Topamax is a brand name for topiramate, an anti-seizure medication used in combination with other medications to treat seizures in adults and children, with epilepsy according to Drugs.com. Topamax is in a class of medications known as anticonvulsants. It is also used to prevent migraine headaches. Long-term use of Topamax affects the absorption of vitamin B-12 and other nutrients.
Vitamin B-12 Deficiency and Topamax
Vitamin B-12, also known as cobalamin is a B-complex vitamin necessary for the production of red blood cells, DNA synthesis and for the maintenance of healthy nerve cells. Vitamin B-12 is absorbed from food in the stomach and small intestine with the help of a stomach protein known as intrinsic factor. Long-term use of Topamax interferes with the absorption of B-12. Patients with vitamin B-12 deficiency experience pernicious anemia and neurological damage symptoms. Lack of treatment of a B-12 deficiency leads to permanent nerve damage and severe dementia.
Vitamin B-12 Administration
Patients taking Topamax for a long time may require B-12 supplements. B-12 injections are preferred over tablets due to fast absorption. B-12 shots are administered as intramuscular injections in deep muscles such as deltoid, ventrogluteal and dorsogluteal muscles. In this form, the vitamin is absorbed immediately into the bloodstream. Oral B12 tablets are not absorbed immediately because they have to undergo the digestion process. Sublingual tablets are placed under the tongue and are absorbed immediately into the bloodstream because the area under the tongue is rich in blood vessels. Nasal B12 forms are also absorbed immediately into the bloodstream because the nostrils also have many blood vessels.
Side Effects of Vitamin B-12
Patients taking vitamin B-12 supplements may experience common side effects such as pain, redness and swelling at injection site, according to Drugs.com. Patients who notice unusual warmth at the injection site should consult their doctors, as these are signs of infection at the site. Some patients may also experience dizziness, weakness, numbness, tingling and joint pain.
Topamax Administration
Topamax is available as tablets or sprinkle capsules. The tablet is usually taken with or without food twice a day in the morning and at night. Patients should swallow the tablets whole without chewing or crushing them. The sprinkle capsules are sprinkled in food and are suitable for patients with swallowing difficulties. Patients should swallow the entire mixture immediately without chewing.
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