Topiramate vs sodium valproate in treating refractory epilepsy / 中国新药与临床杂志

ABSTRACT

AIM: To compare the effects between topiramate and slow-release sodium valproate in treating refractory epilepsy. 　METHODS: Topiramate group of 39 patients (M 21, F 18; age 28 a± s 20 a) was compared with sodium valproate group of 41 patients (M 22, F 19; age 27 a±17 a) in antiepileptic effect of refractory epilepsy. Adult's and children's dosages of topiramate were increased gradually about 200 mg*d-1 and 4 mg*kg*d-1 respectively during about 2 mo, po, bid, for 6 mo as a course. Adult's dosage of slow-release sodium valproate was 0.5-1 g*d-1, and children's was increased gradually to total dosage 15-30 mg*kg*d-1, po, qd or bid (morning or morning and noon), for 6 mo as a course. Effects were analysed between these two drugs after treatment 4 and 6 mo.　RESULTS： Simple and complex partial seizures with or without secondary generalized seizure, in topiramate group were much more improved than these in sodium valproate group 6 mo after treatment. Four patients of topiramate group appeared temporary adverse reactions of central nervous system, such as tiredness, sleepiness and distraction, but one patient of sodium valproate group had severer decreased function of bone marrow.　CONCLUSION: Topiramate is one of effective antiepileptic drugs and superior to slow-release sodium valproate. There are the apparent absence of any effects of topiramate on the bone marrow and on indexes of liver and kidney.