Topamax is a medical product with expressed antiepileptic action. It has a specific pharmacological action because of the unusual structure, nevertheless it effectively reduces the symptoms of epilepsy and also some other disorders of the central nervous system.
The therapeutic action depends on the dosage and it is possible to change the intensity of the pharmacological activity of the active ingredients by adjusting the dosage regimen. The main component of Topamax is topiramate.
The mechanism of the action is conditioned by the blocking action as to sodium channels, stimulation of the activity of some GABA-receptors, and also reduction of the sensitivity of separate neurons in the central nervous system.
Reaching the body Topiramate is quickly and almost completely absorbed from the gastro-intestinal tract, mainly by kidneys. Meals do not influence on the action of the bioavailability of the drug.
To reduce the epilepsy attacks it is enough to take Topamax in solo course. For other disorders, especially chronic form, the complex treatment is needed where Topamax will perform the additional function.
To reach the optimal control of the epileptic attacks in children and adult patients it is recommended to start the treatment from the use of lower doses of the drug with further increase up to the effective dosage.
In the period of diagnosing and the first weeks of the therapy it is needed to by under the supervision of the doctor in order to select the optimal dosage for the further treatment.
The use of Topamax is started from the minimal daily dose of 50 mg. The tablets are taken before going to bed once a day. If the patient has no side effects within the first week, the dose may be increased by 50 mg a week.
According to the therapeutic practice the effective daily dose is from 200 to 400 mg. These doses should be divided into 2 uses (in the morning and evening). The tablets may be used at any time regardless of the meals.
Some patients have received up to 1000 mg of Topamax a day in the course of the clinical studies but this dose should be prescribed only by the doctor for the severest forms of epilepsy or bipolar disorders. It is contraindicated to take such high dose without the doctor’s assistance because of the increased risk of the side effects.
The length of the therapy is indicated individually depending on how effectively and quickly the state of the patient is improved.
The side effects often appear from the side of the central nervous system: sleepiness, slow response, confusion, dizziness, and increased fatigue. There are rare reactions from the side of digestion organs: nausea, stomachache, diarrhea, and reduction of the body weight.
Using the maximal daily dose of Topamax within prolonged period of time the patient may have the appearance of the side effects from the side of eyes: lowering of vision and/or pain in the eyes, and glaucoma. In case of pain or discomfort in the eyes it is needed to consult a doctor right away. Perhaps, the patient will need the lowering of the daily dose.