This first section of our medication database entry focuses on basic drug characteristics, uses and benefits, while part two covers side effects, interactions and additional information.
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Topamax Consumer Information
TOPAMAX
Generic Name: topiramate (oral) (toe PEER ah mate)
Brand Names: Topamax
What is the most important information I should know about 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.
- Do not stop taking topiramate without first talking to your doctor, even if your symptoms have improved. It is important to continue taking topiramate to prevent seizures from recurring.
- Carry or wear a medical identification tag to let others know that you are taking topiramate in the case of an emergency.
- Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Topiramate may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities.
- Alcohol should be avoided while taking topiramate. Alcohol may cause increased sedation or drowsiness. It may also increase the risk of having a seizure.
- Unless otherwise directed by your doctor, drink several extra glasses of fluid each day during treatment with topiramate to minimize the risk of kidney stone formation. Additional fluid may be necessary during hot weather, vigorous exercise, and illness.
- Decreased sweating and high body temperature have been associated with the use of topiramate. These side effects may be dangerous. Avoid becoming overheated in hot weather and during vigorous exercise, monitor sweating, and drink plenty of fluid to maintain hydration. If sweating is decreased or body temperature is elevated, contact your doctor.
What is topiramate?
- The exact way that topiramate works is unknown. However, it is believed that topiramate alters the chemical impulses in the brain that cause seizures.
- Topiramate is used with other medications to control seizures.
- Topiramate may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking topiramate?
- Before taking topiramate, tell your doctor if you have liver or kidney disease. You may not be able to take topiramate, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment.
- Topiramate is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether topiramate will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or if you could become pregnant during treatment.
- It is not known whether topiramate passes into breast milk. Do not take topiramate without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should I take topiramate?
- Take topiramate exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
- Take each dose of topiramate with a full glass of water.
- The tablets should be swallowed whole. Due to their bitter taste, the tablets should not be broken.
- The capsules may be swallowed whole or opened to facilitate swallowing. If the capsules are opened, the entire contents of the capsule should be sprinkled onto a small amount (teaspoon) of soft food. This drug/food mixture should be swallowed immediately, without chewing. The mixture should not be stored for future use. If the mixture is combined in a small container, add some water to the container after the dose has been taken, and drink the water to ensure the whole dose has been taken.
- Topiramate can be taken with or without food.
- It is important to take topiramate regularly to get the most benefit.
- Carry or wear a medical identification tag to let others know that you are taking this medicine in the case of an emergency.
- Do not stop taking topiramate without first talking to your doctor, even if your symptoms have improved. It is important to continue taking topiramate to prevent seizures from recurring.
- Unless otherwise directed by your doctor, drink several extra glasses of fluid each day during treatment with topiramate to minimize the risk of kidney stone formation. Additional fluid may be necessary during hot weather, vigorous exercise, and illness.
- Your doctor may want you to have blood tests or other medical evaluations during treatment with topiramate to monitor progress and side effects.
- Store topiramate at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?
- Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the dose you missed and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.
What happens if I overdose?
- Seek emergency medical treatment if an overdose is suspected.
- Symptoms of a topiramate overdose are not known but may include severe drowsiness, poor coordination, tremor, confusion, difficulty speaking, and nausea.
What should I avoid while taking topiramate?
- Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Topiramate may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities.
- Alcohol should be avoided while taking topiramate. Alcohol may cause increased sedation or drowsiness. It may also increase the risk of having a seizure.
- Unless otherwise directed by your doctor, drink several extra glasses of fluid each day during treatment with topiramate to minimize the risk of kidney stone formation. Additional fluid may be necessary during hot weather, vigorous exercise, and illness.
- Ketogenic diets (high protein, very low carbohydrate diets that may induce ketosis) may increase the risk of kidney stone formation and should be avoided during treatment with topiramate.
- Decreased sweating and high body temperature have been associated with the use of topiramate. These side effects may be dangerous. Avoid becoming overheated in hot weather and during vigorous exercise, monitor sweating, and drink plenty of fluid to maintain hydration. If sweating is decreased or body temperature is elevated, contact your doctor.
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