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Topiramate


  • Do not stop taking this medicine without speaking to your doctor first. They will want to reduce your dose gradually.
  • If you experience any eye pain or problems with your vision make an appointment to see your doctor as soon as possible.
  • Try to drink plenty of water while you are taking topiramate.

About topiramate

Type of medicine Antiepileptic
Used for Treatment of epilepsy
Prevention of migraine
Also called Topamax
Topamax Sprinkle
Available as Tablets
Sprinkle Capsules

Topiramate is used alongside other antiepileptics to control the convulsions (fits or seizures) in some forms of epilepsy by reducing the activity in the brain. It can also be used on its own in patients over 6 years old who have been newly diagnosed with epilepsy.
Topiramate is also used by specialists to help prevent migraines.

Before taking topiramate

Before taking topiramate make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

  • If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
  • If you have liver or kidney problems
  • If you have ever had kidney stones or have been told you have high levels of calcium in your urine
  • If you have porphyria (a blood disorder)
  • If you have a history of depression

How to take topiramate

  • Take topiramate exactly as directed by your doctor.
  • Always read the manufacturer's information leaflet, if possible, before beginning treatment.
  • Topiramate capsules can be swallowed whole with a glass of water or they can be opened and the contents sprinkled onto soft food, such as yoghurt, before eating.
  • Do not stop taking topiramate without speaking to your doctor first. Your doctor will need to reduce the dose you are taking gradually.

Getting the most from your treatment

  • Try to drink plenty of water while you are taking topiramate, especially if you work in a hot environment.
  • Avoid drinking alcohol while you are taking topiramate. Alcohol can increase any feelings of drowsiness or dizziness.
  • Topiramate may reduce the effectiveness of the contraceptive pill. Speak to your doctor about contraception. You may have to change your pill or use another method of contraception such as condoms.

Can topiramate cause problems?

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Common side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 10 people who take this medicine What can I do if I experience this
Nausea Eat little and often. Stick to simple foods such as dry toast.
Dizziness, drowsiness Make sure your reactions are normal before driving, operating machinery or doing any other jobs which could be dangerous if you were not fully alert. Avoid alcohol; it will increase any feelings of drowsiness
Headache Ask your pharmacist to recommend a suitable pain-killer. If headache continues speak with your doctor.
Weight loss If you are losing a lot of weight speak to your doctor, they may give you a supplement.
Dry mouth Try chewing sugar-free gum, sucking pieces of ice or sugar-free sweets. If this becomes troublesome speak to your pharmacist or doctor.

Other side effects are pins and needles, problems sleeping and problems concentrating.
Important: If you experience any problems with eyesight or pain in the eyes make an appointment to see your doctor as soon as possible.

How to store topiramate

  • Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
  • Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines


  • Keep all medicines out of the sight and reach of children.
  • Make sure that the person prescribing this medicine knows about any other medicines that you are taking. This includes medicines you buy and herbal and homeopathic medicines.
  • If you buy any medicines check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.
  • Before taking this medicine tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction after taking any medicine.
  • Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if it is empty.
  • If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
  • Always read the printed information leaflet that comes with your medicine.
  • This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
  • Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
  • If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.
© EMIS 2007 DocID:
3707		 DocRef:
dils3687		 Last Updated:
5 Feb 2007		 Date of Next Review:
4 Feb 2009		 Version:
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PS - Health and Poverty

Perhaps the biggest cause of ill health in the world is poverty. Help to Make Poverty History. For example, why not lend some of your money to disadvantaged communities to enable them to trade their way out of poverty through schemes such as Shared Interest.

See also MAKEPOVERTYHISTORY North East for details and links to campaigns against poverty.

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