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Birth control and Topamax? How much does Topamax effect birth control pills?

I am currently taking Topamax to manage seizures. I am also on birth control (the pill). I am wondering how much of an effect the Topamax will have on my birth control. I am currently taking a full-dose birth contol pill (50 mcg). My gyno says that this should be enough to counteract the effects of the Topamax, but that there isn't that much research, just that it's known to lower the effectiveness of birth control pills. Is there anyone that can help me find more information? I'd like to find out if I should be using a back-up method, or if just taking the pill is enough protection. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!

Public Comments

1. Topamax affects "combined" birth control pills and patches. Those are the birth control pills that contain both estrogen and progesterone. If you have the combined type, your pack is either a 21 or a 28 day pack (this has 21 pills that you must take and then 7 placebos you can take or skip.) . If you are on progesterone only birth control, this is a 28 day pack where all pills must be taken and they are all the same. This type is not affected by topamax. If you are on the combined-type of birthcontrol and are worried, then by all means use more protection. However, if you are on the progesterone only, you have nothing to worry about.