features
Topamax
Description
Topiramate is used to help control some types of seizures in the treatment of epilepsy. This medicine cannot cure epilepsy and will only work to help control seizures for as long as you continue to take it. This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription, in the following dosage form:
Before Using This Medicine
In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking topiramate must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For topiramate, the following should be considered: AllergiesTell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to topiramate. Also tell your health care professional if you are allergic to any other substances, such as foods, preservatives, or dyes.
Pregnancy
Topiramate has not been studied in pregnant women. However, studies in pregnant animals have shown that topiramate may cause birth defects in the offspring, as well as adverse effects in the mother, when given in doses many times higher than the human dose. Before taking this medicine, make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or if you may become pregnant. Breast-feedingIt is not known whether topiramate passes into breast milk. Although most medicines pass into breast milk in small amounts, many of them may be used safely while breast-feeding. Mothers who are taking this medicine and who wish to breast-feed should discuss this with their doctor.
Children
Although there is no specific information comparing the use of topiramate in children with use in other age groups, this medicine is not expected to cause different side effects or problems in children than it does in adults. Older adultsIn studies done to date that have included adults older than 60 years of age, topiramate has not been shown to cause different side effects or problems in older people than it does in younger adults