Continuing weight-loss effect after topiramate discontinuation in obese persons with schizophrenia: a pilot open-label study.

Abstract

INTRODUCTION:

Few studies have investigated the likelihood of weight maintenance in obese persons with schizophrenia after their initial successful weight loss. This pilot open-label study examined the efficacy of topiramate in weight loss and the trajectory of weight changes after topiramate discontinuation.

METHODS:

This study enrolled 10 obese persons with schizophrenia. A 4-month treatment phase was started, followed by a 12-month discontinuation phase. Body weight was measured as the primary outcome every month. Secondary outcomes included leptin levels, fasting glucose, lipid profiles, and insulin resistance index.

RESULTS:

After the 4-month addition of topiramate, participants lost 1.79 kg of their body weight (95% CI=-3.03 to -0.56, p=0.005). The maximum weight reduction was 4.32 kg, occurring when topiramate had been discontinued for 12 months (95% CI=-6.41 to -2.24, p<0.001).

DISCUSSION:

The continuing weight-loss effect after topiramate discontinuation might have resulted from topiramate's potential to improve leptin functioning. These findings demonstrate that topiramate's weight-loss effect could not only persist during its administration, but also continue to improve after its discontinuation.

• Authors: C-S Liang, F-W Yang, S-Y Huang, P-S Ho
• Journal: Pharmacopsychiatry (Pharmacopsychiatry) Vol. 47 Issue 4-5 Pg. 162-8 (Jul 2014) ISSN: 1439-0795 [Electronic] Germany
• PMID: 24936804 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
• Copyright: © Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.

Chemical References

• Anti-Obesity Agents
• Leptin
• Topiramate
• Fructose

Topics

• Adult
• Anti-Obesity Agents (administration & dosage, therapeutic use)
• Body Mass Index
• Female
• Follow-Up Studies
• Fructose (administration & dosage, analogs & derivatives, therapeutic use)
• Humans
• Leptin (blood)
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Obesity (drug therapy)
• Schizophrenia
• Time Factors
• Topiramate
• Weight Loss