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Compare Topamax vs. Effexor XR

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

Key takeaways

Topiramate (Topamax, Qudexy XR, Trokendi XR, Eprontia) and venlafaxine (Effexor, Effexor XR) are both prescription medications, but they are used for different conditions and belong to different drug classes. Topiramate is an antiepileptic used to treat seizures and prevent migraines, while venlafaxine is a serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) used to treat depression, anxiety, social anxiety disorder, and panic disorder. Topiramate is available in both immediate-release and extended-release forms, as well as a liquid solution, and can be taken once or twice daily. Venlafaxine also comes in immediate-release and extended-release forms, but it is typically taken once a day. Topiramate can cause side effects like kidney stones, vision problems, and difficulty thinking clearly, whereas venlafaxine may cause side effects such as nausea, dry mouth, and increased blood pressure. Additionally, venlafaxine has a higher risk of causing withdrawal symptoms if stopped suddenly compared to topiramate. Both medications have generic versions available, making them more affordable options.

Topiramate
Venlafaxine
Topiramate
Venlafaxine
Summary of Topamax vs. Effexor XR
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 SNRI
Prescription only
Venlafaxine is an antidepressant used to treat mental health conditions like depression, generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, and panic disorder. It comes in two forms: extended-release, which is taken once a day, and immediate-release, which is taken in split doses throughout the day. This medication can interact with many things, including other medications and alcohol. Possible side effects can include nausea, weight changes, and sexual problems. It can also cause withdrawal symptoms if you stop taking it suddenly.
Indications of Topamax vs. Effexor XR
Indications for

•Seizures (partial seizures, tonic-clonic seizures, Lennox-Gastaut syndrome)

•Migraine prevention

Indications for

•Depression

•Generalized anxiety disorder - extended-release capsules only

•Social anxiety disorder - extended-release capsules and tablets only

•Panic disorder - extended-release capsules only
Pros and Cons of Topamax vs. Effexor XR
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 SNRI
Pros

•Can treat multiple mental health conditions

•Affects two chemicals in the brain that impact your mood

•Lower risk of weight gain compared to other antidepressants

•Comes in both immediate-release and extended-release versions

Cons

•Might raise your blood pressure, especially at higher doses

•Interacts with many medications

•Can take up to 4 to 8 weeks before you feel the full effect

•High risk of causing withdrawal symptoms if suddenly stopped
Common Side Effects of Topamax vs. Effexor XR
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
Extended-release:

•Nausea (29-31%)

•Trouble sleeping (17-23%)

•Dizziness (16-20%)

•Loss of appetite (10-20%)

•Drowsiness (15-17%)

•Dry mouth (12-17%)

•Abnormal ejaculation (10-16%)

•Sweating (11-14%)

•Weakness (8-13%)

Immediate-release:

•Nausea (37%)

•Headache (25%)

•Drowsiness (23%)

•Dry mouth (22%)

•Dizziness (19%)

•Trouble sleeping (18%)

•Constipation (15%)

•Nervousness (13%)

•Weakness (12%)

•Sweating (12%)

•Abnormal ejaculation (12%)

•Loss of appetite (11%)
Warnings of Topamax vs. Effexor XR
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

•Suicidal thoughts and behavior

•Serotonin syndrome

•High blood pressure

•Higher bleeding risk

•Mania

•Glaucoma

•Withdrawal

•Seizures

•Low sodium levels

•Lung problems and pneumonia

•Sexual problems
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Compare Topamax vs. Effexor XR

Key takeaways

Summary of Topamax vs. Effexor XR

Indications of Topamax vs. Effexor XR

Pros and Cons of Topamax vs. Effexor XR

Common Side Effects of Topamax vs. Effexor XR

Warnings of Topamax vs. Effexor XR

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