Topiramate is a seizure medication, also called an anticonvulsant.

Topiramate is used alone or in combination with other medications to treat seizures in adults and children who are at least 2 years old.

Topiramate is also used to prevent migraine headaches in adults. Topiramate will only prevent migraine headaches or reduce the number of attacks. It will not treat a headache that has already begun.

Topiramate may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Topiramate may cause harm to an unborn baby, but having a seizure during pregnancy could harm both the mother and the baby. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant while taking topiramate for seizures. Do not start or stop taking topiramate during pregnancy without your doctor's advice.

Seek emergency medical attention if you have a sudden change in vision or pain around or behind the eyes. These may be early signs of a serious and permanent side effect on your vision.

Do not stop using topiramate without first talking to your doctor, even if you feel fine. You may have increased seizures if you stop using topiramate suddenly. You may need to use less and less before you stop the medication completely.

Contact your doctor if your seizures get worse or you have them more often while taking topiramate.

You should not use topiramate if you are allergic to it.

To make sure you can safely take topiramate, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:

• kidney disease or a history of kidney stones;

• liver disease;

• glaucoma;

• a history of depression or suicide attempt;

• a growth disorder;

• a history of metabolic acidosis;

• osteoporosis or low bone density;

• asthma, emphysema, or other breathing disorder; or

• if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using topiramate.

You may have thoughts about suicide while taking topiramate. Tell your doctor if you have new or worsening symptoms of depression, anxiety, or suicidal thoughts. Your family or other caregivers should also be alert to changes in your mood or symptoms. Your doctor will need to check you at regular visits.

FDA pregnancy category D. Taking topiramate during pregnancy may increase the risk of cleft lip and/or cleft palate in the newborn. Do not start taking topiramate without telling your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Use effective birth control while you are taking topiramate.

Seizure control is very important during pregnancy. The benefit of preventing seizures may outweigh any risks posed by taking topiramate. Follow your doctor's instructions about taking topiramate while you are pregnant.

Although topiramate may harm an unborn baby, having a seizure during pregnancy could harm both mother and baby. If you become pregnant while taking topiramate, do not stop taking the medicine without your doctor's advice.

Topiramate can make birth control pills less effective. Ask your doctor about using a non-hormone method of birth control (such as a condom, diaphragm, spermicide) to prevent pregnancy while taking topiramate. If you are not planning a pregnancy while taking topiramate, use effective birth control, and tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment.

Topiramate can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.