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topiramate sprinkles - oral, Topamax

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GENERIC NAME: TOPIRAMATE SPRINKLES - ORAL (toe-PEER-uh-mate)

BRAND NAME(S): Topamax

Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage

USES: Topiramate is used alone or with other medications to prevent and control seizures (epilepsy). This medication is also used to prevent migraine headaches and reduce how often you may get them. Topiramate will not work to treat a migraine headache once it occurs. If you get a migraine headache, treat it as directed by your doctor (e.g., take pain medications, decrease sound and light).Topiramate is an anti-seizure medication (anticonvulsant) that works in several ways to prevent seizures and migraines.

HOW TO USE: Read the Medication Guide and, if available, the Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before you start using topiramate and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions regarding the information, consult your doctor or pharmacist.Take this medication by mouth with or without food, usually twice daily or as directed by your doctor. You may swallow this medication whole, or you may open the capsule and sprinkle the contents on a teaspoonful of soft food (e.g., applesauce, yogurt). Swallow the drug/food mixture immediately after mixing. Do not chew the mixture, and do not prepare a supply for future use. Drink some liquid after swallowing the mixture to make sure all of the drug is swallowed. Further directions for using the sprinkle capsules are available from your pharmacist.To prevent kidney stones from forming, drink plenty of liquids while taking this medication unless your doctor instructs you otherwise.The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. In children, dosage may also be based on body weight. Your doctor may gradually increase your dose to lower your risk of side effects such as drowsiness and memory problems. It may take several weeks to reach the best dose for you. Take this medication exactly as directed.Take this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same times each day. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor. Some conditions may become worse when this drug is suddenly stopped. Your dose may need to be gradually decreased.Inform your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.

SIDE EFFECTS: Weakness, tiredness, drowsiness, dizziness, confusion, difficulty concentrating, tingling of the hands/feet, loss of appetite, diarrhea, impotence, and weight loss may occur. If any of these symptoms persist or worsen, notify your doctor promptly.Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: slow/unsteady movement, speech/language problems.A small number of people who take anticonvulsants for any condition (such as seizure, bipolar disorder, pain) may experience depression, suicidal thoughts/attempts, or other mental/mood problems. Tell your doctor immediately if you or your family/caregiver notice any unusual/sudden changes in your mood, thoughts, or behavior including signs of depression, suicidal thoughts/attempts, thoughts about harming yourself.Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: severe back/side pain, rapid breathing, bone pain/breakage, loss of consciousness, fast/slow/irregular heartbeat, stomach/abdominal pain, painful urination, bloody or pink-colored urine, chest pain.Seek immediate medical attention if either of these rare but very serious eye problems occur: sudden vision changes (e.g., blurred vision), eye pain/redness.This medication can rarely cause a serious metabolic problem (hyperammonemia), especially if you are also taking valproic acid. Tell your doctor immediately if you experience sudden/unexplained tiredness, vomiting, or mental changes (e.g., difficulty staying awake).A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction may include: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.In the US -Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

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