*Welcome to the OutUK series looking at gay men and their health brought to you in association with the NHS* website.**
	Each week we'll tackle a different topic in our A to Z of Gay Health. We'll have features and advice on everything from relationships, sexual health, mental and physical conditions and how to stay fit. You can follow any of links provided below for more information direct from the NHS website, or see this week's feature L: Laxatives.

How And When To Take Topiramate

NHS medicines information on dosage for topiramate, how to take it and what to do if you miss a dose or take too much.

Topiramate is a prescription medicine.

It's important to take it as instructed by your doctor.

Dosage

How much topiramate you take will depend on what you're using it for.

You'll usually start topiramate on a low dose of 25mg to 50mg a day.

This will be increased over several weeks to the usual doses for:

epilepsy - 100mg to 200mg a day, taken as 2 doses
epilepsy (if you take another epilepsy medicine with topiramate) - 200mg to 400mg a day, taken as 2 doses
migraines - 50mg to 100mg a day, taken as 2 doses

In children, the dose of topiramate will depend on your child's weight. Your child's doctor will be able to tell you the right dose for your child.

How to take it

You'll usually take topiramate twice a day. You can take it at any time of day, but try to take your doses at the same time each day.

Try to space your doses evenly through the day. For example, you could take it first thing in the morning and in the evening.

You can take tablets with or without food. Swallow your tablets whole with a drink of water. Do not chew them.

Swallow topiramate capsules whole. If you're giving them to a child you can open them and sprinkle the medicine on a teaspoon of soft food, like porridge or yoghurt.

How long to take it for

Once your epilepsy is under control, you'll usually need to keep taking topiramate for many years.

If you're taking topiramate for migraine you may be able to stop taking it after 6 to 12 months. Your doctor will help you do this gradually.

If you forget to take it

If you forget to take a dose, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it's less than 8 hours before your next dose is due, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the usual time.

Do not take 2 doses at the same time to make up for a forgotten dose.

If you forget doses often, it may help to set an alarm to remind you. You could also ask your pharmacist for advice on other ways to help you remember to take your medicine.

If you take too much

Taking more than your prescribed dose of topiramate can lead to serious side effects.

Contact 111 for advice now if:

you take more than your prescribed dose of topiramate and you:

feel dizzy or sleepy
have difficulty talking
have blurred vision
have stomach pain
feel depressed or your behaviour changes

Go to 111.nhs.uk or call 111

Call 111 if you're asking about a child under the age of 5 years.

If you have to go to A&E do not drive yourself. Get someone else to drive you or call for an ambulance.

Take the topiramate box, or the leaflet inside the packet, plus any remaining medicine with you.

OutUK's A to Z of Gay Health continues and you can read this week's feature L: Laxatives. We have covered many subjects in this series and you can catch up with all of our Previous A to Z Features. If you want to find out more about this particular topic you can visit the Original article on the NHS website. If you are worried by any aspect of your health make sure you go and see your doctor or book an appointment at your local clinic.
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