Patient/caregiver was educated on contraindications for using topiramate as follows: Diabetic patients, especially individuals with poorly controlled grossly elevated blood sugars, can develop ketosis, secondary to increased fat metabolism. In these individuals, secondary to lack of insulin, glucose could not be transported into the cells and so, is not available for metabolism and cellular needs. The cells depend on fat, as an alternate fuel, to meet the metabolic demand. Consequently, the cells produce ketone bodies, [...]

Patient/caregiver was educated on contraindications for using topiramate as follows: Do not take topiramate, if you ever manifested any allergic responses to intake of topiramate or any other medications used to control seizures and nerve pain, such as, Lyrica and Cymbalta. In the event of an allergic response with any of these medications, check with your physician regarding your safety with intake of topiramate. Topiramate, by increasing loss of bicarbonate ions from the body, can [...]

Patient/caregiver was educated on the side-effects of using Topiramate as follows: Genitourinary side-effects Topiramate use, over a prolonged period of time, secondary to increased bone dissolution, demineralization, and loss of calcium and phosphate minerals from the bone, can lead to formation of renal calcium stones, resulting in episodes of severe back and groin pain. The kidney stones thus formed can also obstruct the urine flow, resulting in difficulty passing urine, painful urination, and retention of [...]

Patient/caregiver was educated on the side-effects of using Topiramate as follows: General allergic reactions                                  Topiramate 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 Topiramate [...]

Patient/caregiver was educated on the side-effects of using Topiramate as follows: Central nervous system side-effects Topiramate use can result in depression of the central nervous system and lead to episodes of confusion, hallucinations, dizziness, and light-headedness. Also, increased blood ammonia levels secondary to topiramate intake can add to the confusion and dizziness caused by topiramate. Individuals taking topiramate can also present compromised memory and trouble concentrating. Topiramate use can result in some tingling and numbness [...]