Medications

Clinicians should be aware that individuals with chromosome 15q duplications may tolerate medications differently and may be more sensitive to side effects for some classes of medications. Thus, medications should be used with caution and any new medication should be instituted in a controlled setting, with slow titration up to the expected therapeutic dose and with a clear endpoint as to what the expected outcome for treatment is. This includes nutritional and homeopathic supplements.

Commonly used medications in dup15q syndrome:

 

Seizure medications:

Brand name: Ativan, Diastat/Valium

Generic name: lorazepam, diazepam

Indication: prolonged seizure, extreme agitation

Side effects: sedation, dizziness, respiratory depression

Brand name: Banzel

Generic name: rufinamide

Indication: seizure

Side effects: drowsiness, headache, dizziness, nausea, fatigue

Brand name: Dilantin

Generic name: phenytoin

Indication: seizure

Side effects: dizziness, drowsiness, headache, nausea, liver abnormalities, gum overgrowh

Brand name: Depakote

Generic name: valproic acid

Indication: seizure

Side effects: dizziness, drowsiness, headache, nausea, tremor, weight gain, liver or blood count abnormalities

Brand name: Felbatol

Generic name: felbamate

Indication: seizure

Side effects: blood cell count abnormalities (aplastic anemia), liver dysfunction, drowsiness, dizziness, reduced appetite

Brand name: Keppra

Generic name: levetiracetam

Indication: seizure

Side effects: Irritability, aggression, drowsiness, headache, nausea

Brand name: Lamictal

Generic name: lamotrigine

Indication: seizure

Side effects: rash, nausea, drowsiness, dizziness

Brand name: Onfi

Generic name: clobazam

Indication: seizure

Side effects: drowsiness, aggression, drooling, poor coordination

Brand name: Tegretol

Generic name: carbamazepine

Indication: seizure

Side effects: dizziness, drowsiness, nausea, poor coordination

Brand name: Topamax

Generic name: topiramate

Indication: seizure

Side effects: tingling, memory impairment, decreased appetite, drowsiness, dizziness

Brand name: Trileptal

Generic name: oxcarbazepine

Indication: seizure

Side effects: dizziness, drowsiness, nausea, headache, poor coordination, double vision

Brand name: Vimpat

Generic name: lacosamide

Indication: seizure

Side effects: dizziness, fatigue, headache, nausea, double vision, tremor

Brand name: Zonegran

Generic name: zonisamide

Indication: seizure

Side effects: drowsiness, dizziness, reduced appetite

 

Infantile spasms

Generic name: prednisone/prednisolone

Indication: Infantile spasms

Side effects: weight gain, insomnia, nausea, mood changes, high blood pressure, high blood sugars

Brand name: Sabril

Generic name: vigabatrin

Indication: infantile spasm

Side effects: visual field loss, weight gain, headache, dizziness, drowsiness, hyperactivity

 

Behaviors

Generic name: clonidine

Indication: Tics, sleep, ADHD, anxiety

Side effects: drowsiness, headache, dry  mouth, dizziness, low blood pressure

Brand name: Zoloft

Generic name: sertraline

Indication: depression, anxiety

Side effects: insomnia, dizziness, fatigue, nausea, diarrhea

Brand name: Risperdal

Generic name: risperidone

Indication: agitation, aggression, psychosis

Side effects: sedation, Parkinsons symptoms, insomnia, dizziness, weight gain

Brand name: Seroquel

Generic name: quetiapine

Indication: agitation, aggression, psychosis

Side effects: drowsiness, weight gain, dry mouth, headache, dizziness, Parkinsons symptoms

Brand name: Zyprexa

Generic name: olanzapine

Indiation: agitation, aggression, psychosis

Side effects: drowsiness, weight gain, dizziness, low blood pressure, Parkinsons symptoms