CompletedPhase 2

A Pilot Study of Topiramate in Childhood Absence Epilepsy

12 participantsStarted 2005-03

Plain-language summary

Limited data exist on the effectiveness of antiepileptic drugs for treatment of childhood absence epilepsy. Preliminary data suggest that topiramate may be an effective drug for this condition. The present study is designed to provide further evidence of the potential effectiveness of topiramate for childhood absence epilepsy, as well as preliminary information about a potential target dose for future study.

Who can participate

Age range

4 Years – 9 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * Weight of at least 15 kg (33 pounds) * confirmed diagnosis of childhood absence epilepsy * no other serious health problems or neurologic problems * have not taken anti-epilepsy drugs other than ethosuximide, lamotrigine, or valproate * able to take oral medication in a sprinkle capsule formulation * girls must not have gotten their first menstrual period. Exclusion Criteria: * No seizures that are caused by something other than childhood absence epilepsy * not taken topiramate, primidone, zonisamide, or phenobarbital in the past * had to stop taking an anti-epilepsy drug (ethosuximide, lamotrigine, or valproate) because it was not effective in treating childhood absence epilepsy * no presence of abnormal brain waves on electroencephalogram * no presence of mental retardation, no autism, or severe developmental disorder.

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Proportion of subjects who become seizure-free.

Trial details

NCT IDNCT00210574

SponsorJohnson & Johnson Pharmaceutical Research & Development, L.L.C.

Sponsor typeINDUSTRY

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Epilepsy, Absence trials