Drug Interactions between Meprozine and topiramate

MONITOR CLOSELY: Certain drugs such as carbonic anhydrase inhibitors and drugs with anticholinergic activity (e.g., antihistamines, antispasmodics, neuroleptics, phenothiazines, skeletal muscle relaxants, tricyclic antidepressants, disopyramide) may potentiate the risk of oligohidrosis and hyperthermia associated occasionally with the use of topiramate, particularly in pediatric patients. These agents may alter electrolyte and fluid balance (carbonic anhydrase inhibition), inhibit peripheral sweating mechanisms (anticholinergic effect), and/or interfere with core body temperature regulation in the hypothalamus (neuroleptics and phenothiazines), resulting in the inability to adjust to temperature changes, especially in hot weather. Also, agents with anticholinergic activity frequently cause drowsiness and other central nervous system-depressant effects, which may be additively or synergistically increased in patients also treated with topiramate.

MANAGEMENT: Caution is advised when topiramate is prescribed with other drugs that predispose patients to heat-related disorders, including carbonic anhydrase inhibitors and drugs with anticholinergic activity. Patients, particularly pediatric patients, should be monitored closely for evidence of decreased sweating and increased body temperature, especially in warm or hot weather. Proper hydration before and during vigorous activities or exposure to warm temperatures is recommended. Patients (or their guardians or caregivers) should contact their physician immediately if they are not sweating as usual, with or without a fever. Ambulatory patients treated with topiramate and agents with anticholinergic activity should also be made aware of the possibility of additive CNS effects (e.g., drowsiness, dizziness, lightheadedness, confusion) and counseled to avoid activities requiring mental alertness until they know how these agents affect them.

ADJUST DOSE: The central nervous system and respiratory depressant effects of meperidine may be potentiated by concomitant use of other agents with CNS depressant effects. An increased risk of serious adverse reactions such as respiratory depression, hypotension, profound sedation, syncope, coma, and even death should be considered, particularly in elderly or debilitated patients.

MANAGEMENT: Caution and dosage adjustments are advisable when meperidine is used in combination with other narcotic analgesics, general anesthetics, phenothiazines, sedative-hypnotics, tranquilizers, tricyclic antidepressants, or other CNS depressants such as alcohol. A lower dosage of meperidine should be considered initially, then titrated carefully according to pain level and clinical response. Meperidine dosage reductions of 25% to 50% have been recommended for patients receiving phenothiazines and other tranquilizers. Patients should be advised to avoid rising abruptly from a sitting or recumbent position, and to notify their physician if they experience dizziness, lightheadedness, orthostasis, syncope, tachycardia, or excessive CNS effects that interfere with their normal activities. Patients should also avoid driving or operating hazardous machinery until they know how these medications affect them.

ADJUST DOSE: The central nervous system and respiratory depressant effects of meperidine may be potentiated by concomitant use of other agents with CNS depressant effects. An increased risk of serious adverse reactions such as respiratory depression, hypotension, profound sedation, syncope, coma, and even death should be considered, particularly in elderly or debilitated patients.

MANAGEMENT: Caution and dosage adjustments are advisable when meperidine is used in combination with other narcotic analgesics, general anesthetics, phenothiazines, sedative-hypnotics, tranquilizers, tricyclic antidepressants, or other CNS depressants such as alcohol. A lower dosage of meperidine should be considered initially, then titrated carefully according to pain level and clinical response. Meperidine dosage reductions of 25% to 50% have been recommended for patients receiving phenothiazines and other tranquilizers. Patients should be advised to avoid rising abruptly from a sitting or recumbent position, and to notify their physician if they experience dizziness, lightheadedness, orthostasis, syncope, tachycardia, or excessive CNS effects that interfere with their normal activities. Patients should also avoid driving or operating hazardous machinery until they know how these medications affect them.