• congenital malformation

    You Asked: What Dose of Folic Acid for Pregnant Women Taking Lamotrigine (Lamictal)?

    In our community of perinatal psychiatrists, we have recently seen many questions regarding the use of folic acid supplementation in women taking lamotrigine (Lamictal).  While all recognize that all women of childbearing age should receive [...]

    SSRIs and Pregnancy: No Increase in Risk of Malformations

    Over the last few years, we have reported on several studies which have suggested an increased risk of certain types of cardiovascular malformations among children exposed to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) during pregnancy. The first reports [...]

    Clinical Update: Use of Topiramate (Topamax) During Pregnancy

    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 suggesting an increased risk of oral clefts in infants exposed to topiramate during the first trimester of pregnancy.  You can read more about those studies here:

    Avoid Valproic Acid in Women of Reproductive Age

    The European Medicine Agency (EMA)'s Pharmacovigilance and Risk Assessment Committee recently recommended strengthening the restrictions on the use of valproic acid in women of reproductive age.  Over the last few years, we have seen a host of articles documenting the deleterious effects of valproic acid on the developing fetus:

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