Topiramate-Induced Chest Pain: A Case Report.

BACKGROUND: Topiramate, an anticonvulsant used for prophylaxis of migraines and epilepsy, is commonly associated with adverse effects of cognitive dulling and fatigue. Chest pain is a potential adverse effect that to our knowledge has not been reported with the use of topiramate. CASE PRESENTATION: We present the case of a 38-year-old female with a seizure disorder who experienced chest pain after the first dose of topiramate. On day 1, she presented to the emergency department, was admitted, and over the course of 3 days had a chest X-ray, electrocardiogram (ECG), and echocardiogram, and her vitals, basic metabolic panel, complete blood counts, troponin, and d-dimer levels were monitored. The chest pain improved when the topiramate was held. No identifiable causes of chest pain were apparent, other than the topiramate. DISCUSSION: The Naranjo probability scale was utilized to determine the causality of topiramate. The resulting score of 3 indicates that it is possible that the chest pain was due to the topiramate. CONCLUSION: This report demonstrates an example of a patient who experienced chest pain possibly caused by the initiation of topiramate. The objective of this case report is to increase the awareness of chest pain as an adverse effect of topiramate.

Current Practice Patterns in the Management Of Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to examine current practice patterns surrounding the management of alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS) in the Northeast region of the United States. METHODS: A survey questionnaire with several treatment options related to current practice in the management of AWS was developed. All hospitals with 100 beds or more located in the Northeast region were selected, and 512 surveys were mailed to pharmacy directors of those hospitals. RESULTS: Responses from 90 hospitals in nine states were included in the analyses. For the treatment of mild, moderate, and severe AWS, most institutions utilized protocols or guidelines (66%, 73%, and 67%, respectively). However, two-thirds of the hospitals indicated that guidelines or protocols were not in place to treat benzodiazepine (BZD)-refractory AWS. A BZD-only treatment strategy was selected as the first choice for mild and moderate AWS (74% and 54%, respectively), whereas a BZD regimen in combination with a variety of other agents, including haloperidol, dexmedetomidine, phenobarbital, or propofol, was frequently used in the treatment of severe and BZD-refractory AWS. CONCLUSION: The findings suggest that considerable heterogeneity exists, particularly in the treatment of severe and BZD-refractory AWS, among hospitals in the Northeast. Given that current guidelines focus mainly on BZD therapy, the results of this survey highlight the need for updated practice guidelines utilizing other treatment strategies.