{"id":32211,"date":"2021-06-11T09:30:20","date_gmt":"2021-06-11T13:30:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=32211"},"modified":"2025-02-12T10:05:39","modified_gmt":"2025-02-12T15:05:39","slug":"topamax-and-alcohol","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/topamax-and-alcohol\/","title":{"rendered":"What happens when you mix Topamax and alcohol?"},"content":{"rendered":"

If you experience migraine, you\u2019re not alone. Migraine is the <\/span>third most prevalent illness<\/span><\/a> worldwide\u2014almost one in four households include someone with migraine. Migraine can be incapacitating, causing missed work and school days. In addition to throbbing pain, <\/span>migraine<\/span><\/a> is often accompanied by many other uncomfortable symptoms, such as visual disturbances, nausea, vomiting, and dizziness.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

With <\/span>June<\/span><\/a> being Migraine and Headache Awareness Month, we want to shine a light on things that can affect people with migraines. One such complication is drinking with your migraine medication, such as Topamax.<\/span><\/p>\n

What is Topamax?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Topamax<\/span><\/a> (topiramate) is a popularly prescribed drug used to <\/span>treat<\/span><\/a> certain types of <\/span>seizures<\/span><\/a> in people ages two years and older. The medication is also used to prevent <\/span>migraine<\/span><\/a> in people ages 12 years and older. Topamax is not used to treat a migraine attack. It is only used for prevention.<\/span><\/p>\n

Topamax<\/span><\/a>, like any other medication, has many potential side effects. Some common side effects of Topamax include weakness, dizziness, drowsiness, appetite\/weight loss<\/a>, mood changes (anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts and behavior), memory and sleep problems, and a feeling of pins and needles.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

One common question among people who take Topamax is: Can I mix Topamax and alcohol?<\/span><\/p>\n

Can you take Topamax with alcohol?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Unfortunately, Topamax and alcohol do not mix. The <\/span>manufacturing information<\/span><\/a> for Topamax warns, \u201cDo not drink alcohol while taking Topamax. Topamax and alcohol can affect each other, causing side effects such as sleepiness and dizziness.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

As for other forms of Topamax, it\u2019s also a no.<\/span><\/p>\n

Trokendi XR<\/span><\/a> is an extended-release form of topiramate, the same ingredient in Topamax. Trokendi XR is indicated to treat certain types of seizures in people ages 6 years and older. It is also used to prevent migraine in patients ages 12 years and older. Alcohol is contraindicated (must not be used) within six hours of taking Trokendi XR. The manufacturer of Trokendi XR states that the way the drug works is \u201csignificantly altered\u201d when in the presence of alcohol. This could result in significantly higher levels soon after taking <\/span>Trokendi XR<\/span><\/a> and too-low levels later on.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Qudexy XR<\/span><\/a> is another extended-release form of topiramate. The manufacturer warns, \u201cDo not drink alcohol while taking<\/span> Qudexy XR<\/span><\/a>. Qudexy XR and alcohol can cause serious side effects such as severe sleepiness and dizziness and an increase in seizures.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Topamax<\/p>\n

Topamax and alcohol use disorder<\/span><\/h2>\n

Although Topamax is often used to treat seizures or prevent migraines, it has some <\/span>off-label<\/span><\/a> uses, too. Although there is not much data, some <\/span>studies<\/span><\/a> show that Topamax can help decrease alcohol consumption. A review by the <\/span>Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) concluded that topiramate could reduce the number of drinking days, heavy drinking days, and drinks per day based on two trials.<\/span><\/p>\n

Can you drink alcohol while taking anticonvulsants?<\/span><\/h2>\n

According to the <\/span>National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism<\/span><\/a>, alcohol should not be mixed with <\/span>any<\/span><\/i> anticonvulsant due to increased drowsiness and dizziness. In addition to Topamax, these medications include:<\/span><\/p>\n