Topiramate Side Effects

Serious Side Effects of Topiramate

changes in urination: decrease in urination or painful urination; more frequent need to urinate; urine with blood in it or urine that appears cloudy
changes in mood or behavior; depression, aggressiveness, feeling irritated or having mood swings
worsened seizures (convulsions)
loss of memory, extreme confusion, and decrease in alertness
extreme fatigue
severe stomach pain, decrease in appetite, nauseousness, and vomiting
chest pain, slow heart rate and abnormal heartbeat
difficulty breathing, shortness of breath
change in vision, blurred vision or eye problems, pain and irritation
high fever or chills
serious allergic reaction: hives, rash, swelling of the mouth, tongue, throat face and trouble breathing

Common Side Effects of Topiramate

trouble coordinating and concentrating
feeling confused, nervous, or restless
fatigue and loss of strength
headache or ringing in the ears
sleeping problems
aching in the back, muscles, or bones
enlargement of the hands, arms, lower legs, ankles, and feet
changes in bowels or digestion: diarrhea, constipation, gas, or indigestion (heartburn)
change in the way things taste
increase or decrease in saliva production, dryness of the mouth, or difficulty swallowing
swelling or inflammation of the tongue or gums
irregular bleeding: nosebleeds, changes in menstrual bleeding, or missing periods
dandruff or flaky scalp, loss of hair, or increased and abnormal hair growth

Warnings & Recalls for Topiramate

Topiramate and Pregnancy

Topiramate has been assigned a FDA pregnancy Category D label, as it may harm the baby if taken during pregnancy. Topiramate may increase the risk of damage to the fetus such as developing a cleft palate or cleft lip. However, if you have any seizure-causing disorders, it is extremely important to control your condition. Talk to you doctor about the risks and benefits of taking topiramate if you are pregnant. Topiramate may harm a nursing baby if used while breastfeeding. Ask your doctor before using topiramate if you are breastfeeding. Patients who are using birth control should be sure to use a non-hormonal contraceptive. Topiramate may decrease the effectiveness of hormonal birth control.

General Warnings

Let your healthcare know about any pre-existing conditions you may have, especially:

kidney or liver disease
if you have ever had kidney stones
if you are on a ketogenic ("ketosis") diet
glaucoma
a history of depression or attempting to hurt yourself
growth problems
if you have ever had metabolic acidosis
any bone problems such as osteoporosis or low bone density
breathing issues including asthma and emphysema
if you are pregnant or may become pregnant
if you are using birth control
any medicines you are using

Suddenly ending your use of topiramate may increase your risk of seizures. Alcohol may increase this risk and should be avoided while using topiramate. Do not stop taking topiramate unless your doctor has instructed you to do so.

Topiramate Treatment and Use

Topiramate | Topamax is a generic anticonvulsant manufactured by Ortho-McNeil Neurologics and used for treating and preventing seizures. Topiramate may be prescribed to patients who have:

epilepsy (a seizure-causing disorder)
seizures related to Lennox-Gastaut syndrome
migraine headaches (for preventing migraine headaches, not treating pain)

Topiramate is not a cure for seizures or migraine headaches.

How Does Topiramate Work?

Seizures can occur when there is an increased and abnormal activity of nerves in the brain. Topiramate works by reducing the rate of signals from nerves. By balancing nerve activity, topirimate may prevent seizures and migraine headaches related to a similar nerve imbalance.

How to Use Topiramate

Topiramate comes in tablet form to be swallowed whole and capsule form to be sprinkled into food or swallowed whole. Tablets should not be crushed, broken, or chewed.

If you cannot swallow the capsule, you may open it and sprinkle its contents into a soft food (applesauce, yogurt, oatmeal, etc.). Swallow the mixture immediately. Do not bite down or chew on the medicine. Wash down any remaining food and medicine with a glass of water.

Take topiramate only as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use more or less than the amount instructed. Topiramate is generally administered for:

migraine headaches, twice each day in 50mg doses
seizures beginning with 100mg or 200mg doses twice daily and increase in doses as prescribed by your doctor
children with seizures, starting at 1 to 3 mg/kg doses taken once each night and increased weekly as instructed and taken in two doses each day

Other Names for Topiramate

Brand name:

Topamax

Topiragen

Generic name:

Topiramate