Topamax

Before taking this medicine

Do not take Topamax if you have previously had an allergic reaction to topiramate, Topamax or any of its inactive ingredients. Severe allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis and swelling called angioedema, have occurred. Important cautions include: • Pregnancy: Topamax can harm an unborn baby, causing major birth defects, including cleft lip or palate, and a baby being small for its stage of pregnancy. • Eye problems: sudden short-sightedness and a type of glaucoma can cause permanent vision loss. Changes in the field of vision can also occur. • Reduced sweating and overheating, especially in children. • Excess acid in the blood (metabolic acidosis): blood bicarbonate testing is recommended before and during treatment. • Suicidal thoughts or behaviour, depression, mood changes, and problems with thinking or mental alertness. Use caution when driving or operating machinery. • Reduced bone mineral density and slower height or weight gain in children. Children receiving long-term treatment need careful growth monitoring. • Serious skin reactions and severe allergic reactions that can affect several organs. • Raised blood ammonia, which can affect brain function. • Kidney stones: avoid use with other carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, medicines that cause metabolic acidosis, or a ketogenic diet. • Abnormally low body temperature when used with valproic acid. Topamax should be withdrawn gradually under the prescriber’s guidance, not stopped abruptly. Serious eye, skin or allergic reactions may require prompt discontinuation by a clinician.