There are many Topamax side effects which patients should be aware of when taking the drug. Some effect the patient directly, and some may effect the unborn child of a patient if they are pregnant. In order to understand what these side effects may be, and how they may effect you if you are currently taking Topamax, you first need to understand what Topamax does. The drug, otherwise known by its generic name Topiramate, is prescribed for people suffering from epilepsy. It operates by effecting the nerve cells of the brain, and helps to regulate and protect it against any activity which would otherwise provoke an epileptic response. Unfortunately, some Topamax side effects are the result of the drug penetrating the placenta barrier through the bloodstream, which is why most of these side effects are known about in relation to pregnant women. Topamax side effects on fetuses can include cleft palettes and lips, but may include other problems within the infant as well.
Topamax side effects can also effect patients who are not pregnant, as well. There have been reports of patients who have developed Glaucoma, for example, as a result of being on the drug. There have also been reports of suicidal thoughts and depression, confusion, hyperventilation, and even a complete loss of vision. Although these Topamax side effects were known upon release, it has been the birth defect side effect which has become one of the more concerning factors.
If you or someone you know has taken Topamax side effects are not guaranteed; 1.3% of infants born to patients who have taken Topamax during pregnancy develop the cleft palette or cleft lip syndromes. However, this does not preclude the possibility of it occurring, nor does it guarantee that other problems the patient has experienced are not, in fact, Topamax side effects themselves. The list of potential side effects is quite long, so it is important to speak with your healthcare provider about how the drug may be negatively impacting your life. As with any medication, you should not cease taking the drug until you speak with your doctor so that you can be safely withdrawn from it. You may also wish to speak with a lawyer about class action lawsuits centered around Topamax side effects and how they have effected thousands of Americans who have been severely damaged by this drug and its unforeseen consequences.