Topamax (TOH-pah-maks) is the brand name used in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and some other countries for the seizure medicine topiramate (toh-PEER-ah-mate).

Forms
Topamax is marketed in the United States by Ortho-McNeil Pharmaceuticals. The name or appearance may differ in other countries. The dose (measured in milligrams, abbreviated "mg") will usually be the same. These descriptions apply to the U.S. versions:

Tablets

		25 mg (round, cream) Tablets marked "25" on one side and "OMN" on the other.
		50 mg (round, light-yellow) Tablets marked "50" on one side and "OMN" on the other.
		100 mg (round, yellow) Tablets marked "100" on one side and "OMN" on the other
		200 mg (round, salmon) Tablets marked "200" on one side and "OMN" on the other.

Sprinkle capsules

		15 mg (white, clear) Gelatin capsules containing small white to off-white beads, marked "TOP" and "15 mg" on side.
		25 mg (not shown) (white, clear) Gelatin capsules containing small white to off-white beads, marked "TOP" and "25 mg" on side

Topamax is not available in generic (non-brand) form in the United States.

How to take and store Topamax
Follow your doctor's directions. Call if you have any questions. Usually, your doctor will tell you to start by taking one 25-milligram tablet two times each day. After a while, the doctor may gradually increase the dosage to get better control of your seizures. Because Topamax is generally taken two times a day, many people help themselves to remember by taking it with breakfast and dinner. Ask the doctor what to do if you forget to take a dose.

Both forms of Topamax can be taken either with food or without food, but it's best to be consistent from day to day.

Be careful if the doctor writes a new prescription using a different kind of pill. For example, if you've been using 25-mg tablets and the new prescription is for 100-mg tablets, be careful to use the correct number. Don't automatically continue to use the same number of pills as before. Make sure you know what size tablet has been prescribed.

If you take tablets, swallow each one whole. Don't bite it. (It will be quite bitter.)

Sprinkle capsules are an easy way to give Topamax to children and others who have trouble swallowing pills. The capsules can be swallowed whole, but usually they are opened and the contents are sprinkled onto a teaspoon of soft food such as applesauce, custard, ice cream, oatmeal, pudding, or yogurt. Here's the procedure:

• Get the teaspoon of food ready.
• Hold the capsule upright so you can read the word "TOP."
• Hold the capsule over the food and twist off the clear portion of the capsule.
• Sprinkle all of the capsule's contents onto the food.
• Swallow the entire spoonful right away without chewing it. (It will taste bitter if it's chewed.) Drinking some water or another fluid right away can help make sure that all the food is swallowed. Never save any medicine that has been mixed with food to use later.

Be sure to take only the amount that your doctor tells you to take. If you think you've taken one or two extra tablets or capsules, call your doctor for advice. For a larger overdose, call your local poison control center or emergency room right away.

Don't take more than the doctor prescribes. Be sure to use only the amount of Topamax that your doctor prescribes. If you think you've taken one or two extra tablets, call your doctor for advice. For a larger overdose, call your local poison control center or emergency room right away, unless you have special directions from the doctor.

Don't stop taking Topamax or change the amount you take without talking to your doctor first. Stopping any seizure medicine all at once can cause serious problems.

Both the tablets and capsules should be stored at room temperature (59° to 86°F or 15° to 30°C), in a tightly sealed container protected from moisture and humidity. Be especially careful to protect the sprinkle capsules from heat and store below 77°F (25°C). If you pick up the prescription in warm weather, don't leave them in the car while you run other errands!

What if I forget?
If you forget a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, delay that dose for a few hours instead of taking two doses very close together. Talk to your doctor for specific instructions on how to make it up. Do not double up or take extra medicine, unless instructed to do so by your doctor.

Do your best to follow the doctor's directions. If you forget doses often, it may be a good idea to get a special pillbox or watch with an alarm to remind you.

Taking the right amount of seizure medicine on time every single day is the most important step in preventing seizures!

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