Medications and Drugs
GENERIC NAME: TOPIRAMATE - ORAL (toe-PEER-uh-mate)
BRAND NAME(S): Topamax
Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage | Medical Alert
USES: Topiramate is used to treat a seizure disorder (epilepsy). This medication is also used to prevent migraine headaches.
HOW TO USE: This drug is taken by mouth, generally twice daily. Dosage is slowly increased over several weeks and adjusted to improve seizure control. Because of the bitter taste, do not chew or crush tablets. Doses above 400 mg daily generally are not more effective than lower doses. If it is necessary to discontinue this drug, generally the dosage should be decreased slowly, not stopped suddenly. Use exactly as directed. Do not stop using your other seizure medications unless directed to do so.
SIDE EFFECTS: Weakness, tiredness, drowsiness, dizziness, tingling sensations, loss of appetite and weight loss may occur. If these persist or worsen, notify your doctor promptly. Report promptly: unsteadiness, slowing or shakiness, speech problems, mental/mood changes, stomach/abdominal pain. Unlikely but report promptly: itching, trouble or rapid breathing, fast/slow/irregular heartbeat, loss of consciousness, fever, persistent sore throat. Seek immediate medical attention if any of these rare but very serious eye problems occur: sudden vision change/blurred vision, eye pain or redness. Topiramate infrequently can cause decreased sweating, which could raise your body temperature (hyperthermia). The risk of this serious side effect is greater in hot weather and/or during vigorous exercise, especially in children. Drink plenty of fluids and dress lightly while in hot climates, or when exercising. Check carefully for signs of decreased sweating. If this occurs, promptly seek cooler or air-conditioned shelter and/or stop exercising. Seek immediate medical attention if your body temperature is above normal, or if you have mental/mood changes, headache or dizziness. Consult your doctor for more details. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
- Drug Interactions - Learn about potential drug interactions you may be exposed to. Drug interactions can occur with prescription drugs, OTC medication, vitamins, herbs, and supplements.
- Epilepsy Treatment - Information on Epilepsy treatment includes how epilepsy is treated, drug therapy, side effects, and surgery.
- Migraine - Learn about migraine headache including symptoms such as intense throbbing pain in the temple area of head. Migraine triggers vary from person to person.
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