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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
Re: Pregnant and taking Topomax
Submitted by GG on Mon, 2006-09-18 - 03:11
Topomax is a great drug for pregnancy! I took Topomax and Lamictal during pregnancy and I didnt have any problems or complications. There isnt any reason why you cant deliver normally. Now my doctors told me that I couldnt breast feed because the meds would be in excreted (is that a word) in the milk. And that would harm the baby. So I gave her formula My baby was healthy and beautiful Praise God! As I gained weight later in my pregnancy (about 8 months) my doctors increased my meds because my jerks were coming back. But after delivery I went back to my normal dosage of medication and lost all of the weight really fast. That's what I love about topomax. It makes you loose weight. Always put God first. And have no worries, your baby will be just fine.
Hi Juliet,
Submitted by mommy2kyra on Sun, 2005-11-06 - 21:18
Congrats on your pregnancy :) I've never been on Topomax, but I have had 2 c-sections and breastfed both of my girls. You should speak w/ your OB and neuro extensively regarding the risk of seizures should you need a c-section. The anestesia (sp?) may lower your blood levels of Topomax, increasing the likelihood of a seizure. (Before my last c-section, I spoke w/ ALL doc's about my phenobarb, and how I'd had seizures after my first c-section. The anestesiologist then made adjustments to prevent me from seizing.) I would also recommend talking w/ your pediatrician, as well as your neuro about the possibility of breastfeeding. See what they say. You may also want to speak w/ a lactation consultant, a HUGE help! They can look in their drug books and advise too. We decided to go for it, as I'd been on meds through my entire pregnancies, we figured that my babies were used to the effects. If anything, I was warned, they'd be a bit more sleepy than other babies. They both did very well, and enjoyed nursing. I was on phenobarb, of course, but YOU and hubby make the final decision. Remember that. Take the doctor's advice as just that..advice..you will know your baby much better than anyone else, take your cues from him/ her. Best of luck to you! Hope that the rest of your pregnancy goes smoothly. Heather :)