Topiramate (Topamax)

FAQ

• How Does Topiramate Work?

  Topiramate helps to calm and stabilize the electrical activity in your brain by calming the messages that are being sent to the nerve signals. That means less chaos for the chemicals in your brain, which helps to reduce the severity and frequency of migraines as well as seizures.

  Topiramate comes as an extended-release capsule, a tablet, and a sprinkle capsule. The sprinkle capsules and tablets are usually taken once or twice per day with food and the extended-release tablets can be taken daily with or without food. Keep the drug stored in a dry place at cool room temperature.

  The dosage your doctor will prescribe is based on your condition and how well you respond to the treatment. If the doctor is prescribing the medication for a while, weight is also a factor. The doctor may choose to start you with a low dosage and gradually increase the amount to lower the likelihood of side effects. It may take several weeks or even months to reach the full dosage.

• Is Topiramate Easy to Get?

  Yes! It is easy to get Topiramate at most pharmacies. However, it is a prescription medication, so you'll have to talk to your doctor about taking it first. We at Nurx™ make high-quality healthcare more accessible and affordable. If you don't have a regular physician or insurance, we've got you covered! We have real doctors in every state we work in who can evaluate your symptoms and get a prescription to you right over the internet.

  Many patients may be concerned about the cost of treatment with Nurx. However, we want to reassure you that we are committed to keeping our costs low. The Nurx Headache and Migraine Treatment consultation costs just $5 per month, a total of $60 per year. That fee is charged upfront when you submit your videos and assessment for the medical evaluation. Your insurance provider will not cover this. However, we will bill your insurance company for the cost of your medication and the co-pay you're responsible for is dependent on your individual insurance plan. If you don't carry insurance, you can expect the cost of the medication to be between $25 and $70 per month depending on the treatment that the physician prescribes.

• Are There Any Precautions That Should Be Taken When Using Topiramate?

  Like any new medication, it's important to always communicate any allergies you have before you begin taking the drug, as it could contain inactive ingredients you're allergic to. Be sure to mention if you have a history of eye problems, liver problems, kidney problems, mental or mood disorders, lung or breathing problems, long-term diarrhea, a metabolic imbalance, osteoporosis, or follow a high-fat/low-carbohydrate diet.

  Topiramate can make you sweat less, which increases the likelihood that you could experience heat stroke. Do your best to avoid things that could cause you to overheat, like exercising in hot water or using hot tubs. Because the drug can make you dizzy or drowsy, avoid alcohol or drugs that could increase those side effects. Use caution when driving or using machinery until you are confident you can do so safely.

• What Are the Possible Side Effects of Taking Topiramate?

  Along with its many benefits, Topiramate does have some unwanted side effects. You should let your doctor know right away if you experience any side effects from the drug. Some of the more common side effects include burning or tingling sensations, eye or vision problems, dizziness, drowsiness, memory problems and confusion, speech problems, nervousness, menstrual pain, and unsteadiness.

  There are some other less common side effects as well, including appetite loss, weight loss, mood changes and irritability, chills, fever, or abdominal pain. In rare cases, there are documented instances of trouble breathing, hearing loss, difficulty with or frequent urination, blood in the urine, or lower back or side pain. While we understand how scary these symptoms sound, keep in mind that these are extremely rare. It also has some positive side effects as well and has been used off-label to treat substance abuse and mood disorders like bipolar disorder.

• Does Topiramate Interact Negatively With Other Medications?

  Like any drug, Topiramate can interact with other medication, herbs, or vitamins you could be taking, so it's always important to go over anything you're taking with your doctor or one of the Nurx providers. Specific drugs that can cause interactions with Topiramate include allergy drugs that slow down the central nervous system, as they can increase the likelihood or intensity of side effects like dizziness or drowsiness.

  Other drugs that can cause interactions are antidepressants, anxiety drugs, diabetes drugs, heart drugs, water pills, insomnia medication, pain medication, menopause drugs, and bipolar disorder drugs.

• How Do I Get a Prescription for Topamax Through Nurx?

  Every patient is required to take our medical assessment, answering questions that allow our healthcare professionals to create the best treatment plan based on their symptoms. While we generally prescribe generics like Topiramate, if you communicate in your assessment that Topamax worked well for you in the past, we'll most likely prescribe that.

• Can I Buy Topiramate Online Through Nurx?

  Absolutely! Just fill out one of our assessments for our medical team, answer some questions, and give us your insurance if you have it. It also isn't a problem if you don't have insurance, as we are committed to making medication affordable for our patients. Once one of our approved doctors prescribes your medication and the order is filled, we'll get it right out in the mail to you!

• How Long Would It Take to Deliver Topiramate If I Bought It Online?

  One of the best things about getting your medication from Nurx is that you never have to waste your time standing in long lines at the pharmacy ever again. We use USPS one to three-day priority shipping to provide free delivery, so prescription deliveries will typically arrive in as little as three to five business days after we receive your completed request.

• Who Makes This Drug?

  The brand name drug Topamax is manufactured by Janssen Pharms. The generic version, Topiramate, is manufactured by a number of companies, including Teva, Watson Labs, Zydus Pharms USA Inc, and CIPLA LTD.

• What If I Accidentally Miss a Dose?

  If you miss a dose, just take it as soon as you can remember. Fortunately, Topiramate is a long-acting medication, which means that taking a dose late isn't the end of the world unless it's happening on a regular basis.

• Should I Take Topiramate in the Morning or at Night?

  It depends on your history of migraines or seizures. Many people begin taking the drug at dinnertime or bedtime until they work up to a higher dosage, at which point they may split the dosage between morning and night. However, it's best to take the drug as your doctor or the label prescribes.

• Does Topiramate Work Immediately?

  Although you're taking the drug every day, it can take some time to work. Many patients experience fewer migraines within a month of taking the drug. However, for others, it has been documented to take as many as two or three months.

• Will Topiramate Make Me Tired?

  Drowsiness and fatigue are some of the more common side effects that patients experience when taking Topiramate. According to the FDA, it causes fatigue in approximately 15% of the people who use it.