Some important facts about topiramate
If you’ve been prescribed or are looking into taking topiramate, you will likely have a lot of questions about how it works and what to expect. How do you take it, and what side effects do you need to know about?
We answer frequently asked questions about topiramate. We’ll also give you insights on how you can conveniently access your essential medications with us at Chemist2U.
In this article
1. How does topiramate work?
Topiramate is an antiepileptic drug. With brand names such as Topamax and Qudexy, it is also prescribed for migraine treatment.
Topiramate works by balancing neuronal activity in the brain. It reduces excessive neuronal excitation by blocking sodium channels and decreasing glutamate-mediated excitation. Additionally, it enhances neuronal inhibition by increasing GABA (a neurotransmitter that calms nerve activity) concentrations and activity.
This dual action helps in stabilising electrical nerve activity in the brain, which helps in controlling seizures for epilepsy management.
It’s also worth noting that the mechanism behind topiramate’s effectiveness in weight loss remains an area of ongoing research. However, it is believed to aid weight loss by reducing calorie intake, decreasing fat gain, and lowering levels of triglycerides and cholesterol.[1]
2. How do you take topiramate?
Topiramate is available in various forms, including tablets, sprinkle capsules, extended-release capsules, and liquid solutions, depending on the brand.
You can take both tablets and sprinkle capsules with or without food, generally once or twice daily. Similarly, the extended-release capsules can be taken with or without food, but they’re usually administered once daily.
Moreover, you may swallow topiramate tablets whole. Broken tablets might not be as effective and have a bitter taste. Extended-release capsules may also be taken whole, not split, chewed, or sprinkled on food. An exception is the Qudexy XR brand of sprinkle and extended-release capsules, which can be mixed with soft food.
If you’re using the liquid form of topiramate, measure your dose with a marked measuring device for precision.
Your treatment may start with a low topiramate dosage, with your doctor gradually increasing it, typically no more than once a week.[2]
3. Who can take topiramate?
Topiramate may be prescribed for individuals aged two years and older with generalised onset tonic-clonic and partial-onset seizures. Additionally, it may be used as adjunctive therapy for both adults and children aged two to sixteen years with similar seizures and for those with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome-associated seizures.
Topiramate may also be prescribed for those with migraine prophylaxis. Individuals with a body mass index over 30 kg/m² (considered obese) may also be advised to take topiramate for chronic weight management.[3]
A study concluded that topiramate may also be beneficial in managing obesity in those with type 2 diabetes mellitus.[4] However, it is recommended not to use the medicine in pregnancy, as it may increase the risk of neurodevelopmental problems for the foetus, among other complications.[5]
4. Side effects of topiramate
Like many seizure control medications like lamotrigine, topiramate may cause side effects.
These may include numb hands or feet, nervousness, and slow reactions. Other effects can be headache, drowsiness, weakness, uncontrollable shaking of a part of the body, uncontrollable eye movements, weight loss, constipation, nausea, stomach pain, and a change in ability to taste food.
This list isn’t exhaustive, and other side effects might occur.[6] Topiramate is also associated with ocular emergencies, so anyone experiencing changes in vision or eye pain should seek immediate medical attention.[7] Always consult with your doctor for personalised advice and discuss any concerns or experiences you have with your medication.
5. Topiramate and other medications
Taking topiramate at a high dosage can increase the oral clearance of estrogen in oral contraceptives. This can potentially lead to contraception failure.
Additionally, its efficacy may be reduced when used concurrently with amitriptyline, so caution is advised. When topiramate is administered with carbamazepine, dose adjustments may be necessary due to reduced topiramate concentrations.[8]
6. Medicines you should not use with topiramate
Using topiramate with metformin may increase the risk of metabolic acidosis. Similarly, combining it with carbonic anhydrase inhibitors like acetazolamide, dorzolamide, and brinzolamide may heighten the risk of metabolic acidosis and nephrolithiasis, and your doctor may advise to avoid such combinations.
Additionally, the concurrent use of topiramate with benzodiazepines, alcohol, thalidomide, and bromperidol can lead to sedation and excessive central nervous system depression.
Given these potential interactions, it’s important to discuss them with your doctor and disclose any medications you’re currently taking or planning to take.
7. How to order home delivery of topiramate through Chemist2U
Are you constantly on the web, looking up terms like ‘online pharmacy’, ‘chemist near me’, and ‘chemist delivery’, hoping you can get your prescription filled online? We understand that it’s not always easy to go back and forth to the pharmacy when you’re not feeling your best or swamped with everyday errands.
At Chemist2U, we understand the importance of convenient access to your prescriptions. That’s why we are making medication easy and it starts with home delivery of your medication.
Getting started is a breeze. Simply download our user-friendly app or order delivery on this website. Here, you can quickly upload your eScript. A Chemsit2U partner pharmacist from your local community will then meticulously prepare your order, ensuring you receive the correct medication every time.
We also offer a wide range of over-the-counter products, so you can add any extra items just like you would in a physical pharmacy. We offer convenient doorstep delivery, and you could even enjoy same-day delivery in metro and major regional areas across Australia when you order before the cutoff (around 2 p.m. in most areas). Note: A minority of products, including Ozempic and Mounjaro, are delivered via AusPost. Allow 5-7 business days.
And if you have any general questions or advice, our Ask a Pharmacist feature connects you with a qualified pharmacist who is ready to assist.
Order home delivery of your medications at Chemist2U today!
References
1 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10532729
2 https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a697012.html
3 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK554530/
4 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK81094/
5 https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/news/prac-recommends-new-measures-avoid-topiramate-exposure-pregnancy
6 https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a697012.html#side-effects
