The Valproic Acid Warning Clinicians Can’t Ignore: Video from Dr. Marlene Freeman
Dr. Marlene Freeman warns that valproic acid poses severe, well-established reproductive risks and should not be used by anyone who could become pregnant.
Fact Sheet: Valproic Acid (Depakote) and Pregnancy
Using valproic acid (Depakote) during pregnancy raises important safety concerns, including increased risks of congenital malformations and neurodevelopmental disorders.
Essential Reads: Prenatal Exposure to Valproate and Risk of Neurodevelopmental Disorders in Offspring
Prenatal exposure to valproate is linked to increased risk of autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, lower IQ, and intellectual disability, especially at higher doses.
Neurodevelopmental Outcomes in Children with Prenatal Exposure to Antiepileptic Drugs: A Systematic Review
A systematic review examines neurodevelopmental outcomes in children prenatally exposed to antiepileptic drugs.
Reassuring News: Neurodevelopmental Outcomes in Two-Year Olds with Prenatal Exposure to Lamotrigine (Lamictal)
These findings are encouraging and suggest that the newer AEDs, specifically lamotrigine and levetiracetam, are not associated with worse neurodevelopmental outcomes.
Essential Reads: Neurodevelopmental Outcomes in Children with Prenatal Exposure to Antiepileptic Drugs
There is a growing body of literature to indicate that exposure to certain antiepileptic drugs, most notably valproic acid (VPA, Depakote) during critical periods of development may be associated with long-lasting neurodevelopmental deficits.
Prenatal Valproic Acid (Depakote) Exposure Increases Risk for Neurodevelopmental Disorders
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 [...]
Lithium and Anticonvulsant Mood Stabilizers: No Higher Risk for Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes
For women with bipolar disorder, choosing whether to maintain or discontinue treatment with a mood stabilizer during pregnancy is challenging. This is a process which requires careful and thoughtful consideration, weighing the risk of adverse [...]
Behavior Problems More Common In Children with Prenatal Exposure to Valproic Acid
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 [...]
Anti-Epileptic Drugs in Reproductive Age Women: Valproic Acid and Topiramate Commonly Used
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 [...]