Topiramate - anticonvulsant medication

Topiramate

          We have included some information on topiramate for those who are interested in finding out more information on this particular ingredient that goes into making up Qnexa.
Qnexa was studies at different dosages. These are the amounts used in the various clinical tests.

Low Dose Qnexa: 3.75mg phentermine (IR) + 23mg topiramate (CR)
Mid Dose Qnexa:   7.5mg phentermine (IR) + 46mg topiramate (CR)
High Dose Qnexa:   15mg phentermine (IR) + 92mg topiramate (CR)

(IR) Immediate Release Formulation
(CR) Controlled Release Formulation

Never attempt to mix these medications yourself.

           If you have ever had a seizure due to epilepsy your doctor may prescribe you a medication known as topiramate. This is an anticonvulsant, that is, it prevents seizures by reducing the abnormal electrical activity in the brain which leads to a seizure. So it could be given for epilepsy in children or adults, or for developmental conditions in children that cause seizures, such as Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. Topiramate can also be given for other conditions such as migraine headaches, and other uses are being found for it all the time.
Topiramate is the active ingredient in the pill: there are several manufacturers of pills containing it, under different brand names. Some of these names include: Topamax®, Topiragen®. Common doses of Topiramate are 25mg, 50mg, 100mg, and 200mg pill sizes. Read more on topiramate at the Topiramate Wikipedia page.

Usage Information

           Topiramate is available in tablet or sprinkle capsule form. The medication is usually taken twice daily, in the morning and evening. If you tend to get an upset stomach when taking medication you are advised to take it with food, though this is not always a requirement. It is important that the medication is taken around the same time each day. Patients have stated that topiramate has a very bitter taste. For that reason you should be sure to swallow the pill whole. Splitting, chewing, or crushing the pills will leave a very horrible taste in your mouth.
           If you are uncertain of how to use the medication you should ask your pharmacist or doctor right away. As with all medication, in order for it to work you should make sure that it is taken in the correct dosage. Taking too little would not help you, and taking too much could have very negative effects.
           Another important fact is that you should tell your doctor and pharmacist what other medicines you are taking. There are medicines with similar effects as topiramate: sometimes these are used together for better control of the condition. But certain medicines should not be used together: this is why you should never take medication not prescribed by your doctor, and why you should always tell your doctor of all the medicines you are taking.
           Your doctor will go over a dosage plan with you prior to prescribing the medication as most patients start with small doses and increase them with time.

Can Topiramate Completely Cure My Condition?

           While the medicine is prescribed to help control your seizures or migraines you must remember that topiramate is not a cure to your condition. For this reason it is important that you take the medication even if you have not had a seizure for some time. Never stop taking it until you have consulted with your doctor. Some side effects are common, but it is important that you do not stop taking the medication until you've spoken with your doctor, as you could run the risk of having more seizures.

Dietary Instructions

           It is possible that while taking topiramate you could begin to lose weight. If this should occur, it is important to speak with your doctor about possibly increasing your food intake. You must also speak with your doctor prior to changing any of your eating habits as well as joining any weight loss programs. A special diet that you must not follow while taking the medication is one of the ketogenic diets which are high fat, low carbohydrate diets, such as the Atkins diet.

Important: Forgetting to Take Medication

           If you have forgotten to take a dose it is very important that you take it the moment you remember. Also important to remember is that if you remember your missed dose less than six hours prior to your next scheduled dosage you should skip the missed dose and then continue your routine for taking your medication. Never take two doses at once to make up for the dose that you missed.

Possible Side Effects

           Below is a list of side effects caused by topiramate. Some of them may be temporary, and may only last for a little while after you start taking it: if they do not go away, or are very unpleasant, contact your doctor for further instructions.

- Difficulty remembering things
- Incoordination
- A numbing, burning, or tingling feeling typically in the hands or feet
- Slow reactions
- Lack of concentration
- Problems speaking and remembering words
- Confusion
- Irritability
- Moodiness
- Feeling downhearted
- Discoloration of the skin or skin irritations
- Flakes in scalp
- Loss of hair
- Increased hair growth in uncommon places
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Lack of energy
- Uncontrolled movements and shaking
- Uncontrolled eye movements
- Anxiety
- Destructive behavior
- Severe thirst
- Loss of weight
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Abdominal gas
- Heartburn
- Lack of sense of taste
- Gum overgrowth
- Dry mouth
- Excessive salivation
- Difficulty swallowing
- Bleeding nose
- Watery or dry eyes
- Pain in the back, bones, or muscles
- Change in menstruation cycle
- Heavy menstrual bleeding
- Sounds of ringing in the ear
- Difficulty in sleeping or sleeping too much
- Swelling of parts of the body
- Problems urinating or pain during urination.

There are more serious side effects that you should not wait to call your doctor about. If you experience any of the following you should immediately contact your doctor:

- Fuzzy vision
- Impaired vision
- Pain in the eye
- Increase in the intensity of seizures
- A slow heart rate
- Abnormal heartbeat
- Pain in the chest
- Difficulties breathing
- Rapid breathing
- Extreme fatigue
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Lack of appetite
- Severe back pain
- Frequent urination
- Fever, chills
- Loss of consciousness.

          Topiramate can also cause a medical condition called osteoporosis which causes bones to break easily, while in children it can predispose them to abnormal bone growth known as rickets. This could potentially stunt the growth of the child. This is why it is stressed that you must ask your doctor about all the risks that come with taking topiramate so that you can look out for early signs of them.
          Even though the list of side effects may sound scary, it should be remembered that only a very small number of people ever experience them: most patients take topiramate quite happily. It is a very effective medication to control very unpleasant symptoms as long as it is taken responsibly.