Compare Topamax vs. oxybutynin
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
Treats overactive bladder.
Ditropan (oxybutynin) is good treatment for overactive bladder, but has more side-effects like dry mouth and constipation than other medicines that work similarly.
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.
- Available in several different formulations (pill, liquid, gel, patch) that help fit individual preferences.
- The pill form is available in a cheap, generic version.
- Works just as well as newer medications on the market in managing symptoms of an overactive bladder.
- The patch form causes less side effects than the other forms of Ditropan (oxybutynin).
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.
- Raises the risk of falls, especially in older people.
- Ditropan (oxybutynin) may not be a good treatment option if you also have narrow-angle glaucoma.
- Causes more side effects like dry mouth than newer medications used for treating overactive bladder.
- Older people who use Ditropan (oxybutynin) are at higher risk of experiencing memory problems as well as side effects such as confusion and blurry vision.
Used for
- Seizures
- Migraine prevention
- Alcoholism
- Essential tremors
- Eating disorder
Dosage forms
- Pill
- Extended release capsule
- Pill
- Extended-release pill
- Liquid
- Patch
- Gel
Price
Lowest price
$51.38
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$13.85
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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)?
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Side 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%
17possible side effects
- Dry mouth35%
- Constipation9%
- Headache8%
- Diarrhea8%
- Insomnia6%
- Drowsiness6%
- Dizziness5%
- Upset stomach5%
- Nausea5%
- Blurry vision4%
- Dry eyes3%
- Fatigue3%
- Taste changes2%
- Cough2%
- Dry throat2%
- Dry nose2%
- Inability to urinate2%
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
- Drowsiness and confusion
- Taking with alcohol
- Taking other medicines that make you less alert
- Vision changes
- Glaucoma
- Trouble urinating
- History of bladder problems
- History of problems with your intestine
- Taking more than one medicine for overactive bladder or taking allergy medicines
- More side effects
- Taking high doses
- Age over 65 years
- Heat exhaustion
- Outside in hot weather
- Dehydrated
- Exercising