Topiramate
Topiramate (Topamax) is an anticonvulsant listed for Seizure Disorders and Migraine Headache Prophylaxis. The one product on this shelf comes in four strengths, from 25 mg to 200 mg.
Key points
- Topiramate prevents migraine attacks but does not relieve pain once a headache has started.
- It carries a risk of birth defects if taken during pregnancy, so a doctor will usually switch the medicine.
- Abruptly stopping topiramate can trigger severe seizures, even in people who have not had seizures before; the dose must be tapered under medical supervision.
How does Topiramate work?
Topiramate works by decreasing abnormal excitement in the brain. For epilepsy, it blocks the signals that can trigger a seizure. For migraine, it calms the overactive nerve cells that set off an attack before it begins.
Listed under Neurology, topiramate is also sometimes used off-label for alcohol dependence, binge eating disorder, and essential tremors.