How Effective Is Topamax for Migraine Prevention?
Studies suggest that topiramate may reduce headache frequency by 50% or more when compared with placebo.
It’s also available in 15 mg and 25 mg capsules that contain a powdered form of the medication.

Terry Vine/Getty Images
The capsules can be swallowed whole or opened up and sprinkled onto soft food.
Gradually titrating the dose of Topamax in this way will help to prevent side effects.
It takes time for Topamax to work when you first start using it.
How Long Do You Stay on Topamax for Migraines?
Withdrawal seizures are a potential side effect of stopping abruptly, even if you do not haveepilepsy.
Side Effects
One downside of Topamax is that it can cause a host of side effects.
Call your healthcare provider if they don’t.
The medications most likely to interact with Topamax include:
Taking Topamax may decrease the effectiveness of hormonal contraceptives.
If you become pregnant while taking the drug, call your healthcare provider right away.
Food and Drug Administration.Topamax label.
Cross JH, Riney CJ.Topiramate.
In: Shorvon S, Perucca E, Engel J, eds.The Treatment of Epilepsy.
Wiley; 2015:642-651. doi:10.1002/9781118936979.ch50
Silberstein SD.Topiramate in migraine prevention: a 2016 perspective.Headache.
2017;57(1):165-178. doi:10.1111/head.12997
Ha H, Gonzalez A.Migraine headache prophylaxis.Am Fam Physician.
2019;99(1):17-24.
Li B, Johari P, Camacho Ruiz C.Topiramate (Topamax) for migraine prophylaxis.Academic Emergency Medicine.
2012 Jun;52(6):930-45. doi:10.1111/j.1526-4610.2012.02185.x
NHS.Common questions about topiramate.
NHS.How and when to take topiramate.
2016;10(3):NC01-4.
2004 Apr;61(4):490-495. doi: 10.1001/archneur.61.4.490
Silberstein SD.Topiramate in Migraine Prevention.
2005 Apr;45 Suppl 1:S57-65.
doi: 10.1111.j.1526-4610.2005.4501005.x
U.S. Food and Drug Administrtion.Medication Guide: Topamax.