(toe-PYRE-a-mate)
Topiramate (Topamax®) is a medication used with other anticonvulsant medications in the management of partial and generalized tonic-clonic seizures. This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information. It is available as 15 mg and 25 mg sprinkle capsules, and as 25 mg, 50 mg, 100 mg, and 200 mg tablets.
Show All- This medication may be taken with or without food. It is best to take it at the same time and the same way each day.
- The tablets should not be broken or chewed. They have a bitter taste.
- The capsules can be opened and sprinkled on soft food and eaten immediately for patients who have trouble swallowing tablets.
- The effect of topiramate may not be evident for weeks after starting drug therapy. The dose may be slowly increased over time to achieve the optimal effect.
- It is important to take this medication regularly. Missing doses or suddenly stopping the medication can cause seizures even if seizures have never occurred.
- Tell your child's healthcare provider or pharmacist what prescription and non-prescription medications he / she is taking.
- Tell your child's healthcare provider if he / she has or has ever had kidney or liver disease or if he / she has ever had a kidney stone.
- Tell your child's doctor if your child becomes pregnant while taking this medication.
- Do not stop giving your child topiramate without first talking with your doctor. Stopping this medication abruptly could cause a seizure to occur.
- Do not use after expiration date on the bottle / package.
- Keep this medication out of the reach of children.
- If too much medication is taken by accident, call the Drug and Poison Information Center (DPIC), 513-696-5111 or 1-800-222-1222, or call your child's doctor immediately.
For any medication information related to your child's dosing schedule and / or missed doses, contact the healthcare provider who prescribed the medication.
- Drowsiness
- Nervousness
- Confusion
- Difficulty coordinating movements
- Tingling or numbness in the hands or feet or around the mouth
- Blurred or double vision
There is an increase of seizure activity while taking this medication, or if any severe or unusual symptoms occur including rash, hives, wheezing, trouble breathing, lower back pain, or difficulty urinating.
For additional information on this or any Health Topic, please call the Family Resource Center, 513-636-7606, or your pediatrician.
