Central hyperventilation related to administration of topiramate

Topiramate is a recently released antiepileptic agent used in the treatment of patients with refractory seizure disorders. In addition to its antiepil eptogenic activities, it results in inhibition of carbonic anhydrase isoenz ymes II and TV, which are present in the central nervous system. A 15-year- old female who presented with hyperpnea and primary respiratory alkalosis i s reported. Other possible etiologies of the central hyperventilation syndr ome were excluded. The problem resolved within 24 hours after discontinuing topiramate. (C) 2000 by Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved.