Compare Topamax vs. baclofen
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.
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
Relaxes your muscles.
Lioresal (baclofen) is a first choice treatment for muscle spasticity caused by multiple sclerosis or spinal cord injuries, but it's not recommended for other types of muscle spasms.
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3.5/ 5 average rating with 33 reviewsforbaclofen
Upsides
- 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.
- A better option for seniors compared to other muscle relaxants since it has fewer side effects than other similar medicines.
- Lioresal (baclofen) is available as a generic and is a relatively inexpensive medication.
Downsides
- 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.
- Except for specific muscle spasms caused by brain injury or multiple sclerosis, Lioresal (baclofen) is not a recommended medicine.
- If you've been taking Lioresal (baclofen) regularly for a long time, you'll need to get off of it slowly.
- Lioresal (baclofen) can make you sleepy.
- If you've had a stroke, Lioresal (baclofen) may not work as well, and you're more likely to experience side effects.
Used for
- Seizures
- Migraine prevention
- Alcoholism
- Essential tremors
- Eating disorder
Dosage forms
- Pill
- Extended release capsule
- Pill
Price
Lowest price
$136.75
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$14.20
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Reviews
56 reviews so far
52%
saidit'sworth it
50%
saiditworked well
36%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Topamax (topiramate)?
Leave a review33 reviews so far
61%
saidit'sworth it
55%
saiditworked well
15%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Lioresal (baclofen)?
Leave a reviewSide effects
39possible side effects
- Sleepiness26%
- Loss of appetite24%
- Fatigue16%
- Injury14%
- Nervousness14%
- Personality disorder (behavior problems)11%
- Difficulty with concentration/attention10%
- Weight loss9%
- Aggressive reaction9%
- Abnormal gait8%
- Purpura8%
- Difficulty sleeping8%
- Viral infection7%
- Impaired coordination6%
- Nausea6%
- Increased saliva6%
- Muscle spasm5%
- Constipation5%
- Difficulty with memory5%
- Pneumonia5%
- Dizziness4%
- Speech disorders/ related speech problems4%
- Nose bleed4%
- Confusion4%
- Urinary incontinence4%
- Stomach flu3%
- Psychomotor slowing3%
- Skin disorder3%
- Allergic reaction2%
- Abnormal reflexes2%
- Thirst2%
- Pussing2%
- Hair loss2%
- Dermatitis2%
- Increased hair growth2%
- Red skin rash2%
- Eye abnormality2%
- Abnormal vision2%
- Leukopenia2%
Risks and risk factors
- 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
- Withdrawal symptoms
- Stopping Lioresal (baclofen) too quickly
- Driving impairment
- Taking with alcohol
- Taking other medicines that make you less alert
- Age 65 or greater
- Seizures
- Higher dose
- Using other medicines that can cause seizures
- History of seizures
- Alcoholism
- Eating disorders
- Brain infections