Topiramate vs. Trokendi XR for Migraine and Epilepsy: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

Topiramate

(Topamax)

Trokendi XR

(topiramate)

Summary for Topiramate

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 Topiramate

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 Topiramate

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 Topiramate

"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 Topiramate

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 Trokendi XR

Prescription only

Trokendi XR, the brand name for topiramate extended-release capsules, is an antiepileptic medication. It's used alone or together with other medications to treat some types of seizures in people 6 years and older. It can also help prevent migraines in people 12 years and older. You take the dosage by mouth once a day. This medication can cause side effects like dizziness and tingling of the arms and legs. It can also have interactions with other medications. Trokendi XR (topiramate) is available as brand-name and generic versions.

Indications for Trokendi XR

Seizures (partial-onset, tonic-clonic, or those from Lennox-Gastaut syndrome) in people 6 years and older
Migraine prevention in people 12 years and older

Pros and Cons for Trokendi XR

Pros

Only taken once a day
Can take by itself or with other medications to control seizures
Can also help prevent migraines
Approved for both adults and children (age depends on the health problem)

Cons

Must swallow whole, so not a good option if you have trouble swallowing pills
Can cause sleepiness and tingling in the arms or legs
Risk of serious eye problems and kidney stones
Interacts with alcohol and many medications, like birth control pills, warfarin, and divalproex (Depakote)