Effects of topiramate in adults with Prader-Willi syndrome.
Prader-Willi syndrome is a multisystem neurogenetic obesity disorder with behavioral manifestations, including hyperphagia, compulsive behavior, self-injury, and mild to moderate mental retardation. In an 8-week open-label study, we evaluated adjunctive therapy with the anticonvulsant topiramate in 8 adults with Prader-Willi syndrome. Appetite was measured by a 1-hour access to food four times throughout the study and quantified with a visual analogue scale. Topiramate did not significantly change calories consumed, Body Mass Index, or increase self-reported appetite. In addition, there were no significant changes in compulsions. Surprisingly, topiramate treatment resulted in a clinically significant improvement in the self-injury (i.e., skin-picking) that is characteristic of this syndrome. Potential benefits of topiramate for self-injury should be evaluated further in controlled trials.
Shapira
Nathan A
NA
College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville 32610, USA. shapira@psychiatry.ufl.edu
Lessig
Mary C
MC
Lewis
Mark H
MH
Goodman
Wayne K
WK
Driscoll
Daniel J
DJ
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D019440:Anti-Obesity Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D015992:Body Mass Index; D005260:Female; D005632:Fructose / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009765:Obesity / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy*; D011218:Prader-Willi Syndrome / Q000150:complications*; D016728:Self-Injurious Behavior / Q000139:chemically induced; D000077236:Topiramate
D019440:Anti-Obesity Agents; D000077236:Topiramate; D005632:Fructose