title: Cognitive effects of low-dose topiramate monotherapy in epilepsy patients: A 1-year follow-up.
abstract: The present study was conducted to evaluate the long-term effects of low-dose topiramate (TPM) monotherapy on the cognitive function of epilepsy patients. Forty-seven epilepsy patients received TPM, with target doses of 50, 75, and 100 mg/day. Cognitive tests were performed twice, at baseline and 1 year after starting medication. Thirty-six patients completed the follow-up neuropsychological tests. After a year of treatment, 16 patients (44%) complained of cognitive problems. Although it improved seizure frequency and EEG abnormalities, TPM had significantly negative effects on the digit span and verbal fluency tests. These cognitive effects were dose-related and significantly improved after withdrawal from TPM and substitution with older antiepileptic drugs. In conclusion, even at a low dose, TPM has long-term, negative effects on working memory and verbal fluency.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea.
authors.forename: Ho-Won
authors.initials: HW
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: Doo-Kyo
authors.initials: DK
authors.lastname: Jung
authors.forename: Chung-Kyu
authors.initials: CK
authors.lastname: Suh
authors.forename: Soon-Hak
authors.initials: SH
authors.lastname: Kwon
authors.forename: Sung-Pa
authors.initials: SP
authors.lastname: Park
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003071:Cognition / Q000187:drug effects*; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005632:Fructose / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000031:analogs & derivatives*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008568:Memory / Q000187:drug effects*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D011446:Prospective Studies; D000077236:Topiramate
chemical_list: D000927:Anticonvulsants; D000077236:Topiramate; D005632:Fructose