oral clefts

Topiramate and Risk of Major Malformations: What Clinicians and Patients Need to Know

Topiramate exposure in early pregnancy is linked to higher rates of major malformations and more specifically to increased risk of oral clefts, with risk rising at higher doses.

By |2026-04-01T06:32:12-04:00March 26th, 2026|Medications and Pregnancy, Postpartum Psychiatric Disorders, Pregnancy Outcomes, Psychiatric Disorders During Pregnancy, Risk of Malformations|Comments Off on Topiramate and Risk of Major Malformations: What Clinicians and Patients Need to Know

Which is Safer for the Treatment of Opioid Use Disorder During Pregnancy: Buprenorphine or Methadone?

In this large cohort study analyzing data from publicly insured Medicaid beneficiaries, the overall risk of malformations was lower with buprenorphine than with methadone.

By |2024-05-16T06:55:02-04:00March 6th, 2024|Opioids, Perinatal Substance Use, Treatment|Comments Off on Which is Safer for the Treatment of Opioid Use Disorder During Pregnancy: Buprenorphine or Methadone?

Prescription Opioids During Pregnancy and Risk for Major Malformations

Previous studies have suggested a link between opioid exposure during pregnancy and increased risk of certain major malformations, including neural tube defects.  A recent study from Bateman and colleagues assesses the risk of major malformation [...]

By |2021-03-16T09:24:00-04:00March 16th, 2021|Opioids, Outcomes, Perinatal Substance Use, Pregnancy & Medications, Risk of Malformations|Comments Off on Prescription Opioids During Pregnancy and Risk for Major Malformations

Clinical Update 2020: Lamotrigine (Lamictal) and Pregnancy

Clinical Update 2020:  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 [...]

By |2025-06-26T09:06:58-04:00July 28th, 2020|Anti-Epileptic Drugs, Outcomes, Pregnancy & Medications, Risk of Malformations|Comments Off on Clinical Update 2020: Lamotrigine (Lamictal) and Pregnancy

Lamotrigine and Pregnancy: New Study, No Significant Increase in Risk of Oral Clefts

The anticonvulsant lamotrigine (Lamictal) is being used with increasing regularity for the treatment of women with bipolar disorder.  Back in 2006, we reported on preliminary data indicating an increased risk of oral clefts among infants [...]

By |2025-06-26T09:07:05-04:00April 11th, 2016|Anti-Epileptic Drugs, Outcomes, Pregnancy & Medications, Risk of Malformations|Comments Off on Lamotrigine and Pregnancy: New Study, No Significant Increase in Risk of Oral Clefts

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:

By |2015-05-25T20:50:06-04:00February 2nd, 2015|Anti-Epileptic Drugs, Outcomes, Pregnancy & Medications, Risk of Malformations|Comments Off on Clinical Update: Use of Topiramate (Topamax) During Pregnancy

More on Topiramate (Topamax) and Risk of Oral Clefts

Earlier this year we reported on a possible association between first trimester exposure to topiramate (Topamax) and increased risk of cleft lip and palate.  In a recent study published by the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, researches drew upon data from two birth defect databases to further delineate the risks associated with topiramate exposure.

By |2015-08-12T12:17:18-04:00August 13th, 2012|Anti-Epileptic Drugs, Mood Stabilizers, Pregnancy & Medications, Risk of Malformations|Comments Off on More on Topiramate (Topamax) and Risk of Oral Clefts
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