Topamax is a well-known medication that is prescribed to help combat episodes of epileptic seizures as well as treating migraine headaches. The drug has also been used in off-label treatments for painful nerve conditions. But what is now getting a lot of publicity is one of Topamax’s side effects — namely, weight loss.
The fact that Topamax has the potential to cause patients to lose weight is causing some people to ask for prescriptions specifically for that purpose. The drug is not approved by the FDA for this use, but people are still requesting it. Some doctors will prescribe Topamax for weight loss in some patients, but many will not do so unless there is a special circumstance.
In general, Topamax is definitely not recommended for the purposes of losing weight because of the drug’s side effects, which can include memory loss or difficulty concentrating. Side effects like those make it hard to take for a longer period of time. While there are a couple of studies that have found that Topamax does work as a treatment for obesity (especially in people with type 2 diabetes), it should be noted that these studies also pointed out that the benefits weren’t exactly worth the risk involved.
One of those risks applies specifically to pregnant women. Topamax has been proven to cause birth defects in babies whose mothers took the drug. One of those risks is cleft palate. A cleft palate occurs when the lips and palate do not fuse properly during fetal development. If you have taken Topamax for weight management and have suffered from some of the harmful side effects like cleft palate, contact 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 injury.