If you take Topamax (topiramate) and are interested in stopping your treatment, you may wonder how long the drug stays in your system after your last dose. Learn how long it takes your body to fully clear Topamax, how to end your treatment safely, and more.
If a doctor prescribes you Topamax, you may take the drug once or twice per day. This helps keep a steady level of the drug in your body during treatment.
If you stop Topamax treatment, the drug generally stays in your body for about 4 to 5 days after your last dose. But this time frame can vary based on factors such as:
- dosage
- body weight (in children only)
- age
- other medications you may take with Topamax
There’s no way to flush Topamax out of your system more quickly than the standard 4- to 5-day period. If you have questions about how long it may take for your body to fully clear Topamax based on your specific health factors, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Note: Although your body can typically clear Topamax within 5 days, certain serious side effects (such as memory issues) may last longer. Learn more about the possible side effects of Topamax.
You should not stop taking Topamax without talking with your doctor first. Suddenly stopping your treatment could cause serious issues, including new or worsening seizures.
One of Topamax’s uses is treating epilepsy, a condition that causes seizures. But suddenly stopping Topamax treatment can cause seizures in people without epilepsy, too (such as those taking the drug for migraine).
If you want to stop taking Topamax, your doctor will gradually decrease your dose over time (also called tapering). Depending on your current dosage, it may take several weeks or up to a few months to completely stop taking Topamax.
If you have questions about how to safely stop taking Topamax, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Generally, your body may clear Topamax within 4 to 5 days of taking your last dose. If you’re interested in stopping Topamax treatment, talk with your doctor first. They can help you end your treatment safely by gradually reducing your dose.