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Epilepsy Medication Topamax has also been used to treat migraines.
In march 2011, the FDA warned consumers that taking Topamax while pregnant can cause serious birth defects including cleft palates.
Topamax, which has been on the market since 1995 is primarily an epilepsy medication but it has also been prescribed to treat migraines, an especially severe variation of headache. In addition to head pain, migraines are often accompanied by “nausea, vomiting, tingling in the limbs and extreme sensitivity to light and sound.” (Mayo Clinic) The duration of a migraine can be anywhere from a few minutes to a few days and it is often so debilitating that your ability to focus and perform daily activities is impaired or otherwise compromised.
Topamax works to “calm the overexcited nerve cells,” that cause migraines. “Clinical studies found that Topamax could reduce the frequency of migraines at one month and patients who took the drug over six months experienced significant improvement.” (Topamax) Its effectiveness as a migraine medication aside, Topamax is not without its side effects.
The Serious Side Effects of Topamax:
Those who have taken Topamax to treat their migraines have suffered various side effects and the following are among the most serious:
Birth Defects and Other Pregnancy Complications: If you “take Topamax during pregnancy, your baby has a higher risk for a specific type of birth defect known as cleft lip/cleft palate.” (Topamax) This can “occur during the earliest stages of pregnancy.” (Topamax) Topamax is classified as a Pregnancy Category D drug, meaning that although “there is positive evidence of human fetal risk,” (NCBI) it is allowed to remain on the market because its potential benefits outweigh the risks.
Changes in Mental Health: Topamax can cause “severe anxiety, unusual changes in mood and panic attacks.” (Topamax) It can also cause you to “act on dangerous impulses” (Topamax) such as attempting to inflict harm on yourself or those around you.
Sporadic Changes in Body Temperature: You may experience “decrease sweating and fever changes,” (Topamax) which may result in hospitalization. Young children are especially vulnerable to this.
Eye problems: Some Topamax users complain “serious eye problems including sudden decrease in vision,” which is sometimes accompanied by “eye pain, redness and blockage of fluid in the eye, resulting in increased eye pressure.” (Topamax) Such pressure is clinically referred to as Secondary Angle Closure Glaucoma.
How Weitz & Luxenberg can help
Have you taken Topamax for a migraine and suffered an even worse ailment as a result? Weitz & Luxenberg can provide you with legal counsel and our qualified attorneys can help you secure monetary compensation that can be used to cover the following expenses:
- Treatment costs
- Lost income during treatments
- Lost future income due to forced retirement from your illness
- Any counseling or therapy costs to help cope with your illness
- Any hired help needed to aid in the recovery
- Medication costs
- Pain and suffering
To get started, simply fill out the form on this page for a free, no obligation, legal consultation.
Acknowledgements:
Mayo Clinic: www.mayoclinic.com/health/migraine-headache/DS00120
Topamax: www.topamax.com/how-topamax-may-help--how-works.html
National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI):
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0000998/
see also:
Topamax Birth Defects
Topamax has been linked to birth defects when taken during pregnancy.Seizure drug Topamax linked to birth defects: contact Weitz & Luxenberg immediately for legal assistance
Topamax & Pregnancy
Weitz & Luxenberg Provides Information on the risk of birth defects if you take TopamaxIf you takeTopamax during pregnancy, there is a chance that it could cause birth defects. Weitz & Luxenberg is here to help you file a lawsuit.
Topamax
Side effects of Topamax include birth defects: FDA takes actionDid you take Topamax while pregnant? Learn more about the severe side effects threatening your child.
