Topamax and Pregnancy

[TinyRN]

Has anyone here been on Topamax and gone through a pregnancy with no difficulties? I found out that I am pregnant I am unsure of how far along I am at this time but I am on 200 mg a day currently and I think I am 5 weeks right now. I have not been diagnosed with seizures but have severe headaches even on the 200 mg :( even after being decompressed.  My OB is worried about this and my neuro office is closed till Monday :- / I am staring to titrate down to see if I can tolerate it during this first trimester as I was off this for 9 months post op, how many people experienced miscarriages?

[TinyRN]

To the majority of posts. I had an MRI following for my annual and for the symptoms and it showed a fluid build up like a seroma but the doctor was not concerned they completed a CINE MRI and they flow was normal. They "found" a Pituitary adenoma (mass) or rather I should say confirmed it from the year prior which no one mentioned it to me. So with any tumor headaches can cause seizures (which can happen without you knowing them) or after Chiari people can have decompression surgery and go undiagnosed with IH (intracranial hypertension) due to the redistribution of CSF because your body no longer knows what to do with it. Topamax, ironically is one of the medications to treat IH so it may have been keeping it at bay and that may have been why I had to increase it so much but also treats seizures. In the last 4 months I have lost 30 lbs and my headaches have been improved to where I don't significantly need my fioricet every day (it seems like-not really) any more. I was taking it almost once a week to once every two weeks now. But with my going to be gaining weight this produces anxiety too now, because to diagnose IH they have to be able to measure the pressures in your head or they would need to start me on another drug if I switch to another neurologist that is more on board with my program and they are ALL sulfa drugs which I am highly allergic too :-? ... So this shall be true test. Topamax can cause fetal heart and cleft heart abnormalities during the first trimester and can cause early abortions and low birth rates and growth factors. So its a scary factor. I am going to try if I did it before.  

[selmaS]

  Hi...welcome back and  CONGRATULATIONS!!!

WOW  how wonderful.....I know it also brings a lot of concern....and I  am sure you will find your way  to  a healthy  and  happy  newborn...

I do not know how this  med  will  affect  you   or  the baby...but  stepping down  like  you mentioned  should  help...

I was  on TOPAMAX  post  op too and no  longer  need  it....

May  I ask  why   or what reasons  you  are  on it?

  Wondering if  you  might  have  a related  condition  causing  HA's  post op....

Do  keep  us  posted  on your med  issues   and  your  journey  with  your  baby  <3  Wishing  you  all  the best,

[Elisaandbucky]

I am just reading your post. I will pray for relief for your pain and keep you in my thoughts. I do not have any answers for you about medication. I just thought you could use some emotional support. I hope you are feeling well as you are reading this and you receive the good karma I am sending you.

[Nellan12]

As an RN you probably know more than I do...just hang in there a few more days till Monday ..then call first thing in the am,see what your doctor says..

one more thing ,if your headaches came back after your decompression, before they put you back on meds,did you do a new MRI??
Keep posting let us know how you make out!!

[TinyRN]

I know I have to titrate down in a safe dose if I am going to I am a nurse I am just nervous that with the Chiari what it is going to do to me. I was able to come off it before but 9 months after the decompression that headaches came back worse than before that I had to start on the medication and up the dose 4x what I was on prior I am afraid that I may have undiagnosed IH or simple partial seizure disorder (Sensory). On call there may be a physician covering that may not be aware of my complete medical history for my neuro.

[Nellan12]

I'm not sure what to say!! I am not pregnant far from it I am a grandmother.. But  I was on topamax for my headaches too.. But my neurologist took me off of it..I was taking 300mg per day...but the side effect for me were bad...I know you have to decrease the intake by 50mg to 100mg per week... you just can't stop it..that is what I was told...I think  if you stop taking it all at once you can get rebound headaches..
Does your Ob office have an on call doctor for the weekend? Maybe they can advice you... Keep posting let us know how your doing... I will keep you in my prayers