Addiction to prescription drugs is an ongoing problem for adults in the United States. Even “safe” medications like Topamax, which treats seizures, can become habit-forming and cause dependency issues. If you are concerned about prescription addiction when considering Topamax, talk to your doctor about your full medical history. It is only with this complete knowledge that your doctor can determine if Topamax is right for you.
What Is Topamax (Topiramate)?
Topamax is the brand name for the generic drug topiramate. Topiramate is a prescription medication used to treat epilepsy and migraines. It is known as an anticonvulsant or antiepileptic medication. It’s important to note that Topamax is not effective at treating current migraine headaches but, instead, can prevent migraine headaches and make them less frequent. Topamax does not offer pain relief.
Topamax has to be described to you by your doctor, who should determine in you are an eligible candidate. If you suffer from epilepsy, seizures or migraine headaches, Topamax may be an effective solution for you. Topiramate is designed to be taken orally, typically twice a day. While taking Topamax, if you experience a migraine or a seizure, you should still follow your medical provider’s instructions for dealing with those events.
There are some side effects and risks associated with Topamax. Topiramate medications are very strong and should only be prescribed when your doctor determines that the risks are outweighed by the benefits for you. Some of the side effects associated with Topamax are drowsiness, fatigue, dizziness, tingling in the hands and feet, loss of appetite, trouble concentrating, nervousness and speech problems.
If you experience the following more severe side effects, you should seek medical help right away: fever, chills, painful urination, kidney stones and/or blood in urine.
Topamax (Topiramate) Addiction
Topamax is a prescription drug that should only be used exactly as prescribed. Topamax should not be shared with people experiencing seizures or epilepsy unless it is prescribed to them individually. Topamax should not be taken more frequently than prescribed or mixed with other drugs to intensify its effectiveness. These are the proper precautions to take to protect yourself against possible addiction. However, even if you take Topamax exactly as prescribed, addiction can be possible.
All prescription drugs carry varying degrees of addictiveness, but addiction is possible to most of them. If you think you may be addicted to your topiramate medication, consider the following signs of addiction. Do you find yourself thinking about your next Topamax dosage throughout the day? Is taking Topamax the first thing you do when you wake up in the morning? Are you taking more than is prescribed? Do you feel withdrawal symptoms, like chills or nausea, when it is time for your next dose?
If these questions sound like they describe you or someone you know, Topamax addiction or dependence may be occurring.
Topamax (Topiramate) Long-Term Effects
The long-term effects of Topamax are inconsistent among patients. Topamax can be prescribed to treat a wide range of disorders and the length of treatment time can vary based on your underlying condition. Over time, Topamax can affect your kidney, resulting in weight loss or gain, or have dangerous interactions with other medications.
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The Recovery Village aims to improve the quality of life for people struggling with substance use or mental health disorder with fact-based content about the nature of behavioral health conditions, treatment options and their related outcomes. We publish material that is researched, cited, edited and reviewed by licensed medical professionals. The information we provide is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers.