How Long Does Topamax (Topiramate) Stay In Your System?
Topamax (topiramate) stays in your system between four and six days after your last dose, depending on your personal factors such as dosage and metabolism.
Dosage for topiramate is based on weight but usually starts with one pill per day and gradually increasing to two.
Since Topamax can stay in your system for up to six days, women should be aware that the medication reduces the effectiveness of birth control, so they need to take further precautions against pregnancy.
Topamax (Topiramate) Prescription Facts
Topamax is an anticonvulsant medication used to treat and prevent seizures (including those from epilepsy) in patients over two years of age. It can also be prescribed as a prophylactic (preventative) medication to stop migraines before they start in patients over 12, although it’s not effective to treat migraines after a person is already suffering from one.
Recently, doctors are prescribing Topamax to stabilize moods in patients with bipolar disorder and the prescription is now being studied as a treatment for PTSD.
Topamax is taking orally and should be taken with plenty of fluids to prevent kidney stones from forming. There are some side effects which are possible while taking topiramate including drowsiness, dizziness, loss of coordination, tingling of the hands/feet, loss of appetite, bitter taste, diarrhea and weight loss.
In addition, topiramate may cause dehydration, especially in children, and has been reported to possibly cause vision problems.
Some patients may have mental side effects (i.e., confusion, memory problems, depression) from Topamax and should contact their doctor right away if they experience these or any other side effects from the prescription.
Topamax (Topiramate) Regulations
Topamax is not regulated beyond other anticonvulsants on the market. The medication can only be obtained through a prescription from a qualified doctor who has determined, based on examination, that your condition can best be treated with this medication.
Most Commonly Abused Drugs Containing Topamax (Topiramate)
Topiramate is not in and of itself an addictive drug; however, it can be used to overcome alcohol addiction. It’s also being tested in the treatment of cocaine and nicotine addiction.
If you feel you or a loved one is misusing topiramate or has any other alcohol or drug problem and is struggling, don’t wait to get help. We can help you overcome your addiction today.
How Topamax (Topiramate) Affects The Brain And Body
Topamax is absorbed quickly into your body and works by affecting the neurotransmitter GABA in your brain, changing the way the nerves communicate with one another. The nerves affected also can help stabilize the patient’s mood for those suffering from mood disorders such as bipolar disorder and PTSD, as mentioned above.
If you take Topamax, not only will GABA neurotransmitters be affected but topiramate also:
- Blocks voltage-dependent sodium channels
- Blocks the action of glutamate (excitatory neurotransmitter)
- Inhibits the carbonic anhydrase enzyme, particularly isozymes II and IV
- Negatively modulates high-voltage-activated calcium channels
This prescription is processed through the kidneys, so if you have any issues with your kidneys, talk to your doctor. There is also a possibility of this medication affecting your eyes and causing narrow-angle glaucoma, so keep your doctor informed of any changes in your body.
You may feel drowsy or dizzy while taking Topamax, so driving or operating machinery is not advised.
Half-Life Of Topamax (Topiramate)
The half-life of any medication is the amount of time it takes for the medication to reduce to half of its effectiveness in the body. Topiramate has a half-life of approximately 21 hours, depending on personal factors of the patient.
Factors That Influence How Long Topamax (Topiramate) Stays In Your System
There are a few factors that affect how long topiramate will stay in your system including the length of time taking the prescription, dosage and other medications you are taking at the same time.
Other factors that may influence how long the prescription stays in your system are:
- Age
- Sex
- Body mass
- Genetics
- Food Intake
- Kidney function
- Metabolism
Your doctor can help you determine approximately the amount of time Topamax will be in your system.
How Long Does Topamax (Topiramate) Stay in Your Urine, Hair And Blood?
Seventy percent of topiramate is excreted through the urine and is processed by the kidneys. Although there is no information regarding how long Topamax can be detected in your urine, hair or blood, you should inform the person performing the test that you are taking or have taken Topamax so that they can give you accurate results.
Topiramate While Pregnant
The Recovery Village aims to improve the quality of life for people struggling with substance use or mental health disorder with fact-based content about the nature of behavioral health conditions, treatment options and their related outcomes. We publish material that is researched, cited, edited and reviewed by licensed medical professionals. The information we provide is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers.