Patient/caregiver was educated on the side-effects of using Topamax as follows:
General allergic reactions
- Topamax use can result in general allergic reactions, such as, skin rashes, hives, and itching.
- Some patients can present with symptoms of severe allergic and anaphylactic response, such as, swelling of face, lips, throat, and tongue, with consequent difficulty breathing. Seek emergency medical help for such findings, especially with difficulty breathing, for any appropriate measures to be considered.
Musculoskeletal side-effects
- Topamax use can result in poor motor coordination and unsteadiness, with increased fall risk and accidents. Confusion and dizziness with Topamax use, can add to the motor incoordination, thus enhancing the fall risk significantly.
- Metabolic acidosis induced by Topamax intake can result in increased bone dissolution and loss of calcium and phosphate minerals from the bone, resulting in demineralization of bone. This can lead to weakened skeletal framework, osteoporosis, and fractures with slightest injury.
- Weakening of bones and skeletal framework, in young children, can result in compromised growth rate, contributing to their stunted growth.
