warnings and cautions
5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Acute myopia and secondary angle closure glaucoma: can lead to permanent visual loss; discontinue topiramate as soon as possible ( 5.1 ) Visual field defects: consider discontinuation of topiramate ( 5.2 ) Oligohidrosis and hyperthermia: monitor decreased sweating and increased body temperature, especially in pediatric patients ( 5.3 ) Metabolic acidosis: baseline and periodic measurement of serum bicarbonate is recommended; consider dose reduction or discontinuation of topiramate if clinically appropriate ( 5.4 ) Suicidal behavior and ideation: antiepileptic drugs increase the risk of suicidal behavior or ideation ( 5.5 ) Cognitive/neuropsychiatric adverse reactions: use caution when operating machinery including cars; depression and mood problems may occur ( 5.6 ) Fetal Toxicity: use during pregnancy can cause major congenital malformations, including but not limited to cleft lip and/or palate and being small for gestational age ( 5.7 ) Withdrawal of AEDs: withdraw topiramate gradually ( 5.8 ) Decrease in Bone Mineral Density: has been shown to decrease bone mineral density and bone mineral content in pediatric patients ( 5.9 ) Negative effects on growth (height and weight): may slow height increase and weight gain; carefully monitor children receiving prolonged therapy ( 5.10 ) Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms (DRESS)/ Multiorgan Hypersensitivity, serious skin reactions (SJS or TEN), anaphylaxis and angioedema: Discontinue Topiramate if an alternative etiology cannot be established ( 5.11 , 5.12 , 5.13 ) Hyperammonemia/encephalopathy: measure ammonia if encephalopathic symptoms occur ( 5.14 ) Kidney stones: avoid use with other carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, drugs causing metabolic acidosis, or in patients on a ketogenic diet ( 5.15 ) Hypothermia has been reported with and without hyperammonemia during topiramate treatment with concomitant valproic acid use ( 5.16 ) 5.1 Acute Myopia and Secondary Angle Closure Glaucoma Syndrome A syndrome consisting of acute myopia associated with secondary angle closure glaucoma has been reported in patients receiving topiramate. Symptoms include acute onset of decreased visual acuity and/or ocular pain. Ophthalmologic findings can include some or all of the following: myopia, mydriasis, anterior chamber shallowing, ocular hyperemia (redness), choroidal detachments, reti...