Topamax for migraines: how long should you take it?
Key Points
- You can usually stay on Topamax (topiramate) to help prevent your migraine headaches as long as treatment is needed and remains safe for you.
- You and your doctor will decide how long you stay on treatment. This will be based on how well it is working for you and any side effects you may experience.
- You start treatment with lower doses and slowly increase over 4 weeks to help limit side effects.
Topamax is used for the preventive treatment of migraines in patients 12 years of age and older. It may not completely eliminate your migraine headaches.
Topamax is classified as an anticonvulsant (seizure) medication, but is prescribed for other conditions, too, such as migraine headache prevention.
Common side effects with Topamax when used for migraine prevention include:
- paresthesia (unusual feeling of the skin, such as burning, numbness, tingling, or “pin-and-needles”)
- anorexia (lack or loss of appetite)
- weight loss
- taste changes
- diarrhea
- difficulty with memory
- hypoesthesia (a decrease in sensations such as the feeling of touch or temperature)
- nausea
How long does it take Topamax to start working?
It may take 2 to 3 months for you to see the full effect of Topamax on your migraine headaches. In research studies, some patients had fewer headaches after one month of treatment.
Topamax for migraine prevention is usually started slowly at lower doses. Your doctor will slowly increase your dose over a 4 week period. The recommended daily dose of Topamax for migraine prevention is 50 mg twice a day (taken in the morning and evening).
Learn more: Topamax dosage (in more detail)
Topamax is available as oral tablets and as oral sprinkle capsules. Do not chew, break or crush the tablets as they have a bitter taste. The capsules can be swallowed whole or sprinkled on a small amount (a teaspoon) of soft food and consumed right away. Do not chew the food and medicine mixture.
Related questions
- How effective is Topamax (topiramate) for weight loss?
- Can you stop taking Topamax suddenly?
- Does Topamax (topiramate) cause hair loss?
How do I stop treatment with Topamax?
Do not stop taking Topamax without first talking to a healthcare provider. Stopping Topamax suddenly can cause serious problems. If you have epilepsy and you stop taking Topamax suddenly, you may have seizures that do not stop. You may also experience other serious withdrawal symptoms.
Your doctor will tell you how to stop taking Topamax slowly. This is usually done over a period of several weeks or longer.
Your doctor may also decide to change your dose. Do not change your dose without talking to your healthcare provider. Always take your Topamax exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
This is not all the information you need to know about Topamax (topiramate) for safe and effective use. Review the full Topamax information here, and discuss this and any questions you have with your doctor or other health care provider.
References
- Topamax (topiramate). Prescribing information and Medication Guide. Janssen Pharmaceuticals. Titusville, NJ. Accessed June 30, 2021 at https://www.janssenlabels.com/package-insert/product-monograph/prescribing-information/TOPAMAX-pi.pdf
Read next
Best time to take Topamax (topiramate): morning or night?
Topamax (topiramate) is approved to be taken alone or with other medicines to control certain types of seizures and for the prevention of migraine headaches. When taken twice a day, the medicine is usually taken in the morning and evening. When increasing your dose at the start of treatment, your dose may be taken only at night for one week. Follow your healthcare providers directions exactly. Topamax can cause drowsiness and dizziness, so do not drive or perform other hazardous activities until you are aware of its effects.
Continue reading
Can you drink alcohol while taking Topamax (topiramate)?
It is not recommended to drink alcohol while taking Topamax (topiramate). Alcohol can increase side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, and impaired coordination. In some cases, topiramate is also used off-label to help treat alcohol use disorder.
Continue reading
How long does it take for Topamax to start working?
It may take 8 to 12 weeks for you to see the full effect of Topamax on your migraine headaches. In clinical studies, some people had fewer headaches after 4 weeks of treatment. In the treatment of epilepsy, Topamax is also started slowly and the dose is increased over a 6-week period. Continue reading
See also:
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