The Worse Of All Researched Topamax Side Effects Is Birth Defects

Tue, 02 Aug 2011 19:22:59 +0100

Whether a first-timer mother or not, would you make a choice that would be beneficial to your health but would put your baby at risk of birth defects or would you choose otherwise by putting your baby’s welfare before yours? However, there is a catch, what if by making your baby’s health a priority; you are still putting both of you in danger by leaving your condition untreated? Such is the predicament that an epileptic mother undergoing the Topamax treatment is faced with. It is then a wonder how Topamax is sometimes prescribed for Bipolar Disorder when the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have not approved it for such use especially when confronted with this serious side effect.

Topamax with its active ingredient Topiramate is an anticonvulsant manufactured by Ortho-McNeil, a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson. It was approved by the FDA for the treatment of epileptic seizures in 1996 and indicated for the prevention of certain types of migraine headaches in 2004. Studies on Topamax’s efficacy on other conditions such as psychiatric disorders and even weight loss were conducted despite these.

A new data from the North American Antiepileptic Drug Pregnancy Registry which showed that pregnant women taking Topamax are putting their unborn infants in an increased risk for cleft lip or palate was announced by the FDA, thrusting the Topamax side effects into the public even when all medications have side effects, both serious and minor. The discovery of birth defects linked to Topamax has become the most serious yet so far among all of the drug’s side effects. The data is not the first to link the anticonvulsant to serious birth defects though as studies with the same results were published in the United Kingdom since 2008. Those studies prompted US researchers to conduct the same investigation.

Healthcare professionals were urged to discuss with their patients of childbearing age alternative treatments and even effective birth control methods by the FDA which was prompted by the seriousness of these birth defects. Other Topamax side effects considered to be serious are:

• Lowered bicarbonate levels in the blood resulting in an increase in the acidity of the blood (metabolic acidosis)
• Serious eye problems which could lead to blindness
• Symptoms of kidney stones

Considered less serious common side effects and usually experienced during initial Topamax treatment are:

• Paresthesia or numbness and tingling of extremities
• Fatigue
• Taste change
• Weight loss
• Difficulty with concentration/attention and difficulty with memory
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea
• Diarrhea

For immediate intervention and so as not to worsen their condition, patients are advised to immediately report the persistence or worsening of these side effects, whether considered serious or not.

Topamax and Its Alarming Side Effects

Wed, 29 Jun 2011 21:23:25 +0100

We have been very aware about how certain medicines can give dangerous side effects among its users. These dangerous side effects are being discussed everyday because of how it can affect one’s quality of living. As of now, one of the most discussed medical drugs that have been found out to dangerously give side effects to its users is Topamax. People suffering from epilepsy have been using this drug as a treatment. Furthermore, it is also a popular medicine that serves as prevention for migraine. Yet, there are serious side effects that are alarmingly affecting a number of people despite Topamax’s serious contribution to people suffering from certain medical conditions.

It has been found out that there is a link between the development of glaucoma and the use of Topamax. This happened around the year 2001. This happened after US doctors received notification that there were around 23 Topamax users that have developed glaucoma after a month of using the said drug. Moreover, a significant number of users have been experiencing excessive drowsiness and lethargy. It has also been affecting one’s mental capacity and psychomotor abilities. These side effects were too much of a problem that those who were experiencing it were asked to stop using Topamax. There is also a much worse thing that gave been found out to result from Topamax use and that is its contribution on increasing the number of suicides. However, doctors are seriously taking Topamax’s ability in producing brith defects. In fact, this has been the main reason why the Food and Drug Administration instantly looked on Topamax. Then after, the FDA demanded from its makers to put a warning on the drug’s label so that users will know about it.

Because of how it can affect innocent children, Topamax birth defects are really considered to be a very big problem my doctors. Cleft palate is actually the result of Topamax birth defects. And a lot of problems can spring from this. Cleft palate can cause problems in feeding, speech, and socialization. Huge problems will soon rush in.

As much as we want people to stop taking Topamax, epilepsy is a serious condition. If a woman is pregnant, it will not only be dangerous for her but also for her child. In this situation, proper decision should be made like putting off having a baby. However, there were a lot of women who were not informed about these Topamax side effects even if its makers already knew about it. Can this be a basis for a Topamax birth defect lawsuit? Contact a lawyer in order to find out.

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The Worse Of All Researched Topamax Side Effects Is Birth Defects

Topamax and Its Alarming Side Effects