Posted by Larry Hoover on May 2, 2007, at 13:50:56
In reply to topamax and stones?, posted by karen_kay on May 2, 2007, at 7:16:51
> anyone know anything about it?
>
> a urologist said (while treating my husband) 'oh, you're on topamax? i'll treat you for stones then later.'
>
> anyone know anythign about it?The drug monograph gives quite a detailed view of the problem, under "Metabolic Acidosis". http://www.rxlist.com/cgi/generic/topiram_wcp.htm
The effect is dose-dependent. It also can be easily monitored by a physician, by doing blood tests for serum bicarbonate levels. Abnormal bloodwork will precede actual kidney stone formation. Untreated, or ignored, the condition can also lead to osteomalacia or osteoporosis.
"If metabolic acidosis develops and persists, consideration should be given to reducing the dose or discontinuing topiramate (using dose tapering). If the decision is made to continue patients on topiramate in the face of persistent acidosis, alkali treatment should be considered."
So, anyone on Topamax should be getting regular and routine bloodwork done, at least until early vulnerability to this side effect is known, with followups to catch late-developing instances.
Lar
poster:Larry Hoover
thread:755111
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20070502/msgs/755204.html