Comments for Consumers
This page/column contains information which may be of interest to consumers. The information is based on articles which appear in Australian Prescriber. As Australian Prescriber is written for health professionals, you should discuss any issues raised by this page/column with your doctor or pharmacist. They will be able to give a more detailed answer to your questions by reading the main article.
Australian Prescriber is unable to comment on individual cases or give second opinions.
Australian Prescriber Vol. 31 No. 3 2008
Antiepileptic drugs in pregnancy and breastfeeding
There are effective medicines to stop people with epilepsy having fits. Some of these drugs, however, can cause harm to an unborn baby if a woman takes them during pregnancy. Medicines for epilepsy should not be suddenly stopped without medical advice because a fit may harm the mother and baby.
If possible, women with epilepsy who are planning to have a baby should discuss their medicines with their doctor before getting pregnant. A change of dose or a change of medicine may be needed. The woman will also be advised to take a supplement of folate. This helps to prevent some birth defects.
During pregnancy the woman's metabolism alters so the dose of her medicine may need changing. It may also be changed after the baby is born.
Most medicines for epilepsy can be taken by women who are breastfeeding.
