- How to use
- 1. Adjuvant treatment of epilepsy
- 2. Epilepsy monotherapy treatment
- 3. Migraine prophylaxis
- Who should not use
- Possible side effects
Topiramate is an anticonvulsant remedy known commercially as Topamax, which acts on the central nervous system, stabilizes mood, and protects the brain. This medicine is indicated for the treatment of epilepsy in adults and children, for the treatment of crises associated with Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome and for the prophylactic treatment of migraine.
Topiramate can be purchased in pharmacies, for a price of about 60 to 300 reais, depending on the dose, size of the packaging and brand of the drug, and there is also the possibility to choose the generic.
How to use
Treatment should be started with a low dose, which should be increased gradually, until the appropriate dose is reached.
1. Adjuvant treatment of epilepsy
The minimum effective dose is 200 mg per day, up to 1600 mg per day, which is considered the maximum dose. Treatment should be started with 25 to 50 mg, administered in the evening, for one week. Then, at intervals of 1 or 2 weeks, the dose should be increased by 25 to 50 mg / day and divided into two doses.
For children older than 2 years, the recommended daily dose is 5 to 9 mg / kg per day, divided into two administrations.
2. Epilepsy monotherapy treatment
When other anti-epileptic drugs are removed from the therapeutic plan, in order to maintain treatment with topiramate as monotherapy, the effects it may have on crisis control should be considered, advising, if possible, a gradual discontinuation of previous treatment.
In children over 2 years of age, the starting dose ranges from 0.5 to 1 mg / kg per day, in the evening, for a week. Then, the dose should be increased by 0.5 to 1 mg / kg per day, at intervals of 1 to 2 weeks, divided into two administrations.
3. Migraine prophylaxis
Treatment should be started with 25 mg in the evening for one week. This dose should be increased by 25 mg / day, once a week, up to a maximum of 100 mg / day, divided into two administrations.
Who should not use
Topiramate should not be used by people who are hypersensitive to the components of the formula, in pregnant women or women who suspect they are pregnant.
Possible side effects
Some of the most common side effects that may occur during treatment with topiramate are drowsiness, dizziness, fatigue, irritability, weight loss, slow thinking, tingling, double vision, abnormal coordination, nausea, nystagmus, lethargy, anorexia, difficulty speaking, blurred vision, decreased appetite, impaired memory and diarrhea.
