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February 10, 2012
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Medications and Drugs

Brand Names: Topamax, Topamax Sprinkle

Generic Name: topiramate (Pronunciation: toe PYRE a mate)

What is topiramate (Topamax, Topamax Sprinkle)?

Topiramate is a seizure medication, also called an anticonvulsant.

Topiramate is used alone or in combination with other medications to prevent seizures in adults and children who are at least 2 years old.

Topiramate is also used to prevent migraine headaches. Topiramate will only prevent migraine headaches or reduce the number of attacks. It will not treat a headache that has already begun.

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

Topamax 100 mg

round, yellow, imprinted with TOPAMAX, 100

Topamax 200 mg

round, peach, imprinted with TOPAMAX, 200

Topamax 25 mg

round, white, imprinted with TOP, 25

What are the possible side effects of topiramate (Topamax, Topamax Sprinkle)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have any new or worsening symptoms such as: mood or behavior changes, depression, anxiety, or if you feel agitated, hostile, restless, hyperactive (mentally or physically), or have thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself.

Stop taking topiramate and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

  • sudden vision loss, pain around or behind your eyes;
  • dry mouth, increased thirst, confusion, drowsiness, decreased sweating, increased body temperature, and hot, dry skin,
  • nausea, vomiting, increased urination, muscle pain or weakness, fast heart rate, feeling light-headed, fainting, or seizure (convulsions); or
  • severe pain in your side or lower back, painful or difficult urination.

Less serious side effects may include:

  • slowed thinking, memory problems, trouble concentrating;
  • problems with speech or balance;
  • numbness or tingling;
  • sleep problems (insomnia);
  • tired feeling;
  • headache, dizziness; or
  • loss of appetite, weight loss.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about topiramate (Topamax, Topamax Sprinkle)?

Seek emergency medical attention if you have a sudden change in vision and pain around or behind the eyes. These may be early signs of a serious side effect of topiramate.

Do not stop taking topiramate without first talking to your doctor, even if you feel better. You may have increased seizures if you stop taking topiramate suddenly. You will need to use less and less before you stop the medication completely.

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

You may have thoughts about suicide while taking this medication. Your doctor will need to check you at regular visits. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.

Call your doctor at once if you have any new or worsening symptoms such as: mood or behavior changes, depression, anxiety, or if you feel agitated, hostile, restless, hyperactive (mentally or physically), or have thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself.

Carry an ID card or wear a medical alert bracelet stating that you are taking topiramate, in case of emergency. Any doctor, dentist, or emergency medical care provider who treats you should know that you are taking a seizure medication.

Topiramate can cause side effects that may impair your vision or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert and able to see clearly.

Avoid drinking alcohol. It can increase some of the side effects of topiramate, and can also increase the risk of a seizure.

Ketogenic or "ketosis" diets that are high in protein and low in carbohydrates can increase the risk of kidney stones. Avoid the use of such diets while you are taking topiramate.


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Brand Names:
Topamax, Topamax Sprinkle, Topiragen
[+]

Generic Name:
topiramate
[+]

Seizure »

Seizure Overview

Abnormal electrical activity in the brain triggers seizure activity. A person may have a seizure disorder (epilepsy) and require medications. Other factors such as hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), which is a diabetic reaction, may cause seizures. Meningitis or a head injury may also cause a seizure.

Fainting can also cause a series of jerking movements as the person loses consciousness. These movements do not necessarily indicate a seizure.

Seizure Symptoms

  • Symptoms range from jerking movements in a single extremity to abnormal movements throughout the entire body.
  • Some seizures may cause lip smacking, behaviorisms, staring spells, or other symptoms depending on in which area of the brain the seizure cause originates.
  • Seizures may affect bladder and bowel control, and a person experiencing a seizure often bites his or her own tongue.

Seizure Tr...

Read the Seizure article »


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