Psychopharmacology of topiramate: from epilepsy to bipolar disorder.

Abstract

Topiramate (TPM) is one of the novel antiepileptic drugs and exhibits a wide range of mechanisms of action. Efficacy of TPM has been demonstrated in partial-onset seizures and primary generalized seizures in adults and children, as both monotherapy and adjunctive therapy. More recently, TPM has been proposed as an add-on treatment for patients with lithium-resistant bipolar disorder, especially those displaying rapid-cycling and mixed states. This paper reviews the multiple mechanisms of action and the tolerability profile of TPM in the light of its therapeutic potential in affective disorders. Studies of TPM in bipolar disorder are evaluated, and the efficacy and tolerability issues as a mood stabilizing agent are discussed.

• Authors: Marco Mula, Andrea E Cavanna, Francesco Monaco
• Journal: Neuropsychiatric disease and treatment (Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat) Vol. 2 Issue 4 Pg. 475-88 (Dec 2006) ISSN: 1176-6328 [Print] New Zealand
• PMID: 19412496 (Publication Type: Journal Article)