Topiramate

= Prescription Required = Generic Equvalent
Topiramate
25mg Tablets
Manufactured by Cobalt Pharmaceuticals Inc.
Topiramate
50mg Tablets
Manufactured by Pharmascience Inc.
Topiramate
100mg Tablets
Manufactured by Cobalt Pharmaceuticals Inc.
Topiramate
200mg Tablets
Manufactured by Cobalt Pharmaceuticals Inc.

Topiramate Prescription Drug Information

Topiramate (By mouth)
Topiramate (toe-PIR-a-mate)

Helps control and prevent certain kinds of seizures. Also prevents migraine headaches in adults.

Brand Name(s):Topamax, Topiragen
There may be other brand names for Topiramate.

When Topiramate Should Not Be Used:
You should not use Topiramate if you have had an allergic reaction to topiramate.

How to Use Topiramate:
Capsule, Tablet

  • Your doctor will tell you how much of Topiramate to use and how often. Your dose may need to be changed several times in order to find out what works best for you. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
  • You may take Topiramate with or without food.
  • Swallow the tablet whole. Do not break, crush, or chew it. The tablet has a very bitter taste.
  • You may swallow the sprinkle capsule whole, or you may open it and pour the medicine into a small amount (teaspoonful) of soft food such as pudding, yogurt, or applesauce. To do this, hold the capsule so you can read the word "TOP." Holding the capsule over the food, gently twist off the clear part of the capsule. Sprinkle all of the medicine onto the food. Swallow all of the food with the medicine without chewing. Drink some water right away.
  • Drink extra fluids so you will pass more urine while you are using Topiramate. This will keep your kidneys working well and help prevent kidney problems.
  • Topiramate should come with a Medication Guide. Read and follow these instructions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions. Ask your pharmacist for the Medication Guide if you do not have one. Your doctor might ask you to sign some forms to show that you understand this information.

If a dose of Topiramate is missed:

  • If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of Topiramate:

  • Sprinkle Capsule: If you sprinkle the medicine over food, do not keep any of the mixture for future use.
  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
  • Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any leftover medicine after you have finished your treatment. You will also need to throw away old medicine after the expiration date has passed.
  • Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid While Taking Topiramate:
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using acetazolamide (Diamox®), dichlorphenamide (Daranide®), digoxin (Lanoxin®), or other medicines for seizures (such as carbamazepine, phenytoin, valproic acid, Depakene®, Depakote®, Dilantin®, Keppra™, or Tegretol®).
  • Birth control pills may not work while you are using topiramate. To keep from getting pregnant, use another form of birth control together with the birth control pills, such as condoms, a diaphragm, or a contraceptive foam or jelly.
  • Tell your doctor if you are using any medicines that make you sleepy. These include sleeping pills, cold and allergy medicine, narcotic pain relievers, and sedatives.
  • Do not drink alcohol while you are using Topiramate.

Warnings While Using Topiramate:

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Your doctor may want you to join a pregnancy registry for patients taking a seizure medicine.
  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, bone problems (osteoporosis), eye or vision problems, glaucoma, a growth problem (children), lung or breathing problems, or a history of kidney stones, depression, or metabolic acidosis (too much acid in the blood). Tell your doctor if you are on a ketogenic (high-fat, low-protein, low-carbohydrate) diet. Tell your doctor if you are having a surgery or kidney dialysis.
  • Check with your doctor immediately if you have eye pain or redness, blurred vision, difficulty with reading, or any other change in vision while you are using Topiramate. Your doctor may want you or your child to have your eyes checked by an eye doctor.
  • Topiramate may make you sweat less, causing your body temperature to go higher. Use extra care to avoid becoming overheated during exercise or hot weather while you or your child are taking Topiramate. Overheating may result in a heat stroke.
  • Topiramate may cause some people to be confused, irritable, tired, or display other abnormal behaviors. It may also cause some people to have problems with concentrating or to become more depressed. If you, your child, or your caregiver notice any of these side effects, tell your doctor or your child's doctor right away.
  • Do not stop using Topiramate suddenly without asking your doctor. You may need to slowly decrease your dose before stopping it completely.
  • Topiramate may make you dizzy, drowsy, confused, or tired. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert.
  • If your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse, call your doctor.
  • Your doctor will need to check your progress at regular visits while you are using Topiramate. Be sure to keep all appointments.

Possible Side Effects While Using Topiramate:
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
  • Bloody or cloudy urine.
  • Changes in mood or behavior.
  • Feeling agitated, depressed, nervous, or irritable.
  • Numbness, tingling, or burning pain in your hands, arms, legs, or feet.
  • Problems with walking or coordination.
  • Sharp pain in your lower back.
  • Sudden pain in your eye, blurred vision, or eye redness.
  • Uneven heartbeat.

If you notice these less serious side effects while taking Topiramate, talk with your doctor:

  • Change in taste or bitter taste.
  • Change in your menstrual period.
  • Dizziness, or loss of muscle coordination.
  • Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, or diarrhea.
  • Not feeling hungry.
  • Stuffy or runny nose.
  • Tiredness or sleepiness.
  • Trouble with talking, concentrating, or remembering.
  • Weight loss.

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by Topiramate, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

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