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.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 736-741 |
Number of pages | 6 |
Journal | Epilepsy and Behavior |
Volume | 8 |
Issue number | 4 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Jun 2006 |
Keywords
- Adverse effects
- Cognition
- Epilepsy
- Topiramate