Things you need to know about Topiramate

Has your doctor prescribed Topiramate for you or someone in your family for epilepsy or migraines? Today, we're going to talk about some of the most important things you need to know about this medication. Since it comes in a solution, it's important to use it correctly.

What is Topiramate?

Simply put, Topiramate is a drug that calms down the overactive nerves in our nervous system, controlling seizures and epilepsy. That is, this drug calms down the nerves in your brain. It is also given to some people to prevent migraine headaches.

In addition to the above, doctors may prescribe this medicine for other medical conditions. So if you have any questions, ask your doctor.

Things to tell your doctor before starting medication

It is very important for your doctor to have a complete picture of your health. Therefore, before starting Topiramate, be sure to tell your doctor if you have any of the conditions below.

• If you bleed easily or have a bleeding disorder.
• If you have kidney disease or liver disease.
• If you have lung disease or difficulty breathing.
• If you have previously thought about taking your life, have attempted to do so, or are currently having suicidal thoughts.
• If you have had an allergic reaction to this Topiramate medication or any other medication, food, or dye.
• If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding.

How exactly do I use this medicine?

For a medicine to work properly, it must be used correctly.

• This medicine is a liquid that you take by mouth. It is very important to take it at the same time every day.
• Use only the oral syringe, spoon, or dropper provided to measure the medicine. Do not use household teaspoons or tablespoons, as they may not give an accurate measurement. If you do not have access to such a measuring device, ask your doctor about it.
• You can take this with or without food. If you feel upset, take it with food.
• Continue taking the medicine until your doctor tells you to stop. Don't stop suddenly.
• If you are giving this medicine to your child, follow the doctor's instructions exactly. Sometimes it is given to children as young as 2 years old, but only in special cases and with special care.

What to do if you take too much medicine? (Overdosage)

If you think you have taken too much medicine, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately . Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital .

What to do if you miss a dose of medication?

If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is less than 6 hours until your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at once.

Other medications that may interact with this medicine

Topiramate is a medication that can interact with many other medications. Therefore, it is very important to inform your doctor about all medications you are taking. Below are some medications that may interact in this way.

This is not a complete list. Therefore, it is essential to tell your doctor about all medications you take, including vitamins, herbal remedies, and supplements.

Things to be careful about when taking medicine

• Drowsiness and dizziness: This medicine may make you feel drowsy and dizzy. So avoid doing tasks that require alertness, such as driving or operating machinery, until you know how this affects you. Be careful when getting up from a sitting position or out of bed, especially if you are elderly. Drinking alcohol can make this condition worse.

• Serious skin reactions: Although rare, this medicine can cause serious skin reactions. These can occur even weeks after starting the medicine. Tell your doctor right away if you have a fever, body aches, or a red or purple rash, blistering, or peeling skin.

• Be aware of your mental health: Some people may experience feelings of hopelessness, depression, or suicidal thoughts while taking this medication. Be aware of this , especially when you first start taking the medication . Tell your doctor right away if you notice any sudden changes in your behavior or thoughts.

• Pregnancy: Avoid becoming pregnant while taking this medicine. This medicine can cause serious harm to an unborn baby. Hormonal birth control methods (such as birth control pills) may not work as well with this medicine. So talk to your doctor about other birth control methods. If you have any suspicion that you are pregnant, tell your doctor right away.

• Other points: This medicine may affect children's growth and weaken their bones when taken for a long time. Therefore, your doctor will regularly check your or your child's condition.

Side effects that may occur due to medication

Like any medication, Topiramate can cause side effects. Some are serious, while others are common.

How do you store and dispose of the medicine bottle?

• Keep out of reach of children and pets.
• Store at normal room temperature (between 20-25 degrees Celsius).
• Most importantly: Discard any remaining medicine 30 days after opening the bottle. Mark the date and keep it.
• Ask your doctor how to dispose of expired or unwanted medications. If you are throwing them in the trash, mix the medication with something like coffee grounds or soil and place it in a tightly sealed bag.

Topiramate, epilepsy, migraine, seizures, side effects