Topamax is used to treat migraines. Migraines are chronic headaches that are frequent in nature. About 30 million Americans are known to suffer from migraines and it is a shame that just about a half of them are properly diagnosed and treated. Topamax, unlike other migraine medications, is not just given as a dose for each migraine attack, but is actually a daily dose medication which is taken for as long as it is required. Topamax is known to stop migraines before they start and affect the lives of the patients. Topamax is an 'adults only' medication that is not approved for children.

Topamax works by calming the nerve cells in the brain and halting the processes that start migraines. If Topamax is taken as prescribed in a proper time bound course, studies have shown that it definitely reduces migraines and sustains the improvement. Generic Topamax does reduce migraine frequency by significant numbers if taken daily, over a period of time.

Topamax works best when it is taken exactly as advised by your health care professional. The following are some 'how to use Topamax' instructions.

• Topamax is approved only for adults and it should strictly be used in the recommended dosages.


• One should only use Topamax after reading the medication guide provided by your pharmacist.


• Topamax can be taken with or without food.


• Topamax is usually prescribed for a dosage to be taken twice daily.


• While it is preferable that you swallow the whole tablet, you may also open the capsule and take its contents with a teaspoon of apple sauce or yogurt.


• Topamax capsules should not be chewed.


• Topamax should be taken with a glassful of liquid, preferably water, to prevent kidney stones.


• Topamax dosage is based on a number of things, such as the patient's body weight, the severity of the health condition, etc. and hence it should be taken only in the dosages prescribed.


• Topamax needs several weeks to show visible results, hence patients may be required to show patience and continue taking the medication as required by the course prescribed.

Allergic reactions to Topamax are usually serious and hence they require immediate medical intervention. Such allergic reactions to Topamax can be identified through side effects like hives, breathing difficulty, facial swelling, etc. If the symptoms of the original disease worsen or if the patient notices mood and behavior changes in himself after Topamax consumption, these need to be reported to the general physician.

Certain serious side effects associated with Topamax use are:

• Vision loss or impairment


• Pain behind or around the eyes


• Dry mouth


• Increased body temperature and decreased sweating


• Concentration and memory problems


• Slowed thinking and speech


• Loss of balance


• Unusually mood and behavioral changes

There are some less serious side effects associated with Topamax and these are as listed below.

• Dizziness


• Numbness or tingling


• Diarrhea and weight loss


• Nervousness


• Flu-like symptoms such as sneezing, stuffy nose and sore throat

There are some medications that interact with Topamax and they are:

• Cold and allergy medications


• Sedatives


• Narcotic pain relievers


• Sleeping pills


• Muscle relaxers


• Depression and anxiety medications


• Seizure medication


• Bronchodilators


• Bladder medications


• Glaucoma medications

As this is not an exhaustive list of possible drug interactions, anyone taking Topamax should discuss all prescription as well as over the counter medications, herbal products and dietary supplements that they are or have been taking, with their doctors.

If you have had a Topamax overdose, call the local poison control helpline on 1-800-222-1222 and ask for assistance. If any of the overdose symptoms, namely chest and stomach pain, speech problems, blurred vision, pounding heartbeats and seizures are visible in the patient, he must be rushed to the neared emergency medical facility immediately.

Following are some Topamax notes that should be kept in mind while on a generic Topamax course.

• Do not stop Topamax suddenly and even when you do need to stop it, do it gradually and as advised by your doctor.


• If your case worsens after taking Topamax, consult your doctor as soon as possible.


• Users should wear medical alert tags or carry ID cards that mention their Topamax use, so that anyone treating them in the future is aware of their medical status.


• High protein low carb diets increase the risk of kidney stones while on a Topamax course. Users are asked to avoid such diets.

If you realize that you have missed a Topamax dose within 6 hours of missing it, you can take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. If it is much later than such a time, it is best to skip the missed dose altogether and take the next dose as scheduled. Users are advised to notify their doctors if they have missed two or more consecutive doses.

Generic Topamax or topiramate is actually also an anticonvulsant, popularly used as a seizure medication. Infact, Topamax is used to treat seizures in adults as well as children over 10 years of age. As a migraine medication, it is essential to note that Topamax does not stop migraines after they have begun. Topmax prevent migraines from happening and reduces their frequency if taken daily, as prescribed. A doctor may prescribe you with Topamax for uses other than the ones mentioned in this medication uses guide. You should ask your doctor for further details on such other uses.

Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Topamax must be stored at room temperature and it should especially be kept away from heat and moisture. The Topamax bottle must be closed tightly for the medication to retain its effectiveness.

Before you purchase Topamax, you must ensure that you are aware of the following precautions.

• Your doctor should be aware of any kidney and liver disorders, history of depression and metabolic acidosis, history of osteoporosis, asthma, emphysema, etc. before he advises you to take Topamax.


• Topamax may increase suicidal tendencies in already depressed or mentally and emotionally unstable users.


• As it is still unknown if Topamax harms unborn babies, it is essential to discuss its use while you are pregnant or breastfeeding.


• Topamax may take a while to show visible results and hence users should be patient with its use and follow the prescribed course.

Though you can purchase Topamax online, it is indeed very advantageous to order topiramate online. If you buy Topamax online, you get doorstep delivery, convenient payment options and low prices as a complete package.