Topamax, a medication for epilepsy and often used for preventing migraines, is being investigated as a cause for birth defects.

Treating women with seizure disorders who become pregnant is a difficult task because the medications are necessary to prevent seizures, but may cause defects in the unborn child. A small study that was published this month the journal Neurology, found that Topomax found a higher rate of birth defects than was found with other anti-seizure medications.

This finding is particularly important because in 2004, the medication was approved for use in preventing migraines. Since most women don’t know they are pregnant until after they are four to six weeks pregnant, this could be harmful to the fetus.

It is important to note that the rate of defects was higher among women who took both Topomax and another medication, valproate, which is known to have a higher risk of birth defects.

Although more research is needed to be sure of the connection, perhaps women who are considering getting pregnant and are using this medication to prevent migraines should speak with their physician.

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Topamax, a medication for epilepsy and often used for preventing migraines, is being investigated as a cause for birth defects.

Treating women with seizure disorders who become pregnant is a difficult task because the medications are necessary to prevent seizures, but may cause defects in the unborn child. A small study that was published this month the journal Neurology, found that Topomax found a higher rate of birth defects than was found with other anti-seizure medications.

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