Survey about the anti-seizure medication topiramate
MHRA wants to hear about your experience of the drug
Are you taking topiramate for your seizures or perhaps for the prevention of migraine or headaches? The UK medicines regulator – the MHRA – has launched a survey to understand more about people’s experience of the seizure medication, topiramate.
You should never stop taking your medication without consulting your doctor first.
Topiramate is used in the treatment of epilepsy, as well as being commonly prescribed for the prevention of migraine or headaches. It carries known risks of major birth defects and effects on fetal growth if it used during pregnancy and these risks are outlined in the leaflets that come with the medicine.
In July 2022, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) launched a safety review of topiramate. This followed a new study reporting an increased risk of adverse effects on learning and development of children whose mothers took topiramate during pregnancy. The review is expected to conclude later this.
The MHRA said: “The outcome of the review will have implications for patients and we are keen to obtain information from you about your experiences with topiramate, including your awareness of the risks and the adequacy of the information that has been shared with you, including by your healthcare professional, about these risks.”
The survey should take less than 15 minutes to complete and the responses to this survey will help the MHRA to develop communication and risk minimisation materials for patients.