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Topiramate in the Treatment of Pathological Gambling

Topiramate in the Treatment of Pathological Gambling: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Flexible-Dose Study

Status
Terminated
Phases
Phase 3
Study type
Interventional
Source
ClinicalTrials.gov
Registry ID
NCT00245583
Enrollment
42
Registered
2005-10-28
Start date
2005-10-31
Completion date
2009-05-31
Last updated
2019-07-02

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

Pathological Gambling

Keywords

Pathological Gambling, Compulsive Gambling, Gambling, topiramate

Brief summary

This study will assess the efficacy of topiramate in the treatment of pathological gambling. Pathological gambling (PG) is a debilitating disorder, generally leading to severe personal, familial, financial, social, and occupational impairments. In PG, the patient experiences a progressive inability to resist impulses to gamble, and gambling significantly disrupt the patient's functioning in the personal, familial, and/or vocational spheres. Topiramate has shown preliminary evidence of efficacy in some impulse control disorders.

Detailed description

This is a 14-week, outpatient, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, flexible-dose study of topiramate in subjects with pathological gambling. After giving informed consent, subjects who meet all the inclusion and exclusion criteria may be enrolled. The study will consist of three phases: * Washout/Screening Phase (up to 28 days prior to randomization or longer for those medications requiring a longer washout period; * Double-Blind Phase (Titration: up to 6 weeks; Maintenance: 8 weeks); and * Taper Phase (approximately 1 week). The study medication will be titrated to 300 mg/day or the subject's maximum tolerated dose (MTD). Subjects must reach a minimum dose of 50 mg/day by Week 2. The taper phase will last approximately one week where subjects gradually reduce their medication until they are no longer taking study medication. Patient may also give an optional blood sample for pharmacogenomic testing

Interventions

DRUGTopiramate

minimum does of 50mg/day

DRUGPlacebo

matching tablet

Sponsors

Ortho-McNeil, Inc.
CollaboratorINDUSTRY
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
Lead SponsorOTHER

Study design

Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
DOUBLE (Subject, Investigator)

Eligibility

Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to 70 Years
Healthy volunteers
No

Inclusion criteria

* Subjects must have a current DSMV-IV-TRTM diagnosis of pathological gambling supported by the Structured Clinical Interview for Pathological Gambling (SCI-PG). * Subjects must have a severity score of ³ 4 (moderately ill) on the Clinical Global Impressions Scale - Severity (CGI-S) at Visit 1A (Day -28). * Subjects must have a severity score of ³5 on the South Oaks Gambling Screen (SOGS) at Visit 1B (Day -7). * Subjects must have a score of ³2 for item number 1 on the Gambling Symptom Assessment Scale (G-SAS) at Visit 1B (Day -7) and Visit 2 (Day 1). * Subjects must have a minimum score of \>10 on the obsession subscale (questions 1-5) of the Pathological Gambling - Yale Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (PG-Y-BOC) at Visits 1B (Day -7) and 2 (Day 1). * Subjects must score ≤15 on the Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS) at Visits 1B (Day -7) and 2 (Day 1). * Subjects must be between 18 and 70 years of age, inclusive. * Subjects must provide contact information for themselves to be used by the site in case of a missed appointment. * Subjects may be male or female and must be in generally good health as confirmed by medical history and physical examination, laboratory tests and vital signs. * Female subjects must be: * postmenopausal for at least one year, or * surgically sterile, or * practicing an effective method of birth control (e.g., oral contraceptives, contraceptive injections, intrauterine device, spermicide with barrier, contraceptive patch, contraceptive vaginal ring, male partner sterilization, or abstinence and agree to continue abstinence or to use an acceptable method of contraception, as listed above, should sexual activity commence) before entry and throughout the study; have a negative urine pregnancy test at Visits 1B (Day -7) and 2 (Day 1). * Subjects must be able to take oral medication, adhere to the medication regimens and be willing to return for regular visits. * Subjects must be able and willing to read written instructions and complete all scales and inventories required by the protocol. * Subjects must have signed an informed consent form indicating that they understand the purpose of and procedures required for the study and are willing to participate.

Exclusion criteria

* Subjects with any current Axis I psychiatric disorder as defined by DSM-IV-TRä supported by the SCID-I/P, other than pathological gambling, that in the investigator's judgment might require intervention with either pharmacological or non-pharmacological therapy over the course of the study. * Subjects with a history of personality disorder (e.g., schizotypal or borderline) considered by the investigator to likely interfere with assessment or compliance with treatment. * Subjects who have a current or recent (within 3 months of Visit 2, Day 1) DSM-IV-TRTM diagnosis of substance abuse or dependence, with the exception of nicotine and caffeine abuse or dependence. * Subjects receiving formal psychotherapy for pathological gambling (with the exception of Gamblers Anonymous) within the 4 weeks prior to Visit 1B (Day -7). Note: Formal psychotherapy is defined as behavioral therapy, cognitive therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, psychoanalysis, etc. for the treatment of a clinical diagnosis or for which a healthcare professional is billing for such therapy. \- Subjects who have begun to receive formal psychotherapy for a psychiatric disorder, other than pathological gambling, within 3 months prior to Visit 1B (Day -7). Note: Subjects who have been engaged in formal psychotherapy for a condition other than pathological gambling for \>3 months and plan to maintain therapy throughout the study will be considered on a case-by-case basis. * Subjects with a score of \>24 on the Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) at Visit 1B (Day -7) and Visit 2 (Day 1). * Subjects who are expected to stay in a restricted environment. * Subjects who have taken a prohibited medication described in the Concomitant Therapy section of the protocol and who have not met the washout criteria specified in Attachment 15. * Subjects with a positive urine drug screening \[benzodiazepines, phencyclidine, cocaine, amphetamines, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), and opiates\] at Visit 1B (Day -7). Note: Subjects with a positive urine drug screen for THC may be retested in 7 days and enrolled if they a) continue to meet inclusion/

Design outcomes

Primary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Obsession Component of the Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale for Pathological Gambling (PG-YBOCS)BaselineThe obsessions subscale of the Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale modified for PG (PG-YBOCS) measures the severity and change in severity of PG symptoms such as thoughts/urges and behaviors and has been shown to be reliable and valid and correlate with global severity and South Oaks Gambling Screen scores. The scale is a clinician-rated, each item rated from 0 (no symptoms) to 4 (extreme symptoms), Each component, Obsession and Compulsion, score ranges from 0-20, yielding a total possible score range from 0 to 40, with higher score indicating more symptoms.

Secondary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Gambling-Symptom Assessment Scale Total Scorebaseline and 14 weeksThe Gambling-Symptom Assessment Scale (G-SAS) is a 12-item self-rated measure that is designed to assess gambling symptom severity and change during treatment. Each item is scored on a 4 point scale from 0-4 with 0 meaning no symptoms and 4 meaning extreme symptoms. The total score is 0 - 48, with higher score indicating more gambling problem. Scores 7 and lower are considered normal behavior, 8-20 are considered a mild gambling problem, 21-30 are considered a moderate gambling problem, 31-40 are considered a severe gambling problem and 40-48 are considered an extreme gambling problem.
Barratt Impulsiveness Scale-11baselineThe Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS-11) is a questionnaire designed to assess the personality/behavioral construct of impulsiveness, composed of 30 items describing common impulsive or non-impulsive (for reverse scored items) behaviors and preferences. Subscale attentional score 8-32, subscale motor score 11-44, subscale nonplanning score 11-44, with higher scores for each subscale indicating worse outcomes. Total score from 30-120, with higher score indicating more impulsive symptoms. Items are scored on a 4-point scale: Rarely/Never = 1 Occasionally = 2 Often = 3 Almost Always/Always = 4 Total scores of 72+ = high impulsiveness Total scores between 52 and 71 = within normal limits for impulsiveness Total scores lower than 52 are representative of an individual that is either extremely over-controlled or who has not honestly completed the questionnaire
Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS)baseline and week 14The YMRS is an 11-item scale used to assess the severity of mania and is based on the patient's subjective report of his or her clinical condition over the previous 48 hours. Additional information is based upon clinical observations made during the course of the clinical interview. There are four items that are graded on a 0 to 8 scale (irritability, speech, thought content, and disruptive/aggressive behavior), while the remaining seven items are graded on a 0 to 4 scale. These four items are given twice the weight of the others to compensate for poor cooperation from severely ill patients. YMRS total score varies between zero and 60, with higher score indicating more symptoms. A score of \<= 12 indicates remission of symptoms.
Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scalebaseline and week 14The Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) is a psychological questionnaire used by clinicians to assess the severity of depression among patients who have a diagnosis of depression. The MADRS depression test includes 10 items and uses a 0 to 6 severity scale. Total score from 0-60. Higher scores indicate increasing depressive symptoms.
The Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scalebaseline and week 14Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HARS) - It consists of 14 items, each defined by a series of symptoms. Each item is rated on a 5-point scale, ranging from 0 (not present) to 4 (severe), with a total score range of 0-56, where \<17 indicates mild severity, 18-24 mild to moderate severity and 25-30 moderate to severe. Higher score indicates more symptoms.

Countries

United States

Participant flow

Recruitment details

Subjects were recruited primarily through community advertisements such as newspapers and targeted advertisements in casinos. Eligible participants were enrolled between October 26, 2005 and May 23, 2008.

Pre-assignment details

Subjects were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to topiramate or placebo treatment. Following the baseline visit, participants underwent a 6-week titration period to 300mg/day or the maximum tolerated dose, followed by an 8-week maintenance. At the conclusion of the 14-weeks, study medication was tapered over a 7-day period.

Participants by arm

ArmCount
Topiramate
25mg to 300mg daily dose Topiramate: minimum does of 50mg/day
20
Placebo
placebo equivalent tablets Placebo: matching tablet
22
Total42

Withdrawals & dropouts

PeriodReasonFG000FG001
Overall StudyAdverse Event21
Overall StudyLack of Efficacy10
Overall StudyLost to Follow-up15
Overall StudyWithdrawal by Subject23

Baseline characteristics

CharacteristicTopiramatePlaceboTotal
Age, Continuous50.45 years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 10.44
44.91 years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 8.01
47.5 years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 9.5
Race (NIH/OMB)
American Indian or Alaska Native
0 Participants0 Participants0 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
Asian
0 Participants0 Participants0 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
Black or African American
7 Participants5 Participants12 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
More than one race
0 Participants0 Participants0 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander
0 Participants0 Participants0 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
Unknown or Not Reported
2 Participants1 Participants3 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
White
11 Participants16 Participants27 Participants
Sex: Female, Male
Female
8 Participants15 Participants23 Participants
Sex: Female, Male
Male
12 Participants7 Participants19 Participants
Smoking
Non-smoker
12 participants7 participants19 participants
Smoking
Smoker
8 participants15 participants23 participants

Adverse events

Event typeEG000
affected / at risk
EG001
affected / at risk
deaths
Total, all-cause mortality
0 / 200 / 22
other
Total, other adverse events
7 / 2011 / 22
serious
Total, serious adverse events
0 / 200 / 22

Outcome results

Primary

Obsession Component of the Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale for Pathological Gambling (PG-YBOCS)

The obsessions subscale of the Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale modified for PG (PG-YBOCS) measures the severity and change in severity of PG symptoms such as thoughts/urges and behaviors and has been shown to be reliable and valid and correlate with global severity and South Oaks Gambling Screen scores. The scale is a clinician-rated, each item rated from 0 (no symptoms) to 4 (extreme symptoms), Each component, Obsession and Compulsion, score ranges from 0-20, yielding a total possible score range from 0 to 40, with higher score indicating more symptoms.

Time frame: Baseline

ArmMeasureGroupValue (MEAN)Dispersion
TopiramateObsession Component of the Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale for Pathological Gambling (PG-YBOCS)Obsessions12.65 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 2.08
TopiramateObsession Component of the Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale for Pathological Gambling (PG-YBOCS)Compulsions11.10 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 23.75
TopiramateObsession Component of the Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale for Pathological Gambling (PG-YBOCS)Total23.75 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 4.8
PlaceboObsession Component of the Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale for Pathological Gambling (PG-YBOCS)Obsessions12.95 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 2.24
PlaceboObsession Component of the Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale for Pathological Gambling (PG-YBOCS)Compulsions12.27 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 2.91
PlaceboObsession Component of the Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale for Pathological Gambling (PG-YBOCS)Total25.23 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 4.89
Primary

Obsession Component of the Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale for Pathological Gambling (PG-YBOCS)

The obsessions subscale of the Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale modified for PG (PG-YBOCS) measures the severity and change in severity of PG symptoms such as thoughts/urges and behaviors and has been shown to be reliable and valid and correlate with global severity and South Oaks Gambling Screen scores. The scale is a clinician-rated, each item rated from 0 (no symptoms) to 4 (extreme symptoms), Each component, Obsession and Compulsion, score ranges from 0-20, yielding a total possible score range from 0 to 40, with higher score indicating more symptoms.

Time frame: 14 weeks

ArmMeasureGroupValue (MEAN)Dispersion
TopiramateObsession Component of the Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale for Pathological Gambling (PG-YBOCS)Obsessions6.17 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 3.28
TopiramateObsession Component of the Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale for Pathological Gambling (PG-YBOCS)Compulsions5.28 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 4.71
TopiramateObsession Component of the Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale for Pathological Gambling (PG-YBOCS)Total11.44 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 7.81
PlaceboObsession Component of the Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale for Pathological Gambling (PG-YBOCS)Obsessions7.62 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 3.66
PlaceboObsession Component of the Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale for Pathological Gambling (PG-YBOCS)Compulsions6.92 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 4.48
PlaceboObsession Component of the Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale for Pathological Gambling (PG-YBOCS)Total14.54 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 7.79
Secondary

Barratt Impulsiveness Scale-11

The Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS-11) is a questionnaire designed to assess the personality/behavioral construct of impulsiveness, composed of 30 items describing common impulsive or non-impulsive (for reverse scored items) behaviors and preferences. Subscale attentional score 8-32, subscale motor score 11-44, subscale nonplanning score 11-44, with higher scores for each subscale indicating worse outcomes. Total score from 30-120, with higher score indicating more impulsive symptoms. Items are scored on a 4-point scale: Rarely/Never = 1 Occasionally = 2 Often = 3 Almost Always/Always = 4 Total scores of 72+ = high impulsiveness Total scores between 52 and 71 = within normal limits for impulsiveness Total scores lower than 52 are representative of an individual that is either extremely over-controlled or who has not honestly completed the questionnaire

Time frame: week 14

ArmMeasureGroupValue (MEAN)Dispersion
TopiramateBarratt Impulsiveness Scale-11Attentional16.83 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 4.3
TopiramateBarratt Impulsiveness Scale-11Motor22.32 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 3.37
TopiramateBarratt Impulsiveness Scale-11Non-planning29.00 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 4.04
TopiramateBarratt Impulsiveness Scale-11Total68.14 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 8.3
PlaceboBarratt Impulsiveness Scale-11Total71.66 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 14.54
PlaceboBarratt Impulsiveness Scale-11Attentional17.41 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 5.13
PlaceboBarratt Impulsiveness Scale-11Non-planning30.38 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 6.1
PlaceboBarratt Impulsiveness Scale-11Motor23.85 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 5.05
Secondary

Barratt Impulsiveness Scale-11

The Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS-11) is a questionnaire designed to assess the personality/behavioral construct of impulsiveness, composed of 30 items describing common impulsive or non-impulsive (for reverse scored items) behaviors and preferences. Subscale attentional score 8-32, subscale motor score 11-44, subscale nonplanning score 11-44, with higher scores for each subscale indicating worse outcomes. Total score from 30-120, with higher score indicating more impulsive symptoms. Items are scored on a 4-point scale: Rarely/Never = 1 Occasionally = 2 Often = 3 Almost Always/Always = 4 Total scores of 72+ = high impulsiveness Total scores between 52 and 71 = within normal limits for impulsiveness Total scores lower than 52 are representative of an individual that is either extremely over-controlled or who has not honestly completed the questionnaire

Time frame: baseline

ArmMeasureGroupValue (MEAN)Dispersion
TopiramateBarratt Impulsiveness Scale-11Attentional18.18 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 4.03
TopiramateBarratt Impulsiveness Scale-11Motor25.35 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 3.83
TopiramateBarratt Impulsiveness Scale-11Non-planning30.07 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 3.91
TopiramateBarratt Impulsiveness Scale-11Total73.59 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 9.22
PlaceboBarratt Impulsiveness Scale-11Total72.16 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 12.5
PlaceboBarratt Impulsiveness Scale-11Attentional18.00 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 4.57
PlaceboBarratt Impulsiveness Scale-11Non-planning28.90 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 5.5
PlaceboBarratt Impulsiveness Scale-11Motor25.27 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 4.86
Secondary

Gambling-Symptom Assessment Scale Total Score

The Gambling-Symptom Assessment Scale (G-SAS) is a 12-item self-rated measure that is designed to assess gambling symptom severity and change during treatment. Each item is scored on a 4 point scale from 0-4 with 0 meaning no symptoms and 4 meaning extreme symptoms. The total score is 0 - 48, with higher score indicating more gambling problem. Scores 7 and lower are considered normal behavior, 8-20 are considered a mild gambling problem, 21-30 are considered a moderate gambling problem, 31-40 are considered a severe gambling problem and 40-48 are considered an extreme gambling problem.

Time frame: baseline and 14 weeks

Population: those who returned for week 14 visit included in data results

ArmMeasureGroupValue (MEAN)Dispersion
TopiramateGambling-Symptom Assessment Scale Total Scorebaseline31.95 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 7.41
TopiramateGambling-Symptom Assessment Scale Total Score14 weeks19.94 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 9.18
PlaceboGambling-Symptom Assessment Scale Total Scorebaseline35.73 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 7.85
PlaceboGambling-Symptom Assessment Scale Total Score14 weeks23.00 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 11.55
Secondary

Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale

The Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) is a psychological questionnaire used by clinicians to assess the severity of depression among patients who have a diagnosis of depression. The MADRS depression test includes 10 items and uses a 0 to 6 severity scale. Total score from 0-60. Higher scores indicate increasing depressive symptoms.

Time frame: baseline and week 14

Population: those who returned for week 14 visit included in data results

ArmMeasureGroupValue (MEAN)Dispersion
TopiramateMontgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scaleweek 147.06 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 8.54
TopiramateMontgomery-Asberg Depression Rating ScaleBaseline8.70 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 8.29
PlaceboMontgomery-Asberg Depression Rating ScaleBaseline9.54 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 6.62
PlaceboMontgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scaleweek 144.69 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 5.74
Secondary

The Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale

Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HARS) - It consists of 14 items, each defined by a series of symptoms. Each item is rated on a 5-point scale, ranging from 0 (not present) to 4 (severe), with a total score range of 0-56, where \<17 indicates mild severity, 18-24 mild to moderate severity and 25-30 moderate to severe. Higher score indicates more symptoms.

Time frame: baseline and week 14

Population: those who returned for week 14 visit included in data results

ArmMeasureGroupValue (MEAN)Dispersion
TopiramateThe Hamilton Anxiety Rating ScaleBaseline6.35 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 3.62
TopiramateThe Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scaleweek 144.94 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 5.22
PlaceboThe Hamilton Anxiety Rating ScaleBaseline7.68 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 5.25
PlaceboThe Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scaleweek 145.31 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 6.99
Secondary

Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS)

The YMRS is an 11-item scale used to assess the severity of mania and is based on the patient's subjective report of his or her clinical condition over the previous 48 hours. Additional information is based upon clinical observations made during the course of the clinical interview. There are four items that are graded on a 0 to 8 scale (irritability, speech, thought content, and disruptive/aggressive behavior), while the remaining seven items are graded on a 0 to 4 scale. These four items are given twice the weight of the others to compensate for poor cooperation from severely ill patients. YMRS total score varies between zero and 60, with higher score indicating more symptoms. A score of \<= 12 indicates remission of symptoms.

Time frame: baseline and week 14

Population: those who returned for week 14 visit included in data results

ArmMeasureGroupValue (MEAN)Dispersion
TopiramateYoung Mania Rating Scale (YMRS)Baseline3.85 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 3.65
TopiramateYoung Mania Rating Scale (YMRS)14 weeks2.61 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 2.97
PlaceboYoung Mania Rating Scale (YMRS)Baseline3.95 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 3.84
PlaceboYoung Mania Rating Scale (YMRS)14 weeks1.6154 score on a scaleStandard Deviation 2.02

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · Data processed: Feb 4, 2026