What Are The Uses Of Topiramate?

Topiramate is mainly used as anticonvulsant in children and adults, and along with Phentermine for weight loss. Previously, it was used as an anticonvulsant, however now a days it is more popular as anti-obesity drug.

Seizure (epilepsy) is an outcome of excessively fast working of brain cells. Topiramate reduces the excessive fast working of brain cells and restores them to normal state.

Besides anticonvulsant and anti-obesity, it is also used in conditions like depression, mood change and migraine.

What Are The Side Effects Of Topiramate?

Common side effects of Topiramate include:

• Tingling-tickling-pricking-numbness of the limbs (Paraesthesia)
• Tremor
• Decrease in appetite, nausea, vomiting, weight loss,
• Fatigue, dizziness, diarrhoea, sensory distortion
• Bad taste in mouth and common cold.

Consult a doctor if you have any of the following rare, but severe side effects:

• Confusion, memory problems, trouble concentrating, problems with speech or balance.
• Sporadic heartbeats, feeling like you might pass out.
• Severe pain in lower or side back
• Unusual thirst, decreased sweating, increased body temperature, and hot & dry skin
• Sudden vision loss and pain in the eyes

What Are The Contraindications Of Topiramate?

Topiramate should not be used when patient has any of the following medical problems:

• Acute myopia (short term short-sight) with glaucoma (increased pressure in eye).
• Fever 
• Pregnancy

Topiramate is not advised to take with estrogen based oral contraceptives; it may decrease the effectiveness of these contraceptives.

Topiramate may cause metabolic acidosis (excessive production of acid in the body), if taken with metformin, zonisamide, acetazolamide, or dichlorphenamide.