Topiramate is used alone or with other medications to treat certain types of seizures in people who have epilepsy. Topiramate is also used with other medications to control seizures in people who have Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (a disorder that causes seizures and developmental delays). Topiramate is used to treat patients who continue to have seizures even when they take other antiseizure medications. Topiramate is also used to prevent migraine headaches but not to relieve the pain of migraine headaches when they occur. Topiramate is in a class of medications called anticonvulsants. It works by decreasing abnormal excitement in the brain.
Topiramate comes as a tablet and a sprinkle capsule (capsule that contains small beads of medication that can be sprinkled on food) to take by mouth. It is usually taken with or without food twice a day in the morning and evening. Take topiramate at around the same times every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take topiramate exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
There is another medication with a name similar to the brand name for topiramate. You should be sure that you receive topiramate and not the similar medication each time you fill your prescription. Be sure that the prescription your doctor gives you is clear and easy to read. Talk to your pharmacist to be sure that you are given topiramate. After you receive your medication, compare the tablets to the pictures in the manufacturer's patient information sheet. If you think you were given the wrong medication, talk to your pharmacist. Do not take any medication unless you are certain it is the medication that your doctor prescribed.
Topiramate tablets have a bitter taste so you should swallow them whole. Do not split, chew, or crush them. It is especially important that you not take topiramate tablets that have been broken for any length of time because tablets that are broken may lose their effectiveness over time.
Your doctor will probably start you on a low dose of topiramate and gradually increase your dose, not more than once every week.
Topiramate may control your seizures or migraines but will not cure your condition. Continue to take topiramate even if you feel well. Do not stop taking topiramate without talking to your doctor, even if you experience side effects such as unusual changes in behavior or mood. If you suddenly stop taking topiramate, you may have severe seizures, even if you have not had seizures in the past. Your doctor will probably decrease your dose gradually.
Prepare a teaspoonful of soft food such as applesauce, custard, ice cream, oatmeal, pudding, or yogurt.
Hold the capsule upright over the food. You should be able to read the word 'TOP' on the capsule.
Twist off the clear part of the capsule and pour the entire contents onto the spoonful of food.
Swallow the entire mixture immediately without chewing.
Drink fluids right after swallowing to wash down the mixture and to be sure that you swallow all of it.
Your doctor or pharmacist will give you the manufacturer's patient information sheet (Medication Guide) when you begin treatment with topiramate and each time you refill your prescription. Read the information carefully and ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions. You can also visit the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) website (http://www.fda.gov/Drugs) or the manufacturer's website to obtain the Medication Guide.
Topiramate is also used for the management of alcohol dependence. Talk to your doctor about the risks of using this medication for your condition.
This medication may be prescribed for other uses. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Talk to your doctor about increasing the amount of food you eat if you lose weight while you are taking topiramate.
Talk to your doctor before changing your diet or beginning any type of weight loss program. Do not follow a ketogenic diet (a high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet used to control seizures) or any other high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet, such as the Atkins diet, while you are taking this medication.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is less than 6 hours before you are scheduled to take your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
numbness, burning, or tingling in the hands or feet
slowed reactions
difficulty concentrating
speech problems, especially difficulty thinking of specific words
memory problems
lack of coordination
confusion
nervousness
aggressive behavior
irritability
mood swings
depression
headache
drowsiness
weakness
excessive movement
uncontrollable shaking of a part of the body
uncontrollable eye movements
extreme thirst
weight loss
constipation
diarrhea
gas
heartburn
change in ability to taste food
swelling of the tongue
overgrowth of the gums
dry mouth
increased saliva
trouble swallowing
nosebleed
teary or dry eyes
back, muscle, or bone pain
missed menstrual periods
excessive menstrual bleeding
skin problems or changes in skin color
dandruff
hair loss
growth of hair in unusual places
ringing in the ears
difficulty falling or staying asleep
swelling of the hands, arms, feet, ankles, or lower legs
difficulty urinating or pain when urinating
blurred vision
double vision
eye pain
worsening of seizures
slow heart rate
pounding or irregular heartbeat
chest pain
trouble breathing
fast, shallow breathing
inability to respond to things around you
excessive tiredness
nausea
vomiting
stomach pain
loss of appetite
intense back or side pain
bloody, cloudy, or foul-smelling urine
constant need to urinate
fever
chills
Topiramate may cause osteoporosis (a condition in which bones can break more easily) in adults and rickets (abnormal, curved bone growth) in children. Topiramate may also slow the growth of children and may decrease the final height that children reach. Talk to your doctor about the risks of taking topiramate.
Topiramate may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.
If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Tablets should be stored at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Sprinkle capsules should be stored at or below 77 °F (25 °C). Never store broken tablets or mixtures of sprinkles and soft food. These should be used right away or discarded. Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.
In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.
seizures
drowsiness
speech problems
blurred vision
double vision
trouble thinking
tiredness
loss of coordination
loss of consciousness
dizziness
stomach pain
vomiting
agitation
depression
loss of appetite
pounding or irregular heartbeat
fast, shallow breathing
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain lab tests to check your body's response to topiramate.
Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.
Last Revised - 05/16/2011
AHFS® Consumer Medication Information. © Copyright, 2012. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc., 7272 Wisconsin Avenue, Bethesda, Maryland. All Rights Reserved. Duplication for commercial use must be authorized by ASHP.