Topiramate

Topiramate may cause some unwanted side effects.

Generally, the common side effects tend to occur at the beginning of treatment. Such side effects may include:

• Drowsiness, dizziness, fatigue, tiredness, difficulty in concentrating is usually temporary - Be careful when you are giving your child over-the-counter medicines. Medicines for cold and allergy may add on to the drowsiness. Be sure to supervise your child when he/she is involved in activities such as riding a bike or swimming.
• Loss of appetite or weight loss (temporary), nausea, vomiting, indigestion, diarrhea, change in taste. - If the medication upsets the stomach, take it with food but do not take it with carbonated drinks
• Reduced sweating and increased body temperature. - Ensure that your child drinks plenty of fluids before and during physical activities such as exercises or exposure to warm weather.
• Behaviour and mood changes (e.g. depression, agitation, anxiety, hyperactivity), difficulty in memory
• Numbness in the hands and feet (“pins and needles” sensation), poor muscle coordination, muscle weakness and pain
• Changes in vision (Blurred or double vision)

Inform your doctor if any of the above side effects lasts for more than a few days or if they become serious or bothersome.

Rare but serious side effects may sometimes occur. Contact your doctor as soon as possible if you notice any of the following:

• Worsening speech and language skills
• Difficulty or pain in urinating, blood in urine, sudden reduction in urine volume, lower back pain
• Sudden worsening in eyesight, red eye or eye pain
• Unusual changes in behaviour
• Unusual bruises or bleeding,
• Prolonged fever, sore throat, mouth ulcer
• Skin rash

Inform your doctor if you notice any other unusual symptoms in your child. Always discuss with your doctor or pharmacist if your child has any problems or difficulties during or after taking topiramate.

Topiramate is usually taken 2 times a day. The doctor may start your child on a low dose and then slowly increase the dose. Follow the instructions on the label carefully and ask your pharmacist or doctor if you are unsure.

Do not take this medication more often than directed and do not stop unless instructed by the doctor. Stopping this medicine too rapidly can increase the risk of seizures.

Swallow the tablets with a glass of water. If your child is unable to swallow the tablet, you may crush it and add it to a small amount of food (i.e. yogurt, ice-cream, syrup) before giving it to your child. Topiramate can be taken with or without food.

It is important to drink plenty of fluids when your child is taking topiramate.

Give your child the dose as soon as you remember and then continue to take it as you normally give. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the dose you missed and give the next dose at the usual time.

Do not double or increase the dose.

If your child has missed more than two doses or you are not sure of what to do, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

If your child has less than two weeks supply of medication, please ensure that you have made an appointment with your child’s neurologist or made arrangements to collect more medication.

Keep away from children;#Keep in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight;#

Please inform your doctor if your child has family history of kidney stones. It is important to drink plenty of fluids when your child is taking topiramate especially when child has excessive water loss due to diarrhea or vomiting.

Please inform your doctor if your child is allergy to sulphonamides.

Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you want to give any other medicines, supplements or herbal products to your child.

If your child sees another doctor, inform him that your child is taking topi​ramate before he prescribes any other medications