Topiramate

Topiramate (brand name Topamax) is an anticonvulsant drug produced by Ortho-McNeil Neurologics, a division of Johnson & Johnson. It is used to treat epilepsy in both children and adults. In children it is also indicated for treatment of Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (a disorder that causes seizures and developmental delays) . It is also Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved for, and now most frequently prescribed for, the prevention of migraines. A combination product containing phentermine and topiramate extended-release called QSYMIA is indicated for the management of obesity. (In Vitro) :Topiramate has been believed to be a type of antiepileptic drug that blocks spread of seizures. Thus far, the mechanisms of its actions have been proven to include use-dependent inhibition of voltage-dependent Na+ channels in neurons, potentiation of GABA (γ-amino-butyric acid) -induced Cl- influx, and inhibitory effects on inward currents by antagonizing kainate/alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methylisoxazole-4-propionic acid (AMPA) receptors.