Compare Topamax vs. Keppra

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

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Topamax (topiramate)

Prescription only

Keppra (levetiracetam)

Prescription only
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
Prevents seizures.

Keppra (levetiracetam) is effective for preventing seizures in people with epilepsy and has fewer drug interactions than its alternatives.

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4.5/ 5 average rating with 21 reviewsforKeppra
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.
  • Keppra (levetiracetam) is effective at lowering the frequency of various types of seizures.
  • Keppra (levetiracetam) is available in liquid form or dissolving tablets if you have trouble swallowing pills.
  • Compared to other seizure medications, Keppra (levetiracetam) has fewer side effects and drug interactions, and usually does not require monitoring blood levels.
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.
  • Must be taken on time so that there are consistent levels of the drug in your body.
  • Keppra (levetiracetam) may not be the best drug to take if you have a history of mood problems, such as depression or bipolar disorder.
  • If you have kidney problems, your dose will need to be adjusted and your doctor will check your kidney function regularly.
  • Due to its effects on your balance, Keppra (levetiracetam) may not be appropriate for the elderly.
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Used for
Dosage forms
  • Pill
  • Extended release capsule
  • Pill
  • Extended release
  • Liquid
  • Oral disintegrating tablet
Price
Lowest price
$84.07
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Lowest price
$9.00
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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 review
21 reviews so far
33%
saidit'sworth it
81%
saiditworked well
33%
saidit'sa big hassle

Have you used Keppra (levetiracetam)?

Leave a review
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
13possible side effects
  • Drowsiness
    12%
  • Neck pain
    8%
  • Inflammation of the back of throat
    7%
  • Feeling off balance
    5%
  • Flu symptoms
    5%
  • Depression
    5%
  • Anxiety
    3%
  • Depressed mood
    2%
  • Double vision
    2%
  • Excessive sleepiness
    2%
  • Difficulty sleeping
    2%
  • Irritability
    2%
  • Nervousness
    2%
See more detailed side effects
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
See more detailed risks and warnings
  • Life-threatening skin reactions
  • Suicidal thoughts or behavior
  • Driving impairment
    • Taking with alcohol
    • Taking other medicines that make you less alert
  • Blood disorders
  • Withdrawal seizures
    • Stopping Keppra (levetiracetam) suddenly
  • Psychiatric side effects
    • History of psychiatric problems
    • Ages less than 18
See more detailed risks and warnings
Learn more about Topamax (topiramate)
Learn more about Keppra (levetiracetam)