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.
Isn’t It Time for Stricter Valproic Acid Warnings for Women of Reproductive Age?
Despite FDA warnings, valproate is still prescribed to women of reproductive age, placing children at risk for birth defects 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.
Prenatal Exposure to Topiramate (Topamax):Â Impact on Neurodevelopmental Outcomes
Data from a Nordic register-based study observed a significant increase in risk for autism spectrum disorder and intellectual disability in children with prenatal exposure to topiramate.
Should Valproic Acid Be Used in Women of Reproductive Age? Experts Disagree
The use of valproic acid during pregnancy is associated with a significant increase in risk of major malformations and neurodevelopmental disorders. Given these risks, should it be a treatment option for women of childbearing age?
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 [...]
Prenatal Exposure to Valproic Acid: ADHD and Other Deficits in Cognitive Functioning
Previous studies have shown that children exposed to antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) during pregnancy may be at increased risk for neurodevelopmental disorders. Â In a recent population-based cohort study from Denmark, researchers examined the prevalence of [...]
Valproic Acid: Highlighting Risk and Modifying Prescribing Patterns in Reproductive Age Women
For clinicians who have not yet discovered the incredibly thoughtful and clinically practical monthly articles from Chittaranjan Andrade in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, it’s time to take a look.  (Not only are these articles [...]
United Kingdom Limits the Use of Valproate in Reproductive Age Women
 Last year France banned the use of the antiepileptic during valproate in certain populations of reproductive age women.  Now the United Kingdom's Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has banned the use of [...]