Topiramate (Cont.)

When and How to Take Topiramate

Some general considerations for when and how to take topiramate include:
 
  • Topiramate comes in tablets or "sprinkle" capsules. It is taken by mouth, usually twice a day.
     
  • Topiramate sprinkle capsules can be opened and the contents sprinkled on a spoonful of soft food and swallowed (not chewed) immediately.
     
  • It does not matter if you take topiramate with or without food.
     
  • Topiramate should be taken at the same times each day to maintain an even level of the drug in your blood.
     
  • For topiramate to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. The medication will not work if you stop taking it.
     

Topiramate Dosage

The dose of topiramate that your healthcare provider recommends will vary depending on a number of factors, including:
 
  • Your age
  • The medical condition being treated
  • Other medical conditions you may have
  • Other medications you may currently be taking.
     
As is always the case, do not adjust your topiramate dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
 
(Click Topiramate Dosing for more information about dosing for topiramate.)
 

Side Effects of Topiramate

As with any medicine, there are possible side effects with topiramate. However, not everyone who takes the medication will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate the drug well. When topiramate side effects do occur, in most cases they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
 
Common side effects of topiramate include, but are not limited to:
 
  • Unusual sensations, such as burning or tingling (paresthesias)
  • Dizziness
  • Fatigue
  • Drowsiness
  • Mental and physical slowing or delays
  • Nervousness
  • Upper respiratory infection (such as the common cold)
  • Coordination problems
  • Weight loss (see Topamax Weight Loss).
     
(Click Topiramate Side Effects to learn about specific side effects of topiramate, including some of the more serious side effects that you should report to your healthcare provider.)
 
You can also read about other possible topiramate side effects by clicking on the following links:
 
(Topiramate Continued: Page 3)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;