Could a common seizure drug help schizophrenia patients lose weight and feel better?

NCT ID NCT02808533

Ongoing Disease control Sponsor: Centre for Addiction and Mental Health Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study looks at whether adding topiramate (a seizure medication) to clozapine can help with weight loss and improve symptoms in people with treatment-resistant schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder. About 50 overweight or obese adults aged 17-59 who are already on clozapine will receive either topiramate or a placebo. Researchers will track weight, insulin sensitivity, and psychiatric symptoms over time.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: Topiramate (also known as Topamax)
What this could lead to: If it works, this could offer a way to manage weight gain and possibly improve psychiatric symptoms in people with hard-to-treat schizophrenia.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early-stage study with only 50 participants, so results may not apply widely. Topiramate can cause side effects like dizziness or cognitive issues.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

Get updates

Get notified about this study

Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for SCHIZOAFFECTIVE DISORDER are added.

Our safety recommendation!

By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use

Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Psychotic Disorders schizoaffective disorder schizophrenia

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

SCHIZOPHRENIA / SCHIZOAFFECTIVE DISORDER

Contacts and locations

Locations

Center for Addiction and Mental Health

Toronto, Ontario, M5T 1R8, Canada

More trials for these conditions

Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.