Is Topamax a controlled substance?

Q: Is Topamax a controlled substance?

Topamax is not classified as a controlled substance under the U.S. Controlled Substances Act (CSA). Topamax is an anticonvulsant (seizure) medication, but is also prescribed for other conditions such as prevention of migraine. It may causes side effects like confusion, drowsiness, dizziness, or blurred vision. Know how Topamax may affect you before driving or performing other hazardous activities.

Medically reviewed by Leigh Ann Anderson, PharmD. Last updated on Jan 15, 2025.

Official Answer by Drugs.com

Topamax (generic name: topiramate) is not classified as a controlled substance under the U.S. Controlled Substances Act (CSA). Topamax is an anticonvulsant (seizure) medication, but is also prescribed for other conditions such as prevention of migraine.

Topamax is used alone (as monotherapy) as initial treatment of partial-onset or primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures in patients 2 years of age and older.
Topamax is also used with other medicines (as adjunctive therapy) for the treatment of partial-onset seizures, primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures, and seizures associated with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. For these uses, Topamax is approved in patients 2 years of age and older.
Topamax is also approved for the preventive treatment (prophylaxis) of migraine headache in patients 12 years of age and older.

Topamax is made by Janssen Pharmaceuticals, but is also available as a generic tablet (25 mg, 50 mg, 100 mg and 200 mg) and as a generic capsule (15 mg and 25 mg).

Other brand names of topiramate (in extended-release forms) include:

These products are also not classified as controlled substances.

Is Topamax habit-forming or addictive?

No, Topamax (topiramate) is not addictive or habit-forming, and is not considered a drug of abuse.

Topamax may cause confusion, drowsiness, dizziness, or blurred vision. It can impair your ability to drive or operate machinery, and may alter your thinking or reaction times. Be sure you know how Topamax affects you before you drive or perform any hazardous activities.

Related: Topamax side effects (in more detail)

Do not drink alcohol while taking Topamax. Dangerous side effects or increased seizures may occur.

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 information and any questions you have with your doctor or other health care provider.

References

Topamax (topiramate). Product information. Janssen Pharmaceuticals. Titusville, NJ. June 2020. Accessed Jan. 25, 2021 at https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2020/020505s061,020844s052lbl.pdf

How long do you stay on Topamax for migraines?

You can usually stay on Topamax (topiramate) to help prevent your migraine headaches as long as the 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. 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

How long does Topamax stay in your system?

Topamax stays in your system for approximately 4 to 5 days after the last dose, but this may vary depending on personal factors, such as your age, weight, dosage, and what other medications you currently take. This estimate is based on the half-life of Topamax which is about 21 hours and experts agree that it takes up to 5 half-lives for a drug without active metabolites to be completely removed from the body. A drug’s half-life is the time it takes for 50% of that drug to be removed from the body. Topamax does have some metabolites, but these are not considered active and only make up about 5% of an administered dose. This means it takes 84 to 105 hours for Topamax to leave your body. Continue reading

Is Topamax a controlled substance?

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