Compare Banzel vs. Topamax

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.

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Banzel (rufinamide)

Prescription only

Topamax (topiramate)

Prescription only
Added to other medicines to control seizures caused by Lennox-Gastaut syndrome.

Banzel (rufinamide) is safe for children as young as 1 year old to control seizures caused by Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, but it cannot be taken by itself.

Prevents seizures and migraine headaches.

Topamax (topiramate) is very effective at preventing many types of seizures and migraines, but it can cause several severe side effects that can lead to stopping the medication.

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3.3/ 5 average rating with 56 reviewsforTopamax
Upsides
  • Banzel (rufinamide) works well to control seizures when used with your other seizure medicines.
  • If you have trouble swallowing, Banzel (rufinamide) is available in liquid and tablets can be crushed or cut into smaller pieces.
  • Can lower your number of seizures and also prevent migraine headaches. This medicine can be used on its own or with other antiepileptic medicines to lower the frequency of seizures.
  • Doesn't need routine blood tests like similar medications.
  • Available in short-acting and long-acting forms.
  • Comes as a generic, so it's relatively cheap.
Downsides
  • Banzel (rufinamide) has to be taken with other medicines to control seizures.
  • Banzel (rufinamide) is for seizures caused by a very specific condition, Lennox-Gastaut syndrome.
  • The dose of Banzel (rufinamide) may need to be adjusted frequently. You have to stick to the schedule from your doctor on how much and when to take it.
  • You have to talk to your doctor if you're interested in stopping Banzel (rufinamide). Stopping Banzel (rufinamide) suddenly can make your seizures worse.
  • Some people may be allergic to Banzel (rufinamide).
  • Can cause many severe side effects. People starting Topamax (topiramate) need to be monitored for these effects as soon as they start treatment.
  • This medicine can take 4 to 6 weeks for the full effects of this medication to kick in, especially for people taking it for migraines.
  • Children taking Topamax (topiramate) for long periods of time need to have their dose adjusted by their pediatrician as they grow.
  • At higher doses (ie. 400 mg/day), children may experience difficulty with concentration/attention, fever, flushing, and confusion.
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Used for
  • Lennox-Gastaut syndrome
Dosage forms
  • Pill
  • Liquid
  • Pill
  • Extended release capsule
Price
Lowest price
$3193.84
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Lowest price
$51.38
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Reviews
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56 reviews so far
52%
saidit'sworth it
50%
saiditworked well
36%
saidit'sa big hassle

Have you used Topamax (topiramate)?

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Side effects
18possible side effects
  • Headache
    27%
  • Dizziness
    19%
  • Fatigue
    16%
  • Nausea
    12%
  • Sleepiness
    11%
  • Double vision
    9%
  • Tremors
    6%
  • Difficulty controlling eyes
    6%
  • Blurry vision
    6%
  • Vomiting
    5%
  • Movement coordination problems
    4%
  • Upper abdominal pain
    3%
  • Anxiety
    3%
  • Constipation
    3%
  • Indigestion
    3%
  • Back pain
    3%
  • Difficulty walking
    3%
  • Balance problems
    3%
See more detailed side effects
39possible side effects
  • Sleepiness
    26%
  • Loss of appetite
    24%
  • Fatigue
    16%
  • Injury
    14%
  • Nervousness
    14%
  • Personality disorder (behavior problems)
    11%
  • Difficulty with concentration/attention
    10%
  • Weight loss
    9%
  • Aggressive reaction
    9%
  • Abnormal gait
    8%
  • Purpura
    8%
  • Difficulty sleeping
    8%
  • Viral infection
    7%
  • Impaired coordination
    6%
  • Nausea
    6%
  • Increased saliva
    6%
  • Muscle spasm
    5%
  • Constipation
    5%
  • Difficulty with memory
    5%
  • Pneumonia
    5%
  • Dizziness
    4%
  • Speech disorders/ related speech problems
    4%
  • Nose bleed
    4%
  • Confusion
    4%
  • Urinary incontinence
    4%
  • Stomach flu
    3%
  • Psychomotor slowing
    3%
  • Skin disorder
    3%
  • Allergic reaction
    2%
  • Abnormal reflexes
    2%
  • Thirst
    2%
  • Pussing
    2%
  • Hair loss
    2%
  • Dermatitis
    2%
  • Increased hair growth
    2%
  • Red skin rash
    2%
  • Eye abnormality
    2%
  • Abnormal vision
    2%
  • Leukopenia
    2%
See more detailed side effects
Risks and risk factors
  • Suicidal behavior
    • Taking other medicines to control seizures
  • Sleepiness and movement problems
  • Heart problems
    • Familial short QT syndrome
  • Allergic reactions
    • Children under 12 years of age
  • Withdrawal seizures
    • Stopping Banzel (rufinamide) suddenly
See more detailed risks and warnings
  • Suicidal thoughts or behavior
    • History of depression
  • Fever and inability to sweat
    • Children
  • Mental and cognitive changes
    • History of metabolic disorders
    • People also taking Depakote
  • Kidney stones
    • Low-carb diet
    • Dehydration
    • Drug interactions
  • Vision problems
  • Withdrawal seizures
    • Stopping Topamax (topiramate) suddenly
See more detailed risks and warnings
Learn more about Banzel (rufinamide)
Learn more about Topamax (topiramate)