Topiramate (Systemic)

Brand Names : Topamax

Proper Use of This Medicine

Take this medicine every day exactly as ordered by your doctor in order to improve your condition as much as possible. Do not take more or less of it, and do not take it more or less often than your doctor ordered.

Topiramate may be taken with or without food, on a full or an empty stomach. Swallow the tablets whole, without breaking, crushing, or chewing them. The bitter taste may be more noticeable if the tablets are held in the mouth or chewed. The capsules may be swallowed whole, or the contents of the capsule may be opened and the contents sprinkled on a small amount (teaspoonful) of soft food (such as applesauce, custard, ice cream, oatmeal, pudding, or yogurt) and swallowed immediately without chewing

Dosing - The dose of topiramate will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label . The following information includes only the average doses of topiramate. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The number of tablets that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are taking topiramate .

• For oral dosage form (tablets or capsules):
  • As an anticonvulsant:
    • Adults - At first, 50 milligrams (mg) a day for the first week. Your doctor may increase your dose gradually every week if needed and tolerated, but the usual dose is not greater than 400 mg a day.
    • Children (age 2 to 16 years) - At first, 25 milligrams (mg) nightly for the first week. Your doctor may increase your dose gradually every 1 or 2 weeks to be taken in two divided doses.

Missed dose - If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage - To store this medicine:

• Keep out of the reach of children.
• Store away from heat and direct light.
• Do not store in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink, or in other damp places. Heat or moisture may cause the medicine to break down.
• Keep the medicine from freezing. Do not refrigerate.
• Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed. Be sure that any discarded medicine is out of the reach of children.