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Topamax®
Diagnosis & Treatment > Seizure Medications > Topamax® > Introduction to Topamax
 

Introduction to Topamax

Topamax is the brand name used in the United States, Canada, the UK, Australia, and some other countries for topiramate.

In the United States, Topamax was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1996 to treat adults with partial-onset seizures. In 1999 it was approved as an adjunctive therapy for children with partial-onset seizures and for primary, generalized tonic-clonic seizures. In 2001 it was approved for use in Lennox-Gastaut syndrome in children and adults.

Forms
Topamax is marketed in the United States by Ortho-McNeil Pharmaceuticals. The name or appearance may differ in other places. These descriptions apply to the U.S. versions:

Tablets

25 mg (round, white)
Tablets marked "25" on one side and "TOP" on the other.
50 mg (round, white)
Tablets marked "50" on one side and "TOP" on the other.
100 mg (round, yellow)
Tablets marked "100" on one side and "TOPAMAX" on the other
200 mg (round, salmon-color)
Tablets marked "200" on one side and "TOPAMAX" on the other.

Sprinkle capsules

15 mg (white, clear)
Gelatin capsules containing small white to off-white beads, marked "TOP" and "15 mg" on side.
25 mg (white, clear)
Gelatin capsules containing small white to off-white beads, marked "TOP" and "25 mg" on side

No generic formulations of Topamax are available in the United States.

How to take and store Topamax
Topamax tablets should be swallowed whole.

Sprinkle capsules are an easy way for patients, particularly children, to take Topamax. The capsule can be swallowed whole, but it also can be opened and the contents sprinkled onto a teaspoon of soft food such as applesauce, custard, ice cream, oatmeal, pudding, or yogurt. The contents on the spoon should be swallowed right away without chewing. Drinking a little water or juice may help to ensure that all the medication is swallowed. The package insert includes diagrams for patients to follow.

All forms of Topamax can be taken either with food or without food. Food does not affect the bioavailability of Topamax.

Topamax tablets should be stored at room temperature (59° to 86°F or 15° to 30°C). The sprinkle capsules may be especially vulnerable to heat, thus it's important to store the sprinkles below 77°F or 25°C. Keep all medicine in a tightly sealed container protected from moisture, heat and direct light. 

Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.

Missed doses
In general, tell patients that if they forget a dose, they should talk to their doctor for specific instructions on how to make it up. If it is almost time for the next dose, they should delay that dose for a few hours instead of taking two doses very close together.

Patients who often forget doses may benefit from using a special pillbox or watch with an alarm.