Imitrex vs. Topamax

• Are Imitrex and Topamax the Same Thing?
• What Are Possible Side Effects of Imitrex?
• What Are Possible Side Effects of Topamax?
• What is Imitrex?
• What is Topamax?
• What Drugs Interact with Imitrex?
• What Drugs Interact with Topamax?
• How Should Imitrex Be Taken?
• How Should Topamax Be Taken?

Imitrex (sumatriptan) and Topamax (topiramate) are used to treat migraine headaches.

Topamax is also used for preventing epileptic seizures and migraine headaches.

Imitrex is a selective serotonin receptor agonist (also called a triptan) and Topamax is an anticonvulsant.

Common side effects of Imitrex include:

• mild headache (not a migraine),
• pain or chest tightness,
• pressure or heavy feeling in any part of your body,
• weakness,
• feeling hot or cold,
• dizziness,
• spinning sensation,
• drowsiness,
• nausea,
• vomiting,
• drooling,
• unusual taste in your mouth after using nasal spray,
• burning/numbness/pain/irritation in your nose or throat after using nasal spray, or
• flushing (warmth, redness, or tingling under the skin).

Common side effects of Topamax include:

• tiredness,
• drowsiness,
• dizziness,
• nervousness,
• numbness or tingly feeling in the hands or feet,
• coordination problems,
• diarrhea,
• weight loss,
• speech/language problems,
• changes in vision,
• sensory distortion,
• loss of appetite,
• bad taste in your mouth,
• confusion,
• slowed thinking,
• trouble concentrating or paying attention,
• memory problems,
• and cold symptoms such as stuffy nose, sneezing, or sore throat.

Imitrex (sumatriptan) is a selective serotonin receptor agonist used in oral, intranasal or injectable dosage form to treat migraine headaches. Imitrex is available as a generic drug.

Topamax (topiramate) is an anticonvulsant prescribed for preventing epileptic seizures and migraine headaches.

Imitrex may interact with sibutramine (Meridia); monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) isocarboxazid (Marplan); selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, fluoxetine (Prozac) and sertraline (Zoloft), serotonin; norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, venlafaxine (Effexor)) and duloxetine (Cymbalta); and ergot-containing medications, dihydroergotamine (Migranal) and ergotamine (Methergine).

Topamax may interact with alcohol.

The maximum single recommended adult dose of Imitrex Injection for the acute treatment of migraine or cluster headache is 6 mg injected subcutaneously. For the treatment of migraine, if side effects are dose limiting, lower doses (1 mg to 5 mg) of Imitrex may be used.

Topamax usual adult dose is 200mg twice a day. Drug interactions include acetazolamide (Diamox), methazolamide (Neptazane), dichlorphenamide (Daranide), carbamazepine (Tegretol) and phenytoin (Dilantin) and oral contraceptives.