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Topiramate

Brand names: Topamax, Trokendi XR, Qudexy XR

Topiramate treats epilepsy and helps prevent migraines.

Brand namesTopamax, Trokendi XR, Qudexy XR
Type of medicineAnticonvulsant (seizure and migraine medicine)
Prescription?Prescription
ImportantThis page is general information, not a prescription. Don't start, stop, or change a medicine without talking to your provider or pharmacist.

Overview

It's started low and raised slowly. It's also part of a weight-loss combination (with phentermine).

What it's used for

  • Epilepsy
  • Preventing migraines

How to take it

  • Take it with or without food.
  • Drink plenty of fluids to lower the risk of kidney stones.
  • Don't stop suddenly.

Your dose depends on your health and other medicines. Always follow your prescription label, and ask your pharmacist if anything is unclear.

Side effects

Common side effects

  • Tingling in hands and feet
  • Change in taste (carbonated drinks taste flat)
  • Less appetite and weight loss
  • Trouble finding words or concentrating
  • Tiredness
Call 911Sudden eye pain, redness, or blurry vision (rare eye pressure emergency)
Call your provider todayNot sweating with a high body temperature, especially in children in hot weather
Call your provider todaySevere side or back pain or blood in urine (kidney stone)
Call your provider todayFast breathing, tiredness, or irregular heartbeat (acid buildup)
Call 911Thoughts of suicide or harming yourself. Call or text 988 any time.

Warnings

  • It can make hormonal birth control less effective at higher doses.
  • It can cause birth defects, like cleft lip.

Other medicines, foods, and alcohol

  • Estrogen birth control may be weakened.
  • Metformin and other acid-raising medicines add to the risk of acid buildup.
  • Alcohol and sedating medicines add to drowsiness.

Tell your provider and pharmacist about every medicine, vitamin, and supplement you take.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

It raises the risk of cleft lip and palate. Use reliable birth control and talk with your provider before pregnancy.

Missed doses, overdose, and storage

If you miss a dose

Take it as soon as you remember, unless it's almost time for your next dose. Then skip the missed dose. Don't take two doses at once.

If someone takes too much

Call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 or get help online at poison.org. Call 911 if the person collapses, has a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be woken.

Storing it

Store at room temperature, away from heat and moisture (not in the bathroom), and out of reach of children and pets.

Conditions it's used for

Sources

Last updated 2026-11-13.