Estrous cycle variation in anxiolytic-like effects of topiramate in Wistar rats in two animal models of anxiety-like behavior

► Topiramate was anxiolytic in one operant test and in the elevated plus-maze test. ► Those anxiolytic actions of topiramate depended on the estrous cycle phases. ► During proestrus, 20.0 and 30.0 mg/kg of topiramate were anxiolytic-like. ► During metestrus, only 30.0 mg/kg of topiramate was anxiolytic-like. ► Anxiolytic-like actions of topiramate varied according to the estrous cycle phases.