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Best time to take Topamax (topiramate): morning or night?

Medically reviewed by Leigh Ann Anderson, PharmD. Last updated on Aug 18, 2025.

Official Answer by Drugs.com

Key Takeaways

Topamax (topiramate) is taken alone or with other medicines to control certain types of seizures due to epilepsy 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 beginning of treatment, your dose may be taken only at night for a short while.

Topamax is classified as an anticonvulsant (seizure) medication, but is prescribed for other conditions, too, such as migraine. It is available as a generic option which may save you money. Copay cards from the manufacturer are also available.

When you first start treatment, you will start with a low dose of Topamax and slowly increase to the amount needed to control your seizures or migraine and to help limit side effects. Your dose is not usually increased more than once per week.

Topamax can cause drowsiness, dizziness and slowed reactions, so use caution when using this medication. Do not drive, operate machinery or engage in other potentially harmful activities until you know how you will respond to the medicine. Topamax can slow your thinking and motor skills, and may affect your vision.

Topamax used alone for seizures (partial-onset seizures and primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures):

Topamax used with other medicines for seizures (partial-onset seizures, primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures, and seizures associated with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome):

Topamax used to prevent migraine headaches:

Related: Topamax dosage (in more detail)

Should I take Topamax with food?

You can take Topamax with or without food. The tablets are bitter so do not break, crush or split them. Do not drink alcohol while taking Topamax. Drink plenty of fluids like water while taking Topamax.

Learn more: Topamax side effects (in more detail)

Other brand names for topiramate include Trokendi XR (a long-acting form), Topamax Sprinkle, and Qudexy XR (also long-acting).

This is not all the information you need to know about Topamax (topiramate) for safe and effective use and does not replace your doctor's directions. Review the full product information here, and discuss this information and any questions you have with your doctor or other health care provider.

References

Read next

How effective is Topamax (topiramate) for weight loss?

Topiramate (Topamax) has been shown to cause weight loss in both adults and children when used for seizure control and migraine prevention. Topiramate use by itself is not specifically approved by the FDA for weight loss, but may be used"off-label" by some healthcare providers. Qsymia, an extended-release medicine that contains phentermine and topiramate is FDA approved for weight loss, along with diet and exercise.

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Can you stop taking Topamax suddenly?

Talk to your doctor first if you want to stop taking Topamax (topiramate), even if you do not have epilepsy. You should not stop taking Topamax suddenly unless your doctor has told you to stop. Stopping suddenly may increase the risk of seizures or other withdrawal side effects. If you have epilepsy and you stop taking Topamax suddenly, you may have seizures that do not stop. Continue reading

Does Topamax (topiramate) cause hair loss?

Yes, topiramate has been shown to cause hair loss in studies, but it is not a common side effect. Hair loss (also called alopecia) has been reported in 1% to 4% of children ages 6 to 16 years of age, and in 3% to 4% of patients older than 16 years of age. Higher daily doses (400 mg/day) of topiramate were associated with greater rates of hair loss than lower doses (50 mg/day) in both age groups.

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