What Is Topiramate Used For? (Cont.)

 
Topiramate for Migraines
Migraine headaches are different from other headaches in many ways. Some of the most common migraine symptoms include:
 
  • Headache pain on one side of the head
  • Sensitivity to light or sound
  • Throbbing headache pain
  • Upset stomach (nausea) and vomiting
  • Unusual vision changes.
     
Some people may have an aura before their migraines occur. An aura can be any unusual sign that a migraine is about to happen, including vision changes, numbness, tingling, or speech changes. The most common type of aura is visual (seeing spots, tunnel vision, or other vision changes). Some people have migraine triggers, which are certain foods, drinks, or situations that seem to lead to a migraine (see Migraine Diet for more information).
 
Unlike many other migraine medications (which are used to treat a migraine once it starts), topiramate is used to prevent migraine headaches. Migraine prevention is especially useful for people who have frequent migraines, very severe migraines, or migraines that do not respond to other migraine medications.
 

Is Topiramate Used for Children?

Topiramate is approved for treating epilepsy either alone (for children age 10 and up) or in combination with other medications (for children age two and up). Topiramate has not been adequately studied for migraine prevention in children and is not approved for treating migraine headaches in children. Be sure to talk to your child's healthcare provider about the benefits and risks of using topiramate in children.
 

Is Topiramate Used for Off-Label Purposes?

On occasion, your healthcare provider may recommend topiramate for treating something other than the conditions listed above. This is called an "off-label" use. At this time, off-label uses of topiramate include the treatment of the following conditions:
 

Pages:

Previous 1 2

Add this article to your Favorites     Email this article     Print
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;