lamotrigine and pregnancy....

[jadeelicia]

Hi does anyone have any experience of any kind or advice with Lamotrigine, seizures and pregnancy? Many thanks

[EpilepsyAction1 Partner Epilepsy Action]

Hi Jadeelicia

We have some information about epilepsy and having a baby on our website which you may find helpful. This has information about getting pregnant, during pregnancy, giving birth and after the birth: epilepsy.org.uk/info/women/...

Our booklet The Pregnancy Diaries may also be of interest to you. This is written by mums with epilepsy, for mums to be, and shares the experiences of several women during their pregnancies: epilepsy.org.uk/pregnancy-d...

Most women with epilepsy have a normal pregnancy and deliver a healthy baby. However, your epilepsy and epilepsy medicines may slightly increase your risk of having a baby with a birth problem. Some epilepsy medicines, taken at low doses, carry very little extra risk. The risks may increase, depending on the type, dose and number of medicines you take.

The risk of epilepsy medicines causing birth problems is different for each medicine. For Lamotrigine, the risk of it causing major congenital malformations is approximately 2 – 3%, (two to three in a hundred). More information can be found on our website: epilepsy.org.uk/info/women/...

If you are not already pregnant it is a good idea to ask for pre-conception counselling. If you are already pregnant though, do not stop taking your epilepsy medicine, as this could cause you to have more frequent or severe seizures. Instead, speak to your GP as soon as possible, so that you can get the right help and advice: epilepsy.org.uk/info/women/...

Your neurologist or epilepsy nurse will be able to talk with you about ways to reduce these risks, check that you are on the most suitable treatment for you and discuss any worries you may have. Your midwife would also support you on this journey once you are pregnant.

If you would like to talk about any of this, or if we can be of any more help, please feel free to contact us again, either by email or the Epilepsy Action Helpline freephone 0808 800 5050.

Karen

Epilepsy Action Advice & Information Team

[jadeelicia in reply to EpilepsyAction1]

Thank you that's very helpful - will have a good read.

[Katiex]

I take 100 mg if this medication lamotrigine. How much do you take?

I was told I would need to take folic acid when pregnant and take fic acid 3 months proir to a planned pregnancy to avoid abnormalitys with the baby.

[jadeelicia in reply to Katiex]

Thanks just starting to take lamotrigine again after trying another one which I was told was better levetiracetam but after having one tablet and it taking 2 days to get over side effects thought best to go back on lamotrigine so I'm at least on something until I see someone as have to see fertility specialist. So on 50 mg at moment to increase up... just interested to see if people are given ranitidine over the others you can take. All a mind field really. Thanks for your reply x