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