Medication Information Leaflet
What is this medication for?
How should I take or use this medication?
What should I do if I forget to take or use this medication?
What precautions should I take when taking or using this medication?
- Eye problems, especially glaucoma
- Liver problems
- Kidney problems, especially history of kidney stones or are getting dialysis
- History of metabolic acidosis (blood and body fluid abnormality)
- On ketogenic diet (A very low carbohydrate and high fat diet under the supervision of a dietician and neurologist)
- Drug allergies
What are some common side effects of this medication?
Like all medicines, this medication may cause some possible side effects but not everyone experiences them. Consult your healthcare professional if any of the side effects lasts more than a few days or become severe and bothersome.
The common side effects of Topiramate include:
- Dizziness
- Stand up or sit up slowly from a lying or sitting position.
- Drowsiness or double vision or blurred vision
- This may affect your ability to drive and use machinery.
- Make sure your reactions are normal before you drive or do things that require you to be alert.
- Loose stools (Diarrhoea)
- Drink plenty of clear fluids to replace those lost (two liters every day).
- Avoid oily or spicy food and milk or daily products.
- You may have foods such as porridge or soups which are gentler on the stomach.
- Take the anti-diarrheal medication (e.g., Loperamide) that the doctor gives you when necessary.
- Nausea, vomiting
- Take the medication after food, eat small but frequent meals.
- Avoid fatty or spicy food.
- Loss of appetite or weight loss
- Reduced sweating and increased body temperature
- Drink plenty of fluids before and during physical activities such as exercises or exposure to warm weather
- Numbness in the hands and feet (“pins and needles” sensation),
What are some rare but serious side-effects that I need to seek medical advice immediately?
The symptoms of a drug allergy include one or more of the following:
- Swollen face / eyes/ lips / tongue
- Difficulty in breathing
- Itchy skin rashes over your whole body
If you experience any of these symptoms, you should stop your medication and see your healthcare professional immediately.
If the following serious side effects happen, you should consult your healthcare professional immediately:
- Blistering, peeling, red skin rash due to Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) or Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN)
- SJS and TEN are rare and serious skin reactions which can happen after using some medications. Symptoms include mouth ulcers, face swelling, blisters on skin, skin rashes that spread throughout the body within hours to days after starting the medication. This usually occurs within the first few months (monitor closely for the first 3 months) of treatment.
Difficulty thinking, remembering information or solving problems, being less alert or aware, feeling very sleepy with low energy
- SJS and TEN are rare and serious skin reactions which can happen after using some medications. Symptoms include mouth ulcers, face swelling, blisters on skin, skin rashes that spread throughout the body within hours to days after starting the medication. This usually occurs within the first few months (monitor closely for the first 3 months) of treatment.
- Difficulty or pain in urinating, blood in urine, sudden reduction in urine volume, lower back pain
- Kidney stones
- Drink plenty of fluids when taking topiramate
- Sudden worsening in eyesight, red eye or eye pain
- Prolonged fever, sore throat and mouth sores
- Unusual bruises or bleeding
- Poor muscle coordination, muscle weakness and pain
- New persistent rashes
In rare cases, this medication may cause the following changes to a person’s mental condition, especially in the first few weeks of treatment or during dose changes:
- Worsening agitation, restlessness, violent behaviour, or
- New or worsening thoughts of harming yourself or ending your life
- Other changes in mood or behaviour
Please inform your doctor as soon as possible, or for your family or caregiver to inform your doctor if you are unable to seek treatment on your own.
Do not stop taking this medication on your own without discussing with your doctor.
It is important to note that your doctor has prescribed this medication as he/ she feels you will benefit more from taking this medication over the possible side effects that it may cause, which have a low chance of occurring. Most people take this medication without any such problems.
What food or medication should I avoid when I take or use this medication?
How should I store this medication?
How do I throw away this medication safely?
Disclaimer
Please take note that the above is not a complete list of all possible side effects. If you have any concerns about your medication or if you have other side effects that you think are caused by this medication, please consult your doctor or pharmacist.
If you take more than the recommended dose, please seek medical advice immediately. The information provided on this page does not replace information from your healthcare professional. Please consult your healthcare professional for more information.
This article is jointly developed by members of the National Medication Information workgroup. The workgroup consists of cluster partners (National Healthcare Group, National University Health System and SingHealth), community pharmacies (Guardian, Unity and Watsons) and Pharmaceutical Society of Singapore. The content does not reflect drug availability and supply information in pharmacies and healthcare institutions. You are advised to check with the respective institutions for such information.
Last updated on Jan 2025
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