Which epilepsy drugs are safest in pregnancy?

A review of the risks of major congenital malformations and of adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes for antiepileptic drugs by the Commission on Human Medicines has confirmed that lamotrigine (Lamictal) and levetiracetam (Keppra) are the safer of the medicines reviewed during pregnancy.

Can you take epilepsy medication while pregnant?

Fact: You can. In fact, neurologists usually recommend continuing epilepsy medications throughout pregnancy. However, it comes down to the type of medication. You may need to adjust your dosage or switch to a new drug, but you probably won’t need to stop medication altogether.

How do you manage epilepsy during pregnancy?

In order to prevent convulsions during labour, proper seizure control should be achieved during the third trimester. Benzodiazepines or phenytoin are found to be effective for seizure cessation during labour and delivery. Phytomenadione should be administered immediately after birth to the newborn.

Is keppra safe in pregnancy?

Recent studies carried out by the Commission on Human Medicines (CHM), looking at the risks associated with commonly prescribed AEDs shows that lamotrigine (Lamictal) and levetiracetam (Keppra) are safer to use during pregnancy than other AEDs, having low rates of physical birth abnormalities, in line with the …

Can you get pregnant on Keppra?

Is it safe to have a baby with epilepsy?

Fortunately, most women with epilepsy give birth to normal, healthy babies. If you take precautions, your chance of having a healthy child is greater than 90%. There are increased risks. But working closely with your doctor can help minimize those risks.

Is it safe to take Keppra while pregnant?

Can you take Vimpat while pregnant?

Lacosamide is listed in Pregnancy Category C. This means that caution is advised, but the benefits of the medicine may outweigh the potential risks.

What does folic acid do for epilepsy?

Most experts agree that folic acid supplementation is a key preconception intervention, particularly in women with epilepsy who take anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs). Primary prevention of neural tube defect through folic acid supplementation results in reduction of risk in an otherwise healthy population.

Is lamotrigine safe in pregnancy?

Given its favorable reproductive safety profile, lamotrigine is a reasonable option for women who require treatment with a mood stabilizer during pregnancy.

Is it safe to take epilepsy medication during pregnancy?

Women with epilepsy can have a safe and healthy pregnancy with careful planning. Epilepsy and epilepsy medicine may make it more difficult to become pregnant. Both may also make it difficult to manage your pregnancy. Pregnancy may increase or decrease the amount of seizures that you have.

When can you stop taking your epilepsy medication?

Certain types of seizures in children usually stop on their own by a certain age. For instance, the seizures of benign rolandic epilepsy are very unlikely to occur again after age 16 years, so many doctors will allow teenagers with this type to stop taking their seizure medicine at about that age.

When can I stop epilepsy medication?

Certain types of seizures in children usually stop on their own by a certain age. For instance, the seizures of benign rolandic epilepsy are very unlikely to occur again after age 16 years , so many doctors will allow teenagers with this type to stop taking their seizure medicine at about that age.

Does epilepsy medication cause birth defects?

Pregnant women need treatment for epilepsy because it is possible that seizures can cause adverse health outcomes for the mother and her developing baby. However, previous studies consistently have found that babies born to women who take certain antiepileptic medications during pregnancy have an increased risk for birth defects .