Topiramate-induced paresthesia is more frequently reported by migraine than epileptic patients

Neurol Sci. 2016 Apr;37(4):585-9. doi: 10.1007/s10072-015-2458-9. Epub 2016 Jan 25.

Abstract

Topiramate is an approved and effective drug in migraine prophylaxis. Paresthesia is the most commonly reported side effect. The primary objective of this study was to compare the frequency of topiramate-induced paresthesia in migraine headache to epileptic patients. Patients with migraine without aura and epilepsy were enrolled in this observational study. All cases were interviewed by telephone about their history of paresthesia. Confounding factors were controlled through logistic regression. The odds ratio of developing topiramate-induced paresthesia in migraine compared to epilepsy patients was 3.4. Three factors were independent contributors to developing topiramate-induced paresthesia: female sex (odds ratio 2.1), topiramate dosage (odds ratio 0.3) and duration of therapy. Our findings indicate an independent association between migraine and development of paresthesia. Migraineurs were more likely than epileptic patients to report paresthesia as topiramate adverse effects. Female sex, treatment duration and topiramate dosage contribute significantly to subsequent development of paresthesia.

Keywords: Migraine; Paresthesia; Topiramate.

Publication types

  • Observational Study

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Central Nervous System Agents / adverse effects*
  • Central Nervous System Agents / therapeutic use
  • Child
  • Epilepsy / drug therapy
  • Epilepsy / epidemiology*
  • Female
  • Fructose / adverse effects
  • Fructose / analogs & derivatives*
  • Fructose / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Logistic Models
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Migraine Disorders / drug therapy
  • Migraine Disorders / epidemiology*
  • Odds Ratio
  • Paresthesia / chemically induced*
  • Paresthesia / epidemiology*
  • Topiramate
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Central Nervous System Agents
  • Topiramate
  • Fructose