Focus on topiramate in neuropathic pain.

Topiramate is a drug that has shown efficacy in the treatment of epilepsy. A survey of MEDLINE, EMBASE and the American Academy of Neurology Abstracts reveals there is now evidence that topiramate is also effective in the treatment of neuropathic pain. The dose that has been studied ranges from 25 mg to 800 mg with a suggested dose of 400 mg daily. However, further randomized, double blind studies are needed to confirm this new use of topiramate and explore the proper dose and mechanism of action. Topiramate is conspicuous amongst the antiepileptic drugs for being well tolerated and having fewer drug interactions. Thus, it might offer an advantage over such drugs.