About topiramate
Antiseizure medicine
Used for
- Treats certain types of seizures, alone or with other medicines.
- Helps prevent migraine headaches; it does not treat an ongoing migraine.
Usual adult dose
Seizures: often 200–400 mg daily, divided twice daily. Migraine prevention: usually 100 mg daily, divided twice daily; doses are increased gradually.
Usual dose in children
Seizures: dose depends on age, weight, and other medicines; commonly 5–9 mg/kg daily, divided twice daily. Not established for migraine prevention under age 12.
Common side effects
- Tingling in hands or feet
- Sleepiness, dizziness, or slowed thinking
- Reduced appetite and weight loss
- Taste changes
Important warnings
- Can cause serious eye problems, including sudden blurred vision or eye pain.
- May increase blood acidity and kidney-stone risk; maintain adequate fluids.
- Can cause mood changes or suicidal thoughts.
- Do not stop suddenly; it can worsen seizures.
Pregnancy
May increase the risk of birth defects, including cleft lip or palate, and may harm fetal growth. Migraine prevention is contraindicated during pregnancy.
Breastfeeding
Topiramate passes into breast milk. It may cause diarrhea, sleepiness, or poor weight gain in a nursing infant.
Interactions
- Hormonal contraceptives may be less effective, especially at higher doses.
- Valproic acid can increase the risk of high ammonia levels and low body temperature.
- Other medicines that cause sleepiness may worsen drowsiness.
- Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors may increase kidney-stone or blood-acidity risks.
AI-generated from general medical knowledge, not from this product's official leaflet. It may be incomplete or out of date. Not medical advice — ask a pharmacist or doctor before making any decision.