Topiramate Oral tablet Health Article

Generic name(s):

Topiramate Oral tablet

Brand name(s):

Topamax, Topamax Sprinkle

What is this medicine?

TOPIRAMATE (toe PYRE a mate) is used to treat seizures in adults or children with epilepsy. It is also used for the prevention of migraine headaches.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• cirrhosis of the liver or liver disease
• diarrhea
• glaucoma
• kidney stones or kidney disease
• lung disease like asthma, obstructive pulmonary disease, emphysema
• metabolic acidosis
• on a ketogenic diet
• schedule for surgery or a procedure
• suicidal thoughts, plans, or attempt; a previous suicide attempt by you or a family member
• an unusual or allergic reaction to topiramate, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Do not crush or chew. You may take this medicine with meals. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take it more often than directed.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 10 years of age for various seizure disorders, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

• probenecid

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

• acetazolamide
• amitriptyline
• dichlorphenamide
• digoxin
• hydrochlorothiazide
• lithium
• medicines for pain, sleep, or muscle relaxation
• methazolamide
• other seizure or epilepsy medicines
• pioglitazone
• risperidone

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Do not stop taking this medicine suddenly. This increases the risk of seizures if you are using this medicine to control epilepsy. Wear a medical identification bracelet or chain to say you have epilepsy or seizures, and carry a card that lists all your medicines.

You should drink plenty of fluids while taking this medicine. If you have had kidney stones in the past, this will help to reduce your chances of forming kidney stones.

If you have stomach pain, with nausea or vomiting and yellowing of your eyes or skin, call your doctor immediately.

You may get drowsy, dizzy, or have blurred vision. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. To reduce dizziness, do not sit or stand up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. Alcohol can increase drowsiness and dizziness. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

Birth control pills may not work properly while you are taking this medicine. Talk to your doctor about using an extra method of birth control.

If you notice blurred vision, eye pain, or other eye problems, seek medical attention at once for an eye exam.

The use of this medicine may increase the chance of suicidal thoughts or actions. Pay special attention to how you are responding while on this medicine. Any worsening of mood, or thoughts of suicide or dying should be reported to your health care professional right away.

This medicine may increase the chance of developing metabolic acidosis. If left untreated, this can cause kidney stones, bone disease, or slowed growth in children. Symptoms include breathing fast, fatigue, loss of appetite, irregular heartbeat, or loss of consciousness. Call your doctor immediately if you experience any of these side effects. Also, tell your doctor about any surgery you plan on having while taking this medicine since this may increase your risk for metabolic acidosis.

Women who become pregnant while using this medicine may enroll in the North American Antiepileptic Drug Pregnancy Registry by calling 1-888-233-2334. This registry collects information about the safety of antiepileptic drug use during pregnancy.