Topiramate (Topamax) is a medicine that is usually used to control seizures. But recent studies found that it may be effective in controlling binging and reducing weight in people who have binge eating disorder and obesity.¹

This medicine lowers some people's appetites. It is not clear how topiramate helps with weight loss, but experts believe that it affects brain chemicals called neurotransmitters.

Side effects usually are temporary but can include:

• Sleepiness.
• Dizziness.
• Loss of appetite and weight loss.
• Nervousness.
• Difficulty concentrating and paying attention.
• Problems with speech.
• Memory problems.
• Aggressiveness or agitation.
• Changes in sensation, such as touch, smell, or taste.
• Vision problems, such as blurred or double vision.

Topiramate can cause other rare side effects, including:

• Changes in blood chemistry. If you take this medicine, you may need periodic tests of the bicarbonate levels in your blood.
• Vision problems and glaucoma (a serious condition that causes increased pressure inside the eye).
• Decreased sweating and increased body temperature, especially in hot weather. This may be especially true for children.
• An increased risk of becoming pregnant while using birth control pills.
• An increased possibility of kidney stones.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a warning on seizure medicines and the risk of suicide and suicidal thoughts. The FDA does not recommend that people stop using these medicines. Instead, people who take seizure medicine should be watched closely for warning signs of suicide. People who take seizure medicine and who are worried about this side effect should talk to a doctor.

See Drug Reference for a complete list of side effects. (Drug Reference is not available in all systems.)

What to think about

• You should not use this medicine if you are breast-feeding.
• If you are taking this medicine, drink plenty of fluids.
• If you are taking this medicine, call your doctor if you have blurred vision or eye pain.