Is Trokendi XR in shortage in 2026? Get the latest update on availability, pricing, and what patients can do to find Trokendi XR at pharmacies near them.
If you rely on Trokendi XR (Topiramate extended-release) to manage epilepsy or prevent migraines, you may have noticed that finding it at your pharmacy has gotten harder. You might be wondering: is there a Trokendi XR shortage?
The answer is complicated. In this article, we'll break down the current status of Trokendi XR availability, what's driving the problem, how much it costs in 2026, and what you can do to make sure you don't miss a dose.
As of early 2026, Trokendi XR is not listed on the FDA's official drug shortage database. That means there is no formal, nationwide shortage declared by the FDA or the manufacturer, Supernus Pharmaceuticals.
However, many patients are experiencing what feels like a shortage. Pharmacies may tell you they don't carry it, can't get it from their wholesaler, or that it's on backorder. This "practical shortage" is real — even if it's not officially recognized.
The difference matters. A formal FDA shortage usually involves manufacturing problems, raw material issues, or supply chain disruptions. What's happening with Trokendi XR is more of a market-driven availability problem: the drug exists, but pharmacies don't stock it because demand is low and costs are high.
Several factors are making Trokendi XR difficult to locate in 2026:
Trokendi XR costs between $1,200 and $1,400 per month without insurance. Pharmacies are businesses, and stocking a high-cost medication that only a small number of patients need doesn't always make financial sense. Many pharmacies have limited shelf space and prioritize medications with higher turnover.
Most insurance plans require prior authorization for Trokendi XR. Many also enforce step therapy, requiring patients to try generic Topiramate first. These policies reduce the number of Trokendi XR prescriptions that actually get filled, which further reduces pharmacy stocking incentives.
Generic Topiramate tablets cost as little as $10 to $30 per month. While these are immediate-release (taken twice daily) rather than extended-release, many doctors and insurers default to the generic because of the massive cost difference. This has significantly reduced demand for the brand-name product.
Brand-name Trokendi XR is distributed through standard pharmaceutical channels, but because fewer pharmacies order it, some wholesalers may not keep large quantities on hand. This can create a cycle where pharmacies can't easily get it because wholesalers don't stock much, and wholesalers don't stock much because pharmacies don't order it.
Here's a breakdown of what you can expect to pay:
For more on reducing your costs, see our complete guide on how to save money on Trokendi XR.
If you're having trouble with Trokendi XR, here are some developments worth knowing about:
Generic versions of extended-release Topiramate capsules have become available. These may be more affordable than brand-name Trokendi XR while still offering once-daily dosing. Ask your pharmacist whether a generic ER version is available at your pharmacy.
Qudexy XR is another brand-name extended-release Topiramate capsule. It offers the added benefit of being able to be opened and sprinkled on food, which can be helpful for patients who have trouble swallowing capsules. Your doctor can determine if this is an appropriate substitute.
Eprontia is a Topiramate oral solution (liquid form) that may be an option for patients who can't swallow capsules or tablets. It provides more flexible dosing and is taken twice daily.
For a full comparison, read our article on alternatives to Trokendi XR.
If you want to stay on Trokendi XR, here's what you can do:
For more detailed strategies, check out our guide on how to find Trokendi XR in stock near you.
While Trokendi XR isn't in a formal FDA shortage in 2026, the reality for many patients is that it's genuinely hard to find. High costs, insurance barriers, and low pharmacy stocking have created a practical availability problem that can be incredibly frustrating when you depend on this medication.
The most important thing is to not let your treatment lapse. Whether you find Trokendi XR through Medfinder, switch to an alternative with your doctor's guidance, or connect with the manufacturer's assistance programs, there are paths forward.
Stay proactive, plan ahead, and don't hesitate to reach out to your healthcare team for help.
You focus on staying healthy. We'll handle the rest.
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