Compare Campral vs. Topamax
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.
Key takeaways
Acamprosate (Campral) and Topiramate (Topamax) are both prescription medications, but they are used for different conditions. Acamprosate is primarily used to treat alcohol dependence by reducing cravings, while Topiramate is an antiepileptic used to control seizures and prevent migraines. Acamprosate needs to be taken three times a day, whereas Topiramate can be taken once or twice daily depending on the formulation. Acamprosate is available as a lower-cost generic, and Topiramate also has generic options. Topiramate has a broader range of uses, including different types of seizures and migraine prevention, but it comes with more severe potential side effects like vision problems and high blood acid levels. Acamprosate, on the other hand, is specifically for alcohol dependence and does not cause a reaction if you drink alcohol while taking it. Both medications can cause suicidal thoughts and behavior, so close monitoring is necessary.
- AcamprosateTopiramate
- AcamprosateTopiramate
Summary of Campral vs. Topamax
Summary for NMDA receptor modulatorPrescription onlyAcamprosate is a first-choice medication used to treat alcohol use disorder in adults who've already stopped drinking. It's a N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor modulator that works by balancing chemicals in the brain to minimize the desire to drink. Acamprosate is taken by mouth, typically three times a day. Some common side effects of this medication include diarrhea, trouble sleeping, and nervousness. Brand name Campral has been discontinued; acamprosate is only available as a generic.
Summary for AntiepilepticPrescription onlyTopiramate is a prescription medication that can be used alone or in combination with other medications to treat certain types of seizures. It can also be used to prevent migraines. It comes in immediate-release and extended-release tablets and capsules, as well as a liquid. Topiramate is typically taken by mouth once or twice daily, depending on what formulation you're using. Some forms of topiramate are available as lower-cost generic medications.
Indications of Campral vs. Topamax
Indications for•Maintain abstinence from alcohol in alcohol use disorderIndications for•Seizures (partial seizures, tonic-clonic seizures, Lennox-Gastaut syndrome)•Migraine preventionPros and Cons of Campral vs. Topamax
Pros and Const for NMDA receptor modulatorPros•A first-choice treatment option for alcohol use disorder•Possible option for people with liver problems•Available as a lower-cost generic•Not many known interactions with other medicationsCons•Taken three times a day•Won't treat symptoms of alcohol withdrawal•Possible risk of suicidal thoughts or behavior•Not a good option for people with severe kidney problemsPros and Const for AntiepilepticPros•Can be used on its own or with other medications to control seizures•Available in short-acting and long-acting forms, so options to take once or twice daily•Available as a solution (Eprontia), so it's convenient for people who have trouble swallowing•Can be used to treat different types of seizures•Can be used to treat seizures in both adults and childrenCons•Can prevent migraines from happening, but it won't help if you have a migraine attack•Can cause kidney stones•Can cause serious eye problems•Interacts with many medications, such as warfarin (Coumadin), phenytoin (Dilantin), and divalproex (Depakote)•Children taking this medication for long periods of time will need to have their doses adjusted often due to changes in body weight as they growCommon Side Effects of Campral vs. Topamax
Common Side Effects for•Diarrhea (16%)•Trouble sleeping (7%)•Nervousness or anxiety (6%)•Physical weakness or lack of energy (6%)•Depression (5%)Common Side Effects forPlease note: These are common side effects reported by children and adults who took immediate-release topiramate. Frequency of side effects can differ based on your age, as well as the dose and formulation of topiramate you're taking.
•Feeling "pins and needles"•Drowsiness•Weight loss•Nervousness•Fatigue•Dizziness•Lack of appetite•Trouble sleeping•Upper respiratory tract infection (e.g., cough, stuffy nose, sore throat)•Fever•Change in taste•Trouble moving or keeping balanceWarnings of Campral vs. Topamax
Common Side Effects for•Suicidal thoughts and behavior•Kidney problems•Might not help with alcohol withdrawal symptomsCommon Side Effects for•Vision problems•High body temperature and trouble sweating•Higher level of acid in blood•Suicidal thoughts or behavior•Problems with mood and thinking clearly•Higher ammonia level in blood•Serious birth defects•Skin reactions•Withdrawal seizures•Interaction with other medicationsPrices with our coupons for Campral vs. Topamax
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