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Key takeaways
Topiramate is a prescription anticonvulsant used for epilepsy and migraine prevention, with generic versions being moderately expensive without insurance.
Insurance generally covers topiramate, placing it in lower-cost drug tiers, although individual copays will vary by plan.
Using a SingleCare discount card, shopping around, and considering fixed-price generics programs or online pharmacies can significantly reduce topiramate’s cost.
For individuals struggling to afford topiramate, enrolling in Medicaid or seeking help from 340B providers offers low- or no-cost options.
Is topiramate covered by insurance? | How much does topiramate cost without insurance? | How to get topiramate without insurance
Topiramate is a generic prescription anticonvulsant used to control seizures in people with epilepsy and to prevent migraine headaches. Topiramate slows down nerve activity, preventing the nerve overexcitement that causes seizures and migraines. Some common side effects of topiramate are drowsiness and loss of appetite. The daily dose will depend on the medical condition being treated and whether other anticonvulsants are also being used. Topiramate comes in two forms: immediate-release and extended-release. People taking immediate-release tablets generally take two doses a day. Extended-release capsules need only be taken once daily.
For people without insurance, generic topiramate is a moderately-expensive prescription drug in either form. Naturally, topiramate will cost even more if purchased as brand-name Topamax, Topamax Sprinkle, or Trokendi XR. Read further for tips on getting topiramate at an affordable price.
Related: Topamax side effects | Topamax for weight loss | Topamax and alcohol
Is topiramate covered by insurance?
Health insurance generally covers a topiramate or topiramate ER prescription. This includes Medicare Part D and Medicaid.
How much does topiramate cost without insurance?
In its immediate-release generic version, topiramate will cost $97 for 60, 25 mg tablets for people without insurance coverage. At a twice-daily dose, this prescription will last 30 days. The cost may vary based on the dose prescribed and the pharmacy where it’s purchased. Health insurance helps, but it’s hard to predict the exact out-of-pocket cost. Insurance plans have different formularies, copay costs, and deductibles. However, many insurance companies put topiramate in their lowest drug tier. These are the drugs with the plan’s lowest copay cost. Some insurance companies may go further and place topiramate in a low-cost generic program.
People who can’t afford topiramate can always ask a healthcare professional for medical advice about cheaper alternatives. Among antiepileptic medications, generic phenytoin, phenobarbital, valproic acid, primidone, and carbamazepine are all less expensive than topiramate, though their brand-name versions may be pricey. However, not all these drugs may be appropriate for the types of seizures a person may be experiencing. Among them, generic extended-release phenytoin is the least expensive option depending on the dose prescribed. However, a 30-day supply of carbamazepine can be had for $4 without insurance at some pharmacies.
To prevent migraines, a healthcare provider could prescribe generic valproic acid, another anticonvulsant like topiramate. It’s about a third less expensive than topiramate, but it is not FDA-approved for migraine prevention. Alternatively, other inexpensive drugs that prevent headaches include certain types of generic blood pressure medications—beta blockers or calcium channel blockers—or tricyclic antidepressants. Again, they are cheaper but many are prescribed off-label for migraine prevention.
Over-the-counter drugs, dietary supplements, and natural remedies are not effective at preventing seizures. Some can relieve migraine symptoms, particularly over-the-counter NSAIDs, but none have been proven effective at preventing migraine headaches.
Compare topiramate prices to related drugs |
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|---|---|---|---|
| Drug name | Price without insurance of brand-name drug | SingleCare price | Savings options |
| Topamax (topiramate) | $493 per 60, 50 mg tablets | $6 per 60, 50 mg tablets of generic Topamax | See updated prices |
| Topamax Sprinkles (topiramate ER) | $494 per 60, 15 mg capsules | $20 per 60, 15 mg tablets of generic Topamax Sprinkles | See updated prices |
| Dilantin (extended-release phenytoin sodium) | $223 per 90, 100 mg capsules | $5 per 90, 100 mg capsules of generic phenytoin sodium capsules | See updated prices |
| Phenobarbital | $46 per 60, 16.2 mg tablets of generic phenobarbital | $4 per 60, 16.2 mg tablets of generic phenobarbital | See updated prices |
| Valproic acid | $58 for 1, 473 mL bottle of 250 mg/5 ml solution of generic valproic acid | $10 for 1, 473 mL bottle of 250 mg/5 ml solution of generic valproic acid | See updated prices |
| Mysoline (primidone) | $577 per 30, 50 mg tablets | $2 per 30, 50 mg tablets of generic primidone | See updated prices |
| Epitol (carbamazepine) | $71 per 60, 200 mg tablets | $12 per 60, 200 mg tablets of generic carbamazepine | See updated prices |
| Lamictal (lamotrigine) | $732 per 30, 200 mg tablets | $5 per 30, 200 mg tablets of generic Lamictal | See updated prices |
Prescription drug prices often change. These are the most accurate medication prices at the time of publishing. The listed price without insurance references the price of brand-name drugs. The listed SingleCare price references the price of generic drugs if available. Click the link under “Savings options” to see updated drug prices.
How to get topiramate without insurance
At an average monthly cash price of $97, refills of generic topiramate can add up quickly. Some people may be able to take advantage of a manufacturer’s patient assistance program, but those are usually reserved for people prescribed brand-name medications such as Trokendi XR. In addition, there are eligibility requirements to be met first. To make topiramate affordable over the long term, it’s better to turn to more reliable and durable discounts, beginning with a SingleCare savings card.
1. Save on topiramate with a SingleCare discount card
Using a SingleCare discount card can reduce the cost of generic topiramate to only $9 for a 30-day supply. The actual discount price will depend on the prescription and the participating pharmacy, so check the updated discount prices on SingleCare’s topiramate free coupon page.
2. Shop for the lowest price
According to SingleCare’s price tracker, buying generic topiramate at the lowest pharmacy price will save more than $60 off the average retail price and $80 off the highest retail price. In other words, a bit of careful price shopping could net almost $1,000 in savings per year. Using SingleCare’s mobile app can help make searching for savings on your next prescription even easier.
3. Find a fixed-price generics program
When price shopping, one of the surest ways to get the lowest pharmacy price is to start with fixed-price generics programs offered by some chain pharmacies. These programs offer common generic drugs for a fixed low price, usually four dollars for a 30-day supply. While some pharmacies may include topiramate in their program, some may not. SingleCare can help with finding savings.
4. Consider an online pharmacy
Online mail-order pharmacies often offer the most competitive discounts on generic and brand-name medications. They’re not all equally trustworthy, though. Before placing an order, make sure to read SingleCare’s advice for using online pharmacies.
5. Find a local 340B provider
If paying for topiramate is difficult, ask the prescribing healthcare provider for a list of local 340B providers. For people with low incomes who are not on Medicaid, 340B providers are often the best place to find prescription discounts. 340B providers are hospitals and community clinics that are allowed to purchase drugs like topiramate at a subsidized price and then provide them to patients at low- or no-cost.
6. Enroll in Medicaid
Another reliable source for generic drugs is Medicaid. There will be income eligibility criteria that have to be met for enrollment. However, if you qualify, generic drugs like topiramate could be free or cost only a few dollars depending on income level. Start with your state’s Medicaid website for eligibility requirements, enrollment forms, and any additional information you may need.