This second section of our medication database entry focuses on potential side effects, withdrawal or discontinuation effects, and additional information, while part one covers basic drug characteristics, uses and benefits.
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What are the possible side effects of topiramate?
- Seek immediate medical attention if you experience blurred vision, changes in vision, or pain in or around the eyes during treatment with topiramate. These may be early signs of a serious side effect.
- If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking topiramate and seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately:
- an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
- worsening of seizures;
- decreased sweating;
- fever or increased body temperature; or
- side or low back pain, or painful or difficult urination (may indicate kidney stones).
- Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take topiramate and talk to your doctor if you experience
- dizziness, poor coordination, sluggishness, or drowsiness;
- irregular back-and-forth movements of the eyes;
- nausea, loss of appetite, or weight loss;
- tremor, numbness, or tingling;
- confusion, difficulty concentrating or decreased memory;
- speech or language difficulties; or
- changes in behavior, depression, nervousness, or agitation.
- Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
What other drugs will affect topiramate?
- Before taking topiramate, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines:
- another seizure medication such as valproic acid (Depakote, Depakene), carbamazepine (Tegretol, Carbatrol, Epitol), phenytoin (Dilantin), and others;
- a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor such as acetazolamide (Diamox), methazolamide (Neptazane), or dichlorphenamide (Daranide);
- metformin (Glucophage); or
- digoxin (Lanoxin, Lanoxicaps).
- You may not be able to take topiramate, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you are taking any of the drugs listed above.
- Topiramate may decrease the effectiveness of birth control pills. Talk to your doctor about other birth control options to prevent unintended pregnancy.
- Topiramate may increase the effects of other drugs that cause drowsiness, including antidepressants, alcohol, antihistamines, pain relievers, sedative (sleep aids), anxiety medicines, and muscle relaxants. Dangerous sedation, dizziness, or drowsiness may occur if topiramate is taken with any of these medications.
- Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with topiramate. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products.
Where can I get more information?
- Your pharmacist has additional information about topiramate written for health professionals that you may read.
- Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
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Although we have made considerable efforts to ensure that the information provided here is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, MedLibrary.org makes no guarantee to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. This medication information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend any specific pharmacotherapy. This is an educational resource only -- intended to supplement but not to replace the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of medically qualified healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, please check with your doctor, nurse or local pharmacist. MedLibrary.org does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information provided here.
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Version: 5.01. Revision date: 8/13/03.