Topamax vs. Dantrium for Epilepsy and Spasticity: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

Topiramate

(Topamax)

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Dantrolene

(Dantrium)

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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 Dantrium

Prescription only

Dantrolene sodium is a muscle relaxant. Dantrolene (Dantrium) is used for muscle stiffness or spasms (spasticity), including a severe and potentially life-threatening problem in people receiving surgery called malignant hyperthermia. Dantrolene (Dantrium) is taken by mouth, typically 3 to 4 times per day, by adults and children ages 5 years and older. Dantrolene sodium is also available as injections (Ryanodex and Revonto) given in hospital settings. Some side effects of dantrolene (Dantrium) include sleepiness, dizziness, and diarrhea.

Indications for Dantrium

Long-term muscle spasticity from certain nerve-related conditions
Prevent or lessen the severity of malignant hyperthermia before procedures

Pros and Cons for Dantrium

Pros

Taken by mouth
Available as a lower-cost generic form
Might be an option for children as young as 5 years old

Cons

Taken multiple times a day
Can cause drowsiness and dizziness
Raises risk for serious liver problems

Common Side Effects for Dantrium

Dizziness
Sleepiness
Weakness
Tiredness
Fatigue
Diarrhea

Warnings for Dantrium

Liver injury

Prices with our coupons for Topamax vs. Dantrium

Topiramate30 tablets / 25mg

$5.32$5.32

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Dantrolene120 capsules / 25mg

$31.57$115.68

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Topamax vs. Dantrium

Topiramate

Dantrolene

Summary for Topamax

Indications for Topamax

Pros and Cons for Topamax

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Topamax

Warnings for Topamax

Summary for Dantrium

Indications for Dantrium

Pros and Cons for Dantrium

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Dantrium

Warnings for Dantrium

Prices with our coupons for Topamax vs. Dantrium

Compare other Epilepsy and Spasticity drugs

Browse medications by letter

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Topiramate

Dantrolene

Summary for Topamax

Indications for Topamax

Pros and Cons for Topamax

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Topamax

Warnings for Topamax

Summary for Dantrium

Indications for Dantrium

Pros and Cons for Dantrium

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Dantrium

Warnings for Dantrium