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Published in: BMC Psychiatry 1/2006

Open Access 01-12-2006 | Case report

Topiramate in the treatment of compulsive sexual behavior: case report

Authors: Yasser Khazaal, Daniele Fabio Zullino

Published in: BMC Psychiatry | Issue 1/2006

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Abstract

Background

Among the multiple mechanisms of action of topiramate, AMPA/kainate antagonism may be particularly interesting for the treatment of disorders characterized by conditioned cognitive and behavioral cue reactivity.

Case presentation

We report the case of a patient consulting primarily for obesity and cue triggered snacking, who responded well on topiramate at doses up to 50 mg. Coincidentally he reported on an improvement of compulsive nonparaphilic sexual behaviors (consumption of prostitution), which was also strongly triggered by environmental cues. Both addictive behaviors (snacking and consumption of prostitution) reoccurred after discontinuation of topiramate and again responded reintroduction of the drug.

Conclusion

The present case report of topiramate's effect on comorbid obesity and nonparaphilic addiction could be interpreted as a further indication that topiramate acts on the common pathway underlying conditioned behaviors and seems to be a treatment of behavioral disorders associated with environmental cues.
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Metadata
Title
Topiramate in the treatment of compulsive sexual behavior: case report
Authors
Yasser Khazaal
Daniele Fabio Zullino
Publication date
01-12-2006
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
BMC Psychiatry / Issue 1/2006
Electronic ISSN: 1471-244X
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-244X-6-22

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