Topiramate for epilepsy

Topiramate is prescribed alone or alongside other medicines to treat epileptic disease and seizures. It can be taken by both adults and children.

A seizure is a short episode of symptoms which is caused by a burst of abnormal electrical activity in the brain. Topiramate is thought to work mainly by reducing these abnormal electrical activities.

Some medicines are not suitable for people with certain conditions, and sometimes a medicine may only be used if extra care is taken. For these reasons, before you start taking topiramate it is important that your doctor knows:

• If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
• If you have any problems with the way your liver works, or with the way your kidneys work.
• If you have a rare inherited blood disorder called porphyria.
• If you are taking any other medicines. This includes any medicines you are taking which are available to buy without a prescription, as well as herbal and complementary medicines.
• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.

• Try to keep your regular appointments with your doctor. This is so your doctor can check on your progress. You may need to have eye tests and weight checks from time to time.
• When you first start a new treatment for epilepsy there may be a change in the number or type of seizures you experience. Your doctor will advise you about this.
• Several different manufacturers make topiramate tablets and capsules, and your treatment could be affected by switching between different formulations. Each time you collect a new supply from your pharmacy, check to see if the tablets/capsules are the same as you have had before. If they are different, discuss this with your pharmacist who will advise you.
• You need to take topiramate every day. Stopping treatment suddenly can cause problems and your doctor may want you to reduce your dose over a few days if this becomes necessary.
• You must avoid getting pregnant while you are taking topiramate. Make sure you have discussed with your doctor which types of contraception are suitable for you and your partner. If you are a woman and want to have a family, make sure you discuss this with your doctor. This is so that you can be given advice from a specialist before you become pregnant.
• People with epilepsy must stop driving. Your doctor will advise you about when it may be possible for you to start driving again. This will usually be after a year free of seizures.
• If you buy any medicines, always check with a pharmacist that they are suitable to take with your other medicines.

Along with their useful effects, most medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. The table below contains some of the most common ones associated with topiramate. You will find a full list in the manufacturer's information leaflet supplied with your medicine. The unwanted effects often improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following continue or become troublesome.

Important: topiramate has been associated with a number of serious unwanted effects. Although these occur less commonly than the side-effects listed above, you must let your doctor know straightaway if you notice either of the following:

• Problems with your eyesight.
• Mood changes, distressing or depressed thoughts, or feelings about suicide.

If you experience other symptoms which you think may be due to the medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist for further advice.

• Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.