Topiramate
Seizures and epilepsyAlso known as Topamax
Topiramate calms overexcited nerve signals, which helps prevent seizures and also cuts down how often migraines strike. A known quirk: it can make it harder to find words or think quickly — annoying, but worth knowing it's the medicine, not you. Many people also notice tingling in the fingers and toes, and fizzy drinks tasting flat or odd.
How to take it
When
Usually twice a day at the same times each day.
Food
With or without food. Drink plenty of water — it helps prevent kidney stones, a known risk with this medicine.
Avoid
Alcohol, and driving until you know how it affects you. Be careful in hot weather — it can reduce sweating and cause overheating.
Pregnancy
Raises the risk of birth defects like cleft lip. Talk to your doctor before pregnancy — and know it can make hormonal birth control less reliable.
Missed a dose?
Take it as soon as you remember, unless your next dose is coming up soon — then skip the missed one. Missed doses can trigger seizures, so ask your doctor ahead of time what to do. Never double up.
Common side effects
- Tingling in hands and feet
- Trouble finding words or thinking quickly
- Tiredness or dizziness
- Changed taste, especially fizzy drinks
- Loss of appetite or weight loss
Call a doctor if
- Sudden eye pain or sudden blurry vision, usually in the first month — a form of acute glaucoma; this is an emergency, get help now
- Overheating with little or no sweating in hot weather — get somewhere cool and get help now, especially for children
- Thoughts of harming yourself, or new or worsening depression — get help now
- Severe pain in your side or back, or blood in your urine — possible kidney stone; call your doctor now
- Fast breathing with confusion and extreme tiredness — can signal acid buildup in the blood; call your doctor now