TOPAMAX belongs to a group of medicines called antiepileptic medicines. TOPAMAX is used to treat various types of epilepsy. TOPAMAX may be used on its own to treat adults and children aged 2 years and over. It can also be used in combination with other anti-epileptic medicines in both adults and children aged 4 years and over.
1. What TOPAMAX is and what it is used for
2. What you need to know before you take TOPAMAX
Do not take TOPAMAX:
- if you are hypersensitive (allergic) to topiramate or any of the ingredients of TOPAMAX.
- if you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant.
- If you are breastfeeding as TOPAMAX may reach your baby through your milk.
- TOPAMAX should not be given to children under 2 years old.
Warnings and precautions
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking TOPAMAX - Sudden blurring of vision, pain and redness of the eyes has occurred in both adults and children, typically during the first month of starting TOPAMAX. This can indicate raised pressure within the eye (glaucoma). If you develop any eye symptoms, particularly in the first few weeks of treatment, you should tell your doctor immediately. If your doctor thinks you have raised pressure within the eye, he/she will advise you on how to stop taking TOPAMAX and may refer you for specific eye treatment. You may also need to revisit your doctor to ensure your epilepsy is kept under control.
3. How to take TOPAMAX
Do not share medicines prescribed for you with any other person. Always take TOPAMAX exactly as your doctor has instructed you. You should check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are unsure. Your doctor will tell you how long your treatment with TOPAMAX will last. Do not stop treatment early because you may experience a seizure (fit). If you have the impression that the effect of TOPAMAX is too strong or too weak, tell your doctor or pharmacist. Your doctor will start with a low dose and slowly increase the dose to the lowest amount needed to control your epilepsy. TOPAMAX is available in tablets and a capsule sprinkle formulation. It is recommended that the tablets not be broken. Always swallow the tablets with plenty of water. TOPAMAX Sprinkle Capsules may be swallowed whole or may be administered by carefully opening the capsule and sprinkling the entire contents on a small amount (teaspoon) of soft food, e.g. apple sauce, mashed banana, ice cream or yoghurts. This food should then be swallowed immediately and not chewed. It should not be kept for later use. If you are taking only TOPAMAX to treat your epilepsy: Your doctor will prescribe the correct dosage for you.
4. Possible side effects
TOPAMAX can cause side-effects: Frequent side effects include:
- Weight loss
- Tingling in the arms and legs
- Drowsiness or sleepiness
- Dizziness
- Diarrhoea
- Nausea
- Stuffy, runny nose and sore throat
- Tiredness
- Depression
- Changes in mood or behaviour, including anger, nervousness, sadness
- Weight gain
- Decrease or loss of appetite
- Reduced number of red blood cells
- Changes in thinking and alertness, including confusion, problems with concentration, memory or slowness in thinking
- Slurred speech
- Clumsiness, or problems with walking
- Involuntary shaking in the arms, hands or legs
- Reduced sense of touch or sensation
- Involuntary movement of the eyes
- Distorted sense of taste
- Visual disturbance, blurred vision, double vision
5. How to store TOPAMAX
Store at or below 25° C. Keep container tightly closed. Store in the original package/container. Return all unused medicine to your pharmacist. Do not dispose of unused medicine in drains or sewerage systems (e.g. toilets). Store all medicines out of reach of children. Do not use these tablets:
- after the expiry date shown on the label.
- if the tablets / capsules do not look as described below