Description

What is topiramate?

Topiramate is a seizure medicine, also called an anticonvulsant. Topiramate is used to treat certain types of seizures in adults and children who are at least 2 years old. Trokendi XR is for use in adults and children who are at least 6 years old.

Some brands of topiramate are also used to prevent migraine headaches in adults and teenagers who are at least 12 years old. These medicines will only prevent migraine headaches or reduce the number of attacks, but will not treat a headache that has already begun.

Topiramate may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Warnings

Topiramate may cause vision problems that can be permanent if not treated quickly. Call your doctor right away if you have a sudden decrease in vision.

topiramate may increase the risk of a birth defect called cleft lip and palate in a newborn. There may be other medications that are safer to use during pregnancy. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.

Topiramate can increase body temperature and decrease sweating, which may lead to life-threatening dehydration. Tell your doctor if you have decreased sweating, high fever, and hot dry skin.

Topiramate can also increase the level of acid in your blood (metabolic acidosis). Tell your doctor if you have irregular heartbeats, shortness of breath, loss of appetite, or trouble thinking.

Some people have thoughts about suicide while taking seizure medicine. Stay alert to changes in your mood or symptoms. Report any new or worsening symptoms to your doctor.

Do not stop using topiramate suddenly or you could have increased seizures.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use topiramate if you are allergic to it. Do not take Trokendi XR within 6 hours before or 6 hours after drinking alcohol.

Tell your doctor if you are sick with diarrhea, or if you have ever had:

• glaucoma or other eye problems;
• metabolic acidosis (high levels of acid in your blood);
• kidney disease, kidney stones, or dialysis;
• lung disease, breathing problems;
• mood problems, depression, or suicidal thoughts or actions;
• liver disease;
• a growth disorder; or
• soft or brittle bones (osteoporosis, osteomalacia).

Topiramate can increase the level of acid in your blood (metabolic acidosis). This can weaken your bones, cause kidney stones, or cause growth problems in children or harm to an unborn baby. You may need blood tests to make sure you do not have metabolic acidosis, especially if you are pregnant.

Some people have thoughts about suicide while taking an anticonvulsant. Your doctor should check your progress at regular visits. Your family or other caregivers should also be alert to changes in your mood or symptoms.

Taking topiramate during pregnancy may increase the risk of cleft lip and/or cleft palate, a birth defect that can develop early in pregnancy even before you know you are pregnant. However, having a seizure during pregnancy could harm both the mother and the baby. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.

If you take topiramate during pregnancy: The benefit of preventing seizures may outweigh any risks posed by this medicine. There may be other medications that are safer to use. Do not start or stop taking topiramate without your doctor’s advice.

If you are not pregnant or planning to become pregnant, use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy while taking topiramate.

Topiramate can make birth control pills less effective. Ask your doctor about using a non-hormonal birth control (condom, diaphragm, cervical cap, or contraceptive sponge) to prevent pregnancy.

It may not be safe to breastfeed a baby while you are using this medicine. Ask your doctor about any risks.

How should I take topiramate?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Topiramate can be taken with or without food.

Swallow the tablet whole and do not crush, chew, or break it. The Trokendi XR extended-release capsule must be swallowed whole. Do not break or open.

If you cannot swallow a Qudexy XR or Topamax Sprinkle Capsule whole, open it and sprinkle the medicine into a spoonful of applesauce or other soft food. Swallow the mixture right away without chewing. Do not save it for later use.

Carefully follow the swallowing instructions for your medicine.

Topiramate doses are sometimes based on weight in children. Your child’s dose needs may change if the child gains or loses weight.

Drink plenty of liquids while you are taking topiramate, to prevent kidney stones or an electrolyte imbalance.

You will need frequent medical tests. If you need surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are using topiramate. Any medical care provider who treats you should know that you take seizure medication.

Do not stop using topiramate suddenly, even if you feel fine. Stopping suddenly may cause increased seizures. Follow your doctor’s instructions about tapering your dose.

Call your doctor if your seizures get worse or you have them more often while taking topiramate.

Store at cool room temperature away from moisture, light, and high heat