Type of medicine Antiepileptic
Used for Treatment of epilepsy
Prevention of migraine
Also called Topamax
Topamax Sprinkle
Available as Tablets
Sprinkle Capsules

Topamax is used alongside other antiepileptics to control the convulsions (fits or seizures) in some forms of epilepsy by reducing the activity in the brain. It can also be used on its own in patients over 6 years old who have been newly diagnosed with epilepsy.
Topamax is also used by specialists to help prevent migraines.

Why is this drug prescribed?

Topamax tablets and sprinkle capsules contain the active ingredient topiramate, which is a drug that is used to treat epilepsy. The brain and nerves are made up of many nerve cells that communicate with each other through electrical signals. These signals must be carefully regulated for the brain and nerves to function properly. When abnormally rapid and repetitive electrical signals are released in the brain, the brain becomes over-stimulated and normal function is disturbed. This results in fits or seizures. Topiramate works in three ways to prevent epileptic fits. Firstly, it enhances the activity of a neurotransmitter called GABA in the brain. Neurotransmitters are chemicals that are stored in nerve cells and are involved in transmitting messages between the nerve cells. GABA is a neurotransmitter that acts as a natural calming agent. It keeps the nerve activity in the brain in balance. As topiramate enhances the action of GABA, it helps calm the nerve activity in the brain. Topiramate also prevents sodium from entering the nerve cells when they begin to fire rapid and repetitive electrical signals. A build up of sodium in the nerve cells is necessary for the electrical signal to build up and be passed on. Topiramate therefore prevents the excessive electrical activity that causes fits. Topiramate also decreases the ability of a neurotransmitter called glutamate to excite the nerve cells. It does this by blocking glutamate receptors. All these actions calm the nerve cells and stabilise the electrical nerve activity in the brain. This helps prevent fits and maintain normal brain function. Topiramate is used as an add-on treatment for adults and children over two years of age whose epilepsy has not been well controlled by other antiepileptic drugs. It can also be used as a single treatment for adults and children over six years of age who have newly diagnosed epilepsy. Topiramate is also prescribed by specialists to prevent migraine headaches in adults, for example, for those who have three or more migraine attacks per month, or frequent migraines that significantly interfere with daily routine. It is not fully understood how topiramate works to prevent migraines. The drug has to be taken continuously to prevent migraines. It is not intended for treating individual migraine attacks.

Treatments

* Generalised tonic-clonic seizures * Partial seizures * Type of severe childhood epilepsy * Prevention of migraine in adults

What side effects can this drug cause?

* Pins and needles sensation * Headache * Fatigue * Dizziness * Drowsiness * Decreased appetite and weight loss * Nausea * Difficulty sleeping * Depression * Concentration or memory difficulties * Abdominal pain * Nervousness * Decreased sense of touch * Confusion * Agitation * Visual disturbances * Speech disturbances * Shaky movements and unsteady walk * Weakness or loss of strength * Alteration in taste * Behaviour problems in children * Increased acid levels in the blood