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New Warnings For The Seizure Drug Topiramate (TOPAMAX)

Worst Pills, Best Pills Newsletter article September, 2003

A warning was issued in June 2003 about the possibility of potentially serious decreased sweating (oligohidrosis) and elevated body temperature (hyperthermia) with the use of the seizure medication topiramate (TOPAMAX). Topiramate is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for adult and child patients ages two to 16 years with certain types of seizures, and in patients two years of age and older with seizures associated with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome.

The drug is produced by...

A warning was issued in June 2003 about the possibility of potentially serious decreased sweating (oligohidrosis) and elevated body temperature (hyperthermia) with the use of the seizure medication topiramate (TOPAMAX). Topiramate is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for adult and child patients ages two to 16 years with certain types of seizures, and in patients two years of age and older with seizures associated with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome.

The drug is produced by Ortho-McNeil of Raritan, NJ and almost 3.5 million prescriptions were dispensed in U.S. pharmacies for topiramate in 2002.

Reports of decreased sweating and elevated body temperature have mainly involved children. The majority of these cases have occurred with exposure to elevated environmental temperatures and vigorous physical activity or both. In some instances hospitalization was required.

What You Can Do

If you have a child being treated with topiramate be sure he or she is well hydrated before and during activities such as exercise, or exposure to warm temperatures.