| USED FOR:
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Combined with other medications for treatment of partial seizures with or without secondarily generalized seizures |
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Being studied for primary generalized seizures and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. |
PRECAUTIONS:
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Inform your doctor if you have a history of impaired kidney, or liver functions or diabetes. |
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Some people may be at increased risk for kidney stone formation. |
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Elderly patients should use caution. |
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Refrain from activities requiring mental alertness or physical coordination (e.g. operating hazardous machines, driving) until you are sure that topiramate does not affect your abilities. |
POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS:
Depending on the individual, side effects may occur at varying degrees or not at all, including:
| - |
loss of coordination |
- |
anorexia |
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difficulty concentrating |
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abnormal thinking |
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confusion |
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mood disturbances |
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memory problems |
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depression |
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vision disorders |
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agitation |
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dizziness |
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nausea |
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drowsiness |
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diarrhea |
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fatigue |
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tremor |
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abnormal sensations like tingling |
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speech/language disturbances |
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Chronic - weight loss common |
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kidney stones in 1.5% of patients |
Allergic Reaction/Idiosyncratic - skin rash (if you notice a rash, seek immediate medical help) - Tell your doctor if your vision is affected.
DRUG INTERACTIONS:
| - |
Inform your doctor of your usual alcohol consumption and if you're taking other medicines that slow down the nervous system (CNS depressants). |
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Carbamazepine, phenytoin or phenobarbital may reduce the effects of topiramate. |
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Topiramate may decrease the effects of valproic acid and increase the effects of phenytoin. |
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Topiramate may decrease the effectiveness of low dose oral contraceptives. |
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Avoid other drugs predisposing to kidney stones. |
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Tell your doctor if you are taking digoxin. |
Inform your doctor of any other medicines (prescription and nonprescription) or substances you are taking.
DAILY DOSAGE:
Adults - 200 to 400 mg/day.
Children - Dosage is not currently indicated.
Regimen - Usually taken in 2 divided doses.
Dosage should be individualized according to patient's response.
FORMS:
Tablets - 25, 100 and 200 mg.
TIPS FOR USING TOPIRAMATE (Topamax®):
| - |
Tablets should not be broken. |
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Can be taken without regard to meals. |
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Always swallow the topiramate tablets with plenty of water and maintain an adequate fluid intake to minimize the risk of kidney stones. |
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Blood in the urine or pain in the lower back or genital area may indicate kidney stones. |
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Oral contraceptive users should report any change in bleeding patterns. |
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Not necessary to monitor blood levels of topiramate. |
MISSED DOSE:
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. But if it is almost time for your next dose, do not take the missed dose. Instead, take the next scheduled dose. If you skip an entire day, inform your doctor.
STORAGE:
Store at or below 25oC, protect from light heat and moisture and keep out of reach of children.
IN PREGNANCY:
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Anti-epileptic medications may slightly increase the risk of fetal abnormalities. |
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Women who are considering pregnancy should first consult their doctor. |
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While on topiramate, caution should be used by mothers considering breastfeeding. |
WARNING:
Abrupt withdrawal of any anti-epileptic medication may trigger status epilepticus, a potentially fatal condition of continued seizures without recovery. When there is a need for reduction, discontinuation or substitution of the medication, this should be done gradually and under the physician's care.
MORE INFORMATION YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT YOUR MEDICATION
CREDIT:
This drug fact sheet has been reviewed by the pharmacists of the Ontario Pharmacists' Association Drug Information and Research Centre (DIRC).
DISCLAIMER:
The material offered on the website of Epilepsy Toronto is to provide general information about epilepsy to the public. It is not intended to be taken as personal medical advice. Epilepsy Toronto, its employees, Board members, Medical Advisors, volunteers, agents and sponsors do not assume responsibility for inaccuracies or omissions or for consequences from the use of information obtained over this site or any links accessed through this site, and is not liable for any outcome or damages resulting from information in its content in either an indirect or direct form. We recognize that each individual's experience of epilepsy is different. Consult your physician and/or neurologist and/or pharmacist with any questions you have.
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