Can Topamax be used for alcohol?

Topamax (topiramate), an anti-seizure medication usually prescribed for people with epilepsy, is also prescribed for helping alcohol-dependent individuals stop drinking. It is used off-label for the treatment of alcoholism and alcohol use disorders, meaning that it is not FDA approved for this purpose.

What happens if you drink alcohol while on Topamax?

Alcohol and topiramate both act as brain depressants, which can impair your thinking and coordination. Risks of drinking alcohol while taking topiramate include mental and psychological side effects, including confusion, dizziness, drowsiness, and depression.

How does topiramate work for alcohol abuse?

Whereas other medications for alcohol use disorder appear to work by dampening the rewarding effects of alcohol through blocking opioid receptors (naltrexone) or by reducing biobehavioral stress (acamprosate), topiramate seems to induce it’s effects by reducing the salience of alcohol cues.

Does Topamax block dopamine?

On the other hand, topiramate enhances the inhibitory function of GABA, antagonizes excitatory glutamate receptors, and inhibits dopamine release [36].

How much weight will I lose on 50mg of Topamax?

In the patients taking the lower 50 mg/day dose of topiramate, weight loss occurred in 6% of patients, and in the higher 200 mg/day dose, weight loss was reported in 17% of patients. Anorexia (loss of appetite), which may lead to weight loss, was also seen in 4% and 14% of patients, respectively.

Can you take rizatriptan with alcohol?

People who suffer from severe headaches should probably avoid alcoholic beverages, especially during a headache. Some people feel dizzy or drowsy during or after a migraine, or after taking rizatriptan to relieve a migraine.

Can I drink wine on Topamax?

Can you take Topamax with alcohol? Unfortunately, Topamax and alcohol do not mix. The manufacturing information for Topamax warns, “Do not drink alcohol while taking Topamax. Topamax and alcohol can affect each other, causing side effects such as sleepiness and dizziness.”

Can you drink coffee while taking topiramate?

No interactions were found between acetaminophen / caffeine and Topamax. This does not necessarily mean no interactions exist. Always consult your healthcare provider.