Topiramate ER (Eqv-Qudexy XR)

Topiramate ER (Eqv-Qudexy XR) is used by itself or with other medicines to treat specific types of seizures in adults and children who are at least 2 years old. Some forms of the extended-release capsule of Topiramate ER (Eqv-Qudexy XR) are only for adults and children who are at least 6 years old.

Topiramate ER (Eqv-Qudexy XR) is also used to help prevent migraine headaches in adults and children who are at least 12 years old.

Topiramate ER (Eqv-Qudexy XR) may also be used for reasons not listed in this medication guide.

Follow all instructions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may change your dose from time to time. Use the medicine exactly as prescribed.

You can take Topiramate ER (Eqv-Qudexy XR) with or without food.

Measure the liquid medicine with the provided measuring device (not a kitchen spoon).

Drink plenty of liquids while taking Topiramate ER (Eqv-Qudexy XR) to help prevent kidney stones.

Some capsules can be swallowed whole or opened and sprinkled on a small amount of soft food. Certain extended-release capsules must be swallowed whole and must not be opened, crushed, chewed, dissolved, or sprinkled on food. Follow the instructions that come with your medicine.

Doses for children and teenagers are based on weight. Your child’s dose may change if they gain or lose weight.

You may need blood tests before and during treatment with Topiramate ER (Eqv-Qudexy XR), and your next dose may be adjusted based on the results. Your doctor will need to monitor your progress regularly. Keep all follow-up appointments with your doctor.

Do not stop using Topiramate ER (Eqv-Qudexy XR) suddenly. Follow your doctor’s instructions about gradually reducing your dose.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they worsen.

Store the medicine tightly closed at room temperature, away from moisture, heat, and light. Do not let the liquid medicine freeze. Discard any unused liquid medicine 90 days after opening the bottle.

Topiramate ER (Eqv-Qudexy XR) may cause vision problems that could lead to permanent vision loss. Call your doctor immediately if you experience any eye pain, redness, or changes in your vision.

Topiramate ER (Eqv-Qudexy XR) may reduce sweating and increase body temperature. Children and people who are in hot weather may be more likely to experience this side effect.

Some people may have thoughts of suicide while taking Topiramate ER (Eqv-Qudexy XR). Inform your doctor right away if you notice any sudden changes in your mood or behavior, or if you have thoughts of suicide.

Topiramate ER (Eqv-Qudexy XR) can lower bone mineral density, which may increase the risk of developing osteoporosis when used in children for long periods of time.

You should not use Topiramate ER (Eqv-Qudexy XR) if you are allergic to it.

You may not be able to use certain extended-release forms of Topiramate ER (Eqv-Qudexy XR) if you drank alcohol within the past 6 hours or plan to drink alcohol within 6 hours after taking the medicine.

Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had:

• glaucoma or other eye problems;
• high blood levels of ammonia;
• metabolic acidosis (high levels of acid in your blood);
• lung disease, breathing problems;
• depression, mood changes, or suicidal thoughts or actions;
• a growth problem;
• diarrhea;
• a planned surgery;
• kidney stones;
• a bone disorder that causes soft or weak bones or low bone mineral density;
• follow a ketogenic diet (high-fat, high-protein, low-carb);
• liver disease; or
• kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis).

Taking Topiramate ER (Eqv-Qudexy XR) may increase the level of acid in your blood (metabolic acidosis). This can weaken your bones, cause kidney stones, or cause growth problems in children. Ask your doctor about your individual risk.

Some people have thoughts about suicide while taking Topiramate ER (Eqv-Qudexy XR). Stay alert to changes in your mood or symptoms. Your family or caregivers should also watch for sudden changes in your behavior.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Your doctor should determine whether you need Topiramate ER (Eqv-Qudexy XR). Taking Topiramate ER (Eqv-Qudexy XR) during pregnancy may cause birth defects or medical problems in the baby. There may be other medications that are safer to use during pregnancy.

You must use effective birth control while using Topiramate ER (Eqv-Qudexy XR). Topiramate ER (Eqv-Qudexy XR) can make certain birth control less effective. Ask your doctor about other birth control options.

If you are pregnant, your name may be listed on a pregnancy registry to track the effects of Topiramate ER (Eqv-Qudexy XR) on the baby.

Ask a doctor if it is safe to breastfeed while using Topiramate ER (Eqv-Qudexy XR).

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction (hives, difficulty breathing, swelling in your face or throat) or a severe skin reaction (fever, sore throat, burning eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash with blistering and peeling).

Seek medical treatment if you have a serious drug reaction that can affect many parts of your body. Symptoms may include skin rash, fever, swollen glands, muscle aches, severe weakness, unusual bruising, or yellowing of your skin or eyes.

Tell your doctor right away if you have new or sudden changes in mood or behavior, including new or worse depression or anxiety, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, or if you feel impulsive, irritable, agitated, hostile, aggressive, restless, more active or talkative, or have thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself.

Topiramate ER (Eqv-Qudexy XR) may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

• changes in your menstrual bleeding;
• a skin rash, no matter how mild;
• dizziness or loss of coordination;
• blurred vision, eye pain or redness, seeing halos around lights, or sudden vision loss (which can be permanent if not treated quickly);
• confusion, problems with thinking or memory, trouble concentrating, problems with speech;
• decreased sweating, feeling very hot;
• signs of a kidney stone—pain in your side or lower back, blood in your urine, painful or difficult urination;
• signs of metabolic acidosis—confusion, vomiting, lack of energy, irregular heartbeats; or
• high levels of ammonia in your blood—vomiting, unexplained weakness, feeling like you might pass out, change in your mental state.

Topiramate ER (Eqv-Qudexy XR) can affect growth in children. Your child's height and weight may be checked often. Tell your doctor if your child is not growing at a normal rate while using Topiramate ER (Eqv-Qudexy XR) long-term.

Common side effects of Topiramate ER (Eqv-Qudexy XR) may include:

• dizziness, drowsiness, tiredness, slow reactions;
• problems with speech, memory, or vision;
• numbness, tingling, burning pain in your arms and legs, decreased sensation (especially in the skin);
• changes in your sense of taste, feeling nervous;
• nausea, diarrhea, stomach pain, loss of appetite;
• fever, weight loss; or
• cold symptoms such as stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Take the medicine as soon as you remember, but skip the missed dose if your next dose is in less than 6 hours. Do not take two doses at once.

For the extended-release capsule: Call your doctor for guidance if you miss a dose. Do not take two doses at once.

Seek emergency medical help or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. An overdose can be fatal.

Do not drink alcohol. Dangerous side effects could happen. Certain extended-release forms of Topiramate ER (Eqv-Qudexy XR) must not be taken within 6 hours before or after drinking alcohol.

Avoid getting overheated or dehydrated in hot weather. Topiramate ER (Eqv-Qudexy XR) can raise body temperature and lower sweating, which can lead to life-threatening dehydration (especially in children).

Avoid using a ketogenic or "ketosis" diet (high in fat, low in carbohydrates) while you are taking Topiramate ER (Eqv-Qudexy XR).

Avoid driving or doing dangerous activities until you know how Topiramate ER (Eqv-Qudexy XR) will affect you. This medicine may cause dizziness, blurred vision, balance or memory problems, which may impair your reactions or lead to falls, accidents, or severe injuries.

Using Topiramate ER (Eqv-Qudexy XR) with other medications that cause drowsiness can make you feel even more tired. Talk to your doctor before using opioid painkillers, sleeping pills, muscle relaxants, or medications for anxiety or seizures.

Tell your doctor about all the other medications you take, especially:

• hydrochlorothiazide;
• acetazolamide or other medications for glaucoma, including eye drops;
• hormonal birth control (such as pills, implants, patches, or injections); or
• anticonvulsants (antiepileptics) like phenytoin, carbamazepine, zonisamide, or valproic acid.

This list is not complete. Other medications may affect Topiramate ER (Eqv-Qudexy XR), including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.