Topiramate-induced weight loss in schizophrenia: a retrospective case series study.
OBJECTIVE
Atypical antipsychotics have been associated with weight gain. This study examines the efficacy of adjunctive topiramate in patients with schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder with antipsychotic-induced weight gain.


METHODS
A 2-year retrospective case analysis was performed in all 300 patients of the outpatient Special Follow-up Clinic for chronic schizophrenia and related psychoses at the Allan Memorial Institute, McGill University Health Centre (Montreal, Canada), a tertiary care University teaching hospital.


RESULTS
10 patients met study inclusion criteria. Mean daily topiramate dose was 197.5 mg (A+/-77) (range, 125-400 mg). Topiramate produced continued weight loss throughout the study duration without tolerance. Patients treated for 6 months and more had significantly higher Body Mass Index (BMI) differences than those treated for shorter durations (BMI-d6 months=-4.7A+/-2.4; BMI-d2 months=-3.2A+/-2.3; P=0.015). BMI changes were similar across genders.


CONCLUSIONS
This study supports topiramate use to target weight loss in stable overweight schizophrenic patients as a potential therapy that requires further investigation.
Lévy
Emmanuel
E
Clinical Psychopharmacology Unit, McGill University Health Centre and Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada. psychopharm.unit@staff.mcgill.ca
Agbokou
Catherine
C
Ferreri
Florian
F
Chouinard
Guy
G
Margolese
Howard C
HC
D000328:Adult; D019440:Anti-Obesity Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D015992:Body Mass Index; D005260:Female; D005632:Fructose / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009864:Ontario / Q000453:epidemiology; D050177:Overweight / Q000187:drug effects*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology; D000077236:Topiramate; D015431:Weight Loss / Q000187:drug effects
D019440:Anti-Obesity Agents; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents; D000077236:Topiramate; D005632:Fructose