Effect of Topiramate on Risperidone-Induced Weight Gain: A Pilot Study

Chung, Moon Yong; Cheon, Eun Mi; Jung, Ji Young; Lee, Tae Young

Abstract

OBJECTIVE
It is known that risperidone induces weight gain moderately which has been previously considered of little clinical concern. And there was no specific effective treatment for atypical antipsychotics-induced weight gain. The study was performed to evaluate the effectiveness of topiramate as an weight-reducing medicine for schizophrenia patients with risperidone-induced weight gain. METHODS: Topiramate, 100-200 mg/day, was administered to 12 schizophrenia patients with risperidone-induced weight gain. Body weight and body mass index (BMI) were measured at baseline, 4-week and 8-week. Brief Psychatric Rating Scale (BPRS) and Positive And Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) were used to evaluate psychotic symptoms. RESULTS: Body weight and BMI were decreased significantly at 4-week and 8-week treatment compared to baseline (weight loss: 1.17+/-1.80 kg and 2.50+/-2.24 kg; BMI: -0.41+/-0.65 kg/m2 and -0.88+/-0.82 kg/m2 on 4-week and 8-week). Psychiatric symptoms were improved significantly in BPRS and PANSS. Adverse effects were showed such as fatigue, paresthesia, difficulty in concentration and diarrhea, which were mild and self-limited. CONCLUSION: It is suggested that topiramate have significant effects on patients with risperidone-induced weight gain. Randomized controlled study would be necessary in the near future.