Efficacy and Safety of Topiramate for Essential Tremor: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Essential tremor (ET) is the most common movement disorder that is frequently treated by propranolol or primidone. However, 30% of patients with ET do not respond to either propranolol or primidone. The objective of this study was to assess the efficacy and safety of topiramate for ET. We searched the MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials for relevant randomized controlled trials on the effects of topiramate for ET. A meta-analysis technique was applied to estimate the efficacy and safety of topiramate. The primary outcome was the change in the Fahn–Tolosa–Marin tremor rating scale (TRS). The secondary outcomes included the respective change in the location, motor tasks/function and function disability scores, and adverse events. We included 3 randomized controlled trials with a total of 294 participants. Topiramate was significantly better than placebo in reducing TRS of patients with ET (mean difference [MD] −8.58, 95% confidence interval [CI] −15.46 to −1.70). Changes from the scales of upper limb tremor severity (MD −5.12, 95% CI −7.79 to −2.45), motor tasks/function (MD −5.07, 95% CI −7.12 to −3.03), and functional disability (MD −4.72, 95% CI −6.77 to −2.67) were significantly greater with topiramate than with placebo. More participants taking topiramate experienced adverse events leading to withdrawal than those taking placebo (risk difference 19%, 95% CI 11%–27%). There is consistent evidence supporting the efficacy of topiramate in treating ET; however, a significant proportion of participants withdrew due to its adverse effects.