Topiramate: What is it and what is it for?

What is topiramate?

Topiramate is a synthetic drug classified as an active ingredient, with antiepileptic and anticonvulsant properties that favor the stabilization of some neurological and psychological disorders at the level of the central nervous system (CNS), in any type of population. (1)

Note: This medicine is used alone or in combination with other drugs,to extend its pharmacological effect.

What is topiramate for?

• Topiramate is used tostabilize mood in people who suffer from some imbalances in the CNS, since its action is essentially to reduce abnormal exaltation in the brain.
• It is used to treat:
  • Primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures (epileptic seizure). (2)
  • Seizures in patients withLennox-Gastaut syndrome.
  • Migraine headache. (3)

Dosage and routes of administration of topiramate

Topiramate can be soldas 25 mg, 50 mg and 100 mg tablets and 6 mg/ml suspension. In both cases the route of administration is oral and the dose indicated below is only referential, being recommended medical consultation:

• Adults: An initial dose of 25 to 50 mg at night for one week is recommended, followed by titration depending on response.
• Children over 2 years of age: Start with a dose of approximately 5 to 9 mg/kg/day in two divided doses for 7 days and then adjust the child’s dose according to medical recommendation.

Important: Avoid self-medication, go to your doctor or pharmacist of reference to indicate the appropriate pharmacological strategy for each patient.

What products contain topiramate?

Some of the medicines that contain topiramate are:

• Acomicil®
• Epilmax®
• Fagodol®
• Topibrain®

Acomicil®

• Acomicil® is a synthetic medication that contains topiramate as the active ingredient in various concentrations.
• It is used in the treatment of partial epilepsy, with or without secondary generalized seizures.

Epilmax®

• Epilmax® is an antiepileptic drug whose active ingredient is topiramate in various concentrations,

Fagodol®

• Fagodol® is a drug whose active principle is topiramate, in tablets in different concentrations.
• It is used to treat primary generalized seizures .

Topibrain®

• Topibrain® is a medication that is characterized by its content of topiramate as an active principle and its Antiepileptic Action .
• It is indicated in the treatment of epilepsy and in the prophylaxis of seizures.

Side Effects of Topiramate

Treatment with topiramate may cause some of the following side effects in certain patients :

• Possible allergic reactions due to contact with any component of the formula.
• Drowsiness, dizziness, fatigue, irritability, and mood changes.
• Weight loss and anorexia.
• Paresthesias and coordination disorders.
• Diplopia, nystagmus and blurred vision.
• Nausea and diarrhea .
• Dysarthria , lethargy and memory disturbances .
• Rarely metabolic acidosis.

You should know: Please inform your doctor if during treatment with this drug, you observe the appearance of any of these symptoms or another not included in the list.

Contraindications and warnings of topiramate

The use of topiramate is contraindicated in the following cases:

• Hypersensitivity to any of the formula’s components.
• During pregnancy or lactation .
• Children under two years of age.

Avoid if you have:

• History of hypersensitivity to topiramate.
• Severe renal failure.

Warnings:

• This medicine must be administered with a prescription or prescription.
• During treatment with topiramate, it is advisable to maintain adequate hydration, since this drug is excreted in the urine.
• During treatment with this drug, mood swings and/or depression often occur in the patient.
• The risk of suicidal ideation or behavior in patients may also be increased.
• Concomitant use of topiramate with other inhibitor drugs may lead to an increased risk of kidney stones.
• Keep this drug out of the reach of children.