Topamax (topiramate) is prescribed to treat seizure disorders and help prevent migraine. Topamax’s cost may depend on factors such as dosage, whether you have health insurance, and the pharmacy you use.

The price you pay for Topamax can vary. Your cost may depend on your treatment plan, your insurance coverage (if you have it), and the pharmacy you use.

To find out how much you’ll pay for Topamax, talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or insurance provider. Or look below in the next section to learn how much you can save by using an Optum Perks coupon.

To save money on your Topamax prescription, explore these Optum Perks coupons. (Note: Optum Perks coupons cannot be used with any insurance copays or benefits.)

Topamax is available as the generic drug topiramate. A generic contains an exact copy of the active drug in a brand-name medication. A generic is considered as safe and effective as the original drug but tends to cost less.

To find out how the costs of Topamax and topiramate compare, talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or insurance provider.

If you’ve been prescribed Topamax and you’re interested in taking topiramate instead, talk with your doctor. They may recommend that you take one version instead of the other. You’ll also need to check with your insurance provider, as it may cover only one drug or the other.

Why is there such a cost difference between brand-name drugs and generics?

Years of research and testing are needed to ensure that brand-name drugs are safe and effective. This testing can make the drugs expensive. The manufacturer of a brand-name drug can sell the drug exclusively for up to 20 years. After that, other drugmakers can create generic versions. This competition in the market can lead to lower costs for generics. And because generics have the same active ingredients as brand-name drugs, they don’t need to be studied again. This also can lead to lower generic costs.

If you take Topamax long term, you may be able to lower your costs in the following ways:

  • Look into getting a 90-day supply of your medication: You may be able to get a 90-day supply of Topamax if approved by your insurance company. This could reduce your number of trips to the pharmacy and help lower the cost of Topamax. If you’re interested in a 90-day supply of this drug, talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or insurance provider.
  • Use a mail-order pharmacy to get your medication: Using a mail-order pharmacy might help lower your cost for Topamax. Plus, you could get your medication without leaving home. Some Medicare plans may help cover the cost of mail-order drugs. You also may be able to get a 90-day supply of Topamax through mail order. If you don’t have health insurance, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They may be able to suggest online pharmacy options that could work for you.

If you need help covering the cost of Topamax or understanding your insurance, check out these resources:

On these sites, you can find insurance information, details on drug assistance programs, and links to savings cards and other services.

If you have questions about how to pay for your prescription, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Below are answers to some frequently asked questions about Topamax and cost.

How does the cost of Topamax with insurance compare to its cost without insurance?

The costs of Topamax with and without insurance depend on several factors. These factors may include:

  • your specific insurance plan benefits, if you have a plan
  • the form of the drug you take
  • your dosage
  • the quantity you’re prescribed, such as a 30-day or 90-day supply
  • the pharmacy you use

Savings programs may be available that can lower your cost if you qualify.

To find out how much you can expect to pay for your Topamax prescription with insurance, talk with your insurance provider. You can find contact information on your insurance card.

To check the cost of Topamax without insurance, talk with someone at your pharmacy. Or visit the pharmacy website.

Is there a difference in cost between Topamax 50 mg and 100 mg?

Yes, you might find a difference in cost between strengths of the drug. Topamax comes in various strengths and forms. These include:

  • oral tablets, which are available in four strengths:
    • 25 milligrams (mg)
    • 50 mg
    • 100 mg
    • 200 mg
  • oral capsules that you may open and sprinkle on soft food before taking, available in two strengths:
    • 15 mg
    • 25 mg

Topamax is also available as an extended-release capsule and oral solution. “Extended release” means the drug releases into your body slowly over a period of time.

The cost difference between various strengths of Topamax depends on whether you’re paying out of pocket or have insurance. It also may depend on the dosage and quantity you’re prescribed.

To learn more about cost differences between various forms and strengths of Topamax, talk with someone at your pharmacy or doctor’s office.

If you have insurance, you may need to get prior authorization before your insurance provider will cover Topamax. This means your insurer and your doctor will discuss Topamax in regard to your treatment. Then, the insurance company will determine whether the drug is covered. If Topamax requires prior authorization and you don’t receive it before you start treatment, you could pay the full cost of the drug.

Be sure to ask your insurance company whether Topamax requires prior authorization.

Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.