Topamax (topiramate) is a medication doctors prescribe to help prevent seizures and migraine. It’s also prescribed off-label to manage certain addiction disorders. It does not cause dependency in most people.
Topamax is a brand-name drug and belongs to the class of drugs called anticonvulsants. It’s also available in a generic version called topiramate.
Doctors prescribe this medication to treat many different conditions, but it’s only approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating epilepsy and preventing migraine. However, researchers have begun to investigate its benefits for treating different addiction disorders.
In this article, we’ll look more into what Topamax is used to treat, whether it has the potential for misuse or addiction, and more. We’ll also explain what to do if you wish to stop taking the drug.
A doctor may prescribe Topamax to treat adults and children ages 2 years and older who experience certain seizures common with epilepsy. These types of seizures include:
- focal onset seizures, also known as partial onset seizures (seizures that begin in one part of the brain)
- generalized tonic-clonic seizures (seizures where the muscles stiffen, twitch, or jerk)
- seizures from Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (a condition with repeated seizures)
The FDA has also approved Topamax to treat and help prevent migraine in adults and children ages 12 years and older. Clinical trials have found that taking Topamax may lower the number of migraine episodes you experience by up to three per month.
While researchers do not yet fully understand how topiramate works, it is known that the drug reduces your brain’s sensitivity to certain types of nerve signaling. This helps prevent excessive electrical signals from building up and triggering certain seizures or migraine episodes.
However, Topamax may also help treat certain addiction disorders. Doctors may prescribe Topaxmax off-label to treat withdrawal from substances that may be addictive, including opiates, alcohol, and certain illegal substances. Off-label is when a drug is prescribed for a condition other than what it’s approved for.
No, Topamax misuse has not been reported in clinical trials and is not considered addictive or habit-forming. Misuse refers to taking a drug in a way other than how a doctor prescribes it.
Certain side effects of Topamax, such as drowsiness or dizziness, may make driving or operating machinery dangerous, affect your ability to think, and decrease your reaction times. If you drive or operate machinery, be sure you first know how Topamax may affect you.
Additionally, topiramate is found as part of a combination medication known as Qsymia (phentermine/topiramate extended-release). This is a drug used for weight loss and is classified as a Schedule IV controlled substance (meaning it has some potential for misuse) due to its phentermine component.
If you have questions or concerns about Topamax’s potential for misuse or how it will affect you, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
No, Topamax is not a narcotic medication and is not classified as a controlled substance. It’s an anticonvulsant medication and does not contain any opiates, opiate derivatives, or synthetic substitutes.
It’s important to take your medication as the instructions indicate or as your doctor advises. If you have questions about Topamax and narcotic medications, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
There are many reasons why you may wish to stop treatment with Topamax, such as unpleasant side effects. However, it’s important to talk with a healthcare professional before stopping treatment.
While Topamax does not cause withdrawal symptoms, suddenly stopping your treatment with Topamax may cause serious problems, even if you do not have a history of epilepsy. These problems may include new or worsening seizures.
If you’re considering stopping Topamax, consult with a healthcare professional for the best way to do so safely.
If you experience side effects that do not ease or are affecting your daily functioning, you may wish to stop Topamax.
It’s important to talk with a doctor before stopping your treatment. They’ll make sure you stop the medication safely. Typically, this involves tapering your dose of Topamax. This is where a doctor gradually lowers your daily dose of the drug to reduce your risk of experiencing seizures.
Clinical studies recommend a taper dose of 25 milligrams (mg) each week. However, it’s important to follow the instructions of a doctor or healthcare professional when reducing your dose of Topamax.
Topamax (topiramate) is a prescription-only anticonvulsant medication that doctors prescribe to help treat epilepsy and prevent migraine. Research shows there may be benefits to prescribing Topamax off-label for addiction disorders, including alcohol and certain drug addictions.
There’s no clinical evidence showing a risk of addiction or dependency while taking Topamax. For the best results, take Topamax as prescribed.
Stopping Topamax without the supervision of a doctor can raise your risk of experiencing new or worsening seizures. If you wish to stop treatment with Topamax, talk with a doctor first. They’ll taper the dose to help you stop treatment safely.