Posted by TSA West on April 4, 2002, at 0:30:24
In reply to Kramer: Overmedicated? Topamax? Is this forever?, posted by DedeD on April 3, 2002, at 20:08:18
I believe the Topamax in the long run will not affect your cognition negatively. At first, you will not be able to remember trivial facts without dedicated and highly concentrated thought. But studies done over six months reveal no cognitive deficits and a large substantial emotional gain:
Epilepsia, Volume 42(9) September 2001 pp 1134
Postmarketing Experience with Topiramate and Cognition:"The P.A.D.S. (post-marketing antiepileptic drug survey) group, a cooperative group of 14 epilepsy centers that collaborate on obtaining data about new AEDs and devices, prospectively collected standardized data forms before and during treatment with Topiramate (TPM) for epilepsy, and analyzed the postmarketing experience of CNS adverse events with TPM. We were unable to demonstrate a specific population, dose titration, or concomitant AED that was at risk to discontinue treatment.
We conclude that most patients treated with TPM will continue therapy beyond 6 months. Cognitive complaints and not efficacy reflect the primary reason for discontinuing therapy. Psychomotor slowing was the most common complaint, yet most patients elect to continue treatment, with "better" or "much better" ratings of both seizure and global improvement during treatment."
poster:TSA West
thread:101728
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20020402/msgs/101743.html