Compare TOPIRAMATE (Topiramate) and VENLAFAXINE (Venlafaxine) — clinical data, side effects, and patient experiences.
Topiramate, Topamax · Anticonvulsant
How it works
12.1 Mechanism of Action The precise mechanisms by which topiramate exerts its anticonvulsant and preventive migraine effects are unknown; however, preclinical studies have reveale...
Approved for
Venlafaxine, Effexor · SNRI
How it works
Pharmacodynamics The mechanism of the antidepressant action of venlafaxine in humans is believed to be associated with its potentiation of neurotransmitter activity in the CNS. Pre...
Approved for
Estimated frequency (%) based on clinical trial data
Based on 27 Reddit discussions
TOPIRAMATE
21%
positive
14 threads
VENLAFAXINE
62%
positive
13 threads
% of discussions mentioning each side effect
14 Reddit threads analysed for TOPIRAMATE
Overall Sentiment
Mixed
Comparison Threads
0
Avg Post Score
16 upvotes
Most discussed side effects in community
# General Info An Anticonvulsant may be used as a mood stabilizer to treat mood disorders characterized by intense and sustained mood shifts, typically Bipolar Disorder. Mood stabilizers suppress swings between mania and depression. The oldest and most studied mood stabilizer is [Lithium](https://ww
Hi all, I know this is a common question/topic of discussion here but I’m so frustrated and I’m looking for any help. I’m currently on 1200 lithium and 150 lamictal. Started 50 topiramate once a night 3 1/2 weeks ago, have seen no results, no change in appetite, nothing. I was diagnosed a year ago
So my husband turned 28 today. It's his first birthday since we got married, his first birthday in years when all our friends can hang out, he has the day off, we have our own place, and generally everything is good. Only problem is that this morning I woke up with my mania coming to a screeching ha
Hi everyone, if you’re reading this, thank you. From the deepest I can, I appreciate you. I ***finally*** got my diagnosis on the 30th of September after many years of confusion, seeing multiple counselors, therapists, doctors and psychiatrists. Earlier in the month I voluntarily spent a week in th
Hey all! I started noticing significant shedding of my hair about six months after upping my dose of topiramate to 75 mg/day. It seemed to get worse when I switched generic brands to Teva and right now about 2/3 of my hair is gone. Literally clumps were falling out on my floors and I was cleaning
It’s a mixture of bad choices influenced by a depression episode and reasons out of my control. I was fit last summer during a hypomanic episode then I went through a following depression episode last fall/winter and gained 30lb through binge eating. Hovered there. Then got meds adjusted to change t
As of late I have found it very hard to get out of the house. I can get up, shower, eat but when it finally comes time to leave; I just can’t. Going to the store is no problem, but getting out to go do something is seemingly impossible. I’ve recently went under some pretty drastic medication changes
I was prescribed it in the hospital because they didn’t think I was taking the lithium even though I was and they thought I was allergic to lamictal even though I’m not, and I refuse to take depakote, so they went with topamax, but I don’t hear of anyone taking topamax as a mood stabilizer. Everyone
Community discussions are sourced from public Reddit threads. Content reflects individual opinions and is not medical advice.
13 Reddit threads analysed for VENLAFAXINE
Overall Sentiment
Mixed
Comparison Threads
0
Avg Post Score
69 upvotes
Most discussed side effects in community
I just needed to vent about my depression and my issues with society's stance on it somewhere. I thought these were supposed to be the best years of my life? I'm not ugly, and I like to think I'm funny and friendly, so why don't people like me? I'm always alone. Always, always, always. I've spent my
Chronic fatigue. I feel so so tired and weak all the time. Brain fog so bad it is even hard to read and comprehend stuff. Insomnia. I have to take strong sedatives to sleep. I feel like death after waking up. Developed bruxism in my sleep. Noticed it only after it fvcked up all my teeth and they s
Hi all, I unfortunately, went through a tough antidepressant withdrawal from Venlafaxine, and after finding out how common the issue was I decided to get started on creating an application to help. The app is simple and just allows you to keep track of your symptoms as they come, so you can identify
*This is more of a rant than anything. I'm sorry for the formatting. I am on mobile and not really able to think clearly right now*   One month ago, I was put in a psych ward by my parents (I'm still a minor) during what was one of the worst depressive episodes I have ever had. I was physic
I am at the end of my rope right now, and I have nowhere else to go except jump. I wake up every morning wishing it would all stop, and it's my last thought before falling asleep. I am finishing up my PhD this year, but I don't have nearly the job prospects I was expecting. I am in a field as a m
*This is a super long post*, but before I started my AD I was looking for something detailed like this to see people's progressions on their meds. I had a hard time finding much, and this is why I decided to track my own progress and share after 6 weeks. Backstory: 26yr F, have had anxiety and mild
I take Venlafaxine. Just increased from 75 mg to 150 mg. I used to masturbate a lot. Not everyday...but most days. Now I have absolutely zero urge to. I’m talking to a girl now and she says that she’s a “freak” sexually. But I’m basically asexual now because of my meds. So of course.
Hi, Reddit, Over the past month, I have been weaning off of Venlafaxine, I was only on it for 3 months but it has been a debilitating experience that should be taken seriously! After a lot of research, I have noticed many people have been taking these medications for years and the withdrawal symptom
Community discussions are sourced from public Reddit threads. Content reflects individual opinions and is not medical advice.
TOPIRAMATE is a Anticonvulsant, while VENLAFAXINE belongs to the SNRI class. This means they work through different pharmacological mechanisms, which may influence both efficacy and side effect profiles.
TOPIRAMATE carries 4 FDA warnings. VENLAFAXINE carries 4 FDA warnings. Patients should discuss all warnings and contraindications with their healthcare provider before starting or switching medications..
This comparison is for informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making medication decisions.
Every figure on this comparison links back to its primary source. See data sources and methodology for the full provenance trail.