BACKGROUND

Topiramate is a broad-spectrum agent effective against primarily generalized tonic-clonic seizures (PGTCS) as well as partial-onset seizures. Juvenile myoclonic epilepsy is one of the most common idiopathic generalized epilepsies, with most patients experiencing PGTCS.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate topiramate as add-on therapy in patients with juvenile myoclonic epilepsy.

DESIGN

Post-hoc analysis of a patient subset from 2 multicenter, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, parallel-group trials.

SETTING

Eighteen centers in the United States; 10 centers in Europe; 1 center in Costa Rica (primary trials).

PATIENTS

A total of 22 patients with juvenile myoclonic epilepsy participating in placebo-controlled trials assessing topiramate (target dose, 400 mg/d in adults) in inadequately controlled PGTCS.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

Reduction of PGTCS.

RESULTS

A 50% or more reduction of PGTCS in 8 of 11 topiramate-treated patients (73%) and 2 of 11 placebo-treated patients (18%) (P = .03). Reductions in myoclonic, absence, and total generalized seizures were also observed, although topiramate vs placebo differences did not achieve statistical significance.

CONCLUSION

As a broad-spectrum agent, topiramate is an effective option for patients with juvenile myoclonic epilepsy.