Topiramate is a prescription medicine.
It's important to take it as instructed by your doctor.
Dosage
How much topiramate you take will depend on what you're using it for.
You'll usually start topiramate on a low dose of 25mg to 50mg a day.
This will be increased over several weeks to the usual doses for:
- epilepsy – 100mg to 200mg a day, taken as 2 doses
- epilepsy (if you take another epilepsy medicine with topiramate) – 200mg to 400mg a day, taken as 2 doses
- migraines – 50mg to 100mg a day, taken as 2 doses
In children, the dose of topiramate will depend on your child's weight. Your child's doctor will be able to tell you the right dose for your child.
How to take it
You'll usually take topiramate twice a day. You can take it at any time of day, but try to take your doses at the same time each day.
Try to space your doses evenly through the day. For example, you could take it first thing in the morning and in the evening.
You can take tablets with or without food. Swallow your tablets whole with a drink of water. Do not chew them.
Swallow topiramate capsules whole. If you're giving them to a child you can open them and sprinkle the medicine on a teaspoon of soft food, like porridge or yoghurt.
How long to take it for
Once your epilepsy is under control, you'll usually need to keep taking topiramate for many years.
If you're taking topiramate for migraine you may be able to stop taking it after 6 to 12 months. Your doctor will help you do this gradually.
If you forget to take it
If you forget to take a dose, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it's less than 8 hours before your next dose is due, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the usual time.
Do not take 2 doses at the same time to make up for a forgotten dose.
If you forget doses often, it may help to set an alarm to remind you. You could also ask your pharmacist for advice on other ways to help you remember to take your medicine.
If you take too much
Taking more than your prescribed dose of topiramate can lead to serious side effects.
Urgent advice: Contact 111 for advice now if:
you take more than your prescribed dose of topiramate and you:
- feel dizzy or sleepy
- have difficulty talking
- have blurred vision
- have stomach pain
- feel depressed or your behaviour changes
Go to 111.nhs.uk or call 111
Call 111 if you're asking about a child under the age of 5 years.
If you have to go to A&E do not drive yourself. Get someone else to drive you or call for an ambulance.
Take the topiramate box, or the leaflet inside the packet, plus any remaining medicine with you.