Topamax | Antiepileptic Drug

On January 31, 2008, the FDA analyzed reports of suicidal behavior in eleven antiepileptic drugs used to treat epilepsy, along with psychiatric disorders and other conditions. Topamax (generic name topiramte) was among the 11 drugs. Topamax is a prescription medication used:

• alone to treat seizures in patients 10 years and older
• with other medicines to treat seizures in adults and children over age 2
• to prevent migraine headaches in adults

According to the FDA's findings, patients receiving these antiepileptic drugs had approximately twice the risk of suicidal behavior and suidical ideation as early as one week after beginning use of the drugs compared to patients taking a placebo. This risk was higher in patients with epilepsy than for those using the medication for other conditions.

In addition to Topamax, the following antiepileptic drugs were included in the trial:

Carbamazepine (marketed as Carbatrol, Equetro, Tegretol, Tegretol XR)
Felbamate (marketed as Felbatol)
Gabapentin (marketed as Neurontin)
Lamotrigine (marketed as Lamictal)
Levetiracetam (marketed as Keppra)
Patient Information Sheet
Oxcarbazepine (marketed as Trileptal)
Pregabalin (marketed as Lyrica)
Tiagabine (marketed as Gabitril)
Valproate (marketed as Depakote, Depakote ER, Depakene, Depacon)
Zonisamide (marketed as Zonegran)

*Some of these drugs are also available in generic form.

Although these were the only drugs included in the trial, the FDA strongly believes that the increased risk of suicide is present in all antiepileptic drugs.

Other side effects of Topamax and other antiepileptic drugs include:

• Metabolic acidosis. Metabolic acidosis is a condition that happens when there is too much acid in   your blood. Metabolic acidosis can cause symptoms such as tiredness, loss of appetite, irregular   heartbeat, and impaired consciousness.
• Serious eye problems, including a sudden decrease in vision known as acute myopia, with or   without eye pain or a blockage of fluid in the eye causing increased pressure in the eye, known   as secondary angle closure glaucoma
• Decreased sweating (oligohidrosis) and increased body temperature (fever). Patients, especially   children, should be watched closely for signs of decreased sweating and fever (increased body   temperature), especially in hot temperatures. Some patients may need hospital treatment for this   condition.
• Effects on thinking and alertness. Topamax may affect thinking skills and cause confusion,   problems with concentration, attention, memory, and/or speech. Topamax may also cause   depression or mood problems, tiredness, and sleepiness.
• Dizziness or loss of muscle coordination in patients who take Topamax alone or with other   seizure medicines.
• High blood ammonia levels and effects on mental activities, causing decreased alertness, fatigue   and tiredness, or vomiting.
• Kidney stones.
• Tingling of the arms and legs (paresthesia) is a common side effect.

Less serious side effects include loss of appetite, nausea, a change in the way foods taste, diarrhea, weight loss, nervousness, aggression, upper respiratory tract infection.

If you or a loved one has experienced any life-threatening side effects, or committed suicide after taking Topamax or other antiepileptic medication, please fill out our Case Review Contact Form to the right of this page for a free consultation.