"Some side effects, such as fatigue, are more likely to surface with high doses of Topamax®. Others occur regardless of dosage. While many tend to disappear after the first 8 weeks of therapy, it's still important to report them to your doctor. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Topamax®.
More common side effects may include:
Abdominal pain, abnormal coordination, abnormal vision, agitation, anxiety, appetite loss, back pain, breast pain, chest pain, confusion, constipation, depression, difficulty with concentration, difficulty with memory, dizziness, double vision, drowsiness, fatigue, flu-like symptoms, indigestion, involuntary eye movement, language problems, leg pain, loss of coordination, menstrual problems, mood problems, nausea, nervousness, rash, sinusitis, slowing of movements, sore throat, speech problems, tingling or burning sensations, tremors, upper respiratory infection, weakness, weight loss
Less common side effects may include:
Abnormal gait, abnormal menstrual bleeding, acne, aggressiveness, apathy, bladder infection, changes in taste, bloody urine, body odor, bronchitis, cough, decreased awareness, decreased mobility, decreased sensitivity, diarrhea, digestive inflammation, dry mouth, exaggerated sense of well being, eye pain, feelings of illness, feelings of unreality, fever, fluid retention, frequent urination, gas, gum inflammation, hair loss, hallucinations, headache, hearing difficulties, heart palpitations, hot flushes, hyperactivity, impotence, increased sweating, irritable bladder, joint pain, kidney stones, loss of balance, loss of consciousness, low sex drive, mood swings, muscle ache, muscle tension, muscle weakness, nosebleeds, painful or difficult urination, personality problems, pinkeye, ringing in the ears, sensitivity to touch, severe itching, shivers, shortness of breath, sleeplessness, suicidal tendencies, swelling, vaginal infection, vomiting, weight gain,
Topamax® has also been known to cause a number of very rare side effects (typically striking less than one person in a hundred). If you develop any unfamiliar problems while taking Topamax®, report them to your doctor.
When should this drug not be prescribed:
If Topamax® gives you an allergic reaction, you'll be unable to use the drug.
Special warnings about this medication
Because Topamax® sometimes causes confusion, dizziness, fatigue, and problems with machinery, or participate in any hazardous activity that requires full mental alertness until you are certain how the drug affects you.
Tell your doctor if you have kidney problems or if you are on hemodialysis. Your dosage of Topamax® may need adjustment. Also make sure the doctor is aware of any liver disorder you may have. Topama® must be used cautiously by individuals with impaired liver function.
Possible food and drug interactions when taking this medication:
If Topamax® is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Topamax® with:
* Acetazolamide (Diamox)
* Carbamazepine (Tegretol)
* Dichlorphenamide (Daranide)
* Digoxin (Lanoxin)
* Phenytoin (Dilantin)
* Oral contraceptives
* Valproic acid (Depakene)
Topamax® can depress the central nervous system. Be extremely cautious about combining it with alcohol, sedatives, tranquilizers, and other central nervous system depressants."
A.L.