Topiramate Side Effects
Topiramate (Topamax) is classified as anticonvulsant, voltage-sensitive sodium channel modulators. Voltage-sensitive sodium channel blockers are used in the management of several conditions, particularly central nervous system diseases such as epilepsy, chronic pain, psychiatric disorders, and spasticity (Pal et al., 2021). The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved this medication for the treatment of seizures; however, it is also used off-label with migraine prophylaxis, bipolar disorder, weight management, and binge eating disorders (Stahl, 2020). Topiramate (Topamax) comes in immediate and extended-release dosages ranging from 25mg to 200mg. With medications such as these, it is essential to determine what side effects may occur with administration. Due to its sedative effects, especially in higher doses, topiramate should be taken in the evening. Common side effects include sedation, dizziness, ataxia, paresthesia, tremor, nausea, blurred or double vision, memory, speech, and language problems (Stahl, 2020). Severe and life-threatening effects of topiramate are metabolic acidosis, kidney stones, and secondary angle-closure glaucoma (Stahl, 2020).