https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Sat, 04 Apr 2026 05:57:19 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/can-dhs-medications-cause-birth-defects#post-532499 Mon, 28 Jan 2013 18:25:27 +0000 Sugar.Biscuit 532499@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Cherrybee: @tororojo: is right about being used for seizures, the medication is classified as an anticonvulsant so that is its primary use. It is also used to treat migraines, alcohol abuse, neuropathic pain, bipolar disorder etc. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/can-dhs-medications-cause-birth-defects#post-532384 Mon, 28 Jan 2013 17:25:05 +0000 spaniellove 532384@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I take Topamax and have had many conversations with OBs and neurologists about it because I plan to continue it while I'm pregnant. We actually considered not having children because my need to stay on Topamax is extremely important and I can't substitute anything else, so I spent years looking into this. But I haven't heard anything about this affecting men. What is recommended for women who have taken or are taking antiepileptic meds is to supplement with up to 5mg (5000mcg) folic acid, so that might be one way for your DH to play it safe although it's probably not necessary. My guess is that a neurologist might have more knowledge about Topamax and other seizure meds than a pain specialist, if you have more questions about it! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/can-dhs-medications-cause-birth-defects#post-532347 Mon, 28 Jan 2013 17:07:44 +0000 Cherrybee 532347@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Very true Mrs Jacks. Good advice/idea. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/can-dhs-medications-cause-birth-defects#post-532309 Mon, 28 Jan 2013 16:56:14 +0000 Mrs. Jacks 532309@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I would maybe call the manufacturer and ask. I don't think Topamax interferes with DNA, but that's not a chance I would take until I heard it from a real authority on the subject. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/can-dhs-medications-cause-birth-defects#post-532301 Mon, 28 Jan 2013 16:54:07 +0000 Cherrybee 532301@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Sugar.Biscuit: @tororojo: Its all over the paperwork though and ifs one of the first things the consultant tells you before they prescribe it. Men have to be off it for 3 months before TTC, women for 6 months. </p> <p>I would guess that if there's no research been done its because its unlikely to cause problems. They'd be sure to tell you if there was a concern - for fear of being sued if nothing else. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/can-dhs-medications-cause-birth-defects#post-532262 Mon, 28 Jan 2013 16:45:39 +0000 tororojo 532262@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Cherrybee: Yikes! I never thought about medications that the guy takes affecting the unborn. My SIL takes Topomax for seizures; not sure if it's used for anything else. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/can-dhs-medications-cause-birth-defects#post-532253 Mon, 28 Jan 2013 16:40:34 +0000 Cherrybee 532253@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Hey! My DH couldn't take a medicine called methotrexate when were TTC - it interferes with the production of cells or something (his arthritis is autoimmune) so causes birth defects. Its also used as a chemical abortant (induces miscarriage) so its nasty stuff. </p> <p>What does Topomax do?? Is it a painkiller?? Or does it serve some other function/work in some other way?? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/can-dhs-medications-cause-birth-defects#post-532232 Mon, 28 Jan 2013 16:32:29 +0000 tororojo 532232@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I know it's not safe for a woman while pregnant, but does it affect sperm? Never thought about it. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/can-dhs-medications-cause-birth-defects#post-532222 Mon, 28 Jan 2013 16:30:42 +0000 Sugar.Biscuit 532222@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I read where another bee's DH had to go off his meds because they could cause birth defects. My DH has been on a lot of different medications over the last 3 years for his back &amp; he recently went off all and started taking topamax. Topamax is a class D for women &amp; when I call led his pain consultant to ask this question they didn't have an answer. Apparently there is not a lot of research done on the effects medications taken by men &amp; birth defects. </p> <p>Has anyone else had any experience with this? I'm courious to see what others have experienced or been told. </p>