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.
Essential Reads: Breastfeeding and Anti-Epileptic Drugs
While data are limited regarding AEDs and breastfeeding, it appears that none of the AEDs are excreted at high levels into the breast milk, nor have they been associated with high rates of adverse events in the nursing infant.
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: Lamotrigine (Lamictal) Dosing During Pregnancy
About 60% of women with mood disorders experience premenstrual exacerbation or PME of their mood during the premenstrual phase of their cycle.
Essential Reads: Lamotrigine (Lamictal) and Breastfeeding (2021)
Lamotrigine is detected in the breast milk and in the serum of the nursing infant; however, the risk of adverse events is very low.
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.
Lamotrigine (Lamictal) Dosing During Pregnancy
For many women with bipolar disorder, lamotrigine (Lamictal) is an effective mood stabilizer. Given its favorable reproductive safety profile, lamotrigine is a reasonable option for women who require treatment with a mood stabilizer during pregnancy.  [...]
Clinical Update 2020: Lamotrigine (Lamictal) and Pregnancy
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 [...]
You Asked: Should Women Taking Lamotrigine (Lamictal) Use Higher Dose of Folic Acid When Planning for Pregnancy?
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 [...]
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 [...]