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Topamax Side Effects

Topamax is the brand name for topimirate, made by Ortho-MacNeil-Janessen Pharmaceuticals, which is owned by conglomerate Johnson & Johnson. When it was first sold in 1995, it was originally made to treat epileptic seizures and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, which causes seizures in young children. Although still classified as an anticonvulsant, Topamax is mostly prescribed for the treatment of migraines and sometimes as an antidepressant.

  1. Features

    • Topamax positive side effects tend to include weight loss, better sleep and fewer headaches. A neutral side effect is weight loss, which may or may not be wanted. Negative side effects include birth defects, glaucoma, kidney stones, lack of concentration, confusion, depression, nightmares, suicidal thoughts and psychosis. Less common side effects include nausea, vomiting, increase in urine output, painful urination, severe back pain, fainting and seizures.

    Warning

    • The most serious side effect is a sudden pain around the eyes and vision problems. This demands immediate hospitalization because you could be developing glaucoma. However, if you get any of the side effects listed above, you should contact your doctor immediately. Unless the symptoms are severe, don't stop taking Topamax unless your doctor tells you to. Suddenly stopping can lead to painful withdrawal symptoms and seizures.

    Time Frame

    • Usually, if you are going to get glaucoma from Topamax, you will develop eye pain and sudden vision problems within 1 month of taking it. Kidney stones can develop after months or years of continued Topamax use. Most of the other negative reactions can start immediately with the first couple of doses. Some symptoms like drowsiness will go away in a couple of weeks. If they don't, please contact your doctor.

    Considerations

    • Before you start taking Topamax, let your trusted friends and family know that you will be on this new, powerful medication. Ask your doctor's office to call on you to be sure you sound okay. They can check on you, since Topamax can cause suicidal thoughts, a desire to be isolated from others and mental confusion. With symptoms like these, you may not be aware that you are having a side effect. The person checking on you can make sure you get help.

    Theories/Speculation

    • Topamax is being studied for use in weight loss and to help treat alcoholics (see Resources). This may make Topamax more prevalent and thus make Topamax side effects more commonly seen.

    Size

    • According to a 2006 study by Dion Greybeal, M.D., only 1.5 percent of adult Topamax takers get kidney stones caused by Topamax. Men are more likely to get them than women. From 825,000 patients, about 23 Topamax users got glaucoma.

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