Can you stop taking Topamax suddenly?
Key Points
- Talk to your doctor first if you want to stop taking Topamax (topiramate) or change your dose, 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.
- Your doctor will tell you how to safely stop taking Topamax if you need to stop. It may take several weeks to months for you to slowly and completely discontinue your dose of Topamax.
How do I safely stop Topamax?
Do not stop Topamax with speaking to your doctor first and follow your doctor's instructions about how to slowly stop taking Topamax. Only stop Topamax suddenly if your doctor tells you to. Your doctor can determine the best way to slowly stop your medicine to lower your risk for a seizure.
Never stop taking Topamax suddenly, or “cold turkey”, because this may cause you to have an increased risk of seizures, more frequent seizures, or other serious withdrawal symptoms. This can happen even if you do not take Topamax for epilepsy. Topamax is also approved by the FDA to be used in patients to help prevent migraine headaches.
To decrease the risk for seizures or other withdrawal symptoms, your doctor will let you know how to slowly stop taking Topamax. Depending upon the dose you take, it may take several weeks to a few months to slowly discontinue Topamax.
You should always follow your doctor’s specific instructions on how to slowly stop Topamax.
- In adult epilepsy clinical studies, daily Topamax doses were decreased in weekly intervals by 50 to 100 milligrams (mg) per day.
- In migraine studies, daily doses of Topamax were decreased in weekly intervals by 25 to 50 mg per day.
- If rapid withdrawal of Topamax is medically required as determined by your doctor, you will need to monitored and followed closely.
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.
Related Questions
References
- Topamax (topiramate) [product information]. Janssen Pharmaceuticals. Titusville, NJ. Revised 6/2020. Accessed Feb. 3, 2021 at https://www.janssenlabels.com/package-insert/product-monograph/prescribing-information/TOPAMAX-pi.pdf
Read next
Related medical questions
- Are Topamax and Trokendi XR the same thing?
- Does topiramate cause weight loss?
- How does Trokendi XR help with weight loss?
- What is topiramate used to treat?
- What not to take with topiramate?
- What type of epilepsy is Diacomit used to treat?
- Klonopin vs Xanax - How are they different?
- How long does Lyrica stay in your system?
- How long does Trileptal withdrawal last?
- How long does it take for Trileptal to work?
- What is the difference between Briviact and Keppra?
- Does Xcopri cause weight gain or weight loss?
- Aptiom vs Keppra, what is the difference?
- What is the correct way to use Nayzilam Nasal Spray?
- Over the Counter Medication for Pets
- When is the best time of day to take Trokendi XR?
- Is Oxtellar XR the same as Trileptal?
- What do I need to know about Drug Interactions?
- How long does it take for Oxtellar XR to work?
- Can Fycompa cause hair loss?
- Does Epidiolex contain marijuana?
- What type of drug is Epidiolex?
- How is the drug Spritam made?
- How do you calculate the dosage for Carnexiv?
Drug information
- Topamax Information for Consumers
- Topamax prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side Effects of Topamax (detailed)
Related support groups
- Topamax (99 questions, 696 members)
- Seizures (150 questions, 785 members)
- Epilepsy (88 questions, 401 members)
- Migraine Prevention (123 questions, 334 members)
- Migraine Prophylaxis (70 questions, 82 members)
- Seizure Prevention (45 questions, 138 members)
- Seizure Prophylaxis (20 questions, 25 members)
- Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome (12 questions, 10 members)
