Cognitive effects of low-dose topiramate monotherapy in epilepsy patients: A 1-year follow-up.
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.
Lee
Ho-Won
HW
Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea.
Jung
Doo-Kyo
DK
Suh
Chung-Kyu
CK
Kwon
Soon-Hak
SH
Park
Sung-Pa
SP
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
D000927:Anticonvulsants; D000077236:Topiramate; D005632:Fructose