While anticonvulsants, such as lamotrigine (Lamictal), topiramate (Topamax), and gabapentin (Neurontin), are being used with increasing regularity for the treatment of women with bipolar disorder, we have limited information with respect to the reproductive safety of the newer anticonvulsant agents. In 2006, we reported on preliminary data indicating an increased risk of oral clefts among [...]
Tag Archives: lamotrigine
Pregnancy May Lower Lamotrigine (Lamictal) Blood Levels
May 5, 2009 – 9:40 am
Women with bipolar disorder are at increased risk for recurrence of illness during pregnancy. Therefore, many women with bipolar disorder elect to continue treatment with medications during pregnancy after weighing the risks and benefits of various treatment options with their physicians. Lamotrigine (Lamictal) is an anticonvulsant used to treat bipolar disorder. While the safety data [...]
Oral Contraceptives Reduce Lamotrigine (Lamictal) Blood Levels
October 20, 2008 – 9:12 am
Lamotrigine (Lamictal) has been effectively used for the maintenance treatment of bipolar disorder. Many women suffering from bipolar disorder are of childbearing age; therefore an adequate contraception is a major concern that needs to be addressed in this population.
Special consideration should be taken when patients taking lamotrigine plan to use oral contraceptives (OCs). Studies carried [...]
Evaluating the Safety of First-Trimester Exposure to Lamotrigine (Lamictal)
July 11, 2006 – 1:30 pm
Early reports suggested that women with bipolar disorder may be at lower risk for onset or relapse of this disorder during pregnancy and that some women may be able to remain well during pregnancy despite medication discontinuation. However, more recent studies have suggested that recurrence of affective illness during pregnancy is relatively common among women [...]
Lamotrigine and Breastfeeding
November 18, 2005 – 6:29 pm
Because rates of postpartum illness are very high in women with bipolar disorder, it is generally recommended that mothers continue treatment with a mood stabilizer throughout the postpartum period to reduce their risk of relapse; however, the use of medications during the postpartum period is complicated by the issue of breastfeeding. All medications are secreted [...]
