Epilepsy outcomes in elderly treated with topiramate.

OBJECTIVES

To explore effectiveness, tolerability and quality of life in elderly patients with epilepsy treated with topiramate.

METHODS

One year, open-label, flexible-dosing clinical trial.

RESULTS

One hundred and seven patients (mean age 69 years, 53% men) were studied during 273 +/- 141 days. The average final dose in monotherapy was 98 mg/day vs 153 mg/day in adjunctive treatment. Mean monthly cumulative seizure frequency decreased from 3.7 +/- 15 to 1.6 +/- 7.7 (n = 101, P < 0.0001), 78% of patients with seizures at baseline (n = 102) achieved at least 50% reduction in seizure frequency, 44% were seizure-free throughout the trial. Total scores on the quality of life in epilepsy inventory (QOLIE-31) improved from 57 +/- 17 to 68 +/- 18 (n = 64, P < 0.0001). The most frequently reported adverse events included convulsions, dizziness and tiredness.

CONCLUSIONS

Elderly patients treated with topiramate showed marked reductions in seizures, good tolerability and significant improvements in several aspects of quality of life.