Is Topamax safe for use during pregnancy?

[Guest]

Hi Dr. Garcia,

I am trying to get pregnant, but also struggling to cut down on drinking, and would like to try Topamax. Is it safe to use during pregnancy?

Once I get pregnant, I won't have much difficulty abstaining from alcohol (know this from a past pregnancy). Can I stop taking the Topamax as soon as I know I'm pregnant, or would I need to taper it off?

thanks,
Kay

[Guest]

Is Topamax safe for use during pregnancy?

Hi, Kay.

I'm sorry, I see way too much Fetal Alcohol Syndrome to truly be confident of your past pregnancy report. Also remember: alcohol washes out all your good nutrition, so why would you want to have any risks of poor fetal development due to a potentially poor choice? I would suggest you work with your health care provider to get the drinking abolished and your nutrition maximized before thinking about that sweet new baby.

You?d want birth control that is effective and used 100% while on any medication to blunt your craving. Thanks and I really hope you can wait just a bit for that pregnancy. It will be worth it.

--Dr Garcia