Page Content
- What happens if a child takes lamotrigine?
- What does lamotrigine do to the brain?
- Can you take prenatal vitamins with lamotrigine?
- Can mood stabilizers mess with birth control?
- Can lamotrigine affect the fetus?
- What is infant risk for lamotrigine?
- What are the side effects of lamotrigine in infants?
- Is lamotrigine safe for child?
- Can epilepsy medication affect unborn baby?
- How does lamotrigine affect birth control?
Understanding the Effects of Lamotrigine on Pregnancy and Infants
Lamotrigine, commonly known by its brand name Lamictal, is a medication primarily used to treat epilepsy and bipolar disorder. As with any medication taken during pregnancy, concerns arise regarding its potential effects on the developing fetus and newborn.
Safety Profile During Pregnancy
Research indicates that lamotrigine does not significantly increase the risk of major pregnancy complications. Studies have shown that its use during pregnancy is not associated with a higher likelihood of issues such as preterm delivery or fetal growth restrictions, including low birth weight or smaller head size. This suggests that, for many women, lamotrigine can be a safer option compared to other anticonvulsants, which have been linked to more severe risks.
However, there are some caveats. A notable study published in 2008 raised concerns about a potential increase in congenital anomalies, specifically cleft palate, associated with lamotrigine exposure during pregnancy. This has led to ongoing discussions among healthcare providers about the risks versus benefits of continuing lamotrigine for women who are pregnant or planning to conceive.
Monitoring and Withdrawal Symptoms
Another important consideration is the possibility of withdrawal symptoms in newborns. Lamotrigine, like other medications, can lead to withdrawal symptoms at birth due to the abrupt cessation of the drug that the baby has been receiving through the placenta. Therefore, healthcare providers often recommend close monitoring of infants for several days post-delivery to ensure they are not experiencing any adverse effects.
Breastfeeding Considerations
When it comes to breastfeeding, the evidence suggests that lamotrigine is generally safe. Studies indicate that breastfeeding while on lamotrigine does not adversely affect infant growth or development. In fact, some research has shown that breastfed infants whose mothers were on lamotrigine had higher IQs and better verbal abilities at age six compared to their non-breastfed counterparts. This highlights the potential benefits of breastfeeding even when the mother is taking this medication.
Conclusion
In summary, while lamotrigine is associated with some risks during pregnancy, particularly concerning congenital anomalies, it is generally considered to have a favorable safety profile compared to other medications. Close monitoring of both the mother and baby is essential to manage any potential withdrawal symptoms and to ensure the health of both. As always, women should consult with their healthcare providers to weigh the risks and benefits of continuing lamotrigine during pregnancy and breastfeeding, tailoring the approach to their individual health needs and circumstances.
What happens if a child takes lamotrigine?
Lamotrigine poisoning can cause seizures, behavioral disturbances, and cardiotoxicity. Seizures generally occur between 20 minutes and three hours after ingestion and have been described as myoclonic, tonic- clonic, and status epilepticus (Table 1).
What does lamotrigine do to the brain?
Lamotrigine is a medicine used to treat epilepsy. It can also help prevent low mood (depression) in adults with bipolar disorder. Seizures are bursts of electrical activity in the brain that temporarily affect how it works. Lamotrigine slows these electrical signals down to stop seizures.
Can you take prenatal vitamins with lamotrigine?
multivitamin, prenatal lamoTRIgine
You may need a dose adjustment or more frequent monitoring to safely use both medications. Contact your doctor if your condition changes or you experience loss of seizure control. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs.
Can mood stabilizers mess with birth control?
Mood stabilizers like valproate and lamotrigine do not affect oral contraceptives, but lamotrigine clearance is increased with oral contraceptives that contain estrogen, thereby reducing the effectiveness of the medication.
Can lamotrigine affect the fetus?
No links between taking lamotrigine in pregnancy and preterm birth or low birth weight in the baby were identified in studies, each of around 3,000 women.
What is infant risk for lamotrigine?
The vast majority of these case reports indicate that the infants and children breastfed by mothers taking lamotrigine do not experience serious adverse events and exhibit normal development. In larger case series, such as the one from Newport and colleagues, no adverse events were observed in the nursing infants.
What are the side effects of lamotrigine in infants?
There have been some reports of side effects in breastfed babies, including drowsiness, poor feeding, skin rashes, muscles being more floppy than usual and, very rarely, breathing problems or effects on the blood. However, many babies do not get any side effects.
Is lamotrigine safe for child?
Children 2-17 years of age who take lamotrigine are more likely to develop serious rashes than adults who take the medication. Your doctor or pharmacist will give you the manufacturer’s patient information sheet (Medication Guide) when you begin treatment with lamotrigine and each time you refill your prescription.
Can epilepsy medication affect unborn baby?
Some epilepsy medicines have a higher risk of harming a baby during pregnancy than others and harm can occur even in early pregnancy. Taking a higher dose or more than one epilepsy medicine at the same time may also increase the risk of harm.
How does lamotrigine affect birth control?
The effectiveness of intrauterine contraception (coils) and the injection are not changed by lamotrigine. too much lamotrigine are: dizziness, double vision, problems with balance and/or co-ordination. However, this is very rare.