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Can I take epilepsy tablets when I am pregnant?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

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?
Answered by Dr. Anshul Varshney

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Anshul Varshney is a highly skilled Critical Care Physician specializing in nephrology, pulmonology, and rheumatology. He is committed to providing advanced, life-saving care to critically ill patients while addressing complex medical conditions affecting the kidneys, lungs, and immune system. His holistic and multidisciplinary approach ensures comprehensive treatment tailored to individual patient needs.

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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.

Patient's Query

Thank you doctor,

I will consult my doctor for Tegretol CR 200. Could you please answer on tablet Frisium as this is of a concern. Also why is Susten 200 suggested? Are there any consequences with Susten? Is 129 bpm that low?

Answered by Dr. Anshul Varshney

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Anshul Varshney is a highly skilled Critical Care Physician specializing in nephrology, pulmonology, and rheumatology. He is committed to providing advanced, life-saving care to critically ill patients while addressing complex medical conditions affecting the kidneys, lungs, and immune system. His holistic and multidisciplinary approach ensures comprehensive treatment tailored to individual patient needs.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality

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.
Medically reviewed by iCliniq medical review team
Published At September 21, 2015
Reviewed At January 31, 2024

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Anshul Varshney is a highly skilled Critical Care Physician specializing in nephrology, pulmonology, and rheumatology. He is committed to providing advanced, life-saving care to critically ill patients while addressing complex medical conditions affecting the kidneys, lungs, and immune system. His holistic and multidisciplinary approach ensures comprehensive treatment tailored to individual patient needs.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality

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Epilepsy Medication in Pregnancy Decision Helper

Are your epilepsy medications safe during pregnancy?

This quick check helps you understand potential risks of your current epilepsy medications during pregnancy and when to talk to your neurologist.

This tool provides general information and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor.
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Dr. Anshul Varshney

Pulmonology (Asthma Doctors)

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Anshul Varshney is a highly skilled Critical Care Physician specializing in nephrology, pulmonology, and rheumatology. He is committed to providing advanced, life-saving care to critically ill patients while addressing complex medical conditions affecting the kidneys, lungs, and immune system. His holistic and multidisciplinary approach ensures comprehensive treatment tailored to individual patient needs.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality
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