Topiramate is an effective medication used for migraine prevention and to reduce seizure activity.
Take this medication by mouth with water, it can be taken with food.
Take it exactly as directed, do not take it more than directed.
Do not chew or crush the tablet.
Be sure to have regular check ups with your doctor while on this medication.
Do not stop taking this medication suddenly, without consulting with your doctor. This could increase your risk of getting a seizure if you are taking it for seizures.
It is important to wear a bracelet or chain if you have seizures, and to carry a card that lists your medications.
Stay hydrated while taking this medication.
Stand and sit slowly when first starting this medication to avoid dizziness.
Avoid extreme temperatures such as hot baths, saunas, and steam rooms while taking this medicine. Be cautious when exercising in hot weather, and watch for signs of decreased ability to sweat and fever, particularly in young children.
Do not operate heavy machinery, drive a car, or engage in other activity that requires fine motor skills until you are sure of how this medication affects you.
Avoid alcohol consumption, alcohol can increase chances of dizziness or drowsiness.
Inform your doctor if you are on birth control while taking this medication. They may require a second form of birth control to be used because this medication can decrease birth control effectiveness.
If you develop pain in the eyes, blurred vision or loss of vision, contact your healthcare provider.
If you develop stomach pain, nausea or vomiting along with yellowing of the skin or eyes, contact your healthcare provider immediately.
if you develop fatigue, heartbeat changes, fast breathing, loss of appetite or loss of consciousness, contact your healthcare provider immediately. These are signs of metabolic acidosis.
Monitor yourself for mood changes or development of depression or suicidal thoughts while taking this medication. Report effects like these to your healthcare provider right away.
Blood conditions, history of allergic reactions, liver disease, diarrhea, glaucoma, kidney disease, kidney stones, low blood cell counts, lung diseases such as asthma, COPD, or emphysema, metabolic acidosis, if you are on a ketogenic diet, if you are scheduled for any surgeries or procedures in the near future, depression, suicidal thoughts or actions, pregnancy, trying to become pregnant, breastfeeding.
Allergic reactions(hives, itching, rashes, swelling of the face or mouth), trouble breathing, an increase in body temperature, decreased sweating, depression, trouble speaking, changes in breathing patterns, trouble walking or controlling muscle movements, loss of hearing, tingling, pain or numbness in the hands or feet, unusual bruising or bleeding, excessive fatigue, mood changes, depression, suicidal thoughts or actions.
Altered taste, back pain, joint pain, muscle pain, diarrhea, constipation, headache, tremors, upset stomach, indigestion, nausea, appetite loss.
The usual starting dose is 25 mg once in the evening for a week, then twice daily for the following week, then 25 mg in the morning and 50mg in the evening for the following week, and finally 50 mg by mouth twice daily.
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By: Evan Redmond, Pharm.D.