Can I take epilepsy tablets when I am pregnant?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am a 30 year old female. I am 8 weeks pregnant. I have been having epilepsy since 10 years. I had the last seizure a year ago. I am taking the following tablets: tablet Tegretol CR 200 (1-0-2), tablet Frisium 5 mg (0-0-2) and tablet Folic acid 5 mg (0-0-1). Can I take these tablets when I am pregnant?

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Tablet Tegretol should not be used in pregnancy. Only pregnancy-safe drugs should be taken during pregnancy. It is categorized as category D of FDA drugs in pregnancy. Category D means, there is enough evidence that it causes risk to the fetus.

So, I would advise you to get back to your neurologist and discuss with him to shift you on safer anti-epileptics like Levetiracetam.

Answer 2

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Susten (Progesterone) is suggested as it reduces the risk of spontaneous abortions in high risk patients.

Heart rate of fetus of 129 bpm is not very low, but since you are a high risk candidate, it should be kept under monitoring.

As far as the Frisium is concerned, it is FDA category C , that means risk cannot be ruled out. So, it should be avoided as far as possible.