Topamax is a prescription sleeping aid that has recently been linked to a topamax memory loss lawsuit. The synthetic drug is marketed under various different names, including melatonin syrup, topamax and meclonine. Melatonin is a natural hormone produced by the pineal gland that regulates our sleep-wake patterns. When it is supplemented with topamax, it is believed that it will be less effective at inducing sleep.
Topamax Memory Loss Lawsuit
According to the plaintiffs in the topamax memory loss lawsuit, the combination of the drug and its synthetic form has caused them to suffer from a laundry list of symptoms ranging from headaches, nausea, excessive sweating, dizziness, depression, irritability, anxiety, auditory hallucinations, seizures and tardive dyskinesia, a movement disorder causing uncontrollable twitching. Plaintiffs’ medical bills also indicate that they are suffering from such things as memory loss, blurred vision, slurred speech, insomnia, blurred vision along with peripheral neuritis, which can cause the nerves on either side of the brain to become inflamed. The plaintiffs also claim that topamax caused them to lose their jobs and suffered from severe depression. Many of the plaintiffs have filed grievances with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, claiming that the manufacturer of topamax did not provide proper warnings about the potential for the drug to cause certain types of ailments.
In the topamax memory loss lawsuit 100 mg, it was determined that the chemical serotonin, also produced by the pineal gland, was the primary culprit in causing the side effects.
It was determined that a serum formulated with serotonin was responsible for the soothing and calming effect that topamax had on plaintiffs. Serotonin is a critical ingredient in keeping people calm and in control of their emotions. When topamax was mixed with the wrong amount of serotonin, it caused the same side effects that were originally experienced.
A second lawsuit that was settled was brought forth by plaintiffs who claimed that topamax caused them to experience serious mood swings, migraines, depression, anxiety, hyperactivity and memory loss.
One plaintiff even went so far as to say that he became addicted to topamax because it provided him with a “high” whenever he had a nervous breakdown. A plaintiff from the third lawsuit, bipolar 2, alleged that the chemical caused him to experience mania and depression for six months straight. According to the plaintiffs, the defendant failed to warn them that it could produce a bipolar II condition. Therefore, topamax was added to the class of drugs that contained serotonergic properties.
In the second lawsuit, a plaintiff suffered a myriad of ailments, including chest pain, dizziness, difficulty sleeping, nausea, constipation, electrolyte imbalance, and hyperventilation.
He also developed a severe anxiety, restless leg syndrome, and short-temperedness. When he presented his case to the trial court, the trial judge threw out the claim, saying that topamax does not have any addicting or mood-altering properties. The plaintiffs were later awarded $1.75 million in compensatory and punitive damages.
Whether or not you agree with the verdict, one thing is certain.
There was enough evidence collected to conclude that topamax affects your brain. Whether or not the verdict will be accepted in your court is another story.
I took Topamax from 2002-2004 for migraine management and constantly had difficulty with word-finding and depression. I was keenly aware of this as I was working on Congregational Care studies and later doctoral studies. I struggles writing many papers for my studies. I experienced this in both writing and speech. Even now, twenty years later, I still struggle with finding names of objects (nominal aphasia) and people. I find it very frustrating on a daily basis. I still struggle with depressed mood and have to take medication for that. Topamax caused bone loss in my early 40s to the degree that I lost height, (5’7′ down to 5’5″) became osteopenic, had cracked teeth, had to have 11 crowns and am now dealing with osteoporosis at only 62, despite regular exercise and a good diet. It haas been very distressing for someone who is a communicator (I am a Minister and was studying counseling but gave it up) to experience difficulty with spoken word. I once was a reporter and producer for CBN. I could never do something like that now because I would embarrass myself.
Topamax /Topiramate
I have experienced several health problems with topamax. I was wondering if there is a class action lawsuit against them currently or if I can file a claim independently.