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Tolerability of topiramate in children and adolescents

D Reith1, C Burke, D B Appleton

  • 1Dunedin School of Medicine, Dunedin, New Zealand. david.reith@stonebow.otago.ac.nz

Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health
|August 16, 2003
PubMed

Insights

Topiramate (TPM) use in children led to significant adverse events, with 30% experiencing treatment-limiting side effects within two years. Prior aggression and female gender increased the risk of discontinuing TPM due to adverse events.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Neurology
  • Clinical Pharmacology

Background:

  • Topiramate (TPM) is frequently prescribed for various neurological conditions in children.
  • Understanding its tolerability profile in pediatric populations is crucial for safe and effective treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the tolerability and identify risk factors for adverse events associated with topiramate use in pediatric patients.
  • To determine the frequency of treatment-limiting adverse events in children prescribed topiramate.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective cohort study involving patients under 18 years old initiated on topiramate.
  • Data collected from dispensing databases and patient medical records at two tertiary pediatric hospitals.
  • Analysis of adverse events and risk factors for medication cessation.

Main Results:

  • 127 pediatric patients had available follow-up data; 60% ceased topiramate within 4 years.
  • Treatment-limiting adverse events included aggression/psychosis (10), cognitive impairment/sedation (6), and anorexia/weight loss (4).
  • Prior aggression and female gender were significant risk factors for ceasing topiramate due to adverse events.

Conclusions:

  • The incidence of treatment-limiting adverse events in children receiving topiramate is higher than previously documented.
  • Adverse events significantly impact long-term adherence to topiramate therapy in pediatric populations.
Abstract

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