Topamax is a prescription drug used to prevent migraine headaches and to control seizures. The generic name of the drug is topiramate. Topamax is known as an anti-convulsant medication.
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Topamax can cause severe vision problems, decreased sweating rate, fever and possible suicidal thoughts. Other side effects include an irregular heartbeat, high blood ammonia levels, kidney stones, dizziness, fatigue, nausea, nervousness and lack of muscle coordination.
Migraines
According to the Topamax website, the exact way the drug works isn't known. It's used to "calm" nerve cells in the brain and stop them from sending out signals that excite the nervous system. Using Topamax as directed can help prevent migraine headaches by interfering with the electrical signals in the brain. However, Topamax can't stop a migraine headache that has already started.
Topamax has been shown to prevent migraines after use of about one month. It takes longer for some people to experience relief. Dosage starts at the low end and is increased by a health care provider until the right level is found for each person. The drug needs time to build up in the body at the right level, which depends upon how fast one's body metabolizes the drug.
Seizures
Topamax works alone or with other medications to control seizures. According to Epilepsy.com, Topamax slows the firing of brain cells during a seizure, stopping it before it worsens. Epileptic seizures are caused by abnormal electrical signals in the brain.
Drug Interaction
Topamax interferes with the birth control pill and makes it less effective.
According to Epilepsy.com, medications used to treat seizures speed up the way the body metabolizes and excretes Topamax, so higher doses are needed. These include carbamazepine and phenobarbital.
