Topiramate: Side Effects, Uses & Monitoring
Facts extracted from current FDA product labeling for Topiramate. Educational only — not medical advice.
Reported adverse reactions
| Reaction | Highest frequency reported* |
|---|---|
| Paresthesia | 40% |
| Fatigue | 30% |
| Upper respiratory tract infection | 18% |
| Weight decrease | 16% |
| Somnolence | 15% |
| Dizziness | 14% |
| Anorexia | 14% |
| Difficulty with memory | 14% |
| Injury | 14% |
| Speech disorders/related speech problems | 13% |
| Vision abnormal | 13% |
| Nausea | 12% |
| Nystagmus | 11% |
| Personality disorder (behavior problems) | 11% |
| Difficulty with memory nos | 10% |
| Language problems | 10% |
| Diplopia | 10% |
| Insomnia | 9% |
| Depression | 9% |
| Fever | 9% |
*Highest percentage across placebo-controlled trial tables summarized in current labeling.
Labeled uses
Monotherapy Epilepsy Topiramate tablets are indicated as initial monotherapy in patients 10 years of age and older with partial onset or primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures. Effectiveness was demonstrated in a controlled trial in patients with epilepsy who had no more than 2 seizures in the 3 months prior to enrollment. Safety and effectiveness in patients who were converted to monotherapy from a previous regimen of other anticonvulsant drugs have not been established in controlled trials. Adjunctive Therapy Epilepsy Topiramate tablets are indicated as adjunctive therapy for adults and pediatric patients ages 2 to 16 years with partial onset seizures, or primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures, and in patients 2 years of age and older with seizures associated with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome.
Medical disclaimer: Always consult a qualified healthcare professional about any medication.