Prenatal exposure to valproate has been associated with an elevated risk (10%) for a broad range of congenital malformations including neural tube defects, as well as adverse neurodevelopmental sequelae, including lower IQ and developmental delays [...]
While we have considerable information regarding the teratogenic risk associated with prenatal exposure to various antiepileptic drugs (AEDs), we have considerably less information on the impact of exposure to AEDs on behavioral outcomes in [...]
Gabapentin (Neurontin) is now used in a wide variety of clinical settings — for the treatment of epilepsy, pain management, restless leg syndrome, anxiety, and sleep disturbance. However, there is relatively little information regarding [...]
Clinical Update 2020:Â Lamotrigine (Lamictal) and Pregnancy Maintenance treatment with a mood stabilizer during pregnancy can significantly reduce the risk of relapse in women with bipolar disorder; however, many of the mood stabilizers commonly [...]
We have really enjoyed our weekly virtual rounds. It’s been a great opportunity to meet other perinatal psychiatrists in the community, and discussions with new people always brings up interesting clinical questions. Last week [...]
While we have considerable information regarding the teratogenic risk associated with prenatal exposure to various antiepileptic (AED) drugs, we have less impact on exposure to AEDs on behavior outcomes in children. Several studies have shown [...]
There have long been concerns regarding the safety of the anticonvulsant valproic acid (Depakote) during pregnancy. Â Back in 2009, the American Academy of Neurology and American Epilepsy Society recommended against the use of valproic acid [...]
Previous studies have shown that children exposed to antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) during pregnancy may be at increased risk for neurodevelopmental disorders. Â In a recent population-based cohort study from Denmark, researchers examined the prevalence of [...]
For clinicians who have not yet discovered the incredibly thoughtful and clinically practical monthly articles from Chittaranjan Andrade in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, it’s time to take a look.  (Not only are these articles [...]
 Last year France banned the use of the antiepileptic during valproate in certain populations of reproductive age women.  Now the United Kingdom's Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has banned the use of [...]
