Topirimate

Description

New low dosage Topamax Sprinkle Capsules were released onto the market in mid 2001. They are primarily for paediatric use. They are micro-encapsulated and primarily used to sprinkle on to food for child patients or others who have trouble swallowing tablets.

Side effects

(Don't be unduly alarmed. All drugs cause side effects for some patients)

Warnings

(These are standard cautions but may not apply in your case)

Comments

Remember - RSD/CRPS is rooted in the nervous system. The discovery that epilepsy drugs may have beneficial effects for RSD patients does not imply that they have epilepsy.

I currently take Topamax (a great alternative to Neurontin). This is an anticonvulsant. This is also a great medication for anyone who has seizures - it is an adjunctive medication, which means it must be taken in conjunction with another anticonvulsant for seizure control. It has very few adverse side effects. I only experienced some slight tingling in my hands that went away after the first few days, I also have lost significant weight (which I needed due to the weight gain from the Neurontin). Since Topamax (Topiramate) is an appetite suppressant, If you have any weight loss concerns, this may not be a good drug of choice. Also very important - anti-convulsants cause sensitivity to sunlight - be careful in hot weather and wear your sunblock. Trish - Pennsylvania, USA

The specialist gave me three prescriptions - a pain patch that works wonders if you can bear the adhesive, a drug called Topamax and a high blood pressure pill and pills to help me sleep. The Topamax made me just about go nuts. It affects short-term memory, so I tended to forget what I did yesterday, and the slightest little thing would upset me. Ron - Denver, Colorado

I have a new problem that has come up the last 2 1/2 weeks shaking in side all over .its like being on a vibrating bed. My doctor said that it's hyperactive nervous system due to the RSD/CRPS. They some times see it but most of the time in MS patients only. He told me to get the word out that the treatment for this is TOPAMAX, but it takes awhile to get working. Kathy - USA

Apparently Doctors are now using Topamax torpiramate as an alternative to Gabapentin as it has less side effects and better results. It is also an Anti-convulsion drug. Sharon - Lincoln, UK

I have been taking 3 x 100mg tablets of Topirimate ( Topamax ) per day and this has assisted in controlling my epilepsy after some years of frustration with poorly controlled epilepsy with other medications. In your description of the tablets you stated that they are white. The 100mg tablets, certainly in Australia at least, are yellow / gold in colour and I imagine the other strength tablets are of a different colour as well. They are an appetite suppressant and my Neurologist has strongly suggested to me that I drink 1.5 to 2 litres of water per day to assist in the prevention of kidney stones as Topirimate may cause a calcium build up. I've lost a total of 20 kilograms which is also due to additional regulated exercise. My weight loss has now plateaued and I am still exercising. I take Topirimate without any additional medication. However, I always check with my pharmacist should I need to take anything else to ensure that the Topirimate won't be compromised. Mark, Perth, Western Australia

I started on Topamax 200mg 2 years ago for Migraines before I was diagnosed with RSD. It works great at controlling the Migraines I was suffering from all the time. But I still have RSD though. So, tell anyone with Migraines, try Topamax. At least one problem is under control! Lois, Arizona, USA

I have been on Topiramate for just over one year for migraines. From being quite healthly with headhache & migraines once a month that one could cope with, four years ago I went to having migraines 85% of the month which has taken my life away. I have tried the basic things but out of desperation have stuck with Topiramate. However, now I have decided to come off the drug, only taking 50mg, the side effects have got the better of me.
Tingly fingers toes & lips, feeling weak/no energy, irritable/anxiety, forgetfulness, difficulty in concentrating, dizziness, no appetite (which isn't good when you're on your own because you really have to force yourself) Also with some foods I need to go to the toilet straight away (that can be embarrassing) & slurring of words - Oh and depression... I've got to the stage now where the side effects have taken my personality away so I am now going down another route TMJ.
If anyone has any advice on coming off Topiramate I would be grateful.
Good Luck to everyone else on this drug. Dawn - South Yorkshire, England