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Compare Topamax vs. Cafergot

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

  • Topiramate
    Cafergot (ergotamine / caffeine)
  • Topiramate
    Cafergot (ergotamine / caffeine)

  • Summary of Topamax vs. Cafergot

    Summary for Antiepileptic
    Prescription only

    Topiramate 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.

    Summary for Ergot derivative / PDE inhibitor, nonselective
    Prescription only

    Cafergot (ergotamine / caffeine) is used to treat cluster headaches and migraines in adults. It's available as a tablet that's taken by mouth, as well as a suppository that's inserted into the rectum. Typically, you take a dose as soon as you feel a headache coming on. But there's a limit to how many doses you can take each week because taking this medication too often can lead to serious side effects, such as vomiting and numbness. Brand name Cafergot is discontinued.

  • Indications of Topamax vs. Cafergot

    Indications for
    •Seizures (partial seizures, tonic-clonic seizures, Lennox-Gastaut syndrome)
    •Migraine prevention
    Indications for
    •Headache pain caused by swollen or widened blood vessels (vascular headaches)

  • Pros and Cons of Topamax vs. Cafergot

    Pros and Const for Antiepileptic
    Pros
    •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 children
    Cons
    •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 grow
    Pros and Const for Ergot derivative / PDE inhibitor, nonselective
    Pros
    •Suppository is a good option for people who've trouble swallowing pills
    •Tablet is available as a lower-cost generic
    •Can start to feel relief after a half hour (for the tablets) or an hour (for the suppository); and you may take an additional dose if no relief
    Cons
    •Not for daily or long-term use
    •Can't take while pregnant
    •Not safe for use for people with kidney or liver problems
    •Rectal suppository is brand name only and requires refrigeration

  • Common Side Effects of Topamax vs. Cafergot

    Common Side Effects for

    Please 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 balance
    Common Side Effects for
    •Nausea

  • Warnings of Topamax vs. Cafergot

    Common 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 medications
    Common Side Effects for
    •Dangerously low blood flow to your brain and limbs
    •Fibrosis (scarring)
    •Allergic reaction to yellow dye

  • Prices with our coupons for Topamax vs. Cafergot

    Learn more about Topiramate
    Learn more about Cafergot

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