Topiramate is used to treat certain types of seizures, as well as hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia, a rare medical condition that causes excess sugar in the blood. It also helps control weight in people with type 2 diabetes and obesity.
In this article we look at whether topiramate is available over the counter, its side effects, who can take it and its potential uses.
Table of Contents
What is topiramate?
Topiramate is an anticonvulsant and antidiabetic drug used to treat seizures. It is also used to treat migraine headaches and certain types of headaches. It is used to treat metabolic syndrome, a condition that includes high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and obesity.
Topiramate is used to treat certain types of seizures, as well as hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia, a rare medical condition that causes excess sugar in the blood. It also helps control weight in people with type 2 diabetes and obesity.
How does it work?
Topiramate works in the brain to decrease the rate of seizures by decreasing abnormal electrical activity in the brain. It is unknown how topiramate works to treat other conditions.
People who want to lose weight often take topiramate because it helps decrease appetite and cravings for sweets. It works by decreasing serotonin levels in the brain, which is the chemical responsible for feelings of hunger and craving sugary or fatty foods.
Side effects
Topiramate causes drowsiness in a significant number of patients. The drowsiness may be so severe that it interferes with work or school. In addition, many patients experience problems with coordination, which can lead to falls and fractures.
Other side effects include weight loss, dry mouth, trouble concentrating, and changes in the senses. In high doses, topiramate can cause kidney stones and progressive vision loss.
When should you not take it?
You should not take topiramate if you have a history of kidney stones, kidney problems, low blood pressure, liver disease, or a history of metabolic acidosis (high blood acid levels). You should not take topiramate if you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding.
Who can take it?
People who have epilepsy and are at risk for metabolic acidosis, hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia, or obesity can take topiramate. However, many people who would benefit from topiramate are not taking it.
This is because it’s not widely prescribed, despite being the most effective drug for preventing the development of diabetes in people with epilepsy and migraine.
Usage in conditions:
- Seizures: Topiramate is one of the first-line drugs for treating seizures, and it has been shown to decrease the frequency of seizures in patients with epilepsy.
- Migraine: Migraine headache is a common and painful medical condition. It causes a throbbing, one-sided head pain that lasts for hours or even days.
- Obesity: Obesity is associated with an increased risk of heart attack, stroke, and diabetes. Researchers estimate that 70% of adults in the United States are overweight or obese.
- Metabolic syndrome: Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of metabolic risk factors that include abdominal obesity, high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and low “good” cholesterol.
Recommended dosage and how to take it
In children and adolescents, the recommended dosage of topiramate is 12.5 mg per day. In adults, the recommended dosage is 25 mg per day, taken once a day.
Topiramate is available in capsule, chewable tablet, and extended-release capsule form.
The final word
Topiramate is an effective anticonvulsant, antidiabetic drug, and weight-loss aid. It is one of the most effective drugs for preventing the development of diabetes in people with epilepsy and migraine.
It is also an effective drug for preventing migraine headaches. Although it is not as well-known as other drugs, such as propranolol, it is a useful and effective treatment for many people with epilepsy, migraine, and obesity.
