A newspaper reported that the epilepsy drug, topiramate, which is also used for people with migraines, increased risk of birth defects if it is taken during pregnancy.
The finding is based on a small study of 203 pregnant women who were exposed to topiramate during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. 70 of the partcipants used topiramate only, and the rest were exposed to topiramate plus at least one other antiepileptic drug during pregnancy.
Critics say the findings reflect what is already known that a number of antiepileptic drugs including topiramate, carry a risk of harming the developing foetus. Care should be provided to women who become pregnant while taking the drugs.
Source: "Topiramate in pregnancy: Preliminary experience from the UK Epilepsy and Pregnancy Register". Neurology 2008; 71:272–276
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