Topiramate after Adjustable Gastric Banding in Patients with Binge Eating and Difficulty Losing Weight

Background: About 15% of patients who undergo adjustable gastric banding (AGB) have difficulty losing weight due to, among other factors, the development or maintenance of binge eating disord e r. Topiramate is an anticonvulsive drug with proven good results in controlling binge eating episodes.The objective of this study was to analyze the effect of topiramate in patients with AGB. Methods: 16 patients with binge eating and inadequate weight loss after AGB were analyzed prospectively for 3 months while receiving topiramate in doses varying from 12.5 to 50 mg per day. Results: There was a mean increase in excess weight loss from 20.4% to 34.1% without the need for band readjustment. 2 patients had intolerance to topiramate and were changed to fluo xetine 40 mg per day. Conclusion: Topiramate may be a useful adjuvant for patients with AGB and binge eating disorder.