Topamax And Pregnancy

Many women who get pregnant worry about Topamax and pregnancy when they have been taking the drug for migraine, headaches or seizures. So what is the real deal? In an effort to allay your fears I would like to review this drug a bit more.

First of all, Topamax is in Category C for use of drugs during pregnancy. What this means is that no studies have been performed on humans with this drug and studies in animals have shown some fetal defects. Please note that these studies were done with Topamax and other anti-seizure drugs included.

But wait! Before you get upset..the incidence of fetal defects in the normal human population is about 1-1.2%. On Topamax it is about 2-2.3%. So..does it happen? Yes. It it very high? No. Overall, Topamax and pregnancy are fairly safe compared to other anti-seizure drugs, but you MUST make this decision with your physician. It is best to avoid this medication during the 1st trimester if possible.

• What To Do If You Get Pregnant On Topamax

First of all..call your doctor's office. Both your OB/GYN and your neurologist if you think you are pregnant. Assuming you are, and are only on a low dose of 100mg or so you can probably stop the medication right away. Your doctor may recommend tapering off it, but even then you will be off quickly.

NOTE: Do not suddenly stop any anti-seizure drug if you are on higher doses. The risk of having a seizure from sudden withdrawl may do more damage to you and the baby than staying on the medication for a bit.

• Migraine, Topamax And Pregnancy

Ok..now you have stopped this great migraine medication and your headaches are coming back. While 70% of migraineurs will improve or have no migraines during prenancy, 30% don't. If you are one of the unlucky 30%, cheer up, there are still options for you.

Read about how to manage headaches in pregnancy. Many times headaches in pregnancy will resolve after the first trimester, and can be treated with low doses of either Tylenol in pregnancy or Tylenol with codeine.

As always, please call your physician when making decisions about topamax and pregnancy.