Topiramate

Topiramate is a medicine used to treat epilepsy (seizures) and to prevent migraines. It is also used in the treatment of Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (a rare, but severe form of epilepsy that starts in early childhood).

Topiramate may be taken with or without food, preferably at the same time, each day. If you have missed a dose, take it as soon as you remember it and finish the full course of treatment even if you feel better. Stopping the medication suddenly without talking to your doctor may cause an increased frequency of seizures. Your doctor may advise regular monitoring of serum bicarbonate levels while you are taking this medicine.

Some of the common side effects of this medicine include nausea, taste change, fatigue, diarrhea, weight loss, loss of appetite, and memory impairment. It may also cause vision problems like myopia or glaucoma, so it is important to get your eyesight checked before you start the treatment and regularly thereafter. You may experience dizziness and sleepiness, so do not drive or do anything that requires mental focus until you know how this medicine affects you. Please consult your doctor if these side effects bother you or do not go away.

• Epilepsy/Seizures
• Prevention of Migraine
• Lennox–Gastaut syndrome

Epilepsy/Seizures
Topiramate is an anticonvulsant (or anti-epileptic) medicine that works by decreasing the nerve impulses which cause the seizures. By controlling the frequency of seizures, it will help you go about your daily activities with more confidence. It helps reduce symptoms such as confusion, uncontrollable jerking movements, loss of awareness, and fear or anxiety.
This medicine is not associated with any physical or psychological dependence (addiction) but it should not be stopped suddenly. It must be taken regularly as prescribed to be effective. Missing doses may trigger a seizure.

Prevention of Migraine
It is not fully established how Topiramate helps prevent migraines. It may change the abnormal and excessive activity of the nerve cells in the brain or increase the activity in a region of the brain associated with migraines. By preventing and reducing the frequency of headaches, it can help you carry out your daily activities and have a better quality of life.

Lennox–Gastaut syndrome
Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS) is a rare but severe form of epilepsy that usually starts in early childhood. Affected children may experience several different types of seizures. Topiramate helps prevent and control these seizures by decreasing the nerve impulses which cause the seizures.

Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them

Common side effects of Topcnx

• Abdominal pain
• Diarrhea
• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Fever
• Loss of appetite
• Memory impairment
• Nausea
• Nervousness
• Numbness
• Psychomotor impairment
• Sleepiness
• Speech disorder
• Taste change
• Upper respiratory tract infection
• Visual impairment
• Weight loss

Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break it. Topiramate may be taken with or without food, but it is better to take it at a fixed time.

Topiramate is an antiepileptic medication. It controls seizures or fits by decreasing the abnormal and excessive activity of the nerve cells in the brain.

• Take your medication regularly as directed by your doctor as missing doses can trigger seizures.

• Do not change the brand of your medicine and make sure that you have sufficient amount of medicine present with you.

• Some healthy tips to prevent seizures:

  • Practice yoga every day.
  • Get enough sleep at nighttime.
  • Limit the use of screen time such as mobile/laptop.
  • Take your medication on time.

• It may cause dizziness and sleepiness. Do not drive or do anything that requires mental focus until you know how it affects you.

• Keep yourself hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids throughout the day while taking Topiramate. This can reduce the risk of kidney stones.

• Monitor your weight during treatment with this medicine as it can cause weight gain.

• Talk to your doctor if you notice sudden mood changes or develop suicidal thoughts.

• Do not stop taking the medication suddenly without talking to your doctor as it may increase the seizure frequency.

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