Topamax-UPDATE W/LACTATION LEVEL

[CMamma]

I was just prescribed Topamax for a variety of reasions. I'd love to know:

If it's safe while BFing

Any FB from anyone who takes or has taken it.

TIA.

[CMamma]

I thought I'd post an update. Here is what I got back from a LLL leader:

Luckily I am reading this at work so I have the newest Hale (2006). It sounds like there are now more studies available showing no adverse effects so it is now an L3. Here's a quote, " Topamax has become increasingly popular due to its fewer adverse side effects. Due to the fact that the plasma levels found in breastfeeding infants were significantly less than in maternal plasma, the risk of using this product in breastfeeding mothers is probably acceptable. Close observation for sedation is advised." This is an "old" baby also and so baby is probably getting a little less milk than in the early months and better able to digest and move the drug out of his system.

Hope that helps.

[Mom2Natalya]

I was on topomax before becoming pregnant for my migraines and I lost a lot of weight (which was the good side effect) but it made me feel stupid. A side effect (because it is a drug that effects the brain) is that it makes you have a hard time with word choice. (strange, right?) And, I was a Customer Service manager at the time and had a heard time speaking to people!! I ended up going off of it because I didn't like that aspect.
As far as bf'ing, I'm not sure if you're supposed to take it while bf'ing. I seem to remember it saying definitely not to take while pregnant, and they didn't recommend taking while bf'ing. I would check out Kellymom.com - that site usually has a lot of good info about drugs and bf'ing.
Good Luck!
-Brandy