilepsy. It is used primarily in patients who are not under the control of other antiepileptic drugs. Approximately 1 in 4 Americans diagnosed with epilepsy and resistant to treatment with other antiepileptic drugs are taking this medicine. Topamax also prevents migraine. Convulsions associated with abnormal activity ("firing") nerves in the brain extends to larger or smaller parts of the brain. Although the exact mechanism of action of Topamax is unknown, research shows that this can change the neurotransmitters in the brain. Neurotransmitters are chemicals that nerves manufacture and use to communicate with other nearby nerves. Altering the production or action of neurotransmitters, Topamax can suppress the abnormal activity of the nerves in the brain that cause seizures or may prevent the abnormal activity that spreads to other nerves. Other studies suggest that Topamax may suppress the nerves directly (without altering neurotransmitters) and make their activity less likely.

Missed dose

If you miss a dose of this medication, you should take it as soon as possible. If this occurred while taking your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule.

Storage

Topamax tablets should be stored at room temperature 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C). The capsules should be stored at temperatures below 77 degrees Fahrenheit (25 degrees C).