Topamax vs. Baclofen for Epilepsy and Multiple Sclerosis: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

Topiramate

(Topamax)

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Baclofen

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Summary for Topamax

Prescription only

Topiramate (Topamax) belongs to the drug class called antiepileptics. It can be used alone or together with other medications to treat certain types of seizures in people 2 years and older. Topiramate (Topamax) can also be used to prevent migraines in people 12 years and older. It comes as immediate-release tablets and sprinkle capsules. The dosage is taken by mouth twice daily. Topiramate (Topamax) has many possible side effects, like weight loss and tingling of the arms and legs. It can also interact with many other medications.

Indications for Topamax

Seizures (partial-onset, tonic-clonic, or those from Lennox-Gastaut syndrome) in people 2 years and older
Migraine prevention in people 12 years and older

Pros and Cons for Topamax

Pros

Can take by itself or with other medications to control seizures
An option for preventing migraines
Also available as a sprinkle capsule that you can open and mix contents with soft food (for people who have trouble swallowing pills)
Approved for both adults and children (age depends on the health problem)

Cons

Taken twice a day
Can cause sleepiness and tingling in the arms or legs
Risk of some serious side effects, like eye problems and kidney stones
Interacts with many medications, like birth control pills, warfarin, and divalproex (Depakote)

Common Side Effects for Topamax

"Pins and needles" feeling
Sleepiness
Dizziness
Fatigue
Low appetite
Weight loss
Nervousness
Depression
Trouble concentrating
Trouble remembering things
Trouble sleeping
Trouble moving or keeping balance
Fever
Mood changes
Change in taste

Warnings for Topamax

Vision problems
High body temperature and trouble sweating
Too much acid in the blood (metabolic acidosis)
Changes in mood and risk of suicidal thoughts or behavior
Problems with memory, speech, or coordination
Sleepiness, tiredness, and lower concentration
High ammonia levels in the blood
Serious skin reactions
Kidney stones
Risk of seizures if you stop the medication suddenly
Bone or growth problems in children
Interaction with other medications
Harm to an unborn baby

Summary for Baclofen

Prescription only

Baclofen is a muscle relaxer. It's used to treat muscle spasms from multiple sclerosis or spinal cord injuries in adults and children ages 12 years and older. This medication is taken by mouth, typically 3 times a day. Baclofen comes as tablets, as well as oral solutions (including brand names Ozobax DS and Fleqsuvy) and dissolvable granules (brand name Lyvispah) for people who've trouble swallowing tablets. Side effects of baclofen include sleepiness, dizziness, and nausea. If you stop this medication too suddenly, you might experience withdrawal symptoms.

Indications for Baclofen

Muscle spasms from multiple sclerosis or spinal cord injuries in people ages 12 years and older

Pros and Cons for Baclofen

Pros

Starts to work quickly
Can take with or without food
Tablets and some liquid formulations are available as lower-cost generics
Can crush or cut tablets

Cons

Sleepiness is a common side effect
Oral granules are available as a brand-name only
Can cause withdrawal symptoms if stopped too quickly
Might not be safe while pregnant

Common Side Effects for Baclofen

Sleepiness (up to 63%)
Dizziness (up to 15%)
Weakness (up to 15%)
Nausea (up to 12%)
Confusion (up to 11%)

Warnings for Baclofen

Withdrawal symptoms
Extreme sleepiness or dizziness
Worsening of other health conditions
Don't take during pregnancy

Prices with our coupons for Topamax vs. Baclofen

Topiramate60 tablets / 50mg

$9.00$9.00

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Baclofen60 tablets / 10mg

$11.74$37.23

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Topamax vs. Baclofen

Topiramate

Baclofen

Summary for Topamax

Indications for Topamax

Pros and Cons for Topamax

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Topamax

Warnings for Topamax

Summary for Baclofen

Indications for Baclofen

Pros and Cons for Baclofen

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Baclofen

Warnings for Baclofen

Prices with our coupons for Topamax vs. Baclofen

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Topiramate

Baclofen

Summary for Topamax

Indications for Topamax

Pros and Cons for Topamax

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Topamax

Warnings for Topamax

Summary for Baclofen

Indications for Baclofen

Pros and Cons for Baclofen

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Baclofen

Warnings for Baclofen