Side Effects Of Epilepsy Drugs In Pregnancy

Antiepileptic drugs do not cure epilepsy but may reduce the frequency duration and severity of seizures most people must continue taking antiepileptic drugs for their entire lives.

Side effects of epilepsy drugs in pregnancy. Being on a single drug will decrease the risk of birth defects and result in fewer drug interactions fewer side effects and improve compliance. What is the best drug to take during pregnancy. Barroso fv araujo júnior e guazelli ca et al. Given available information it is recommended that the most effective drug with the fewest side effects be used.

There is limited information available on new anti epileptic drugs and only slightly more on the classic anti epileptic drugs. This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice diagnosis or treatment. Birth defects including cleft palate neural tube defects skeletal abnormalities and congenital heart and urinary tract defects are a few potential side effects associated with anti seizure medications. Medication you take during pregnancy can affect your baby.

Anti epileptic drugs should generally be continued during pregnancy with the goal of monotherapy at the lowest effective dose however the risk to the mother and fetus of uncontrolled epilepsy should be considered when deciding on treatment options. Antiepileptic drug levels should be checked throughout the pregnancy and following delivery. Seizure medications for headaches and migraines two seizure medications are also used to prevent migraine headaches. Some seizure medications should only be used when other options run out as they carry significant potential for serious side effects.

Monitoring drug levels is also very important. Artama m gissler m malm l et al. During pregnancy this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Antiepileptic drugs are prescribed only for.

Epilepsy drugs to. National retrospective cohort study in finland. Valproic acid depakene depakote and topiramate topamax. Idiosyncratic side effects are unique to you no one else has them.

Side effects can be difficult to recognise in babies children and people with learning disabilities as they may not be able to say how they are feeling. Data sources include ibm watson micromedex updated 2 sep 2020 cerner multum updated 1 sep 2020 wolters kluwer updated. Effects of maternal epilepsy and antiepileptic drugs during pregnancy on personal health of offspring. It may harm an unborn baby.

Seizures may also be caused by high fevers and psychological distress. Antiepileptic drugs aed are medications given to control epileptic seizures and convulsions.