topiramate (Topamax)
Meet with a licensed provider online to explore if a mood stabilizer like topiramate (Topamax) may be right for you.
Treatment for:bipolar disorder
585+ insurance plans accepted
Quickly confirm coverage or view self-pay rates
First, choose your state
You’ll get the most accurate information if we know where you’re seeking care, as insurance coverage and self-pay rates vary by state.
Then, pick a plan or self-pay
Below are the insurances we accept in your state. Don’t see yours listed or don’t have insurance? You can still get help through self-pay.
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*This is a common co-pay range for mental health services with an in-network provider; however, you may have a different co-pay or other out-of-pocket costs (such as a deductible), dependent upon your specific plan’s benefits. After confirming that the provider you’d like to work with accepts your plan (over the phone with our support team or on the provider’s profile), please contact your insurance to determine your exact financial responsibility, prior to scheduling.
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Psychiatry/medication management
Reduce or manage symptoms of mental health conditions like anxiety and ADHD, with psychiatric medication.
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Work with a provider who fits your needs — hand-selected by (or for) you.
You can choose therapy in person or online, whichever works best for you; psychiatry is exclusively online.
Receive help quickly — have your first session as soon as this week.
What is a mood stabilizer?
Mood stabilizers are a class of medication that helps support mood stability for mental health conditions like bipolar disorder.
How does a mood stabilizer work?
Mood stabilizers work by regulating the activity of nerve cells in the brain, which can protect against manic or depressive episodes.
How prescribing works
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1
Find a provider who meets your needs
Browse our providers online or call our scheduling team for matching assistance — find a provider who accepts your insurance and meets your needs, whether that’s a clinical specialty or a shared life experience. Choose a date and time that works for you and how you’d prefer to pay (using insurance or self-pay).
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Meet 1:1 to begin treatment
Meet online with your provider to begin treatment. At your first session, share any symptoms or struggles you’re experiencing along with your goals. Together, you and your provider will discuss if medication may be a good next step. Your provider may write you a prescription to be filled at your local pharmacy.
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3
Attend sessions and start feeling better
Once your treatment plan is created, your provider will regularly check in and encourage feedback to ensure any medication you may be prescribed is effective for you.
FAQs
What is topiramate (Topamax) used for?
Topiramate is an anticonvulsant type of medication used to treat epilepsy, types of seizures, and migraines. Topiramate may also be used off-label, or outside its approved uses, to treat certain other conditions including neuropathic pain, binge eating disorder, cluster headaches, alcohol and tobacco dependence, Tourette syndrome, and other conditions.
Does topiramate (Topamax) cause weight loss?
Yes, weight loss is a common side effect of taking topiramate. In fact, the medication is sometimes combined with another medication (phentermine) for the purpose of causing weight loss in certain people. The brand name of the combination drug is called Qsymia. Talk with your provider to learn more about possible weight loss with topiramate treatment.
Why am I not losing weight on topiramate (Topamax)?
There may be several reasons why you're not losing weight while on topiramate. Medications affect people differently, and how your body responds to topiramate may affect how effective the medication is for you. Factors such as your dosage, other medications you may be taking, and other conditions you may have could impact levels of weight loss with topiramate. Talk with your provider for more information about weight loss with topiramate.
Is topiramate (Topamax) a controlled substance?
No, topiramate is not a controlled substance and is not habit-forming. If you have further questions about topiramate's effects, talk with your provider or pharmacist.
Do topiramate (Topamax) side effects go away?
Mild side effects of topiramate such as nausea, dizziness, and diarrhea may be temporary and go away with continued treatment. However, other side effects of topiramate may last longer, such as sleepiness, mood or personality changes, eye changes, and other serious side effects. If you're concerned about certain side effects of topiramate and how they may affect you, talk with your provider or pharmacist.
Does topiramate (Topamax) make you sleepy?
Yes, sleepiness is a common side effect of topiramate. Sleepiness may affect you more when you first begin taking the medication, though it can also last. Don't drive or operate machinery until you know how topiramate affects you. If this is a bothersome side effect, you and your provider can discuss ways to manage the sleepiness, or they may suggest switching to a different medication.
How long does it take for topiramate (Topamax) to work?
How long it takes topiramate to work for you depends on the condition it's being used to treat, your dosage, and how you respond to treatment. The drug starts to work after you take a dose, but it may take several weeks to months before you notice a clear improvement in your symptoms.
Can I get a prescription online?
You can meet online with a licensed provider at Thriveworks — if it’s clinically appropriate, they may prescribe you medication for the treatment of a diagnosed mental health condition. Your Thriveworks provider will send your prescription to a local pharmacy to be filled.
Can I use my health insurance for online prescriptions and refills?
Thriveworks accepts most major insurance plans for our online psychiatry and therapy services. Your insurance may also cover the cost of any medication prescribed to you by your Thriveworks provider, which can be filled at a local pharmacy. Check with your insurance provider to confirm your medical and prescription coverage information.
How do I get a prescription at Thriveworks?
Schedule an online appointment with a licensed psychiatric provider at Thriveworks. After meeting with you and discussing your symptoms and treatment plan, your provider may recommend a prescription medication and/or additional services to help you reach your goals.
We offer psychiatry in these select states
Our psychiatry services are done completely online, so you can schedule with any psychiatric provider in your state.
Accepting medication as part of your mental health care plan is an individual and often deeply personal decision. At Thriveworks, we’re here to help you understand your care options and support you on the path toward wellness. We prioritize treating the whole patient, whether through medication, therapy, or a combination of both — guided by clinical best practices and rigorously developed treatment strategies to help clients safely and efficiently resolve their symptoms.
Dr. Scott Gordon Chief Medical Officer
