A new study conducted by researchers at Johns Hopkins and published online in the journal Epilepsy and Behavior is suggesting that as much as a fifth of U.S. neurologists do not know how dangerous anti-seizure medications are.

The results of this study suggest that the FDA needs to take a more active role in informing healthcare professionals of the risks involved in various medications, including those used for treating epilepsy. The researchers have also stated that even though their study primarily focused on neurologists, they think that the results of the study can apply to a large variety of medical professionals.

“There is poor communication from the FDA to specialists, and there’s some risk to patients because of this,” says study leader Gregory L. Krauss, M.D., a professor of neurology at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. “Unless it’s a major change requiring the FDA to issue a black box warning on a product, important information appears to be slipping through the cracks. We need a more systematic and comprehensive method so that doctors receive updated safety warnings in a format that guarantees they will see and digest what they need to protect patients.”

While the drugs focused on in the study included Depakote, Tegretol and Divalproex, Topamax is also known to cause similar complications for women as these other medications. Topamax is an anti-seizure medications that is known to cause birth defects in babies exposed to the drug in-utero. Specifically, Topamax has been linked to an increased risk of suicide and suicidal thoughts as well. Some of those birth defects linked to Topamax use during pregnancy include cleft lips, cleft palates, genital defects and other birth malformations.

If your baby was born with birth defects after in-utero exposure to Topamax, contact attorney Greg Jones today for a free consultation. I am experienced at fighting Topamax lawsuits and may be able to help you recover money for your child’s injuries.