Topamax
(topiramate)
Prevents seizures and migraine headaches.
Our bottom line
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.
- Price before coupon$256.00
- Lowest price with coupon$136.75
- Savings47%
- Drug class: Neurology
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (topiramate)
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.
Sign up and get Pill Talk, the latest in health & medicine news from Iodine
What to expect from Topamax, on one page
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.
Sign up and get Pill Talk, the latest in health & medicine news from Iodine
What to expect from Topamax, on one page
Topamax (topiramate) is an antiepileptic. Researchers don't know exactly how it works, but it controls seizures and migraines by increasing the effect of gamma-amino butyric acid (GABA), a chemical that calms nerve cells in the brain.
- Drug class: Neurology
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (topiramate)
Used for
- Seizures
- Migraine prevention
- Alcoholism
Dosage forms
- Pill
- Extended release capsule
Prices and coupons
Skip prices section. Skip to what to expect section.- Pay as low as$237.5Retail priceRetail priceLearn more
- Get free coupon$136.75
- Get free coupon$249.32
- Get free coupon$249.32
What to expect when you take Topamax (topiramate) for Seizures
Skip what to expect section. Skip to side effects section.- First few hoursHoursFirst few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonths
- Effectiveness
- Starts to kick inFull effects
- First few hoursHoursFirst few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonths
- Possible side effects
- Dizziness
- Sleepiness
- Weight loss
- Burning/prickling sensation
- Weakness
It can take time for a drug to start working, or for some side effects to go away.
Source: FDA product label and Iodine pharmacistsSide effect rates for Topamax (topiramate)
- Sleepiness26%26%16%16%
- Loss of appetite24%24%15%15%
- Fatigue16%16%5%5%
- Injury14%14%13%13%
- Nervousness14%14%7%7%
- Personality disorder (behavior problems)11%11%9%9%
- Difficulty with concentration/attention10%10%2%2%
- Weight loss9%9%1%1%
- Aggressive reaction9%9%4%4%
- Abnormal gait8%8%5%5%
- Purpura8%8%4%4%
- Difficulty sleeping8%8%7%7%
- Viral infection7%7%3%3%
- Impaired coordination6%6%2%2%
- Nausea6%6%5%5%
- Increased saliva6%6%4%4%
- Muscle spasm5%5%4%4%
- Constipation5%5%4%4%
- Difficulty with memory5%5%
- Pneumonia5%5%1%1%
- Dizziness4%4%2%2%
- Speech disorders/ related speech problems4%4%2%2%
- Nose bleed4%4%1%1%
- Confusion4%4%3%3%
- Urinary incontinence4%4%2%2%
- Stomach flu3%3%2%2%
- Psychomotor slowing3%3%2%2%
- Skin disorder3%3%2%2%
- Allergic reaction2%2%1%1%
- Abnormal reflexes2%2%
- Thirst2%2%1%1%
- Pussing2%2%
- Hair loss2%2%1%1%
- Dermatitis2%2%
- Increased hair growth2%2%1%1%
- Red skin rash2%2%
- Eye abnormality2%2%1%1%
- Abnormal vision2%2%1%1%
- Leukopenia2%2%
The placebo bar shows how common a side effect was for people taking a sugar pill instead of Topamax.
People taking Topamax felt side effect more
People taking Topamax felt side effect less
Risks and Warnings for Topamax (topiramate)
Skip risks section. Skip to common concerns section.- Higher risk if:
- › History of depression
Topamax (topiramate) can increase the risk of suicidal thoughts or behavior. Watch for worsening depression or any unusual changes in mood or behavior, especially during a person's first few months of treatment or when their dose changes. Be aware of changes in behavior that could indicate suicidal thoughts or depression, and report anything concerning to your doctor immediately.
Pharmacist Q&A
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is this drug for?
This medication treats partial onset seizures, primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures, and seizures associated with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome as add-on therapy in adults.Common concerns from people taking Topamax (topiramate)
Final section. Do you want to return to drug navigation?- Topamax (topiramate) can increase the risk of kidney stones in children and adults (this is more likely for males). You can lower your risk of kidney stones by staying well hydrated and drinking a lot of water.
- Not worth itLow hassleReviewed Topamaxon 10/8/2016If your eyes start to hurt, go see an optometrist or go to the ER. It can cause swelling of your eyeball, which can perm affect your eyesight. Been there, done that, and due to the dopy qualities I didnt react strongly enough to the pain.43WomanMigraine prevention
- Worth itSome hassleReviewed Topamaxon 7/16/2015Still get migraines but they're tolerable headaches usually and don't even require pain meds. Tingling subsided after a couple of months. Minor brain fog worth the migraine abatement. Don't mind the weight loss either.61WomanTwo years or moreMigraine prevention
- Not sureLow hassleReviewed Topamaxon 7/23/2016I can't have an orgasm on that pill25ManMigraine prevention
- Not worth itBig hassleReviewed Topamaxon 11/18/2015Caused abdominal pain, diarrhea and weight loss for the first month. Caused cognitive problems - couldn't concentrate and would completely blank on certain words, specifically names.32WomanA few monthsMigraine prevention
- Not worth itSome hassleReviewed Topamaxon 8/16/2016Makes you gain weight31WomanMigraine prevention