Type of medicine: antiseizure
Generic and brand names: topiramate, oral; Topamax Tablets; Topamax Sprinkle Capsules
This medicine is taken by mouth to help prevent certain types of seizures. It is also used to help prevent migraines in adults. It may be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.
Before taking this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:
Females of childbearing age: This medicine is not usually given to pregnant women because it can harm the baby. If you are pregnant, tell your healthcare provider. Hormone-based forms of birth control may not be reliable when taking this medicine. Use nonhormonal forms of birth control such as a condom, diaphragm or sponge while taking this medicine. Do not become pregnant during treatment with this medicine. If you become pregnant, contact your healthcare provider right away. Do not breast-feed while you are taking this medicine.
Read the Medication Guide that comes in the medicine package when you start taking this medicine and each time you get a refill.
Check the label on the medicine for directions about your specific dose. Your healthcare provider will start you on a low dosage and then slowly increase your dosage to the amount that is most effective for you. Take this medicine exactly as directed by your healthcare provider, along with any other medicine your healthcare provider may prescribe. Do not take more of this medicine than directed by your healthcare provider.
This medicine comes in tablet and sprinkle capsule forms.
The capsules may be swallowed whole or they may be opened and the contents sprinkled on a teaspoonful of soft food such as applesauce, pudding, ice cream, or yogurt. Swallow the food without chewing. You may then drink a full glass of water or milk.
Do not crush or chew the tablets because they have a very bitter taste. This medicine can be taken with or without food.
Do not stop taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval. You may have to gradually reduce your dosage. Seizures may get worse if you suddenly stop taking this medicine.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and take the next one as directed. Do not take double doses. If you are not sure of what to do if you miss a dose, or if you miss more than one dose, contact your healthcare provider.
If you or anyone else has intentionally taken too much of this medicine, call 911 or go to the emergency room right away. If you pass out, have seizures, weakness or confusion, or have trouble breathing, call 911. If you think that you or anyone else may have taken too much of this medicine, call the poison control center. Do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning. The poison control center number is 800-222-1222.
Symptoms of an acute overdose may include: drowsiness, dizziness, restlessness, blurred vision, trouble talking, stomach pain, loss of balance, lightheadedness, fainting, seizures.
Antiseizure medicines may increase suicidal thoughts or actions in some people. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have new or increased thoughts of suicide.
If taken by a pregnant woman, this medicine may increase the risk that the baby will be born with a cleft lip or cleft palate. Talk with your provider about this.
If you develop eye pain and blurred vision, contact your healthcare provider right away. If this condition is not treated properly, it can lead to vision loss.
Do not stop taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval. You may need to reduce your dosage gradually. If you stop taking the medicine too quickly, your seizures may increase.
Drink plenty of fluids while you are taking this medicine to help prevent kidney stones. Ask your healthcare provider about this.
This medicine may cause drowsiness, dizziness, confusion, or trouble concentrating. Do not drive or operate machinery until you are fully alert.
This medicine may make hormonal birth control less effective. Use another form of birth control such as condoms, a diaphragm, or contraceptive foam or jelly while you are taking this medicine.
If you need emergency care, surgery, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you are taking this medicine.
This medicine may cause decreased sweating and an increase in body temperature. Be careful not to get overheated during hot weather and exercise. Drink plenty of liquid while taking this medicine.
Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.
Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away. If you cannot reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; severe rash; trouble breathing; tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).
Serious (report these to your healthcare provider): Eye pain, blurred vision, double vision, trouble with memory, fatigue, confusion, drowsiness, dizziness, depression or thoughts of suicide, rapid breathing, fever, irregular heartbeat, loss of appetite.
Other: Trouble talking or concentrating, nervousness, tremors, nausea, tingling in fingers or toes, changes in mood, weight loss, anxiety.
When you take this medicine with other medicines, it can change the way this or any of the other medicines work. Nonprescription medicines, vitamins, natural remedies, and certain foods may also interact. Using these products together might cause harmful side effects. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are taking:
Do not drink alcohol while you are taking this medicine.
If you are not sure if your medicines might interact, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.
Store this medicine at room temperature. Keep the container tightly closed. Protect it from heat, high humidity, and bright light.
This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.
Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicine in the trash.
Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
Do not share medicines with other people.
