Is topiramate effective for migraines? Patients taking topiramate daily were more likely to report a 50% or more reduction in headache frequency compared with patients taking placebo (relative risk = 2.02; 95% CI, 1.57 to 2.60). The number needed to treat for a 50% reduction in migraine headaches with topiramate vs. placebo was 4 (95% CI, 3 to 6).
How long does it take for topiramate to work for migraines? It may take 8 to 12 weeks for you to see the full effect of Topamax (topiramate) on your migraine headaches. In clinical studies, some people had fewer headaches after 4 weeks of treatment. Treatment with Topamax for migraine prevention is taken daily and is usually started slowly at lower doses.
Can topiramate make migraines worse? Topiramate has been shown to be highly effective for preventive treatment of migraine and its use has been significantly increased in the last few years. However, around 10% of migraineurs develop a worsening of their symptoms while on topiramate.
How much topiramate should I take for migraines? The recommended dosage of topiramate for migraine prevention is 50 mg twice per day. Patients should start with 25 mg once per day, then increase by 25 mg per week up to the recommended dosage.
Is topiramate effective for migraines? – Additional Questions
What is the strongest prescription for migraines?
Triptans. Prescription drugs such as sumatriptan (Imitrex, Tosymra) and rizatriptan (Maxalt, Maxalt-MLT) are used to treat migraine because they block pain pathways in the brain. Taken as pills, shots or nasal sprays, they can relieve many symptoms of migraine.
What are the main side effects of topiramate?
Side effects of topiramate
- Feeling sick (nausea) Stick to simple meals and do not eat rich or spicy food.
- Feeling sleepy, dizzy or tired. Do not drink alcohol, as this will make you feel more tired.
- Diarrhoea.
- Feeling depressed.
- Loss of appetite or weight loss.
Is 100 mg of topiramate too much?
For migraine headaches: Adults and children 12 years of age and older—At first, 25 milligrams (mg) once a day. Your doctor may adjust the dose as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 100 mg per day.
Is 200 mg of topiramate too much?
The recommended initial target dose for topiramate monotherapy in adults is 100 mg/day to 200 mg/day in 2 divided doses. The maximum recommended daily dose is 500 mg/day in 2 divided doses. Some patients with refractory forms of epilepsy have tolerated topiramate monotherapy at doses of 1,000 mg/day.
Is topiramate 50mg used for weight loss?
Weight-loss and loss of appetite are common adverse effects in persons 16 years and older who are taking 50 mg or 400 mg of topiramate per day. Patients using a 50mg/day dose lost 6% of their body weight, and weight loss was found in 17% of patients using 400mg/day.
What is topiramate 25 mg prescribed for?
Topiramate is used alone or with other medications to treat certain types of seizures including primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures (formerly known as a grand mal seizure; seizure that involves the entire body) and partial onset seizures (seizures that involve only one part of the brain).
What vitamins should not be taken with topiramate?
Mixing topiramate with herbal remedies and supplements
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you need to take high doses of vitamin C or calcium supplements. Taking these supplements can increase a risk of kidney stones.
Is it better to take Topamax in the morning or at night?
If you are taking it once a day, then it’s best taken at bedtime.
What can you not take with topiramate?
What not to take with topiramate?
- Valproic acid (brand name examples: Depakote).
- Zonisamide (brand name example: Zonegran).
- Glaucoma medications, including eye drops.
- Birth control pills.
- Any medicines that impair or decrease your thinking, concentration, or muscle coordination.
Can I take vitamin D with topiramate?
Conclusion: A combination of topiramate and vitamin D3 might be considered safe and more effective than topiramate alone in the prophylaxis of pediatric migraine.
Does topiramate affect sleep?
The use of alcohol or other medicines that affect the CNS with topiramate may worsen the side effects of this medicine, such as dizziness, poor concentration, drowsiness, unusual dreams, and trouble with sleeping.
What vitamins does Topamax deplete?
Treatment with phenobarbital, pregabalin, primidone, or topiramate was associated with lower vitamin B12 levels compared with the entire group of patients. Vitamin B12 serum levels were higher in patients treated with valproate compared with the entire group of patients, untreated patients, and healthy controls.
What are the long term effects of taking Topamax?
To date, there are no known problems associated with long term use of topiramate. It is a safe and effective medication when used as directed.
Can you take B12 with topiramate?
No interactions were found between topiramate and Vitamin B12.
Does Topamax help with energy?
Animal studies suggest that topiramate increases energy expenditure and inhibits appetite, thereby reducing caloric intake [26, 36, 39].
Does topiramate speed up your metabolism?
Topiramate reduced food intake acutely and increased metabolic rate. There were also significant reductions in leptin, insulin, and corticosterone.
How long does it take to start losing weight on Topamax?
It can take some time to see weight loss results from taking Topamax. Some people may not notice a difference until they’ve taken the drug for at least four months, while other people may start to lose weight in their first month of taking it. Weight loss results from topiramate are proven to increase over time.
