Tag: Topiramate

Excessive levels of the excitatory neurotransmitter glutamate can be toxic to neurons, a process known as excitotoxicity, which is implicated in conditions like ALS and neurodegenerative disorders. Understanding **what drugs decrease glutamate levels** is vital for managing these conditions and is an active area of pharmacological research.

Epilepsy affects approximately 50 million people worldwide, making it one of the most common neurological diseases globally [1.6.4]. For many, a single medication isn't enough, which raises the question: can you take topiramate and levetiracetam together for better seizure control?

According to the Epilepsy Foundation, Topamax (topiramate) is a proven antiseizure medication for many patients with epilepsy. This article addresses the common question, **Can you take Topamax if you have seizures?**, and explains its role in managing various seizure types.

In 2020, levetiracetam (Keppra) was prescribed to more than 5 million people in the U.S., while topiramate (Topamax) was prescribed to over 4 million, making them both widely used antiepileptic drugs. Despite their shared purpose of treating seizures, the question, '**Is levetiracetam the same as Topamax?**' is a common one that reveals a fundamental misunderstanding, as the two are fundamentally distinct medications.

Yes, taking Topamax (topiramate) and Xcopri (cenobamate) together as an adjunctive therapy is a known clinical practice for treating seizures in adults. However, this combination requires close medical supervision and cautious dosage titration due to a heightened risk of central nervous system (CNS) side effects like dizziness and confusion.

Studies show that approximately 1 in 7 cases of psychosis in people with epilepsy may be triggered by their medication [1.2.1]. This raises the critical question for patients and clinicians: which antiepileptic causes psychosis and what are the associated risk factors?

A 2018 study on antiepileptic drug use found regular use of medications with cognitive adverse effects was associated with a 59% increased risk of incident dementia. Understanding which epilepsy drugs cause dementia is crucial for long-term treatment planning, as various factors influence cognitive outcomes.

While typically prescribed for epilepsy and migraine prevention, Topiramate is sometimes used off-label to manage various types of neuropathic pain, including occipital neuralgia. However, direct clinical evidence for *Topiramate's* specific effectiveness in treating occipital neuralgia alone is limited, and it is often considered in combination therapy.

As of early 2023, generic versions of the brand-name drug Trokendi XR became commercially available in the United States, providing a lower-cost treatment alternative. These generic versions, known as topiramate extended-release capsules, contain the same active ingredient as the brand-name drug.

While both Trokendi XR and Topamax contain the same active ingredient, topiramate, their primary difference lies in their release mechanism and dosing schedule. Trokendi XR is an extended-release formulation taken once daily, offering a key distinction from Topamax's immediate-release, twice-daily regimen.