Topamax: Working, Side Effects, Uses, And Risks

Topamax: Working, Side Effects, Uses, And Risks

What Is Topamax?

What Is TopamaxTopamax is a drug that is prescribed to help people with seizures. However, it has been found to be helpful in reducing anxiety symptoms as well. Topamax works by decreasing the amount of glutamate that is released in the brain. This neurotransmitter has been linked with anxiety and other mood disorders.

Topamax is a medication that has been used to treat seizures and migraines. The mechanism of action for Topamax is unknown but it appears to affect GABA and Glutamate neurotransmitter systems in the brain. It was discovered that Topamax can also be helpful in the treatment of several anxiety disorders, including Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Panic Disorder, and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The medication should be used with care as it can have side effects.

How Does Topamax Work to Treat Anxiety Symptoms?

Topamax works by decreasing the amount of glutamate that releases in the brain. This neurotransmitter has been linked with anxiety and other mood disorders. Glutamate is a chemical that helps nerve cells communicate with each other. When too much glutamate is released, it can lead to over-excitation of nerve cells, which may contribute to symptoms of anxiety. By decreasing the amount of glutamate that is released Topamax can help reduce anxiety symptoms.

Topamax and Its Effectiveness in Treating Anxiety Disorders

Research has shown that Topamax may be effective for treating many different types of anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder (with or without agoraphobia), social anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Topamax Side Effects

Both the weight gain and muscle weakness associated with Topamax can be amplified if one takes too much of this medication or does not follow their prescription regimen. If you think that you are experiencing any of these symptoms, please consult with your doctor as soon as possible.

There are several potential side effects that you should be aware of if taking Topamax. These include-

Topamax Side Effects

  •  Kidney stones
  •  Blurred vision
  •  Cognitive impairment
  •  Muscle weakness
  •  Dizziness, and coordination problems

However, some people have reported that they have experienced suicidal thoughts when taking Topamax. If you experience any of these symptoms, please contact your doctor immediately

More common side effects of Topamax include-

Topamax may also cause a rare but serious rash that is similar to Stevens-Johnson syndrome. In some cases, this may be a sign of a more serious reaction or an allergic reaction.

Topamax for Anxiety Treatment

The effectiveness of Topamax for anxiety disorders remains inconclusive. Although it has been helpful in reducing symptoms of other mood disorders. There is not yet any conclusive evidence that it can help reduce symptoms of anxiety. However, some people who suffer from generalized anxiety disorder have found that Topamax has been helpful in alleviating their condition.

Current research is inconclusive regarding the effectiveness of Topamax for anxiety disorders, however, there is much more evidence to support its usefulness in treating other conditions. Many people have reported that Topamax was able to help reduce or completely eliminate their anxiety symptoms. Others have noticed no change or even an increase in their anxiety after beginning Topamax therapy

Topamax Effect on Anxiety

Topamax Effect on Anxiety

Research has shown that Topamax may be effective for treating many different types of anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder (with or without agoraphobia), social anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Topamax Dosage 

The usual starting dose of Topamax is 200mg twice a day, but some people may start with a lower dosage. The medication may be taken with or without food. Some people may take more than 400mg per day, but this should only occur under the supervision of a doctor.

Risks Associated with Taking Topamax

A patient should not discontinue Topamax without the guidance of a doctor because doing so can cause an increase in seizure frequency. Those who are pregnant, attempting to become pregnant, or breastfeeding should avoid taking Topamax since it has not been studied in these populations.

While Topamax (topiramate) helps treat seizures and migraine headaches. It is also famous as ” off-label ” as a treatment for several other conditions including-

  • Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
  • Binge eating disorders
  • Opioid-induced constipation
  • Alcohol use disorder
  • Autism

In addition, the drug is “off-label” as a treatment for anxiety disorders such as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder with or without agoraphobia, social anxiety disorder, and post-traumatic stress. In fact, one study found that it was superior to a placebo for the short-term treatment of the panic disorder.

Because it is available in low doses under the trade name Topamax Sprinkle, very few people prescribed the drug for mental disorders take the maximum dose used benzodiazepines (Valium, Xanax), antidepressants (Paxil, Zoloft), and beta-blockers (Inderal).

Topamax may also cause a rare but serious rash that is similar to Stevens-Johnson syndrome. In some cases, this may be a sign of a more serious reaction or an allergic reaction. Since Topamax does not have approval by the FDA for the treatment of anxiety disorders and has some significant side effects. So doctors do not recommend it for this use.

Topamax Brain Damage

Topamax Brain Damage

Current research is inconclusive regarding Topamax and its effects on brain functioning. However, scientists have not yet ruled out the possibility that chronic usage of Topamax may cause damage to the brain. If you are taking Topamax and have experienced any side effects, please contact your doctor immediately.

How To Take Topamax For Anxiety Treatment?

The usual starting dose of Topamax is 200mg twice a day, but some people may start with a lower dosage. Patients may take it with or without food and some people may take more than 400mg per day. However, this should only occur under the supervision of a doctor.

When taking Topamax for anxiety treatment, it is important to follow the doctor’s instructions. The usual starting dose is 200mg twice a day, but it may be necessary to increase the dosage up to 400mg per day. It is important not to discontinue the medication without first consulting a doctor, as doing so may increase seizure frequency. Additionally, pregnant or breastfeeding women should avoid taking Topamax.

Topamax Direction Of Use

Topamax Direction Of Use

The usual dose of Topamax for an anxiety disorder is 200mg daily, in the morning. A patient can take Topamax in two doses, one mid-morning and one at night.

Topamax is a medication that is in pill form. The usual starting dose of Topamax is 200mg twice a day, but some people may start with a lower dosage. Some people may take more than 400mg per day. However, this should only occur under the supervision of a doctor.

When taking Topamax for anxiety treatment, it is important to follow the doctor’s instructions. The medication is available in both pill and sprinkles form. The usual starting dose is 200mg twice a day, but it may be necessary to increase the dosage up to 400mg per day. It is important not to discontinue the medication without first consulting a doctor, as doing so may increase seizure frequency. Additionally, pregnant or breastfeeding women should avoid taking Topamax.

You can take Topamax with or without food.

How To Get Topamax Prescription?

There is a wide array of websites that will allow you to purchase Topamax without a prescription. However, it is important to be aware that purchasing medication online can be harmful not only to your health but also to your wallet. Many of the sites that offer medications are not legal places to purchase medication from. Furthermore, many of these sites are havens for identity theft. If you want to buy Topamax, please consult with your doctor.

Conclusion

Topamax is a medication that helps treat seizures and migraines. Some discoveries show that Topamax can also be helpful in the treatment of anxiety disorders. Patients should only take this medication under the care of a doctor as it can have side effects.

A Word From Therapy Mantra

Your mental health — Your psychological, emotional, and social well-being — has an impact on every aspect of your life. Positive mental health essentially allows you to effectively deal with life’s everyday challenges.

At TherapyMantra, we have a team of therapists who provide affordable online therapy to assist you with issues such as depression, anxiety, stress, workplace Issues, addiction, relationship, OCD, LGBTQ, and PTSD. You can book a free therapy or download our free Android or iOS app.