Important Note

The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.

TOPIRAMATE - ORAL SPRINKLE

(toe-PEER-uh-mate)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Topamax Sprinkle

Uses

Topiramate is used to treat a seizure disorder (epilepsy). It may be used with other seizure medications as determined by your doctor.

How To Use

Take this medication by mouth, usually twice daily, or take as directed by your doctor. It may be taken with or without food. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. It may be slowly adjusted over several weeks to improve seizure control. Drink plenty of water (6 to 8 glasses a day) while taking this medication. This may decrease the rare chance of developing kidney stones. This medication may be swallowed whole or the capsule may be opened and sprinkled on a teaspoonful of soft food (e.g., applesauce, custard, ice cream, oatmeal, pudding, or yogurt). Swallow the drug/food mixture immediately after mixing. Do not chew the mixture and do not keep the mixture for future use. Do not stop taking this drug suddenly without your doctor's approval since seizures may reoccur.

Side Effects

Nausea, weakness, tiredness, drowsiness, dizziness, tingling sensations, dry mouth, loss of appetite, constipation, or weight loss may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these serious side effects occur: unsteadiness, slow reactions, shakiness, speech problems, mental/mood changes, stomach pain. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: severe back pain, blood in the urine, trouble breathing, persistent sore throat, fever. Seek immediate medical attention if any of these rare but very serious eye problems occur: sudden vision change/blurred vision, eye pain or redness. Topiramate infrequently can cause decreased sweating, which could raise your body temperature (hyperthermia). The risk of this serious side effect is greater in hot weather and/or during vigorous exercise, especially in children. Drink plenty of fluids and dress lightly while in hot climates, or when exercising. Check carefully for signs of decreased sweating. If this occurs, promptly seek cooler or air-conditioned shelter and/or stop exercising. Seek immediate medical attention if your body temperature is above normal, or if you have mental/mood changes, headache or dizziness. Consult your doctor for more details. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Precautions

Tell your doctor your medical history, especially: kidney problems, liver disease, any allergies. This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy; use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery. Limit the use of alcoholic beverages. This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known if this drug passes into breast milk. Due to the potential risk to the infant, breast-feeding while using this drug is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast- feeding.

Drug Interactions

Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription medication you may use, especially: other anti- seizure medication (e.g., carbamazepine, phenytoin), anti-glaucoma medication (e.g., acetazolamide, dichlorphenamide), birth control pills, other drugs which cause decreased sweating (e.g., acetazolamide, anticholinergics such as amitriptyline or haloperidol). Tell your doctor if you take drugs that can cause drowsiness such as: medicine for sleep, sedatives, tranquilizers, anti- anxiety drugs (e.g., diazepam), narcotic pain relievers (e.g., codeine), psychiatric medicines (e.g., phenothiazines or tricyclics), muscle relaxants, antihistamines that cause drowsiness (e.g., diphenhydramine). Check the labels on all your medicines (e.g., cough-and-cold products) because they may contain drowsiness-causing ingredients. Ask your pharmacist about the safe use of those products. This medication may decrease the effectiveness of birth control pills. Alternative forms of birth control (e.g., latex condoms, diaphragm) are recommended during treatment with this medication. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

Overdose

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.

Notes

It is recommended you wear or carry identification indicating you are using this drug. Do not share this medication with others. Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.g., eye exams) may be performed to monitor your progress.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Storage

Store at room temperature between 36 and 77 degrees F (2 to 25 degrees C) away from light and moisture.

Medical Alert

Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For enrollment information call MedicAlert at 1-800-854-1166 (USA), or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).