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Want to get pregnant while on Lamictal

Tue, 04/07/2009 - 16:27

So, I know everyone's different when it comes to seizures and medications; but I'm hoping to get some positive vibes. I am 28 years old and my husband and I want to start trying to have a baby in either October or November. A while ago my neurologist told me when I decide that I want to have a baby to let him know at least 6 months before we start trying. So I told him in February when we wanted to start. I'm on Keppra and Lamictal, but he wants me on just one medication. That being said, I chose to stay on Lamictal because I had really bad side affects with Keppra. So, I'm off Keppra in 2 weeks and he increased my dosage for Lamictal to 400 mg a day (I'm a little nervous with the transition but trying to stay positive). He said I should be fine being that I haven't had a seizure since Sept. 2006 and my seizures are controllable. He told me all the information that I needed to know about being pregnant while on Lamictal. Oh, and I am also taking Folic Acid. Although he told me everything I needed to know, I also want to get some feedback from women who are pregnant or were pregnant while being on Lamictal. Were your seizures controllable while on Lamictal before becoming pregnant? And were there any changes while being pregnant?

 I would love to hear some feedback, thanks!

Comments

Re: Want to get pregnant while on Lamictal

Submitted by renee33 on Thu, 2011-06-23 - 13:13
I was on lamtical when i found out i was pregant i was taking 200mg. and for some reason it was not working for me the kind of seizure i have i passout in about two second i come out of it.My doctor put me on keepra 1000mg and that made my seizure worse i was having granseizure all the way to my 5month and lost my babygirl because i had a hole in my cervix losing water.i wish there is a drug outthere for me that i know that well help and now i get so scared cause afraid of getting pregant don't want to get sick all over again.

Re: Want to get pregnant while on Lamictal

Submitted by lyzolari on Thu, 2011-06-23 - 13:42

Hi:

 

Take 5 mg of folic acid while pregnant...it will either do nothing or protect the baby. It isn't a med. I wouldn't be afraid of it. One thing I learned when I was pregnant is anything can happen. Pregnancy is like a whole different beast that your body transitions into....and the unexpect can happen anytime.

Reagrding the photosensitivity. I never had this until my 8th month of pregnancy and then my light and hearing world became very difficut. You can read my story at http://womenwithepilepsy.org/mystory.html. I have done things that can be helpful. Neurofeedback, homeopathic meds, vitamins, etc...All have helped ...currently I take homeopaths to help with the photsentivity and noise sensitivity, the migraines that I have since giving birth, it seems to be helpful. I just read today that chiropratics have been used to help relieve tension in the vagal nerve which in effect has reduced seizures for some folks...The other day I disovered another interesting option (http://www.neurosigma.com/tns.html) - this was recenty published on the efa site: http://www.epilepsyfoundation.org/epilepsyusa/news/Study-Reveals-Birth-Defects-Increased-with-Four-Common-Epilepsy-Drugs.cfm.

Basically, if I were you I would do some homework and find some alternative therapies that might help you whether you are pregnant or not. They are out there. Some work better than others. But comparatively speaking this is an under used - untapped resource. I am trying to get pregs again and this is what I am doing. If nothing else it might offer you peace of mind and decrease the worries.

 

Regarding my site, the survey is complete and I hope to publish the results later this year. Unfort. it has been a hectic 2011 so far and I am behind on doing this.

Hi:

 

Take 5 mg of folic acid while pregnant...it will either do nothing or protect the baby. It isn't a med. I wouldn't be afraid of it. One thing I learned when I was pregnant is anything can happen. Pregnancy is like a whole different beast that your body transitions into....and the unexpect can happen anytime.

Reagrding the photosensitivity. I never had this until my 8th month of pregnancy and then my light and hearing world became very difficut. You can read my story at http://womenwithepilepsy.org/mystory.html. I have done things that can be helpful. Neurofeedback, homeopathic meds, vitamins, etc...All have helped ...currently I take homeopaths to help with the photsentivity and noise sensitivity, the migraines that I have since giving birth, it seems to be helpful. I just read today that chiropratics have been used to help relieve tension in the vagal nerve which in effect has reduced seizures for some folks...The other day I disovered another interesting option (http://www.neurosigma.com/tns.html) - this was recenty published on the efa site: http://www.epilepsyfoundation.org/epilepsyusa/news/Study-Reveals-Birth-Defects-Increased-with-Four-Common-Epilepsy-Drugs.cfm.

Basically, if I were you I would do some homework and find some alternative therapies that might help you whether you are pregnant or not. They are out there. Some work better than others. But comparatively speaking this is an under used - untapped resource. I am trying to get pregs again and this is what I am doing. If nothing else it might offer you peace of mind and decrease the worries.

 

Regarding my site, the survey is complete and I hope to publish the results later this year. Unfort. it has been a hectic 2011 so far and I am behind on doing this.

Re: Want to get pregnant while on Lamictal

Submitted by Sruelas on Thu, 2011-07-14 - 15:56

Hello I read your post and felt I could relate to you. I was diagnosed with jme at 16, but I had plenty of symptoms way before  getting to that point. I've been on depakote for 15 years, but I weaning off it and transitioning to Lamictal. I'm very anxious right now because I have no idea how my body will react.

I want to get pregnant by the end of year. I had my first child when I was 20 and it was seizure-free and on depakote. I will never get pregnant while on Depakote, NEVER. My daughter had a lot of complications and ended up in the NICU for months.

I'm also very terrified.

How are things going for you so far? Any advice?

 Thanks! SR

Hello I read your post and felt I could relate to you. I was diagnosed with jme at 16, but I had plenty of symptoms way before  getting to that point. I've been on depakote for 15 years, but I weaning off it and transitioning to Lamictal. I'm very anxious right now because I have no idea how my body will react.

I want to get pregnant by the end of year. I had my first child when I was 20 and it was seizure-free and on depakote. I will never get pregnant while on Depakote, NEVER. My daughter had a lot of complications and ended up in the NICU for months.

I'm also very terrified.

How are things going for you so far? Any advice?

 Thanks! SR

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