How to Get Off of Topamax

Topamax (topiramate)

So you want to get off of Topamax? Maybe you are making this choice because the side effects are intolerable. Or perhaps you have decided to deal with migraine headache pain in another way. Regardless of the reason, remember that getting off Topamax (topiramate) is best accomplished under the direction of your doctor or pain management specialist. Make a commitment to take good personal care of yourself through the process. Promise yourself not to go cold turkey and use these suggestions to help get off of Topamax.

Things You'll Need

• Calendar Prescription Journal

Instructions

1. 

   Meet with your doctor. Discuss the reasons you want to stop taking Topamax. Review your history on the drug and tell the doctor about any migraines you have had over the last few months. Include details of headache onset, intensity and duration. Tell the doctor about your current overall health.

2. Ask the doctor for a specific plan to reduce the dosage over a period of time. Listen carefully and mark the timeline on your calendar. Ask for a different prescription to accommodate lower dosages so that you do not have to split higher dosage pills.

3. 

   Write in a journal daily. Note the precise dosage of Topamax and the time of day you take it. Report any changes in your sleep patterns, appetite and stamina. Watch for skin irritation, elevated levels of anxiety, gastrointestinal distress or other extraordinary changes and make a note of them.

4. Go through your journal notes at the end of each week and the end of the month. Note any patterns that emerge and call your doctor immediately with any concerns.

5. Go to the doctor again at the end of the timeline to get off Topamax completely. Take your journal for easy reference when discussing your progress. Ask the doctor for specific signs and symptoms you should look out for over the next few months now that you are off of Topamax.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep up a regular schedule of sleep, exercise and healthy eating during the entire time you are discontinuing Topamax use.

• Never stop taking Topamax cold turkey or adverse effects may happen that require urgent medical care.

Resources

• Topamax.com---Ortho-McNiel Neurologics
• Topamax (topiramate) Package Insert
• ACHE---American Headache Society Committee for Headache Education