TOPANEX-50/100(Topiramate Tablets)
DESCRIPTION
Topiramate is an anticonvulsant which is used to control and prevent seizures of epilepsy, including primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures and partial onset seizures. Topiramate is also used to prevent migraine headaches but not to relieve the pain of migraine headaches when they occur. It works by decreasing abnormal excitement in the brain. Topiramate is also used in many cases to control binging and purging and to promote weight loss in people with eating disorders. Topiramate suppresses appetite and results in weight loss. Topiramate is also known to reduce alcohol cravings and support abstinence measures through specific brain chemical reactions.
DOSAGE
Topiramate is generally started with a single dose at bedtime and is gradually increased to twice a day. It may take a few weeks or months to attain the best dose for you and get optimum benefit from this medication. The starting dose is recommended at 50mg per day at night time and is increased to 200mg per day in two divided doses. In some cases, 400mg daily is also advised. Topiramate normally shows phenomenal responses at 200mg per day in two divided doses.
CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY
Topiramate is believed to alter neurotransmitters within the brain. Neurotransmitters are chemicals that the nerves manufacture and are used to communicate with other nearby nerves. By altering the production or action of the neurotransmitters, topiramate may suppress the abnormal activity of the nerves in the brain that cause the seizures or may prevent the abnormal activity from spreading to other nerves. Other studies suggest that topiramate may suppress the nerves directly (i.e., not by altering neurotransmitters) and make them less likely to fire.
INDICATIONS
Topiramate is primarily indicated to treat epilepsy in adults as well as children. It belongs to the class of anti convulsants which prevents and controls seizures. It works by curtailing the abnormal excitement in the brain. Migraine headaches are also controlled and cured with the use of Topiramate. Physicians and psychiatrists often prescribe it when other mood-stabilizing drugs fail to be effective for a patient. Also, the set of side effects that patients may experience is quite different on Topiramate as compared to other mood stabilizers. Practitioners have had success when prescribing Topiramate to individuals with bipolar disorders that have resisted other forms of treatment. The most effective use of Topiramate appears to be in the case of patients whose use of lamotrigine has induced mania. Some psychiatrists have reported using Topiramate to help relieve the symptoms of PTSD and the side effects related to eating that other psychiatric drugs can create. The drug is also used to treat migraines due to the effect it has on the blood vessels in the brain. It has been found to be increasingly effective for migraine sufferers with limited side effects.
CONTRA INDICATIONS
As is the case with all antiepileptic drugs, it is advisable not to suddenly discontinue topiramate as there is a theoretical risk of rebound seizures. Avoid activities requiring mental alertness and coordination until drug effects are realized. This medication may decrease the effectiveness of hormonal birth control products. This effect can result in pregnancy.
MODE OF ACTION
Topiramate belongs to a class of drugs called sulfamate-substituted monosaccharide anticonvulsants or antiepileptic drugs (AEDs). A class of drugs is a group of medications that work in a similar way. These drugs are often used to treat similar conditions.It isn’t known exactly how this drug works. It’s thought that it works on certain chemicals, channels, receptors, and enzymes in your brain to help control seizures and prevent migraines.
TOPIRAMATE AND WEIGHT LOSS
There have been a number of studies supporting the efficacy of Topiramate for weight loss. Many Practitioners prescribe Topanex to control binging and purging and promote weight loss in people with eating disorders such as bulimia nervosa and binge-eating disorder. The drug is seen as an alternative when first-line therapy with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) have failed to achieve results. It is believed to inhibit the brain networks that cause food cravings. It enhances networks in the brain that have a calming effect and inhibits networks that are over stimulating. Topiramate is most effective for people who are overweight or obese and most people observe a significant reduction in their weight throughout their treatment. Topiramate is an appetite suppressant and addiction controller. Those who have BMI greater than 27 or suffering from cardiac risk factors (like diabetes, high blood pressure or high cholesterol) should take this drug as a part of their weight loss program. For best results, it has to be taken with a nutritious diet, healthy behavior modification, and regular exercise. Consult your doctor before using any medication for weight loss.
SIDE EFFECTS
Topiramate oral tablet causes drowsiness. You shouldn’t drive, use machinery, or do other tasks that require alertness until you know how this drug affects you. The most common side effects of topiramate are tiredness, dizziness, coordination problems, nervousness, nausea, weight loss,etc.
AVAILABILITY
TOPANEX is available in aluminum strips of ten film coated oral tablets containing Topiramate 50mg & 100mg for oral administration.
