Is It Safe for My Baby? - Anticonvulsants or Anti-Seizure Medications

(used for seizures, epilepsy and as mood stabilizers for bipolar disorder; e.g., divalproex (Epival®), carbamazepine (Tegretol®), lamotrigine (Lamictal®), topiramate (Topamax®)

Risks During Pregnancy

• Most anticonvulsants pose some risk to the fetus in the first trimester (first three months of pregnancy), but this risk must be weighed against the risk to the unborn baby if your disorder is untreated.

Recommendations During Pregnancy

• Do NOT stop taking your medication without talking to your doctor. It is dangerous to stop if you are taking medication for epilepsy (because of the potential risk of seizure) and/or for mood disorders (because of the possibility that your symptoms could return).
• If you are taking divalproex (Epival), speak to your doctor about taking Vitamin K supplements one month before your due date to prevent unnecessary bleeding.

Risks During Breastfeeding

• Most anticonvulsants pass into breast milk and, depending on the dose, may cause drowsiness in the baby.

Recommendations During Breastfeeding

• Do NOT stop taking your prescribed medications. It is dangerous to stop if you are taking medication for epilepsy (because of the potential risk of seizure) and/or for mood disorders (because of the possibility that your symptoms could return).
• It may not be a possibility, but ask your doctor if you can time your dose with breastfeeding times.

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