Women And Antiepileptic

CJF Comments on New University of Virginia Study Finding Topiramate Helpful in ...

CJF Comments on New University of Virginia Study Finding Topiramate Helpful in the Treatment of Alcohol Dependence The Consumer Justice Foundation (CJF) comments on a new study (“Topiramate in the New Generation of Drugs: Efficacy in the Treatment of Alcoholic Patients,” ncbi.nlm.nih.gov) conducted by the University of Virginia, which supports the effectiveness of the antiepileptic topiramate (Topamax) in treating alcohol dependence. A significant challenge was faced by the researchers in determining the smallest dose that could result in effectiveness, thereby achieving a balance between therapeutic benefit and adverse side effects. Previous studies have found a potential link between the use of topiramate and the development of significant side effects, particularly birth defects among children exposed to the drug during pregnancy. For more information about the possible adverse effects of topiramate, visit http://www.TopamaxBirthInjury.com , a free online guide developed by the Consumer Justice Foundation in an effort to adequately educate consumers about the dangers of certain pharmaceutical drugs.

(PRWEB) August 15, 2011

The Consumer Justice Foundation (CJF) comments on a new study (“Topiramate in the New Generation of Drugs: Efficacy in the Treatment of Alcoholic Patients,” ncbi.nlm.nih.gov) published by the University of Virginia, concerning the use of topiramate (Topamax) in treating alcohol dependence in patients. According to researchers, this study offers solid clinical evidence supporting the effectiveness of treating most alcohol-dependent patients in office-based practice or generic treatment settings. Despite the positive nature of the study (“Topiramate in the New Generation of Drugs: Efficacy in the Treatment of Alcoholic Patients,” ncbi.nlm.nih.gov) however, researchers acknowledge a notable challenge in the determination of the smallest effective dose of topiramate, thereby attaining a balance between therapeutic benefit versus the possible adverse events. The CJF calls for consumers to research and weigh the possible benefits of topiramate for this indication against the potential for birth defects if used by women while pregnant.

Topiramate is the generic form of the brand-name antiepileptic drug Topamax, which is currently manufactured by Ortho-McNeil Pharmaceutical, a division of Johnson & Johnson. Topiramate was approved as Topamax by the FDA in 1996 for the treatment of epilepsy, including primary generalized tonic-clonic seizures and partial-onset seizures, and again in 2004 for the prevention of migraine headaches. Since its introduction, topiramate has become one of the most frequently prescribed antiepileptic drugs available in the U.S. and other countries.

Healthcare Professionals Urged to Weigh the Benefits and Risks ...

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has urged all healthcare professionals to weigh first all the benefits and risks involved in Topamax medication before prescribing the antiepileptic drug to all women of childbearing age in view of all the serious side effects linked to it. This after several studies suggested that exposure of infants to the medication while inside their mothers’ wombs put them at high risk for birth defects. Also, the FDA has approved a new epilepsy drug which possibly has fewer side effects than Topamax .

Mothers who take Topamax during their pregnancy may have their babies born with cleft lip, cleft palate or hypospadias, according to studies whose reports are upheld by the FDA. Topamax, manufactured by Ortho-Mcneil, a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson has been approved for the treatment of epileptic seizures in 1996 and prevention of migraine headaches in 2004. It could either be prescribed as a monotherapy or as an adjunctive therapy. Topamax became the most prescribed drug for both conditions and was Johnson & Johnson’s no.1 anticonvulsant.

Positive human evidence that the Topamax drug or medication would cause birth defects or malfunctions had the FDA elevating and escalating the antiepileptic drug from pregnancy category C to D after studies linked it to possible fetal malformations and problems. Aside from its possible or probable devastating effects to infants or newborns, other side effects noted when Topamax is prescribed as a monotherapy are paresthesia, weight decrease, somnolence, anorexia, dizziness, upper respiratory tract infection, diarrhea, and mood problems. When used as an adjunctive therapy, noted side effects are somnolence, dizziness, ataxia, speech disorders and related speech problems, psychomotor slowing, abnormal vision, difficulty with memory, paresthesia, diplopia, fatigue, nervousness, difficulty with concentration or attention, confusion, depression, anorexia, language problems, anxiety, mood problems, weight decrease, and aggressive reaction.

The consideration of alternative medications associated or linked with a lower risk of birth defects is suggested by the FDA with fetal malformations and deformations being the most serious Topamax side effects so far. Should Topamax be a must treatment for women, the federal agency suggests the use of effective birth control.

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