Depakote - MGH Center for Women's Mental Health

Prenatal Exposure to Antiepileptic Drugs Associated with Worse Developmental Outcomes

We have previously written about studies which indicate that prenatal exposure to antiepileptic drugs (AEDs), particularly valproic acid, may adversely affect the developing fetus. Numerous studies have documented long-term effects of antiepileptic exposure on cognitive functioning: prenatal exposure to AEDs has been associated with lower IQs, as well as lower scores on tests of executive functioning, memory, verbal and nonverbal abilities, in children at 6 yeas of age (Meador KJ et al, 2012). These deficits were the most prominent in children exposed to valproic acid.

By Ruta Nonacs, MD PhD|2025-06-26T09:08:12-04:00September 27th, 2013|Anti-Epileptic Drugs, Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Outcomes, Pregnancy & Medications|Comments Off

Valproic Acid and Pregnancy: FDA Issues Warning

There have been multiple recent reports indicating that the use of valproate during pregnancy may be associated with lower IQ, cognitive problems, and developmental delays in exposed children. This has prompted the FDA to issue a warning regarding the use of valproate-containing drugs, including Depakote and Depakene, during pregnancy:

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2015-08-06T09:43:35-04:00May 21st, 2013|Anti-Epileptic Drugs, Outcomes, Pregnancy & Medications, Risk of Malformations|Comments Off

Exposure to Valproic Acid and Increased Risk of Autism Spectrum Disorders

There have long been concerns regarding the use of the anticonvulsant valproate (Depakote, VPA) during pregnancy. First trimester use of valproate has been associated with a 3-5% risk of neural tube defects, as well as an increased risk of other malformations affecting the heart and other organ systems. Multiple reports have also indicated that in utero exposure to valproate may also negatively affect cognitive development.

By Ruta Nonacs, MD PhD|2025-06-26T09:08:14-04:00March 4th, 2013|Anti-Epileptic Drugs, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Mood Stabilizers, Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Outcomes, Pregnancy & Medications|Comments Off

Outcomes of Children Exposed to Antiepileptic Drugs in Pregnancy: No Good News for Valproate

There have long been concerns regarding the use of the anticonvulsant valproate (Depakote) during pregnancy. First trimester use of valproate has been associated with a 3-5% risk of neural tube defects, as well as an increased risk of other malformations affecting the heart. In addition, recent reports have indicated that in utero exposure to valproate may also result in lower IQ.

By Ruta Nonacs, MD PhD|2025-06-26T09:08:15-04:00June 26th, 2012|Anti-Epileptic Drugs, Mood Stabilizers, Outcomes, Pregnancy & Medications, Risk of Malformations|Comments Off

From the North American AED Pregnancy Registry: The Newer Anticonvulsants Appear to Be Safer

While it is well-established that several of the older anticonvulsants, including valproate (Depakote), carry a significant teratogenic risk, less is known about the reproductive safety of the newer antiepileptic drugs (AEDs). The North American AED Pregnancy Registry was established in 1997 for pregnant women in the United States and Canada at the Massachusetts General Hospital. The purpose of the registry is to obtain and publish information on the frequency of major malformations among infants whose mothers have taken one or more AEDs during pregnancy.

By Ruta Nonacs, MD PhD|2025-06-26T09:08:16-04:00June 13th, 2012|Anti-Epileptic Drugs, Mood Stabilizers, Outcomes, Pregnancy & Medications, Risk of Malformations|Comments Off

Fetal Exposure to Valproate Associated with Lower IQ

There have long been concerns regarding the use of the anticonvulsant valproate (Depakote) during pregnancy. First trimester use of valproate has been associated with a 3-5% risk of neural tube defects, as well as an increased risk of other malformations affecting the heart, limbs, and genitals. A recent report published in the New England Journal of Medicine indicates that in utero exposure to valproate may also result in lower IQ.

By Ruta Nonacs, MD PhD|2025-06-26T09:08:20-04:00April 24th, 2009|Anti-Epileptic Drugs, Bipolar Disorder, Long-Term Outcomes, Mood Stabilizers, Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Outcomes, Pregnancy & Medications|Comments Off