Topiramate (Systemic)
Brand Names : Topamax
Before Using This MedicineIn deciding to use a medicine,
the risks of taking topiramate must be weighed against the good it will do.
This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For topiramate, the following
should be considered:
Allergies - Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or
allergic reaction to topiramate. Also tell your health care professional if
you are allergic to any other substances, such as foods, preservatives, or
dyes.
Pregnancy - Topiramate has not been studied in pregnant women.
However, studies in pregnant animals have shown that topiramate may cause
birth defects in the offspring, as well as adverse effects in the mother,
when given in doses many times higher than the human dose. Before taking this
medicine, make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or if you may become
pregnant.
Breast-feeding - It is not known whether topiramate passes into
breast milk. Although most medicines pass into breast milk in small amounts,
many of them may be used safely while breast-feeding. Mothers who are taking
this medicine and who wish to breast-feed should discuss this with their doctor.
Children - Although there is no specific information comparing
the use of topiramate in children with use in other age groups, this medicine
is not expected to cause different side effects or problems in children than
it does in adults.
Older adults - In studies done to date that have included adults
older than 60 years of age, topiramate has not been shown to cause different
side effects or problems in older people than it does in younger adults.
Other medicines - Although certain medicines should not be used
together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together
even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to
change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking
topiramate, it is especially important that your health care professional
know if you are taking any of the following:
-
Acetazolamide (e.g., Diamox) or
-
Dichlorphenamide (e.g., Daranide) - Taking these medicines with
topiramate may increase the chance of getting kidney stones
-
Carbamazepine (e.g., Tegretol) - Blood levels of topiramate may
be decreased. Your doctor may need to adjust the dosage of either or both
medicines
-
Oral contraceptives (birth control pills) containing estrogen - Topiramate
may decrease the effects of these medicines; contraceptive failure may result;
additional birth control measures may be needed to decrease the risk of pregnancy
-
Phenytoin (e.g., Dilantin) - Blood levels of topiramate may be
decreased. Your doctor may need to adjust the dosage of either or both medicines
-
Valproic acid (e.g., Depakene, Depakote) - Blood levels of topiramate
and/or valproic acid may be decreased. Your doctor may need to adjust the
dosage of either or both medicines
Other medical problems - The presence of other medical
problems may affect the use of topiramate. Make sure you tell your doctor
if you have any other medical problems, especially:
-
History of kidney stones - Risk of having kidney stones again
may be increased
-
Kidney problems or
-
Liver problems - Higher blood levels of topiramate may result
and increase the chance of side effects
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