Topamax Side Effects

Topamax helps control seizures and prevent migraines. If you begin having a migraine, Topamax will not treat it. It needs to be taken regularly to effectively prevent migraines.

Like all medication, Topamax has some common mild side effects. These include: tiredness, weight loss, decreased appetite, drowsiness, dizziness, and diarrhea.

More severe side effects that you may experience while taking Topamax should be discussed with your doctor as soon as possible. These symptoms include: metabolic acidosis (too much acid in body fluids), acute near-sightedness with angle closure glaucoma, oligohydrosis (decreased sweating), hyperthermia (elevated body temperature due to decreased sweating), and kidney stones. People taking Topamax should contact their health care provider immediately if they experience decreased vision, whether or not there is accompanying eye pain.

For people who take Topamax in addition to valproic acid may experience hyperammonemia (elevated ammonia in the blood). If vomiting, lethargy, and difficulty concentrating/focusing occur tell your doctor at once. An ammonia blood level test can be done to determine if your levels are too high. Discontinuing either Topamax or the valproic acid generally resolves the condition.

The liver's metabolic function may also be decreased while taking Topamax, so period liver function tests should be done.

Certain drugs may cause interactions with Topamax. They include: Digoxin- Topamax decreased the effectiveness of this drug; central nervous system depressants (CNS)- due to Topamax causing similar side effects and adverse reactions, by using it in conjunction with other CNS drugs may increase the intensity of these side effects; oral contraceptives- Topamax may decrease the effectiveness of some oral contraceptives; Pilglitazone- When used with Topamax, patients should be monitored more closely for changes in their diabetic condition; Lithium- Topamax may decrease the absorption and effectiveness of lithium; Amitriptyline- When used together, Amitriptyline levels need to be monitored as they may be elevated; Risperidone- Topamax has been shown to decrease risperidone exposure by 25 percent, so patients should be monitored for effective treatment; and carbonic anhydrase inhibitors- since Topamax is also in this class of drugs, it increases the risk of kidney stones.

Some people are at an increased risk of adverse reactions on Topamax. If your doctor recommends Topamax for you, and you have any of these conditions, remind your doctor: have kidney problems, a history of kidney stones, or are getting dialysis; have a history of metabolic acidosis; have liver problems; have osteoporosis or decreased bone density; have lung or breathing problems; have eye problems, including glaucoma; have diarrhea frequently; have a growth problem; are on ketogenic diet (high in fat, very low in carbs); are going to be having surgery; are pregnant or planning to become pregnant; are breastfeeding, since Topamax may pass through your milk; or suffer from depression, mood problems or suicidal tendencies.

Sources:

Topamax Package Insert, http://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?id=7412