Topamax Symptoms

Topamax (topiramate) was approved by the FDA in 1996. Topamax is used to treat epilepsy, mood disorders and/or chronic pain. It is also a drug that has been prescribed to prevent migraines. 

The Simmons Firm’s Topamax attorneys are looking into cases of birth defects linked to Topamax. Contact our Topamax attorneys today if you have questions.

Topamax Symptoms Related to Birth Defects Part of a Study

In 1997, North American Antiepileptic Drug (NAAED) Pregnancy Registry began a study of pregnant women taking Topamax, to its symptoms of effects in newborns. Their data found an increase of adverse pregnancy outcomes, including birth defects and low birth weight, linked to Topamax. 

Topamax symptoms of birth defects include:

• Cleft lip (cheiloschisis) - Symptoms of cleft lip present as a small gap at the top of the lip or an indentation of the lip. Cleft lip can also continue into one nostril (unilateral complete) or both (bilateral complete).
• Cleft palate (palatoschisis) - A condition where the roof of the mouth (soft and hard palate) is not fully formed. A complete cleft palate can affect the soft and hard areas from uvula to the nasal cavity, and many times includes a cleft lip. It may also be limited to a hole in the roof of the mouth, which is referred to as an incomplete cleft palate.
• Hypospadias - Usually a male birth defect wherein the urethral opening appears on the underside shaft of the penis rather than the tip.

Finally, in March 2011 the FDA increased its warnings about these Topamax symptoms of side effects for newborns. Read more about the Topamax time frame.

Did you take Topamax during pregnancy? Was your child born with a birth defect like the ones listed above or other? Contact the Topamax attorneys at the Simmons Firm today for help and information. Consultations are free.