Topamax: Serious Risks and Common Side Effects

Topamax is a drug from Ortho-McNeil Pharmaceutical that can be used to treat migraines, seizures and even bipolar disorder. The Topamax drug is used at various strengths for each type of condition, and therefore has varying side effects. Also, the drug interacts with other medicines to reduce, enhance or produce different side effects that might not be listed on side effect sheets.

Patients really should be aware of the risks associated with Topamax. Doctors are busy and overworked and do not always take the time to explain everything to all patients.

However, there are other risks associated with Topamax. One such risk is lowered bicarbonate levels in the blood that results in the blood being more acidity (metabolic acidosis). This is a condition that can be caused by many things, and that could result in shock or even death. Symptoms include heavy breathing, fatigue, or lethargy.

While the warning appears on the Topamax website's homepage, this warning does not appear on the colorfully printed card the doctor hands over with a prescription- the "How to Take TOPAMAX (topiramate) Tablets" card that finishes with "Make sure you get a prescription with your Sample Pak".

Another extremely painful risk of taking Topamax is that of developing kidney stones. About one in fifty adult Topamax patients develop kidney stones, particularly men and those that have had them before. There is also more concern in patients who are taking Diamox or Zonegran or using the ketogenic diet.
It is recommended to drink eight glasses of water or juice a day to prevent the formation of kidney stones. It is also recommended however to seek medical treatment if there is sharp pains in the side or lower back, as this is a sign of kidney stones.

Glaucoma, or an eye condition like it, is another tragic possibility. It begins with blurred vision or sight problems, and often but not always with pain. This effect usually begins within the first month of treatment, and it is important to notify the doctor about this effect. It might be necessary to stop the Topamax treatment in order to retain eyesight.

The more common side effects of Topamax include, fatigue or drowsiness, difficulty with concentration, word retrieval, confusion, dizziness, unsteadiness, a feeling of pins and needles, usually in the fingers and toes, loss of appetite, weight loss, nervousness, depression and problems with memory.

A major effect of Topamax though is the effect on family planning. Topamax lessens, if not thoroughly eliminating, the effectiveness of hormonal birth control. Topamax patients are highly encouraged to use condoms or diaphragms with spermicidal agents and to consult a doctor as soon as pregnancy is suspected. Topamax is dangerous to the unborn as well as to nursing babies.