Compare Felbamate vs. Topamax
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.
Key takeaways
Felbamate (Felbatol) and Topiramate (Topamax, Qudexy XR, Trokendi XR, Eprontia) are both antiepileptic medications, but they have some key differences. Felbamate is used to treat partial seizures in adults and seizures linked to Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS) in children, while Topiramate can treat a wider range of seizures, including partial, tonic-clonic, and LGS seizures, and is also used for migraine prevention. Felbamate is typically taken 3 to 4 times a day, whereas Topiramate can be taken once or twice daily depending on the formulation. Felbamate is not a first-choice medication due to its serious side effects like liver and blood problems, while Topiramate has its own risks, such as kidney stones and serious eye problems. Both medications are available in generic forms and come in various formulations, including tablets and oral solutions. However, Topiramate offers more flexibility with extended-release options and some capsule forms can be sprinkled on food, making it easier to take for those who have trouble swallowing pills.
- Felbamate (Felbatol)Topiramate
- Felbamate (Felbatol)Topiramate
Summary of Felbamate vs. Topamax
Summary for AntiepilepticPrescription onlyFelbamate (Felbatol) helps treat partial (or focal) seizures in adults with epilepsy and in children with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS). It's typically taken by mouth 3 or 4 times a day, and the dose is adjusted based on your response to the medication. Common side effects include vomiting, stomach upset, and trouble sleeping. Felbamate (Felbatol) isn't a first-choice option because it can cause very serious side effects, like liver and blood problems. This medication is available as a tablet and an oral suspension, which are both sold as brand-name and generic versions.
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 Felbamate vs. Topamax
Indications for•Partial seizures in adults with epilepsy•Seizures linked to Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS) in children - add-on treatmentIndications for•Seizures (partial seizures, tonic-clonic seizures, Lennox-Gastaut syndrome)•Migraine preventionPros and Cons of Felbamate vs. Topamax
Pros and Const for AntiepilepticPros•Can use by itself or with other medications to control seizures in adults•Less likely to cause sedation when used alone than some other antiseizure medications•Available as a suspension if you have trouble swallowing pills•Available as a lower-cost generic•Not a controlled substance, so it doesn't have strict regulations from the governmentCons•Not a first-choice antiepileptic because of risk of serious side effects; only take if other medications haven't worked well enough•Taken 3 to 4 times a day•Interacts with some other antiepileptics, so your provider might have to adjust your doses•Dose adjustment needed if you have kidney problems because of higher risk of side effects•Unknown if safe for pregnant or breastfeeding womenPros 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 Felbamate vs. Topamax
Common Side Effects forThe following side effects were reported in adults taking this medication in addition to other antiepileptics.
•Headache (37%)•Nausea (34%)•Drowsiness (19%)•Low appetite (19%)•Dizziness (18%)•Difficulty sleeping (18%)•Tiredness (17%)•Vomiting (17%)•Indigestion (12%)•Constipation (11%)Side effects might be different for children or for adults taking this medication by itself.
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 Felbamate vs. Topamax
Common Side Effects for•Low blood cell counts (aplastic anemia)•Liver failure•Suicidal thoughts or behavior•Interactions with other antiepilepticsCommon 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 Felbamate vs. Topamax
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