Compare felbamate vs. Topamax

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

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Felbatol (felbamate)

Prescription only

Topamax (topiramate)

Prescription only
Controls seizures.

Felbatol (felbamate) controls seizures, but it can have bad side effects.

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
  • Felbatol (felbamate) can be used by itself or with other medicines to control seizures.
  • Felbatol (felbamate) is available in generic and in both a pill and a liquid form.
  • 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
  • Can harm your spleen and liver.
  • Consider only if other anti-seizure medicines have not worked well.
  • 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
Dosage forms
  • Pill
  • Liquid
  • Pill
  • Extended release capsule
Price
Lowest price
$1830.10
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Lowest price
$97.27
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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
45possible side effects
  • Loss of appetite
    55%
  • Sleepiness
    48%
  • Common cold or flu
    45%
  • Vomiting
    39%
  • Headache
    37%
  • Nausea
    34%
  • Fever
    23%
  • Dizziness
    18%
  • Insomnia
    18%
  • Fatigue
    17%
  • Nervousness
    16%
  • Constipation
    13%
  • Purple skin spots
    13%
  • Indigestion
    12%
  • Difficulty walking
    10%
  • Rash
    10%
  • Hiccups
    10%
  • Sore throat
    10%
  • Ear infection
    10%
  • Weight loss
    7%
  • Pain
    7%
  • Unusual thoughts
    7%
  • Difficulty controlling movements
    7%
  • Loss of bladder control
    7%
  • Mood swings
    7%
  • Vision changes
    7%
  • Low white blood cells
    7%
  • Coughing
    7%
  • Tremor
    6%
  • Double vision
    6%
  • Changes in taste
    6%
  • Anxiety
    5%
  • Walking problems
    5%
  • Depression
    5%
  • Diarrhea
    5%
  • Abdominal pain
    5%
  • Flu and common cold
    5%
  • Changes in vision
    5%
  • Tingling or prickling sensation
    4%
  • Abnormal liver tests
    4%
  • Sinus infection
    4%
  • Chest pain
    3%
  • Dry mouth
    3%
  • Loss of consciousness
    3%
  • Muscle pain
    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
  • Aplastic anemia
  • Liver failure
  • Suicidal behavior
    • Taking medicines for seizures
  • Sleepiness
  • Withdrawal seizures
    • Stopping Felbatol (felbamate) 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 Felbatol (felbamate)
Learn more about Topamax (topiramate)