Posts Tagged ‘migraine drugs’
Thursday, June 9th, 2011
“It’s just Stress” and other Fallacies- The truth about Migraines: Migraines are debilitating neurological disorder that interferes with daily life, in and outside of the home. Chronic migraine headaches are one of the leading causes of disability, and account for millions of hospital visits to ER every year. Migraine symptoms, such as pulsating head pain, intense nausea and stomach cramping, acute sensitivity to strong scents, loud noise and bright lighting, make life unbearable for the migraine sufferer.
Still, families, friends and coworkers of migraine patients have difficulty relating, as there are many incorrect stereotypes and misconceptions that surround migraine illness, regardless of the best efforts of migraine awareness groups, such as M.A.G.N.U.M. and the World Headache Alliance, and online migraine support sites such as Migraine.com, Help for Headaches and WebMD- Migraines. (See Top 20 Websites for Migraine Headache Patients.)
Below is a list of 6 oft-repeated myths about migraines:
Migraine Myth #1: Migraines are like any other headaches.
Not true. Clenched muscles, usually in the upper back, shoulders, and neck regions, cause tension headaches. Common stress headache pain can range from mild to moderately severe; over-the-counter pain medications are sufficient treatments for the common headache.
Migraine headaches are a neurological illness. Constricted blood vessels cause migraine headaches, and the pain fluctuates between moderate to debilitating. The triggers that cause migraines are numerous: food, weather, stress, hormones, light, scents and sleep disturbances. Only a neurologist who specializes in migraine therapy can recommend proper treatment. Migraine Pop Quiz: How Well do you Understand your Headaches?
Migraine Myth #2: There’s no real cure for migraines.
Actually, there’s no one cure for migraines. Many factors need consideration when finding an effective migraine treatment; the task can sometimes seem fruitless. Don’t let pessimism keep you from finding migraine headache relief. Seek a qualified neurologist who specializes with migraines, and stay informed by frequently visiting online migraine forums and blogs. Alternative Migraine Treatments: Thinking outside of the Botox
Migraine Myth #3: Stress only triggers stress headaches, not migraines.
Stress is the leading cause of all headaches, including migraines and tension headaches. So how does one tell the difference between a migraine attack and a stress headache? Migraine pain attacks one side of the head only. Tension headaches are described as a tight band circling the head.
Migraine Myth #4: Migraines are associated with mental illness.
There is a high correlation between migraines, depression and anxiety, but that does not mean that all migraine patients have emotional disorders or need antidepressants. There is currently no proof that mental illness of any kind causes migraines. However, one must take into account the emotional strain chronic migraine sufferers experience. It is common for migraine patients to go through phases or depression, nervousness or anxiety while learning to cope with their condition. Stop Your Next Panic Attack in 4 Simple Steps
Migraine Myth #5: Migraine attacks always impair your ability to function.
The symptoms of migraines can range from moderate to severe. At its worst, migraine pain can be excruciating to the point that the only option is to take your medication and wait out the storm in a dark, quiet room. The fact that you are able to withstand head pain while running errands, working at the computer or trying to relax doesn’t contradict the nature of migraines, nor does it mean that you must endure the suffering. Top 10 Headache Symptoms that Point to Migraines
Migraine Myth #6: Migraineurs are usually hypochondriacs.
This is probably the most hurtful notion of all, because it forces the migraine sufferer to bear the burden of proof. Short of carrying around a brain scan imaging report, there’s little one can do prove to a skeptic that your headache symptoms are not imaginary. You can’t see a migraine; the debilitating symptoms are unobservable to all except a qualified neurologist. But the proof is available through multiple medical reports, scientific breakthroughs and social statistics.
Read more about migraine stigma and coping mechanisms:
Migraine Sufferer to World: It’s not just a Headache, People!
10 Clues your should Include in your Headache Diary Today
Sources:
http://www.netplaces.com/migraines/migraine-basics/migraine-myths-and-misconceptions.htm
Tags: cause migraine, chronic migraine headaches, chronic migraines, headache relief, headache triggers, Migraine, migraine causes, migraine drugs, migraine headache symptoms, migraine medications, migraine news, migraine pain, migraine pain relief, migraine symptoms, migraine treatments, Migraines, prevent migraines
Posted in Migraines | 2 Comments »
Thursday, June 2nd, 2011
U.S. News Best Hospitals for Neurology
Out of 1,200 hospitals that were reviewed for excellence in treating chronic migraines, the US News has narrowed their list down to the 10 highest ranking hospitals in the fields of neurology and neurosurgery.
1) John Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, Maryland (410) 955–5000: In addition to placing #1 for migraine treatment and prevention, John Hopkins Hospital also made the national #1 Honor Roll for treatment in ENT, Rheumatology and for gynecology.
2) Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota (507) 284–2511: World-famous Mayo Clinic ranked #1 for diabetes and endocrinology, gastroenterology, and kidney disorders; they also have a strong online presence in providing current information about migraine headache symptoms and common headache triggers.
3) Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts (617) 726–2000: Massachusetts General Hospital ranked #1 center in Boston for treating migraines, and #1 in the USA for their psychiatry department.
4) New York-Presbyterian University Hospital of Columbia and Cornell, New York (212) 746–5454: In addition to neurology, NY-Pres also ranked #4 in psychiatry and kidney disorders.
5) University of California, San Francisco Medical Center, San Francisco, California (415) 476–1000: The UCLA teaching hospital was voted the #1 hospital for treating migraine pain in all of San Francisco.
6) Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio (216) 444–2200: Cleveland Clinic ranked best hospital in Cleveland for providing migraine headache relief, and #1 US hospital for treating heart disease and conducting heart surgeries.
7) Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center, Los Angeles, California,(310) 825–9111: The UCLA Medical Center was voted the best clinic in Los Angeles for treating chronic migraines, and #2 in the USA for excellence in Geriatrics.
8) St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center, Phoenix, Arizona (602) 406–3000: This prestigious hospital was also voted the third best neurological center in Phoenix, Arizona.
9) NYU Langone Medical Center, New York (212) 263–7300: The NYU Langone Medical Center made the national Honor Roll for excellence in 14 fields of medicine, including neurology and neurosurgery. Additionally, they placed #2 for best hospital in New York for migraine headache patients.
10) Barnes-Jewish Hospital, Saint Louis, Missouri (314) 747–3000: The Barnes-Jewish Hospital/Washington University made the Honor Roll as #1 best migraine treatment center in Saint Louis, Missouri.
Tags: Barnes-Jewish Hospital, best hospitals, best hospitals migraines, best hospitals neurology, chronic migraines, Cleveland Clinic, headache relief, headache triggers, Headaches, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Massachusetts General Hospital, mayo clinic, Migraine, migraine and aura, migraine causes, migraine drugs, migraine headache symptoms, migraine headaches, migraine news, migraine pain, migraine pain relief, migraine remedy, migraine treatment, migraine treatments, Migraines, migrane, New York-Presbyterian University Hospital of Columbia and Cornell, NYU Langone Medical Center, Pain, prevent migraines, Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center, San Francisco Medical Center, St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center, Symptoms, University of California, US News, US News hospitals, women and migraines
Posted in Migraine Treatments | 3 Comments »
Monday, May 9th, 2011
Millions of Americans suffer from migraine headaches, but that number could be larger than we think. While data collected from the American Migraine Study II suggests that 28 million people in the US suffer migraine symptoms, another study points to a large number of cases where migraine pain was misdiagnosed as sinus headache symptoms.
About 18% of all women are diagnosed with migraines; headache pain is described by 80% of all migraineurs as excruciating, to the point where sufferers are unable to perform even simple daily tasks, interfering with their social lives and job performance. More disturbing, experts believe that less than half of all migraine sufferers will ever be diagnosed with chronic migraines, and an even small number- fewer than 20%- will ever receive prescribed migraine medications for headache relief.
Please read: Migraine Headaches Send Millions to the Emergency Rooms
Some researchers have conducted a study to explain the high rate of misdiagnoses surrounding migraine headaches, pointing to a tendency among patients and some doctors to confuse the symptoms of sinus headaches with those of migraines.
The Sinus, Allergy and Migraine Study (SAMS) was conducted to draw a line of contrast between two headache types: migraines and sinus headaches. Says lead authors, the “majority of those with self-diagnosed sinus headaches have migraines or probable migraines.”
Here are the results of that study:
- Included in this study were 100 individuals who believed themselves to be suffering from sinus headaches.
- Participants were asked to fill out questionnaires designed to deduct the level of their headache pain and impairment caused by their headache symptoms.
- Headache sufferers were also asked if they had any other side effects, such as stuffy nose, watery eyes or flushed skin.
- All in all, 63% of study participants were eventually diagnosed with chronic migraines, after having previously been diagnosed with sinus headaches.
- Scientists attributed the wrong diagnoses to miscommunication between the patients and the doctors, in addition to a tendency among some patients to “self-diagnose” their headache symptoms.
- Triggers which caused migraines included changes in the weather and seasons, allergies and altitude changes.
For more info on headache types, read:
7 Headache Categories:Which Type of Headache do you Have?
Women who get Migraines are also Likely to get This
Sources:
FYI Living, PubMed Gov
Tags: cause migraine, causes migraines, chronic migraines, headache relief, headache triggers, migraine drugs, migraine headaches, migraine medications, migraine news, migraine pain, migraine pain relief, migraine prevention, migraine remedy, migraine symptoms, Migraines, migraines with aura, natural migraine treatments, prevent migraines, sinus headache symptoms, sinus headaches, Symptoms, women and migraines
Posted in Types of Migraines | No Comments »
Monday, April 4th, 2011
Yesterday, we talked about Maxalt, a popular migraine medication that helps reduce headache pain and nausea. Today’s focus on another popular drug you can get over the counter–Advil Migraine. So what is it and how can it help you? Today we’re answering your most frequently asked questions about this drug.
Advil Migraine FAQ
Question: What is Advil Migraine?
Advil Migraine is an over-the-counter (OTC) pain medication that helps relieve headache pain, nausea and sensitivity to light and sound when a migraine attack begins. It’s even approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for this purpose. This medication can be taken by mouth at any time, making it a fast and convenient way to eliminate your headache pain without having to buy expensive prescription medications. It contains ibuprofen, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication (NSAID).
Question: How does it work?
Ibuprofen, the active ingredient in Advil Migraine, inhibits cyclooxygenase, an enzyme which helps covert arachidonic acid to prostaglandin. Prostaglandin is a substance released during an attack which can cause throbbing and often nauseating headache pain. By preventing the production of prostaglandins, this drug helps cut down on the pain they produce–in some instances, it eliminates the pain completely, though the effect is temporary.
Question: Do I need to get this at a pharmacy?
No–this medication is available over-the-counter (OTC) next to Advil’s other products. You should be able to find this in your local grocery or retail store, such as Walmart or Target. Remember to seek medical advice before taking any supplement, especially if you have a medical condition.
Question: How is this different from Advil?
Unlike Advil, Advil Migraine is approved by the FDA to treat migraine pain. They both contain virtually the same amount of ibuprofen, however.
Question: How much do I need to take?
Very little. If you are older than 12 years old, you should only take one tablet every four to six hours until the symptoms disappear. You cannot take more than six tablets per day. If you are under the age of 12, your doctor will determine the correct dosage for you.
Question: How safe is this medication?
Ibuprofen is considered one of the safest pain relievers on the market–but that doesn’t mean it can’t cause any side effects. The most common side effects associated with this drug are diarrhea, constipation, gas, nervousness and dizziness. It can also increase your risk for having a heart attack or stroke. If you are already at risk for these problems, you should seek medical advice before taking this drug. It can also increase the risk for ulcers or uncontrolled bleeding.
Have additional questions we didn’t answer in our Advil Migraine FAQ? Let us know in the comments below. We may feature your question in an upcoming blog post on Migravent.
Tags: Advil, Advil Migraine, migraine drugs, migraine medications, migraine treatments, over the counter, pain medication
Posted in Migraine Medication | No Comments »
Sunday, April 3rd, 2011
In our last FAQ, we covered Depakote, a popular migraine medication used to prevent migraine attacks. Today we’re going to cover another popular preventative drug, called Maxalt. Unlike Depakote, this drug works faster and sometimes more effectively, making it a favored choice by some health practitioners. Here are your most frequently asked questions below:
FAQ: Maxalt for Migraines
Question: What is Maxalt?
Maxalt is a drug used to treat migraine pain–unlike Depakote, it does not prevent migraine attacks. It works by quickly reducing headache pain as it begins. It also helps reduce nausea and sensitivity to light and sound, which are often caused by migraine attacks.
Question: How does Maxalt work?
Maxalt works by shrinking the vessels around the brain, which can help relieve pain. It also helps reduce certain substances that cause migraines. According to clinical evidence, it works within 30 minutes of use, relieving most migraine symptoms.
Question: How effective is Maxalt?
It’s very effective. According to one study, 67 to 77 percent of people reported migraine pain relief in as little as two hours, with 66 percent reporting relief from nausea in roughly the same time period. There is also consistent evidence it can reduce sensitivity to light and sound. This does not mean it is effective for everyone–it’s just far more effective than your typical over-the-count pain medication.
Question: Who can’t take Maxalt?
People who have a history of heart disease or uncontrolled blood pressure cannot take this drug. This is because Maxalt may cause a heart attack or stroke, especially in people with risk factors for these problems. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding also cannot take this drug.
Question: What are Maxalt’s side effects?
The most common side effects reported were dizziness, fatigue, nausea and tingling or pricking sensations, which affected between four to nine percent of people taking this drug. Some people also reported feeling tightness or pressure on their chest. Maxalt can increase your blood pressure, which may worsen chest pain. Rarely, this drug can cause vision changes, severe stomach pain and bloody diarrhea, which should be reported to your local healthcare provider immediately.
Have more questions about Maxalt and migraines? Let us know by commenting below. We may include your question in an upcoming blog post!
Tags: Maxalt, migraine drugs, migraine medications, migraine treatments, pain medications
Posted in Migraine Medication | 1 Comment »
Saturday, April 2nd, 2011
Suffering from chronic migraines? Your doctor may have prescribed Depakote, an epilepsy drug that helps reduce the frequency of migraine attacks. But how does it work–and is it the right medication for your headaches?
Let’s look at the most commonly asked questions asked by migraineurs about this medication:
FAQ: Depakote for Migraines
Question: What does Depakote do?
Scientists aren’t sure how Depakote works to prevent migraines–in fact, they don’t know how most drugs work to prevent migraines. What they do know is that it may affect GABA, or gamma-Aminobutyric acid. GABA is a neurotransmitter that allows nerves to communicate. By changing this neurotransmitter, Depakote may reduce nerve excitability, which may cause migraines.
Question: How effective is Depakote?
Very effective. According to Migraines.org, this drug is considered one of the best preventative medicines on the market. It’s even approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the prevention of migraine headaches. According to one study, 48 percent of patients who took Depakote reported at least a 50 percent reduction in migraine frequency, compared to 14 percent from the placebo group.
Question: Is Depakote safe?
It depends. Some drugs or health conditions can interact with Depakote, and depending on your medical history, you may or may not be able to take it.
It may also cause some side effects, which have not been reported to be serious. This includes dizziness, fatigue, change in appetite, nausea, diarrhea, changes in vision, back pain, runny nose and bronchitis.
Question: Who can’t take Depakote?
If you have a history of liver or pancreatic problems, this drug may be unsafe. This is because it may cause liver damage or pancreatitis, which can be fatal. This drug can also cause birth defects, making it unsafe for women who are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. People with other health conditions may also be unable to take this drug–ask your doctor for details.
Question: How much do I take?
250 milligrams is recommended starting dose, taken daily. From there, the doctor may require you to take more, depending on how well it works. Some people take up to 1000 milligrams per day. Only your doctor can determine the right dose, however–never attempt to self-medicate with this drug.
Have more questions about Depakote and migraines? Let us know below–we may feature your question in an upcoming blog post!
Tags: Depakote, migraine drugs, migraine medications, prescription medications
Posted in Migraine Medication | No Comments »
Tuesday, March 29th, 2011
Question: What medications are available to prevent migraines?
Answer: There are several types of medications currently available that can reduce the frequency of chronic migraines–there truly isn’t any way to completely prevent them. You cannot obtain any of these medications without a doctor’s approval, however, as they are all FDA-approved prescription medications. Let’s look at which medications can help prevent migraines.
Beta-blockers
Beta-blockers work by relaxing the blood vessels in the brain, which scientists believe can help prevent migraines. Why they prevent migraines are not clear, however. According to one study reported by WebMD.com, it has around a 50 percent success rate. Doctors often recommend this drug as the first preventative option for migraineurs.
If a doctor recommends this medication, they may prescribe drugs such as atenolol, nadolol or propranolol. There are both brand and generic versions of these drugs, the latter being less expensive.
Beta-blockers, like most medications, can cause undesirable side effects, which may disrupt your day to day life. Their most common side effects include fatigue and sleep problems. Some people may also have trouble with their memory while taking these medications.
Antidepressants
Like beta-blockers, antidepressants are one of the main drugs recommended for preventing migraines. Sometimes they are used with beta-blockers to significantly cut back on migraine attacks. They aren’t sure how antidepressants work, however–they only know that they can help prevent some migraine attacks.
Tricylclic antidepressants, such as amitriptyline, have been shown to be extremely effective, and are often recommended as the first mode of treatment. Other antidepressants, such as MAOIs, SSRIs, or SNRIs, are also recommended.
These medications can cause adverse effects. These effects include dizziness, disorientation, changes in heart rhythm and sexual problems. But there may be other side effects, especially if you have another health condition. Your doctor will ultimately determine if these medications are safe for you or not.
Calcium channel blockers
Doctors often use these drugs when beta-blockers or antidepressants don’t work. This is because calcium channel blockers can take longer to work. These medications work by blocking the effects of a neurotransmitter called serotonin, which scientists believe can trigger migraines.
Calcium channel blockers may cause some mild side effects, which are generally well tolerated. Dizziness, nausea, constipation and low blood pressure are commonly reported, along with rapid heartbeat, edema and drowsiness. Again, your doctor will determine if you can handle these effects, if they arise.
Anticonvulsants
Like calcium channel blockers, anticonvulsants are used when beta-blockers or anti-depressants aren’t enough. These drugs also affect how neurotransmitters work inside the brain, which may prevent them from triggering migraines. These are not fact acting medications, however: it can take up to six months before you may experience its real results.
There are serious side effects associated with anticonvulsants, namely their effects on birth control medications. Clinical evidence shows they can reduce the efficacy of these medications, which may put women at a higher risk for getting pregnant. Anticonvulsants can also affect your memory and make your more sleepy.
Keep in mind that all of these medications are the most commonly prescribed drugs used to prevent migraines–this list does not include all possible medications used for these purposes. Your doctor will determine which medication you should take to reduce the frequency of your migraines.
Tags: anticonvulsants, antidepressants, beta blockers, calcium channel blockers, migraine drugs, migraine medications, migraine prevention
Posted in Migraine Medication, Migraine Prevention | No Comments »
Wednesday, March 23rd, 2011
It’s a scary statistic: nearly 28 million Americans suffer from chronic migraines. Yet according to a new report, only 71 percent reported that drugs did not lessen their condition–in fact, many complained these drugs contained too many side effects.
 But Dallas neurologist Johnathan Walker, M.D. claims that neurofeedback may be far more effective for treating migraine pain, eliminating the need for drugs to treat migraines.
According to Walker, whose findings were recently published in the journal Clinical EEG and Neuroscience, people with chronic migraines experience a specific type of brain activation pattern, which may be the cause of these frequent migraines. Walker tested his findings–and his new neurofeedback technology–on 46 patients who had trouble controlling their migraines.
54 percent of the patients completely eliminated their migraines while on Walker’s therapy. No drugs were used during testing.
Furthermore, 39 percent reported more than a 50 percent reduction in migraine frequency–statistics that may even beat the most effective migraine drugs. While further testing is needed–the study was only conducted on a handful of people–these results are promising for migraneurs who want an alternative to drugs.
Because of the nature of Walker’s treatment, no serious side effects were reported. It also appeared to be safe for most individuals.
The safety of migraine drugs is under constant debate. In March 2011, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that Topamax, an epilepsy drug used to treat migraines, was shown to cause non-life threatening birth defects. Earlier in 2011, an Alabama man claimed that a migraine drug caused him to panic, triggering him to shoot a police officer during a routine traffic stop. His claim is now being used as a defense during his murder trial, considered to be one of the first migraine defenses used in the United States.
This alternative could allow people to receive migraine treatment without needing to take drugs, which may contain a range of unwanted side effects. Some of these drugs could also interact with other drugs or health conditions, making it impossible for some people to take them safely.
While it is unclear when this treatment will become available, it may be possible that this treatment will be used in the near future to replace migraine drugs.
Tags: migraine drugs, migraine news, migraine treatments, neurofeedback
Posted in Migraine News, Migraine Treatments | No Comments »
Friday, March 18th, 2011
We recently covered why Topamax may help treat migraines, but today we’re going to discuss another type of migraine medication, called a beta blocker. Used properly, beta blockers may help people experience fewer migraines, allowing them to manage their headache pain. Like all medications, however, beta blockers are not a cure for migraines — migraines aren’t curable.
How Beta Blockers Treat Migraines
Scientists aren’t exactly sure how beta blockers help treat migraines, but they do know they can help.
According to Migraine.com, these drugs work work by changing how certain nerve pulses act inside the body, which can help reduce the frequency of headaches. Fluctuations in the communication of nerve cells has been suggested as a cause for migraines.
By taking these drugs regularly, people can help significantly reduce the frequency of their migraine attacks.
Are Beta Blockers Safe for Everyone?
Unfortunately, beta blockers are not safe for everybody. Women who are pregnant cannot take these drugs because they can affect the baby’s ability to breathe and maintain a normal heartbeat, which could be dangerous. It can also lower a baby’s blood pressure, which could cause additional complications. The chemicals can also pass into the mother’s breast milk, making it unsafe to use by breastfeeding women.
These drugs are also not safe for people with a history of depression — these drugs can worsen its intensity. Depressed people who take these drugs may feel more depressed or have suicidal thoughts. Some may even carry out these suicidal thoughts.
These drugs can also affect conditions that are affected by blood pressure, such as blood vessel disease. Beta blockers are also not safe for people with diabetes, kidney disease, liver disease, or psoriasis — it can worsen the effects of these conditions. These drugs may also hide the effects of complications in certain diseases, such as diabetes.
Beta blockers can be safe to use, however — they’re just not safe for everybody. Remember, only your doctor can determine which migraine medication is safe for you to take. Other health conditions or medications can make this drug unsafe to take, which may not be listed here.
Tags: beta blockers, migraine drugs, migraine medications, migraine treatments
Posted in Migraine Medication | 1 Comment »
Wednesday, March 16th, 2011
Yesterday we discussed why Topamax is prescribed for migraines — and why it may help you have less migraine attacks. But today we’re going to discuss an equally as important topic: Topamax’s possible side effects and interactions.
So what side effects can Topamax cause?
Vision problems
 There have been documented cases of Topamax causing vision-related side effects. The most serious side effect it can cause is secondary angle closure glaucoma, which can lead to vision impairment and loss in serious instances. People who have this condition may feel an increase in ocular pressure. Some people may also notice a sudden impairment in vision, which may or may not be accompanied by redness or ocular pain.
Blood problems
Topamax has been known to lower bicarbonate levels in the blood, which can make the blood more acidic. This condition is known as metabolic acidosis. Side effects of this condition can include bone disease or kidney stones. This condition can mimic the effects of anemia.
Brain problems
Topamax can also affect your ability to think or feel alert, which can be dangerous if you’re involved in physical activity or work that involves the use of heavy machinery. If you constantly drive, you may be at a higher risk for having an accident.
The most common effects Topamax can have on your brain includes confusion, reduced attention span, reduced memory, problems with speech, changes in mood and drowsiness. In some cases, it may cause a person to feel depressed. People who have a mood disorder, such as depression, may be more likely to notice mood changes while taking this drug.
Mood problems
Topamax can also cause serious, and in some cases, fatal side effects for people predisposed to depression or mood imbalances. It may cause people to have suicidal thoughts, which may result in them carrying out these ideations.
Signs that Topamax may be causing suicidal thoughts include worsened depression or anxiety, feeling agitated, having panic attacks, insomnia, and feeling more violent or impulsive. The person may also think more about death or suicide.
Pregnancy problems
Women who are pregnant need to be careful when taking Topamax — recent studies show the drug can cause birth defects. Although non-life threatening, regular use of Topamax can lead to cleft lip, which can affect a baby’s ability to feed and speak properly.
This does not include all of the side effects caused by Topamax. Please speak to your local healthcare provider to learn more about its possible side effects or complications.
Tags: migraine drugs, migraine medications, prevent migraines, side effects, Topamax, topiramate
Posted in Migraine Medication | No Comments »
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