- Lyrica (pregabalin) vs. Topamax (topiramate) similarities and differences
- What is Lyrica? What is Topamax?
- What are the side effects of Lyrica and Topamax?
- What is the dosage of Lyrica vs. Topamax?
- What drugs interact with Lyrica and Topamax?
- Are Lyrica and Topamax safe to use while pregnant or breastfeeding?
Lyrica (pregabalin) vs. Topamax (topiramate) similarities and differences
- Lyrica (pregabalin) and Topamax (topiramate) are anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs) used to prevent epileptic seizures.
- Lyrica is also used to treat neuropathic pain associated with diabetic peripheral neuropathy or postherpetic neuralgia, and fibromyalgia.
- Topamax is also used to prevent migraine headaches.
- Side effects of Lyrica and Topamax that are similar include dizziness, nausea, fatigue/tiredness, changes in vision (blurred vision, double vision), memory problems, and disorientation or confusion.
- Side effects of Lyrica that are different from Topamax include dry mouth, constipation, drowsiness, fluid retention (edema), weight gain, abnormal gait, tremor, difficulty concentrating, increased appetite, gas, myoclonus (sudden, involuntary jerking of a muscle or muscle groups), heart failure, low blood pressure, vomiting, reduced blood platelet counts, and increased blood creatinine kinase levels.
- Side effects of Topamax that are different from Lyrica include coordination problems, nervousness, weight loss, speech problems, tingling or prickling sensation in hands and feet, and sensory distortion.
What is Lyrica? What is Topamax?
Lyrica (pregabalin) is an oral medication chemically related to gabapentin (Gralise, Neurontin) used to treat pain caused by neurologic diseases such as postherpetic neuralgia as well as seizures. It also is used to treat fibromyalgia.
Topamax (topiramate) is an anti-seizure or anti-epileptic drug (AED) used to prevent epileptic seizures. It is used primarily among patients who are not controlled by other anti-epileptic drugs. Topiramate also prevents migraine headaches.
SLIDESHOW
See SlideshowWhat are the side effects of Lyrica and Topamax?
Lyrica
WARNING
- Antiepileptic medications have been associated with increased risk of suicidal thinking and behavior. Anyone considering the use of antiepileptic drugs must balance this risk of suicide with the clinical need. Patients who are started on therapy should be closely observed for clinical worsening, suicidal thoughts, or unusual changes in behavior.
The most common side effects of Lyrica are
- dizziness,
- drowsiness,
- dry mouth (xerostomia),
- edema (accumulation of fluid),
- blurred vision,
- double vision (diplopia),
- weight gain,
- fatigue (tiredness),
- abnormal gait (ataxia),
- tremor, and
- difficulty concentrating.
Other side effects include
- constipation,
- increased appetite,
- nausea,
- flatulence,
- amnesia,
- disorientation,
- myoclonus (sudden, involuntary jerking of a muscle or muscle groups),
- heart failure,
- low blood pressure,
- vomiting,
- reduced blood platelet counts, and
- increased blood creatinine kinase levels.
Increased creatinine kinase can be a sign of muscle injury, and in clinical trials three patients experienced rhabdomyolysis (severe muscle injury). Therefore, patients should report unexplained muscle pain, tenderness or weakness to their doctors, especially if associated with fever and malaise (reduced well-being). Lyrica has rarely been associated with angioedema (swelling of the face, tongue, lips, and gums, throat and larynx).
Topamax
The most common side effects of topiramate are:
- tiredness,
- dizziness,
- coordination problems,
- nervousness,
- nausea,
- weight loss,
- confusion,
- speech problems,
- changes in vision or
- double vision,
- tingling or prickling sensation in hands and feet,
- difficulty with memory, and
- sensory distortion.
Other important side effects include:
- increased ammonia levels,
- metabolic acidosis,
- kidney stones,
- decreased sweating, and
- increased body temperature.
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What is the dosage of Lyrica vs. Topamax?
Lyrica
- Lyrica may be taken with or without food.
- Treating diabetic peripheral neuropathy: The initial dose for neuropathic pain associated with diabetic peripheral neuropathy is 50 mg three times a day (150 mg/day). The dose may be increased to a maximum dose of 100 mg 3 times daily (300 mg/day) after one week.
- Treating postherpetic neuralgia: The recommended dose for postherpetic neuralgia is 75-150 mg twice daily or 50-100 mg three times daily. Dosing should begin at 75 mg two times a day or 50 mg three times a day (150 mg/day). The dose may be increased to 100 mg 3 times daily (300 mg/day) after one week. If pain relief is inadequate after 2-4 weeks of treatment at 300 mg/day, the dose may be increased to 300 mg twice daily or 200 mg three times daily. Doses greater than 300 mg cause more side effects.
- Treating neuropathic pain associated with spinal cord injury: The dose for treating neuropathic pain associated with spinal cord injury is 150 to 600 mg daily. Begin dosing at 75 mg two times a day an increase to 150 mg two times daily after one week if the response is inadequate. May increase to 300 mg twice daily if the response is inadequate after 2 to 3 weeks.
- Treating seizures: The recommended dose for treating seizures is 150-600 mg/day divided into 2 or 3 doses, starting at 150 mg daily and increasing based on response and tolerability. The maximum dose is 600 mg/day.
- Treating fibromyalgia: Fibromyalgia is treated with 300-450 mg/day in 2 or 3 divided doses.
Topamax
- Most commonly, topiramate immediate release tablets and sprinkles are started in low doses, 25 or 50 mg per day, and then increased slowly by 25 to 50 mg per week until an effective daily dose is reached for treatment of seizures. For children 10 years or older and adults the dose may be increased by 100 mg in week 5 and 6 when topiramate is used alone. This slow approach to treatment reduces side effects. The recommended final adult dose is 200-400 mg administered as two divided doses daily.
- In children, the starting dose is up to 25 mg (1 to 3 mg/kg/day), taken nightly for the first week. The dose is then increased at 1 or 2 week intervals by 1 to 3 mg/kg/day administered in two divided doses. The target dose is 5 to 9 mg/kg per day in two divided doses.
- Migraine is treated 25 mg nightly for the first week then increased by 25 mg weekly up to a maximum dose of 100 mg administered in two divided doses.
- Patients should maintain an adequate fluid intake in order to minimize the risk of kidney stones.
- The recommended dose for extended release capsules is 200-400 mg once daily.
What drugs interact with Lyrica and Topamax?
Lyrica
- Alcohol and drugs that cause sedation may increase the sedative effects of pregabalin.
- Pioglitazone (Actos) and rosiglitazone (Avandia) cause weight gain, fluid retention, and possibly heart failure. Therefore, combining pregabalin with these drugs may increase the occurrence of weight gain and fluid retention.
Topamax
- The following medications, when taken with topiramate, increase the risk of kidney stones and metabolic acidosis: acetazolamide (Diamox), dorzolamide (Trusopt), methazolamide (Neptazane), dichlorphenamide (Daranide).
- Carbamazepine (Tegretol) and phenytoin (Dilantin) markedly decrease the amount of topiramate in the body by increasing its elimination from the body. As a result, topiramate may lose effectiveness unless doses are increased.
- Combining valproic acid (Depakote, Depakote ER, Depakene, Depacon, Stavzor) with topiramate may increase the blood ammonia levels and cause hypothermia.
- Topiramate may decrease the amount of estrogen in the body in women taking oral contraceptives, possibly increasing the chances of unwanted pregnancy and breakthrough bleeding.
- Patients with seizure disorders taking anticonvulsant medications, including topiramate, may develop nerve toxicity from a chemical, 4'-O-methylpyridoxine, found as a contaminant in some ginkgo preparations.
- Topiramate may cause metabolic acidosis. Metformin (Glucophage) is contraindicated in patients with metabolic acidosis.
- Topiramate may increase lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid) levels at higher doses.
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Are Lyrica and Topamax safe to use while pregnant or breastfeeding?
Lyrica
- There are no adequate studies of Lyrica in pregnant women.
- It is not known whether Lyrica is excreted in breast milk.
Topamax
- Topiramate has been associated with cleft palate in newborns whose mothers used topiramate during the first trimester of pregnancy.
- Topiramate is excreted in human milk at levels 10% to 20% the levels in the mother's blood.
From
Brain & Nervous Resources
Summary
Lyrica (pregabalin) and Topamax (topiramate) are anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs) used to prevent epileptic seizures. Lyrica is also used to treat neuropathic pain associated with diabetic peripheral neuropathy or postherpetic neuralgia, and fibromyalgia. Topamax is also used to prevent migraine headaches.
Multimedia: Slideshows, Images & Quizzes
Related Disease Conditions
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Types of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Medications
Traumatic brain injury and related conditions, may require diuretics, anticonvulsants, sedatives, antidepressants, muscle relaxers, pain relievers, and stimulants to treat deficits in cognitive functions such as attention, memory, learning and language.
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Migraines and Seizures
Migraines are a type of headache and seizures are the main symptom of epilepsy. Migraine headaches and seizures are two different neurological problems that have similar signs, symptoms, and auras, for example, sensitivity to light (photophobia) and sound, irritability, nausea, and vomiting. Symptoms unique to migraine and migraine auras are water retention, problems sleeping, appetite changes, and talkativeness. Symptoms unique to seizure and seizures auras are depression, a feeling of heaviness, a feeling that a seizure is approaching, and depression. Many of the symptoms of migraine and seizures are the same, however, seizures do not cause migraines; however, people who have seizures are twice as likely to have migraines and vice-versa. People who have migraines are twice as likely to have seizures, and people with seizures are twice as likely to have migraines; however, one condition does not cause the other.
-
Seizure (Epilepsy)
Epilepsy is a brain disorder in which the person has seizures. There are two kinds of seizures, focal and generalized. There are many causes of epilepsy. Treatment of epilepsy (seizures) depends upon the cause and type of seizures experienced.
-
Seizures Symptoms and Types
Seizures are divided into two categories: generalized and partial. Generalized seizures are produced by electrical impulses from throughout the brain, while partial seizures are produced by electrical impulses in a small part of the brain. Seizure symptoms include unconsciousness, convulsions, and muscle rigidity.
-
Febrile Seizures
Febrile seizures, or convulsions caused by fever, can be frightening in small children or infants. However, in general, febrile seizures are harmless. Febrile seizure is not epilepsy. It is estimated that one in every 25 children will have at least one febrile seizure. It is important to know what to do to help your child if he/she has a febrile seizure. Some of the features of a febrile seizure include losing consciousness, shaking, moving limbs on both sides of the body, and lasts 1-2 minutes. Less commonly, a febrile seizure may only affect one side of the body.
-
Seizure vs. Seizure Disorders: What's the Difference?
Seizures and seizure disorders are not the same medical problems. A seizure happens when the electrical activity in the brain is uncontrolled. There are about 40 different types of seizure disorders, in which epilepsy is one. Symptoms depend on the type of disorder, but can include loss of consciousness, uncontrolled twitching or shaking of one side, or the entire body.
Treatment & Diagnosis
Medications & Supplements
Prevention & Wellness
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Top Lyrica pregabalin vs Topamax topiramate Related Articles
Lyrica vs. Tramadol
Lyrica (pregabalin) and Ultram (tramadol) are used to treat pain. Lyrica is used to treat neuropathic pain associated with diabetic peripheral neuropathy or postherpetic neuralgia, and fibromyalgia. Lyrica is also used in combination with other drugs to treat partial onset seizures in adults. Tramadol is used to manage moderate to moderately severe pain.
Seizures Quiz
Do you know the difference between seizures and epilepsy? What are the types of seizures? Take the Epilepsy & Seizures Quiz to test your knowledge and learn about this complex disorder of the brain.Febrile Seizures
Febrile seizures, or convulsions caused by fever, can be frightening in small children or infants. However, in general, febrile seizures are harmless. Febrile seizure is not epilepsy. It is estimated that one in every 25 children will have at least one febrile seizure. It is important to know what to do to help your child if he/she has a febrile seizure. Some of the features of a febrile seizure include losing consciousness, shaking, moving limbs on both sides of the body, and lasts 1-2 minutes. Less commonly, a febrile seizure may only affect one side of the body.What Is the First Aid for Seizures?
Some seizures are caused by brain diseases, tumors, genetic conditions, or other illnesses or disorders that can be diagnosed (symptomatic seizures). When the cause for the seizures is unknown, they are referred to as idiopathic or cryptogenic seizures. If a person has a seizure, loosen the clothing around his/her neck and remove sharp objects around the person to prevent injury. After the seizure, lay the person on his/her side to maintain an open airway. If the seizure lasts more than five minutes or if the person cannot be awakened after the seizure, call 911. Learn common seizure triggers, including foods or medications, hormones, stress, lack of sleep, dehydration, or sensitivity to light.Lyrica (pregabalin) vs. Cymbalta (duloxetine)
Lyrica (pregabalin) and Cymbalta (duloxetine) are used to treat neuropathic pain associated with diabetic peripheral neuropathy or postherpetic neuralgia, and fibromyalgia. Lyrica is also used in combination with other drugs to treat partial onset seizures in adults. Cymbalta is also used to treat depression and anxiety disorder.
Lyrica (pregabalin) vs. Klonopin (clonazepam)
Lyrica (pregabalin) and Klonopin (clonazepam) are used to treat and prevent seizures. Lyrica is also used to treat neuropathic pain associated with diabetic peripheral neuropathy or postherpetic neuralgia, and fibromyalgia.
Lyrica (pregabalin) vs. Xanax (alprazolam)
Lyrica (pregabalin) and Xanax (alprazolam) are used to treat seizures and anxiety disorder. Lyrica is also used to treat neuropathic pain associated with diabetic peripheral neuropathy or postherpetic neuralgia, and fibromyalgia. Lyrica is also used in combination with other drugs to treat partial onset seizures in adults. Xanax is primarily used to treat anxiety disorders and panic attacks. Lyrica and Xanax belong to different drug classes. Lyrica is an anti-epileptic drug (AED) and Xanax is a benzodiazepine.
Lyrica vs. Gabapentin: Differences between Pain Relief and Uses
Lyrica (pregablin) and gabapentin (Neurotin) are drugs used to prevent seizures and to treat nerve pain associated with various conditions, for example, shingles. Lyrica and gabapentin are chemically related, but researchers do not know exactly how they work. Gabapentin also has several off-label uses to treat other conditions that cause pain, and substance abuse withdrawal.
Both pain medications also treat fibromyalgia. Off-label uses (non-FDA approved) for gabapentin are hot flashes, hiccups, restless leg syndrome (RLS), hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating), headaches, and diabetic neuropathy. Lyrica also treats pain associated with spinal cord injuries.
Lyrica and gabapentin both cause similar side effects, for example, tremors, blurred or double vision, memory or concentration problems, dizziness, and drowsiness.
Side effects of Lyrica that are different from gabapentin include constipation, weight gain, dry mouth, constipation, breast enlargement, and edema (swelling). Side effects unique to gabapentin include viral infections, fever, speech problems, unusual eye movements, and jerky movements.
The generic name for Lyrica is pregabalin. Gabapentin is available in the US under the brand names Neurontin, Gralise, Horizant, Fanatrex, and FusePag.
Migraines and Seizures (Symptoms, Auras, Medication)
Migraines are a type of headache and seizures are the main symptom of epilepsy. Migraine headaches and seizures are two different neurological problems that have similar signs, symptoms, and auras, for example, sensitivity to light (photophobia) and sound, irritability, nausea, and vomiting.Symptoms unique to migraine and migraine auras are water retention, problems sleeping, appetite changes, and talkativeness. Symptoms unique to seizure and seizures auras are depression, a feeling of heaviness, a feeling that a seizure is approaching, and depression.
Many of the symptoms of migraine and seizures are the same, however, seizures do not cause migraines; however, people who have seizures are twice as likely to have migraines and vice-versa. People who have migraines are twice as likely to have seizures, and people with seizures are twice as likely to have migraines; however, one condition does not cause the other.
Lyrica (pregabalin)
Lyrica (pregabalin) is a drug prescribed for the treatment of neuropathic pain associated with diabetic peripheral neuropathy or post neuralgia; partial onset seizures in adults; and fibromyalgia. Side effects include
- blurred vision,
- double vision (diplopia),
- weight gain,
- fatigue (tiredness),
- constipation,
- increased appetite,
- nausea, and
- intestinal gas.
Drug interactions, warnings and precautions, and pregnancy and breastfeeding safety information should be reviewed prior to taking any medication.
Seizure (Epilepsy)
Epilepsy is a brain disorder in which the person has seizures. There are two kinds of seizures, focal and generalized. There are many causes of epilepsy. Treatment of epilepsy (seizures) depends upon the cause and type of seizures experienced.Seizure vs. Seizure Disorders: What's the Difference?
Seizures and seizure disorders are not the same medical problems. A seizure happens when the electrical activity in the brain is uncontrolled. There are about 40 different types of seizure disorders, in which epilepsy is one. Symptoms depend on the type of disorder, but can include loss of consciousness, uncontrolled twitching or shaking of one side, or the entire body.Seizures Symptoms and Types
Seizures are divided into two categories: generalized and partial. Generalized seizures are produced by electrical impulses from throughout the brain, while partial seizures are produced by electrical impulses in a small part of the brain. Seizure symptoms include unconsciousness, convulsions, and muscle rigidity.topiramate
Topiramate (Topomax, Qudexy XR, Topamax Sprinkle, Topiragen, Trokendi XR) is a drug prescribed for the prevention of the seizures of epilepsy and prevention of migraine headaches. Side effects, drug interactions, pregnancy safety, and warnings and precautions should be reviewed prior to taking this medication.Types of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Medications
Traumatic brain injury and related conditions, may require diuretics, anticonvulsants, sedatives, antidepressants, muscle relaxers, pain relievers, and stimulants to treat deficits in cognitive functions such as attention, memory, learning and language.Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS) for Seizures
Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) is a technique used to treat epilepsy. It involves implanting a pacemaker-like device that generates pulses of electricity to stimulate the vagus nerve. The vagus nerve is one of the 12 cranial nerves, the paired nerves that attach to the undersurface of the brain and relay information to and from the brain.