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Topiramate effect in catatonia: a case series
William W McDaniel1, David R Spiegel, Anupinder K Sahota
1Department of Psychiatry, Eastern Virginia Medical School, 825 Fairfax Ave., #710, Norfolk, 23507, USA. mcdaniww@EVMS.EDU
Summary
Topiramate effectively treated catatonia in four refractory cases, offering a novel therapeutic option. Patients experienced symptom remission and good tolerance, suggesting topiramate
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Catatonia is a complex neuropsychiatric syndrome.
- Standard treatments like benzodiazepines and divalproex are not always effective.
Observation:
- Four cases of catatonia refractory to standard treatments were observed.
- Topiramate was administered as an alternative therapy.
Findings:
- All four patients achieved complete remission of catatonic symptoms with topiramate.
- Treatment was well-tolerated, with one case of delirium resolving after UTI treatment.
- Relapse occurred upon topiramate withdrawal but remitted with reintroduction.
Implications:
- Topiramate represents a promising novel treatment for catatonia.
- Further research into topiramate's efficacy and safety in catatonia is warranted.
- This approach may benefit patients unresponsive to conventional therapies.
