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Pregnant and taking Topomax
Thu, 10/27/2005 - 15:50Topic: Women With Epilepsy
Hello all,
I was taking Topomax for JME and I went off the meds last year in Sept. 04 when we decided to try to get prego. I had another seizure (number 9 in my life) in Jan. but the docs all thought it was a breakout and told me to stay away from the meds.
Then in May, hooray, we got pregnant! After 5 months, I had another seizure, and now everyone decided that I needed to go back on meds because it was safer for me and the baby. I have to admit, I am a bit scared, but everything looks fine so far. And I feel great. So I am being positive.
Here are my questions. What are your opinions about Topomax and pregnancy? c-sections? breastfeeding?
Thanks for your advice.
Juliet
Comments
Hey Juliet
Submitted by Jill on Sun, 2005-11-06 - 21:16
Hey Juliet :)
Congratulations on your baby!! I wanted to know, if you dont mind, what did your neuro and OBGYN tell you after you had your seizure when you were 5 mos pregnant as far as the safety of your baby. Were you laying down when you had your seizure? Were any of your normal "triggers" present -like were you sleep deprived or anything like that? Do you know when you are going to have a seizure? How long have you had JME? One more question or request, could you tell me or describe what happens when you have your tonic clonics. I am asking you so many questions because I want to have my second child and also have JME and want to try and be med free if possible. With my first I wasnt on meds and didnt have any seizures so I feel good about trying but then I dont want to be dumb or in denial about meds if I need them. Sorry if this is confusing, I am confused right now :) Hope you are doing really good!! Again, congratulations and God bless your pregnancy and all to come, it is the greatest experience in a lifetime. Thanks!
Jill
Re: Hey Juliet
Submitted by usafaux2004 on Sun, 2006-09-17 - 02:31
That drug should be destroyed. My sister was born in April 2003. She was developing normaly and we saw no problems until she turned 2. Then 3. Now she is 3 1/2 years old and just now is starting to talk. The moron of a dr. that was giving the med to my mom should be shot, hung and dismembered. He did not take my mom of off Topamax while she was preagnant or while she was breastfeeding. When my mom finaly went to him to get off the meds (I was with her and my sister). He started calling the damn company telling them that "we have a first, healthy baby born on Topamax!" My mom and I were speechless. Most of the doctors that are working with my sister are blaming the darn drug. And the worst part is, he clamed that he did not know my mom was preagnant while he was giving her the drug! Piece of Sh*t! He better pray i never meet him face to face. Ever. iF ANYONE wants to contact me to discuss this, then just e-mail me at usafaux2004@yahoo.com
A Loving Brother
Topamax & Pregnancy
Submitted by jstoll on Sun, 2005-11-06 - 19:43
Hi Juliet, I'm also on Topamax & wanting to have a baby. I'm in the process of deciding if it's a greater risk to go off meds or stay on them? I've done quite a bit of research & there is not much info on Topamax! You've done an awesome job so far!! From everything I understand the most important time to be med free is in the first trimester when all the major organs are developing. If you do need to go back on meds now just keep the rest of your body as healthy as possible. Do you have another health practioner that is giving you nutritional advice etc? I don't know about c-sections but my neuro said that he doesn't recommend Topamax for breastfeeding as it messes with the baby's appetite. He said some neuroologists think it's ok though. I'm really excited for you! Best of luck with everything! :) Julie