How should I take topiramate?
Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in
larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on
your prescription label. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the
best results from this medication.
Topiramate can be taken with or without food.
Take the medicine with a full
glass of
water.
The topiramate tablet should be swallowed whole. It has a bitter taste
when chewed or broken.
To make the topiramate capsule easier to swallow, you may open the
capsule and sprinkle the medicine into a spoonful of applesauce, custard, ice cream, oatmeal,
pudding, or yogurt. Swallow this mixture right away without chewing. Do not save the mixture
for later use.
To be sure this medication is not causing harmful effects, your blood will need to be
tested on a regular basis. Your kidney or liver function may also need to be tested. Do not miss
any scheduled visits to your doctor.
If you need to have any type of surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are using
topiramate. You may need to stop using the medicine for a short time.
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.
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.
Drink extra fluids each day while you are taking topiramate. This will lower your
risk of having kidney stones or an electrolyte imbalance.
Vomiting or
diarrhea can lead to
dehydration and cause an electrolyte imbalance. Call your doctor if you have ongoing vomiting
or diarrhea while taking topiramate.
Store topiramate at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose,
skip the missed dose and take the medicine at your next regularly scheduled time. Do
not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical treatment if you think you have used too much of this
medicine.
Overdose symptoms may include drowsiness, dizziness, agitation or depression, blurred
vision, problems with speech or balance, stomach pain, chest pain, fast or pounding heartbeats,
feeling light-headed, fainting, and seizure (convulsions).
What should I avoid while taking topiramate?
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.
Cold or
allergy medicine,
narcotic pain medicine, sleeping pills,
muscle relaxers, and
medicine for seizures, depression or anxiety can add to sleepiness caused by topiramate. Tell
your doctor if you regularly use any of these other medicines.
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.
Avoid becoming overheated or dehydrated during exercise and in hot weather. Drink
extra fluids in these situations.
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