RESUMEN
Using Glutamate antagonists such as topiramate has been suggested on the basis of glutamate hypothesis for schizophrenia; as its properties encourage its exploration and possible development as a medication for the treatment of schizophrenia. A randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled clinical trial was performed on 18-45 years old schizophrenic patients. Baseline information including vital signs, height, weight, smoking status, demographic characteristics, [past] psychiatric history, medication history and medication-related adverse effects was collected. Patients were randomly assigned to topiramate or placebo group. Efficacy was assessed by administering positive and negative syndrome scale [PANSS], and tolerability was recorded in both groups on days 0 [baseline], 28, and 56. Total PANSS score in topiramate group was 96.87 [85.37-108.37], 85.68 [74.67-96.70] and 76.87 [66.06-87.69] compared with 101.87 [90.37-113.37], 100.31 [89.29-111.32] and 100.56 [89.74-111.37] in placebo group in baseline, 28th and 56th days, respectively [95% confidence interval]. General linear Model for repeated measure analysis showed that topiramate has lowered PANSS score significantly [p<0.05]. Significant decline pattern was also found in all three PANSS components [negative, positive and psychopathology symptoms] [p<0.05]. Topiramate can be an effective medication in controlling schizophrenic symptoms, because of its effect on decreasing negative symptoms and controlling antipsychotic-associated weight gain