Compare Topamax vs. Keppra
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
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.
Used for
- Seizures
- Migraine prevention
- Alcoholism
- Essential tremors
- Eating disorder
- Myoclonic epilepsy
- Partial seizures
- Grand mal seizure
- Status epilepticus
Dosage forms
- Pill
- Extended release capsule
- Pill
- Extended release
- Liquid
- Oral disintegrating tablet
Price
Lowest price
$85.98
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$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 review21 reviews so far
33%
saidit'sworth it
81%
saiditworked well
33%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Keppra (levetiracetam)?
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%
13possible side effects
- Drowsiness12%
- Neck pain8%
- Inflammation of the back of throat7%
- Feeling off balance5%
- Flu symptoms5%
- Depression5%
- Anxiety3%
- Depressed mood2%
- Double vision2%
- Excessive sleepiness2%
- Difficulty sleeping2%
- Irritability2%
- Nervousness2%
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
- 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