Downloadable Resources

Download these TOPAMAX tools for use with your office staff and your patients.

Epilepsy Newswire Vol I Issue 3

This issue addresses the role of monotherapy and polytherapy in the management of epilepsy. Current practice standards recommend monotherapy as the initial management plan, though polytherapy may be a valuable treatment option when the first or second AED fails. Leading experts discuss factors that should be taken into consideration when selecting combination therapy, including mechanisms of action, spectrum of efficacy, and safety and tolerability profiles of the respective AEDs.

Epilepsy Newswire Vol I Issue 4

The fourth installment of Epilepsy Newswire focuses on the treatment of epilepsy in young children and elderly patients and the special clinical considerations they require. For pediatric patients, the wide range of childhood epilepsy syndromes are addressed, including an in-depth look at Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, as well as the therapeutic advantages of newer AEDs over older ones. Treatment considerations for geriatric patients include age-related pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic issues, and the increased risk of co-morbid conditions and drug-drug interactions.

MOA Screensaver

Discover the proposed mechanisms of action for TOPAMAX in action. Add this screensaver to your office’s computer(s) to entertain and educate staff and patients. (Windows only.)

Important

Avoid confusion with Toprol-XL^® (metoprolol succinate) by spelling out TOPAMAX^® (topiramate) on your prescription. Toprol-XL is a registered trademark of the AstraZeneca group of companies.

About TOPAMAX

TOPAMAX is indicated as initial monotherapy in patients 10 years of age and older with partial-onset or primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures.

Effectiveness was demonstrated in a controlled trial in patients with epilepsy who had no more than 2 seizures in the 3 months prior to enrollment. Safety and effectiveness in patients who were converted to monotherapy from a previous regimen of other anticonvulsant drugs have not been established in controlled trials.

TOPAMAX is indicated as adjunctive therapy in patients 2 years of age and older with primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures, partial-onset seizures, or seizures associated with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

TOPAMAX has been associated with serious adverse events including: hyperchloremic, non-anion gap metabolic acidosis (lowering of serum bicarbonate levels)—measurement of baseline and periodic serum bicarbonate levels is recommended; acute myopia and secondary angle-closure glaucoma—patients should seek medical attention if they experience blurred vision or ocular pain; oligohidrosis and hyperthermia—occurs most often in hot weather and in children; cognitive/psychiatric side effects including somnolence, fatigue, cognitive dysfunction, and psychiatric/behavioral disturbances including suicidal thoughts or behavior; hyperammonemia with or without encephalopathy—associated with the concomitant use of valproic acid; and kidney stones—patients should maintain an adequate fluid intake to minimize the risk of renal stone formation.

As monotherapy, the most common side effects of TOPAMAX (in the 400 mg/day group and at a rate higher than the 50 mg/day group) in adults were: paresthesia, weight decrease, somnolence, anorexia,* dizziness, and difficulty with memory; and in children: weight decrease, upper respiratory tract infection, paresthesia, anorexia, diarrhea, and mood problems.

In combination with other antiepileptic drugs (AEDs), the most common side effects of TOPAMAX in adults (200 to 400 mg/day) were: somnolence, dizziness, nervousness, ataxia, fatigue, speech disorders and related problems, psychomotor slowing, abnormal vision, difficulty with memory, paresthesia, and diplopia; and in children (5 to 9 mg/kg/day): fatigue, somnolence, anorexia, nervousness, difficulty with concentration/attention, difficulty with memory, aggressive reaction, and weight decrease.

In women taking combination oral contraceptives with TOPAMAX, a significant decrease in estrogen exposure has been shown at TOPAMAX doses ≥ 200 mg/day. The possibility of decreased contraceptive efficacy and increased breakthrough bleeding should be considered.

*Anorexia is defined as loss of appetite.

Please see full US Prescribing Information.

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