Weight issues for people with epilepsy--a review

Epilepsia. 2007;48 Suppl 9:42-5. doi: 10.1111/j.1528-1167.2007.01402.x.

Abstract

Weight gain or loss is not an integral part of epilepsy although a sedentary lifestyle can contribute to weight gain. Pharmacological treatment for epilepsy may be associated with substantial weight changes that may increase morbidity and impair adherence to the treatment regimen. Antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) associated with weight loss are felbamate, topiramate, and zonisamide. AEDs associated with weight gain are gabapentin, pregabalin, valproic acid, and vigabatrin and possibly, carbamazepine. Weight neutral AEDs are lamotrigine, levetiracetam, and phenytoin. In clinical practice it is critical to weigh patients regularly and AED selection should be based on each patient's profile without sacrificing therapeutic efficacy.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anticonvulsants / adverse effects*
  • Anticonvulsants / therapeutic use*
  • Body Mass Index
  • Body Weight / drug effects*
  • Epilepsy / drug therapy*
  • Epilepsy / epidemiology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Morbidity
  • Obesity / chemically induced*
  • Patient Compliance
  • Weight Gain / drug effects
  • Weight Loss / drug effects

Substances

  • Anticonvulsants