Alert on Overheating in People Taking Topamax

Posted: August 6, 2003

People taking Topamax, especially children, should be watched closely for signs of decreased sweating and increased body temperature, especially in warm or hot weather.

Ortho-McNeil Pharmaceutical, Inc., the company that makes Topamax, recently added a stronger warning to the prescribing instructions for the drug. The change in labeling is based on new information gathered since the drug was approved.

Parents who notice that children taking Topamax are becoming overheated in a hot environment and are not sweating should take them out of the heat and cool them down. They should also contact the child’s doctor.

The company advisory also cautioned physicians against prescribing this medicine with other medications that raise body temperature or reduce sweating.