congenital malformation

Clinical Update 2024: Gabapentin (Neurontin) and Pregnancy

In this study with over 4000 infants exposed to gabapentin, the information is reassuring.  While we cannot rule out the possibility of a small increase in risk of cardiovascular malformations in gabapentin-exposed infants, gabapentin does not appear to be a major teratogen. 

By |2025-06-26T08:06:00-04:00October 23rd, 2024|Women's Mental Health|Comments Off on Clinical Update 2024: Gabapentin (Neurontin) and Pregnancy

New Research from the CWMH: Risk of Major Malformations in Infants with Prenatal Exposure to Benzodiazepines

Data from an ongoing pregnancy registry offers reassurance that benzodiazepines do not appear to have major teratogenic effects.

By |2023-06-27T17:47:46-04:00June 26th, 2023|Anti-Anxiety Medications, Outcomes, Pregnancy & Medications, Research at CWMH, Risk of Malformations|Comments Off on New Research from the CWMH: Risk of Major Malformations in Infants with Prenatal Exposure to Benzodiazepines

Essential Reads: More Data on ADHD Medications and Pregnancy

Women with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) often discontinue psychostimulant  medications during pregnancy, especially if they have milder symptoms.  While this approach makes sense in terms of limiting unnecessary exposures in women with what appears to [...]

By |2021-01-19T10:49:57-04:00January 20th, 2021|ADHD Medications, Essential Reads, Outcomes, Pregnancy & Medications, Risk of Malformations|Comments Off on Essential Reads: More Data on ADHD Medications and Pregnancy

Interpreting New Data on the Use of Benzodiazepines During Pregnancy

Data regarding the reproductive safety of benzodiazepines has always been somewhat difficult to understand.  While earlier studies suggested an association between prenatal exposure to benzodiazepines and increased risk of cleft lip and palate, more recent [...]

By |2019-12-09T22:36:51-04:00December 10th, 2019|Anti-Anxiety Medications, Outcomes, Pregnancy & Medications, Risk of Malformations|Comments Off on Interpreting New Data on the Use of Benzodiazepines During Pregnancy

Valproic Acid: Highlighting Risk and Modifying Prescribing Patterns in Reproductive Age Women

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 [...]

By |2019-04-05T08:04:27-04:00July 3rd, 2018|Anti-Epileptic Drugs, Outcomes, Pregnancy & Medications, Risk of Malformations|Comments Off on Valproic Acid: Highlighting Risk and Modifying Prescribing Patterns in Reproductive Age Women

Higher Doses of Topiramate (Topamax) During Pregnancy, Increased Risk of Oral Clefts

Topiramate (TPM, marketed as Topamax) is an antiepileptic drug which is also used for migraine prophylaxis, weight loss, and, less commonly, as a mood stabilizer.  Over the last few years we have seen several studies [...]

By |2018-01-09T11:32:37-04:00January 9th, 2018|Anti-Epileptic Drugs, Outcomes, Pregnancy & Medications, Risk of Malformations|Comments Off on Higher Doses of Topiramate (Topamax) During Pregnancy, Increased Risk of Oral Clefts

Good News: More Data on the Use of ADHD Medications During Pregnancy

For women with mild to moderate attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms, we often recommend discontinuing stimulant medications and switching to a non-pharmacologic intervention.  Many women experience some decrease in their level of functioning; however, they are [...]

By |2019-10-15T15:57:57-04:00December 22nd, 2017|ADHD Medications, Outcomes, Pregnancy & Medications, Risk of Malformations|Comments Off on Good News: More Data on the Use of ADHD Medications During Pregnancy

More Data on Pregabalin (Lyrica) and Pregnancy

Pregabalin (marketed in the US as Lyrica) is approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of epilepsy, fibromyalgia, and neuropathic pain.  It is also used off-label to treat psychiatric disorders, most [...]

By |2017-05-02T15:49:43-04:00May 2nd, 2017|Anti-Anxiety Medications, Anti-Epileptic Drugs, Outcomes, Pregnancy & Medications, Risk of Malformations|Comments Off on More Data on Pregabalin (Lyrica) and Pregnancy

USPSTF Emphasizes Periconceptual Use of Folic Acid to Prevent Birth Defects

Neural tube defects are among the most common major congenital anomalies in the United States and are associated with significant disability and death.  The risk of neural tube defects can be prevented with daily folic [...]

By |2017-01-13T10:34:56-04:00January 10th, 2017|Psychiatric Disorders During Pregnancy, Risk of Malformations|Comments Off on USPSTF Emphasizes Periconceptual Use of Folic Acid to Prevent Birth Defects
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