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Take the time to learn about the potential benefits, the health risks and the many unknowns regarding generic topamax. It can be frightening to read a list of the side effects of Topiramate. More than a few of my patients have immediately assumed that they would suffer from all of them. The truth is that most people will experience none of them, just the benefits of Topiramate. Side effects vary from person to person and it is impossible to predict exactly how each individual will be affected. Some characteristics and pre-existing conditions are known to increase the risk from certain side effects. Doctors should assess these factors before advising patients on which drugs to choose. The FDA monitors reports of adverse drug reactions and has found no difference in the rates between generic and brand name drugs.

Topamax (generic name Topiramate) is an anticonvulsant that is chemically unrelated to any other anticonvulsant or mood regulating medication. Topamax differs from other mood stabilizing drugs in two major ways: topiramate's frequent effectiveness for patients who have failed to respond to antidepressants or mood stabilizers and topiramate's unique side-effect profile.

Dosage of Topamax

The recommended starting dosage of Topamax for use as an anticonvulsant in adults is 25 or 50 mg a day for the first week, which can then be gradually increased to not exceed 400 mg a day. For children between the ages of 2 to 16 years, the starting dose is recommended at 25 mg once a day at night for the first week which may then be titrated every week or bi-weekly to be taken in two divided doses. For preventing migraine headaches, adults can be started at 25 mg for the first week and then titrated gradually every week as needed and tolerated without exceeded 100 mg a day.

Before taking Topamax

Before taking topiramate, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have: kidney disease or a history of kidney stones liver disease glaucoma asthma, emphysema, or bronchitis; or if you have recently had surgery. Topiramate can make birth control pills less effective. Talk with your doctor about other forms of birth control if you are trying to prevent pregnancy while taking topiramate.

Topamax side effects

If side effects do bother people, most commonly, Topamax will slow you down, or make you feel like you're in a fog. This includes slower reflexes, trouble thinking or concentrating, trouble thinking of the right word, tiredness, poor coordination, and dizziness. Topiramate may also cause tingling in your hands or feet, shakiness, depression, nausea, memory problems, and visual problems (such as double vision). It has also been known to bring on respiratory infections.