How does it work?

This medicine contains the active ingredient topiramate, which is an antiepileptic medicine that is used to regulate the activity of nerves. The brain and nerves are made up of many nerve cells that communicate with each other through electrical signals. These signals must be carefully regulated for the brain and nerves to function properly. When abnormally rapid and repetitive electrical signals are released in the brain, the brain becomes over-stimulated and normal function is disturbed. This results in fits or seizures. Topiramate works in three ways to prevent epileptic fits. Firstly, it enhances the activity of a neurotransmitter called GABA in the brain. Neurotransmitters are chemicals that are stored in nerve cells and are involved in transmitting messages between the nerve cells. GABA is a neurotransmitter that acts as a natural calming agent. It keeps the nerve activity in the brain in balance. As topiramate enhances the action of GABA, it helps calm the nerve activity in the brain. Topiramate also prevents sodium from entering the nerve cells when they begin to fire rapid and repetitive electrical signals. A build up of sodium in the nerve cells is necessary for the electrical signal to build up and be passed on. Topiramate therefore prevents the excessive electrical activity that causes fits. Topiramate also decreases the ability of a neurotransmitter called glutamate to excite the nerve cells. It does this by blocking glutamate receptors. All these actions calm the nerve cells and stabilise the electrical nerve activity in the brain. This helps prevent fits and maintain normal brain function. Topiramate is used to treat epilepsy that has not been well controlled by the use of other antiepileptic medicines.

What is it used for?

Generalised tonic-clonic seizures

Partial seizures

Type of severe childhood epilepsy (Lennox-Gastaut syndrome)

Warning!

You should not suddenly stop taking this medicine unless your doctor tells you otherwise.

If you are taking an oral contraceptive at the same time as this medicine you should notify your doctor if you experience any changes in your menstrual bleeding.

This medicine may cause drowsiness. If affected do not drive or operate machinery.

Topiramate tablets should be swallowed whole, not broken. Topiramate capsules can be swallowed whole, or can be opened and the contents sprinkled on a teaspoon of soft food, such as mashed banana, apple sauce, ice cream or yoghurt. If you do this, the food and medicine mixture should then be swallowed immediately without chewing. It should not be kept for later use.

This medicine may increase the risk of kidney stone formation, particularly in people who have a personal or family history of kidney stones, or who are taking other medicines that have this side effect. You should ensure that you drink adequate fluid while taking this medicine to reduce the risk of kidney stones.

Rarely, this medicine may cause raised pressure in the eye (closed angle glaucoma). If you experience eye pain or redness, or sudden blurring of your vision, particularly in the first few weeks of treatment, then consult your doctor immediately. If you do have raised pressure in the eye, you will need to stop treatment with this medicine and start treatment to lower the pressure in your eye. Your doctor will explain more.

This medicine can cause loss of appetite and weight loss. If you are losing too much weight, or a child taking this medicine is not gaining enough weight, the amount of food being eaten should be increased.

Use with caution in

Decreased kidney function

Decreased liver function

High levels of calcium in the urine (hypercalciuria)

Personal or family history of kidney stones

Not to be used in

Breastfeeding

Children under 2 years of age

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

It is very important for women with epilepsy to talk to the doctor responsible for their epilepsy treatment before becoming pregnant. Antiepileptic medicines are associated with an increased risk of developmental disorders and malformations in the baby. However, stopping antiepileptic treatment during pregnancy runs the risk of the mother having seizures, which can harm both the mother and the foetus. This risk may be higher than that from continuing the medication. It is important that all the risks and benefits of treatment are weighed up. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

This medicine should not be used by breastfeeding mothers. Discuss this with your doctor.

Label warnings

Do not stop taking this medication except on your doctor's advice.

This medication may cause drowsiness. If affected do not drive or operate machinery.

Go To Next Page>>
The documents contained in this web site are presented for information purposes only. The material is in no way intended to replace professional medical care or attention by a qualified practitioner. The materials in this web site cannot and should not be used as a basis for diagnosis or choice of treatment. Conditions for use



© Copyright 1998 - 2004 NetDoctor.co.uk - All rights reserved