medication safety - MGH Center for Women's Mental Health

Cognitive Development in Children Exposed to Levetiracetam (Keppra)

An increasing number of reproductive age women now take newer anticonvulsants for the treatment of mood and anxiety disorders; however, information regarding the reproductive safety of these medications is limited. A recent study has evaluated the cognitive and language development of children born to women with epilepsy exposed in utero to levetiracetam (LEV, Keppra) or sodium valproate (VPA, Depakote), as compared to control children born to women without epilepsy not taking medication during pregnancy.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2014-01-24T17:57:32-04:00January 14th, 2014|Anti-Epileptic Drugs, Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Outcomes, Pregnancy & Medications|Comments Off

Sleep Medications: What Information Do We Have on Reproductive Safety?

It is estimated that up to 95% of women experience some type of sleep disturbance during pregnancy. While for many women the insomnia is relatively benign and may respond to simple interventions, other women experience more severe insomnia which has a significant impact on their quality of life and ability to function. Various non-benzodiazepine hypnotic agents, specifically zalepion (Sonata), eszopiclone (Lunesta), and zolpidem (Ambien), are commonly used for the short-term treatment of insomnia; however, information regarding the reproductive safety of these sleep aids has been sparse.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2015-07-28T14:41:21-04:00August 1st, 2011|Outcomes, Pregnancy & Medications, Sleep Medications|Comments Off

Valproic Acid and the Risk of Major Malformations

Previous studies have indicated that infants exposed to valproic acid in pregnancy are at increased risk for a range of malformations, including neural tube defects. While these studies have shown an association between valproic acid and various malformations, they have been limited in their ability to quantify the risk of certain, less common malformations. To do this, large population-based case–control studies are more appropriate.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2015-08-12T16:43:09-04:00June 14th, 2010|Anti-Epileptic Drugs, Mood Stabilizers, Outcomes, Pregnancy & Medications, Risk of Malformations|Comments Off

Anticonvulsant Use in Pregnancy and Nursing: Differences in Recommendations from Psychiatrists vs. Neurologists

There are strong parallels between the clinical management of bipolar disorder and epilepsy, and women with these disorders face significant challenges while pregnant or planning to conceive. In this setting, treatment decisions must balance the risks of recurrence of severe illness with the risks of potential harm to the fetus when certain medicines are taken during pregnancy.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2016-03-28T13:23:58-04:00February 3rd, 2010|Anti-Epileptic Drugs, Breastfeeding & Medications, Mood Stabilizers, Pregnancy & Medications|Comments Off

Use of the Emsam Patch (Selegiline) in Pregnancy

A clinician asks: "Is there any data on the use of the Emsam patch in pregnancy?"

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2015-08-12T15:27:21-04:00December 14th, 2009|Antidepressants, Pregnancy & Medications|Comments Off