Intentional Topiramate Ingestion in an Adolescent Female

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

To describe an intentional topiramate ingestion by an adolescent and warn of the potential for topiramate abuse.

CASE SUMMARY:

A 17-year-old female intentionally ingested approximately eight 100-mg topiramate tablets for the purpose of “getting high.” Soon after ingestion, she was found at school obtunded and nonresponsive. Upon transfer to the emergency department, she became combative and aggressive with evolving neurologic abnormalities including incoherence, confusion, disorientation, and significant speech impairments including echolalia. Approximately 24 hours after ingestion, the patient had completely recovered without requiring specific treatment or experiencing sequelae.

DISCUSSION:

The clinical effects following acute topiramate intoxication appear consistent with the drug's known pharmacologic properties. There are few other reports of topiramate ingestions and most cases have had mild outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS:

Due to the multifactorial effects topiramate may have upon the central nervous system and its anorectic effect, abuse of this drug by adolescents should be considered upon presentation of an adolescent with mental status changes.