Compare Topamax vs. oxybutynin

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

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Topamax (topiramate)

Prescription only

Ditropan (oxybutynin)

Prescription or OTC
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.

●●●●●
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.
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Used for
Dosage forms
  • Pill
  • Extended release capsule
  • Pill
  • Extended-release pill
  • Liquid
  • Patch
  • Gel
Price
Lowest price
$136.75
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Lowest price
$13.65
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Reviews
56 reviews so far
52%
saidit'sworth it
50%
saiditworked well
36%
saidit'sa big hassle

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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
17possible side effects
  • Dry mouth
    35%
  • Constipation
    9%
  • Headache
    8%
  • Diarrhea
    8%
  • Insomnia
    6%
  • Drowsiness
    6%
  • Dizziness
    5%
  • Upset stomach
    5%
  • Nausea
    5%
  • Blurry vision
    4%
  • Dry eyes
    3%
  • Fatigue
    3%
  • Taste changes
    2%
  • Cough
    2%
  • Dry throat
    2%
  • Dry nose
    2%
  • Inability to urinate
    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
  • 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
See more detailed risks and warnings
Learn more about Topamax (topiramate)
Learn more about Ditropan (oxybutynin)