Recently the FDA announced Topamax can cause cleft palate and cleft lip in babies. A cleft palate can be on one or both sides of the roof of the mouth. It may go the full length of the palate. A cleft lip may be just a small notch in the lip. It may also be a complete split in the lip that goes all the way to the base of the nose. Topamax has been linked to cleft palate and cleft lip in babies.
Topamax is known as an anticonvulsant and its used prevent seizures. The drug can be found in two formats: capsules and tablets. Topamax is commonly characterized as a white crystalline powder with a bitter taste.
Topamax has been reported to be used for the treatment of bipolar disorder and mood stabilizer. The goal of anticonvulsants is to ultimately suppress the “over-firing” of neurons, which ultimately lead to a seizure within the body. As a result, a strong and effective anticonvulsant should be able to prevent the firing of neurons and in addition avoid the spread of the seizure.
The medication is best known for treating epilepsy in both children as well as adults. As previously mentioned, many psychiatrists to treat bipolar dysfunctions and some cases of depression as well have also used it. In addition, it has also been used as a counteract drug, which would be used to prevent weight gain brought upon by other antidepressants. The controversy that surrounds this drug is abundant. In terms of psychiatrists and physicians being criticized for prescribing the drug for bipolar patients, which the drug had never been tested for.
A cleft palate can be on one or both sides of the roof of the mouth. It may go the full length of the palate. A cleft lip may be just a small notch in the lip. It may also be a complete split in the lip that goes all the way to the base of the nose.
What is cleft palate and cleft lip in babies?
As previously described a cleft lip may be just a small notch in the lip. It may also be a complete split in the lip that goes all the way to the base of the nose. A cleft palate can be on one or both sides of the roof of the mouth. It may go the full length of the palate. Other symptoms include: misaligned teeth; and change in the shape of the nose.
Recently the FDA announced Topamax can cause cleft palate and cleft lip in babies. If you or a loved one took Topamax while pregnant and the child was born with cleft lip or cleft palate then call us at 1-800-810-3467 or fill out our online form for a free case evaluation.