by Jennifer Moll

Created on: November 17, 2010

Topamax or its generic name, Topiramate is an anticonvulsant used to control seizures or other conditions determined by your physician.  It most commonly is prescribed to prevent migraine headaches.

This medication has been available since 1995 and since that time more than 4 million patients have been treated with Topamax.  In 2004, Topamax was approved for use in reducing migraine frequency.  Today, it is the number one prescribed medication to prevent migraine headaches in the United States.

Everyone is different and this medication may affect people differently.  The most common side effects, mild to moderate, are numbness and tingling most often in the arms and legs, fatigue, change in taste, weight loss, difficulty with concentration and difficulty with memory.

More serious side effects include:

Secondary angle closure glaucoma (blockage of fluid in the eye which causes an increased pressure in the eye and can lead to permanent vision loss if not treated.)

Decreased sweating/Increased body temperature

Some people, especially children, need to watch for signs of decreased sweating and fever, especially in warm temperatures.  Some may need to be hospitalized for this condition.

Suicidal thoughts or actions

Antiepileptic drugs, such as Topamax, may cause suicidal thoughts or actions.  Call your physician immediately if you have any thoughts about suicide or dying, attempts to commit suicide, new or worse depression, anxiety, agitation, restlessness, panic attacks, insomnia, irritability, aggressiveness, becoming angry or violent, acting on dangerous impulses, an extreme increase in activity and talking or any other unusual behavioral or mood changes.

Topamax may affect how you think.  It can cause confusion, concentration problems, and problems with attention, memory, speech, depression and mood.  Topimax may also cause tiredness and sleepiness.  If you notice any of these symptoms, call your physician immediately and do not stop taking this medication without first speaking to your physician as stopping this medication suddenly may cause serious problems.

Topamax may elevate blood ammonia levels.  High levels of ammonia in your blood may affect your mental activities, slow alertness, make you feel tired or even cause vomiting.

If you notice any negative side effects, you are encouraged to report them to www.fda.gov/medwatch.

As with any mediation, there are certain side effects associated with taking the medication.  You and your physician can discuss the benefits versus the negative side effects to see if this medication may be right for you.  Be sure to report any changes to your physician immediately.

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