Topiramate

What is topiramate?

Topiramate is a medicine called an anticonvulsant. It is used to control and prevent certain types of seizures. It is often used to control and prevent tonic-clonic seizures, also called grand mal seizures. It may also be used to treat partial seizures.

You may also hear topiramate called by one of its brand names, Topamax.

How should you give your child topiramate?

Follow these instructions when giving your child topiramate:

• Give your child topiramate exactly as your doctor or pharmacist tells you to, even if your child seems better.
• Give your child topiramate at the same times every day.
• Your child may become ill if they stop taking this medicine suddenly. Talk to your child's doctor before you stop giving this medicine for any reason. Make sure you have enough medicine on hand for weekends, holidays, or vacations.
• Topiramate tablets need to be swallowed whole with lots of water.
• Topiramate sprinkle capsules can be swallowed whole or can be opened carefully, and the entire inside of the capsule sprinkled on a small amount of soft food (such as apple sauce). Once the medicine is mixed with the food, it has to be swallowed right away and not chewed.
• Have your child drink a lot of water, juice, or milk while taking topiramate.
• Give topiramate with or without food.

What should you do if your child misses a dose of topiramate?

If your child misses a dose of topiramate:

• Give the missed dose as soon as you remember.
• If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose.
• Give your child the next dose at the regular time.
• Give your child only one dose at a time.

What are the possible side effects of topiramate?

Your child may have some side effects while they take topiramate. Usually your child will not need to see a doctor about them.

These side effects may go away as your child's body gets used to topiramate. Check with your child's doctor if your child has any of these signs or symptoms and they do not go away or they bother your child:

• dizziness or drowsiness
• difficulty concentrating
• slow thinking or confusion
• nausea, stomach pain, diarrhea
• forgetfulness
• tiredness
• headache
• tremor or tingling
• loss of appetite or weight loss

Most of the following side effects are not common, but they may be a sign of a serious problem. Call your child's doctor right away or take your child to the Emergency Department if your child has any of these side effects:

• a change in seizure pattern
• back pain, bloody urine (pee)
• difficulty seeing
• difficulty speaking
• trouble breathing
• itchy skin, hives
• swelling of lips or tongue

What other important information should you know about topiramate?

• Topiramate may make your child dizzy, drowsy, or less alert than normal, especially when he or she starts taking the medicine for the first time. Until you are sure how the medicine is making your child feel, watch carefully when your child is doing something that they need to be alert for, such as climbing stairs.
• It is important that you give this medicine with a lot of water, juice, or milk so that it decreases the chance that your child will get kidney stones.
• Topiramate may cause calcium to deposit in your child's kidneys. Speak to your child's doctor about this.
• Tell your child's doctor if your child has ever had any liver or kidney problems. The doctor may need to change the amount of medicine that your child takes.
• Check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving your child any other medicines, even medicines that you can buy without a doctor's order (prescription).
• Keep this medicine in the container that the pharmacist gives to you. Store the medicine in a dry place at room temperature.
• Ask your pharmacist how to throw away topiramate that you do not use.
  

Keep topiramate out of your child’s sight and reach and locked up in a safe place. If your child takes too much topiramate, call your local Poison Information Centre at one of these numbers. These calls are free. 

• Call 1-844 POISON-X, or 1-844-764-7669, from anywhere in Canada except Quebec.
• Call 1-800-463-5060 if you live in Quebec.