March 4, 2011 — Taking the epilepsy drug topiramate (Topamax) during pregnancy raises the risk of oral cleft birth defects such as cleft lip and cleft palate , according to a new warning issued by the FDA.
What drugs cause cleft lip in unborn?
Another potential cause may be related to a medication a mother may have taken during their pregnancy. Some drugs may cause cleft lip and cleft palate. Among them: anti-seizure/anticonvulsant drugs , acne drugs containing Accutane, and methotrexate, a drug commonly used for treating cancer, arthritis, and psoriasis.
Does Topamax cause cleft lip?
If you take topiramate during pregnancy, there is a higher risk that your baby will develop a cleft lip and/or cleft palate. Oral clefts happen early in pregnancy, before many women even know they are pregnant.
Is Topamax bad for pregnancy?
The use of topiramate, particularly during the first trimester, is linked to an increased risk of birth defects . According to a study published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, using topiramate while pregnant can increase the chance of an oral cleft in a baby.
Can you have a baby on topiramate?
While most children born to women who take topiramate during pregnancy do not have a birth defect , some studies suggest that topiramate use in the first trimester may increase the chance that a baby will be born with a cleft lip and/or a cleft palate (split lip or opening in the roof of the mouth).
Can a cleft lip be seen on ultrasound?
Cleft lip may be detected with ultrasound beginning around the 13th week of pregnancy . As the fetus continues developing, it may be easier to accurately diagnose a cleft lip. Cleft palate that occurs alone is more difficult to see using ultrasound.
Can a cleft lip heal itself in the womb?
A cleft lip is usually repaired within the first 3-6 months of a baby’s life . A cleft palate is usually repaired within 6-12 months of birth.
Can Topamax cause miscarriage?
There are currently no concerns that topiramate use in pregnancy causes miscarriage or stillbirth.
What pregnancy category is Topamax?
Topiramate is currently considered a Category D medication by the FDA. This means that potential risks of using the medicine during pregnancy have been recognized, but benefits of the medicine may warrant use despite the risks.
Can Topamax help you lose weight?
Topamax isn’t approved for weight loss . However, the drug may reduce your appetite, which may lead you to lose weight. In clinical studies, weight loss occurred in 6% to 17% of people who took Topamax.
What happens if you mix topiramate and alcohol?
Alcohol and topiramate both act as brain depressants, which can impair your thinking and coordination. Risks of drinking alcohol while taking topiramate include mental and psychological side effects, including confusion, dizziness, drowsiness, and depression .
Can I stop 25 mg Topamax cold turkey?
Never stop taking Topamax suddenly, or “cold turkey”, because this may cause you to have an increased risk of seizures, more frequent seizures, or other serious withdrawal symptoms. This can happen even if you do not take Topamax for epilepsy.
Can you prevent cleft lip and palate?
You can’t always prevent cleft lip and cleft palate in your baby . But there are things you can do to help reduce your baby’s chances of having these birth defects: Take folic acid. Before pregnancy, take a multivitamin with 400 micrograms of folic acid in it every day.
Do cleft lips go away?
Having a baby born with a cleft can be upsetting, but cleft lip and cleft palate can be corrected . In most babies, a series of surgeries can restore normal function and achieve a more normal appearance with minimal scarring.
Can you see cleft lip at 12 week scan?
This case demonstrates and emphasizes that early and accurate diagnosis of cleft lip and palate in the first trimester, as early as 12 weeks’ gestation, is a real possibility . It should be attempted at the time of ultrasound for first-trimester screening.
Can cleft lip be detected pregnancy?
Diagnosis. Orofacial clefts, especially cleft lip with or without cleft palate, can be diagnosed during pregnancy by a routine ultrasound . They can also be diagnosed after the baby is born, especially cleft palate.
