In early March of 2011, the FDA strengthened the warning label on Topamax (generic name: Topiramate) due to an association between Topamax use and birth defects.  Currently, Topamax is most strongly associated with oral birth defects, such as cleft lips and cleft palates.Cleft lips are fairly common birth defects in which the upper lip is split.  A cleft lip occurs when the facial structures in a fetus do not fully close.  A cleft lip can occur on one or both sides of the face, and can range in size and severity.Researchers do not yet understand exactly what causes a cleft lip to occur.  However, studies have shown that Topamax increases the risk of a cleft lip.  Topamax lawyers are interested in this scientific research as it will be critical to win a Topamax lawsuit.It wasn't until I began researching Topamax birth defects that I learned how serious of a medical condition that a cleft lip is.  I initially thought a cleft lip was a cosmetic issue only.  It isn't.  In fact, a cleft lip can lead to hearing loss, eating and speaking difficulties, and numerous psychological challenges.If you or a loved one took Topamax during a pregnancy and gave birth to a child with a cleft lip, you may be eligible to receive financial compensation through a Topamax lawsuit.