1. Is Topiramate a muscle relaxer?
Topiramate acts on the nerve conduction speed and brain activity pace. It does not affect the muscles. By decreasing the speed at which the brain processes impulses, there can be a decrease in overall body activity. This does not make Topiramate a muscle relaxant.
2. Is Topiramate addictive?
Since Topiramate directly acts on the brain impulses, there may be a psychological dependence for the patient. By its molecular nature, it is not addictive. It is used to treat alcohol addiction in some cases. The stability and mental relaxation that it brings may cause the patient to feel dependent on Topiramate.
3. Does Topiramate cause itching?
Itchy skin is known as pruritus. Pruritus is a very rare side effect of Topiramate. Hardly a few cases have ever been reported of pruritus caused by Topiramate. If a person is allergic to Topiramate, they may develop immediate itching. Consult the primary physician immediately in case of itching after Topiramate.
4. How to stop taking Topiramate?
Topiramate is not to be discontinued without consulting a doctor. It is not a drug that a person can stop consuming suddenly. Stopping Topiramate without adequate precaution can cause further harm and withdrawal effects. It has to be tapered gradually under the doctor’s supervision.
5. Is Topiramate a controlled substance?
Yes, Topiramate is a prescription-only drug and can be considered a controlled substance. Given the nature of the action of Topiramate, where it directly impacts the nerve conduction and impulses of the brain, it is classified as a psychotropic drug. It is a medicine that is not to be dispensed without a proper and valid prescription.
6. Can I take Topiramate while pregnant?
No. Topiramate is contra-indicated during pregnancy. Inform your doctor at once if you have been prescribed Topiramate and are pregnant. Topiramate can cause a cleft-lip or cleft-palate in the child while in the womb. If you were already taking Topiramate and have recently become pregnant, inform your doctor at once.
7. Can Topiramate cause memory loss?
Topiramate does not directly cause memory loss. It may seem like memory loss since it acts on the nerves that conduct impulses and directly regulate brain activity. In some cases, it is observed to make the patient feel confused, not able to think properly, and even have suicidal thoughts.
8. Can you stop Topiramate suddenly?
Topiramate takes a long time to act on the body and the mind. It takes up to three weeks to show some results in some cases. Therefore, sudden cessation of Topiramate is not recommended. It has to be tapered under supervision by a qualified medical practitioner.
9. Does Topiramate make you sleepy?
Yes, one of the known side effects is drowsiness or sleepy feeling. Some patients have reported feeling it. The action of Topiramate slows down responses by the brain and slows down the thoughts. This makes the patient feel as if they are sleepy or tired.
10. Is Topiramate a mood stabilizer?
No, Topiramate is not a mood stabilizer by its direct actions. It can bring about a sense of calm for the patient by controlling the rate of brain activity. This calm state is misinterpreted as slowness. It does not directly affect the mood of the patient. In some cases, it can cause the patient to have suicidal thoughts.
