On Keppra, Baby on the Way
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UPDATED: Fri, 02/01/2008 - 4:06pm
rose0527
On Keppra, Baby on the Way
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Hi. I am 23 years old and have been on 2000mg of Keppra a day for over three years. I have also been seizure free ever since I started Keppra, and with no side effects. I recently found out that I am pregnant with my first child. I am ecstatic, but I can't help worrying about the unknown effects of Keppra on my baby. My neuro is keeping me on the full dose for the duration of my pregnancy. Other than taking extra good care of myself, does anyone have any advice? Has anyone else gone through this that has a positive outcome? A negative one? I guess I am just searching for some sort of positive reinforcement to put my mind at ease a bit. Thanks for reading.
Amy
By rose0527 at Fri, 02/01/2008 - 4:06pm | 240 views | 36 comments
Topic: Women With Epilepsy
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Recent Comments on this Discussion
Hi Amy! This is a coincidince. My name is Amy, 26 and I just had my 3rd child. But while i was pregnant with him, I developed epilepsy, and was put on 1000mg of keppra, which didn't work and still had seizures. Doctor was going to put me on a higher dose but after praying about it alot, i said no way, and i wanted to start getting of the meds. Doctor said it would be better to start the taper off the drug until after my postpartum checkup. I am still having seizures and I am off the medication completely because there are no proven studies on nursing and being on keppra at the same time. But I only have seizure 1 every 2 or 3 months so I don't really care to be on the medication when it doesn't help. They are now suggesting lamictal, and i am in the process about praying for that too.
Congrats on the pregnancy and i wish the best for you, and the only thing i can say is that you just need to pray about it. I know It seems hard about it especially if you're spiritually drained from your seizures but honestly, if you just ask god to take your seizure away and what should you do, he'll listen. Need anymore advice? Write me!!!!
Amy
Hi I know that risks are different when on 2 AEDs and wanted to know if anyone here was taking Lamictal and Keppra while pregnant. I'm 23 and would like to have a child sometime within the next 3 or 4 years. I also have tried different birth controls, but all caused me to have seizures by decreasing the medication in my system and I would like to know if anyone has found a birth control that works for them.
~Nicole~
I tried lamictol and it didn't work for me. I have JME and it didn't control my arm jerks. My doctor suggested keppra to me for when I decide to get pregnant but I haven't switched over yet. I am currently taking depakote ER and it works great for my seizures. I have also been taking othrotricyclen for 10 years and it has always worked great as far as birth controls. I am in the processs of switching over to Seasonique though to see if that works better for me. i seem to have problems during the week of my period with arm jerks. What medicine are you on right now for your epilepsy?
Alicia
Keep your heads up, all of you! I've had epilepsy since I was 15, and am now 28. For my first daughter I was on Keppra. She's now 2, bright, and beautiful. I just had my second daughter, thanks to God's miracles as I also have Endometriosis and multiple cyst issues to boot... For her I was on Topamax, and I had several problems with that one. Weight gain -- I was severely underweight the whole time, and my baby kept losing weight and sleeping tons until we took her off the breastmilk. Now she's also thriving and healthy so far, at 3 weeks.
I know all aren't so lucky, and that there are risks, but I'd put Keppra up against Topamax any day. It's a good drug, and the only reason I'm off it is because my seizures got worse. If it works for you, kudos! And stay on it. It'll be nice and mild for you and baby.
Congrats and enjoy the ride! :)
Good luck to everyone who is pregnant on medication and thank you for participating in the registry. My daughter's biggest problem at 14 is whether she will ever be able to drive. Of course, I've considered the many challenges her future may hold, but with all of you brave pioneers going before her, I'm sure the outlook will be even brighter if she ever decides to become a mom.
MOMFORFIVE,
I've tried Keppra once while I was pregnant with my twins but unfortunately it wasn't the drug for me. I was told it was one of the safest anti-epileptic drugs out during pregnancy. I feel your baby will be just fine... Keep up with your folic acid, and vitamins and he or she will be just fine. So far, I have a Dylantin baby, Topamax baby and neurontin baby. How do you feel? Are you okay? Baby's have less side effects on these drugs... but we end up having to take our meds any way. By this time, your baby is used to Keppra in your system already. It'll be fine...you'll see.
Hi,
I just wanted to let everyone know that the Keppra Pregnancy Registry released their Interim Report (studies from December 2004-August 2007) in December 2007. You can get a copy by calling the registry at 1-888-537-7734 (1-888-KEP-PREG).
There isn't a lot to it and it's pretty inconclusive but at least it's something.
take care!
PLEASE REGISTER:)
I am currently trying to become pregnant while taking Keppra. I just started Keppra due to complications with my previous medications (Lamictal and Clonznapem). I know you posted this a few months ago, so I wanted to know your update or information you have found.
Thanks!
JF
Hi JF and other readers! I had my 20 week ultrasound last week. I had a level 2 ultrasound, which is supposed to be more detailed and would be more apt to find anything wrong if there was something (i.e. cleft lip/palate, spina bifida, and other birth defects associated with anit-convulsants). It took over an hour, but every last tiny part of her looked absolutely perfect. Doc said that if there was anything being affected by my medication that it would have shown up on this ultrasound. Thank God! We are ecstatic that we are having a girl and that so far, she is perfectly healthy. I have had much reassurance from the doctor that I have found in my area who has delivered plenty of babies with mothers on Keppra, and each of them have been perfectly healthy. My neuro has been checking my levels frequently and they have not dropped yet, so I am still on 2000mg/day, but that could change at any time. Good luck and God Bless!
Amy
Hi JF and other readers! I had my 20 week ultrasound last week. I had a level 2 ultrasound, which is supposed to be more detailed and would be more apt to find anything wrong if there was something (i.e. cleft lip/palate, spina bifida, and other birth defects associated with anit-convulsants). It took over an hour, but every last tiny part of her looked absolutely perfect. Doc said that if there was anything being affected by my medication that it would have shown up on this ultrasound. Thank God! We are ecstatic that we are having a girl and that so far, she is perfectly healthy. I have had much reassurance from the doctor that I have found in my area who has delivered plenty of babies with mothers on Keppra, and each of them have been perfectly healthy. My neuro has been checking my levels frequently and they have not dropped yet, so I am still on 2000mg/day, but that could change at any time. Good luck and God Bless!
Amy
Congrats Amy!
Reading your posting made me feel so much better about my medication issues. I am 27 and planning to have children in the next 2 years. My doctor and I are working together right now to find out the best medication for me before I start trying to get pregnant. I am currently on depakote and I already tried lamictol (which didn't work). He wants to try keppra next and your story has made me feel better about the decision. What type of epilepsy do you have? I have JME and I guess some medications don't control it as well as depakote. Good Luck with your pregnancy!!!
Alicia
Hey all you brave and wonderful ladies out there! It was a relief to read everyone's comments on keppra and pregnancy. I am 35 years old and just recently discovered that I am now pregnant! I've been diagnosed with epilepsy at 16 and would have real bad grand mal seizures. Been on a ton of different meds. Sometimes the meds just stop working. I've been on Keppra for 3 years and have also been seizure free since Keppra. My neuro. plans to keep me on keppra thru out the pregnancy. I do have faith in my neuro. and in God and pray every night for my baby to be healthy and safe. I would love to connect with other preggo moms -to- be out there so that we can all support each other.Thanks everyone!
Bridget
Hi Bridget! Congrats on your recent pregnancy. I know how it feels to wonder if you are doing the right thing for your unborn child. Be relieved that you are on Keppra as they say it is the safest med to be on during pregnancy. I felt terrible taking my meds every day at first, thinking I was hurting my baby, but doing what the doctor said was best. I have learned through my doctors, neuro and other supportive women that we have little to worry about. Seeing those perfect little ultrasound pictures of our baby girl told me that I was doing the right thing. Best wishes for a happy, healthy (and comfortable!) pregnancy.
Amy
Hi Bridget! Congrats on your recent pregnancy. I know how it feels to wonder if you are doing the right thing for your unborn child. Be relieved that you are on Keppra as they say it is the safest med to be on during pregnancy. I felt terrible taking my meds every day at first, thinking I was hurting my baby, but doing what the doctor said was best. I have learned through my doctors, neuro and other supportive women that we have little to worry about. Seeing those perfect little ultrasound pictures of our baby girl told me that I was doing the right thing. Best wishes for a happy, healthy (and comfortable!) pregnancy.
Amy
According to the keppra advice leaflet. It states if you are pregnant or may be pregnant please inform your doc.
Keppra should not be used during pregnancy unless clearly necessary. The potential risk to your unborn child is unknown.
Keppra has shown unwanted reproductive effects in animal studies at dose levels higher than you would need to control your siezures.
Breast feeding is not recommnded during treatment. Hope this was of some use.
Congrats on your pregnancy good luck with your epilepsy
plopdan u.k
Hello, my name is Laurie. I have had epilepsy for 14 years. I gave birth to a happy, healthy little girl about eight years ago. At the time, I was on Tegretol and Depakote. My doctors took me off of my Depakote, but I continued to take tegretol through my entire pregnancy. I was also worried for my child. However, here we are eight years later and Destiny(my daughters name) is perfectly healthy and sometimes I think she is smarter than me. I would trust your doctors if they think that keeping you on the Keppra is for the best. I am currently on Keppra and it has no real side effects on me. I have heard good and bad things from others about the side effects. Just do the research on side side affects on fetus'. My guess is that if your doctors think it's what's best, they are probably right. I hope this helps you out in some way. Good luck to you and your new baby!
Hello my name is Candace and this is myfirst time on my epilepsy so I thought I would register. I have had epilipsy for 14 yrs as well. Well i know ur not a docter but I am on 4000mg keppra and i am trying to concieve. I am 25 yrs old and my question to you is did u ever have a off cycle period. I ask becuse I am wondering if it was hard for you to conieve and did you plan? Do you have any advice?
HI:
Initially, I was on Keppra, a very low dosage, when I was pregnant with my second daughter, and I was also a part of a study that monitored my pregnancy. Unfortunately for me, Keppra was extremely HORRIBLE and I did not stay on it. What I found out was that for a small percentage of the population, Keppra has extremely negative side effects and causes hallucinations, seizures, paranoia, depression, ect- as a result of not being right for Keppra, it did me VERY BADLY and I suffered all of the above. I am blessed to say though, that I was taken off of it and placed back on Tegretol XR and has a healthy, successful pregnancy- my little girl is extrememly advanced and tests well above average on all tests, and this is after having two seizures while carrying her . . . So, I say, be sure to be monitored- the great thing for you is that Keppra was already working for you, so you most likely fit in the majority! Also, Keppra is one of the safest drugs for pregnancy (from what doctors and researchers say for now). Another thing that I say is . . . I hope you are a believer . . . God, God, God- because I have had two beautiful daughters while on anti-convulsants who are well above average - extremely advanced. So, no matter what, take your folic acid dosages, and more than that- believe and KNOW that your child will be fine- read to him/her while in the womb and play classical music! Blessings and Miracles!
Andrea
Hi all! Im a first time mother and my baby girl is 4 months plus now. I have epilepsy ever since end of high school years and taking Keppra. I would call my epilepsy not as serious as it only happens when im sleeping at night if i do not take my medication.
When I found out i was pregnant last year, i was afraid for my baby for i was under medication (heard all the time that mothers should not take any medicine during preganancy) so i went to look for my doctor and he told me to stop taking it for two weeks to see whats the side effects. If nothing happens in that two weeks, i will not have to worry and can stop taking medication. But sadly my fit happened one day while i was sleeping and i went back to the doctor and his advice to me was to continue taking it. If i dont and my fits continue, it will be even worse for me and my baby for oxygen will not be able to go into the baby's brain whenever a fit occurs.
So i continued on with my Keppra intake. My baby is 4 months + now and everything seems to be very good for her. We all call her a happy baby for she smiles and laughs alot. As for the future, i would not know but im leaving all to my God from Heaven.
You know what...while i was pregnant, I prayed everyday and in my prayers i repeatedly said i'll leave my baby and my life in Your hands and please work in us, protect us, have mercy in us and bless us. And God indeed did answer my prayer. After birth, and after every check-ups, reports from doctors are all above normal no matter is it regarding her weight, health, and etc.
As long as you believe in God and leave Him your life, He will take over and work in us. As long as you trust and have faith in Him, He will definitely continue as He plan smoothly. Did u all know that each and everyone of our lives, past-present-future are all already planned out properly by God and no one can change His plans. What we will have, money, wealth, health, happiness all are given by God. So to have God's plan go on smoothly, just give our life to God and trust in Him. And I can assure u satisfaction in life!!! Amen!
love yourself, family, friends and God!
God bless!!
Charlene Pan
Thank you so much Charlene. You're an inspiration. My faith in God is all that has got me through this mess. I'm on 3000mg Keppra (SEVERE side effects) and my Dr just added 400mg Carbatrol and I've had great success... Seizure free for a month now..Woo Hoo!!! My boyfriend has grown children and his 18 year old daughter is now pregnant. When we first got together I told him how much I wanted to be a Mom and now b/c he's going to be a Grandpa, he doesn't want to even try. I have a few other chips stacked against me as far as getting pregnant; PCOS and Endometriosis. I want to be a Mom more than anything. I also love this man with all of my heart. How many men do you find that share in your beleifs, pray and go to church with you? Not many in my experience. We actually broke up a few weeks ago because I felt I didn't need to sacrifice being a Mommy if there is even a slight chance for me. We have since got back together because I decided that having such a small chance of conceiving is not worth the risk of losing him, but this still weighs heavy on my heart. He's so wonderful in every other way and now after reading about all of these successful pregnancies my hope is back. Just tonight he told me that he was thinking of getting a Vasectomy just to make sure. We both thought that the medication would be harmful to the fetus. Sorry to dump all of this on you, but I just ask that you please say a prayer for me and whatever happens let God's will be done. Thank you and God Bless all of you.
My 22 year old daughter was on Keppra for the 2nd trimester of her pregnancy along with folic acid and her prenatals. With the exception of one seizure... (she kept forgetting to take her keppra) she and the baby did very well. He is now 6 months and progressing right on target...
Hi,
Keppra is one of the safest drugs AED drugs to take while your pregnant. As long as you continue to take folic acid and your prenatal vitamins your baby will be fine. I am 29, and my son is now 9 months old and I also have was part of a research study done with women who are pregnant and taking Keppra you can also view it on Keppra's website. It is very informative. My doses varied during pregnancy. Just be sure that your doctor will follow your pregnancy during your different trimesters and check your medication levels because the medicine is absorbed differently when pregnant because your body is now working for two people. And your levels do fluctuate at times. So just be assured that your doctor keeps abreast of that. I was on 4000 a day. So believe me at such a high dose and even higher when I was pregnant at times that your baby is/and will be ok....Don't worry...Just sit back and enjoy your pregnancy..stress won't help just cause more problems...God Bless and Keep us all updated on the birth of your baby...
Hope I was some help...
Keisha
Wow Keisha ur story is so inspiring to me. I thought because I was on such a hgh dose I thought 4000mg as well I would worry alot!! My question to you is did u plan and was it hard to concieve? I havnt had my period in 9 mo and I know ur not a Dr but just curious on ur feedback? Is there any advice u can give me or ANOTHER INSPIRING TESTIMONY!!
Thank you all for the reassurance. You all have helped me to worry less! Congrats to all of you mothers!
Amy
I was on Keppra and folic acid throughout my pregnancy, My son is now 4 and is healthy and brilliant. He did have some speach delay when he was younger, but he caught up quickly and who knows if that was from Keppra or just a boy too busy to want to talk :) Good luck to you and your baby... Hope this will ease your worries a bit.
Congratulations on your pregnancy I am soon to be trying. My doctor had put me on Keppra because I want to start a family. I have heard so many good and bad things. One of the big thing he did suggest to me was to take follic acid to help prevent any birth defects and a higher dose for us. But to definately check with your doctor.
I have been on folic acid since I started with Keppra. It is supposed to be very good for you and baby. It is also in prenatal vitamins (which I take as well, so I get a TON of it!). Good to hear your doc will have you on it with the Keppra. Good luck with starting a family.
While I was pregnant I was taking 1000mg of Keppra and 600mg of Neurontin. I had a healthy baby girl who is now 15 months. Developmentally she has been right on track and even ahead in some areas. My doctor now has me on only 2000mg of Keppra. He feels it is better to just be on one medication for future pregnancies. I haven't had a seizure in 5 years. It's scary not knowing but I hope this helps. Keep following the research and congratulations on expecting.
-S
Thanks S and congrats on your healthy baby girl.
Amy
When I first got pregnant my doctor tried to slowly take me off Keppra because I was worried about taking it while pregnant. I started having really bad auras so he put me back on it combined with folic acid and prenatal vitamins. My baby came out perfect and is now 2. I still take the same amount of Keppra and folic acid and I've been seizure and aura free for almost 3 years. I wish I would have asked like you did when I was worried because reading all of these good outcomes would have made my pregnancy alot less worriesome. Good Luck on your baby.
I don't want to scare you, but I was told that Keppra was not good for pregnancy by my GYN. I was taking Keppra and became preganant and was switched to Phenobarbital. My GYN had told me in the beginning not to get pregnant while taking the Keppra because of the potential for birth defects. I was also worried and switched meds right away. I began taking the Phenobarb with a double dose of folic acid. I also experienced sezuires while pregnant. My son just turned three. He has some speech delay, but no physical defects. I happened to have had a really good OB/GYN, but a not so great neurologist. My OB/GYN had me have numerous sonograms throughout my pregnancy with a specialist. I would highly recommend discussing your meds with your OB/GYN and ask that they speak with your neurologist to ensure that they are on the same page.
Check out the North American AED Pregnancy Registry. It is really important to get registered and document the medication you are taking while pregnant.
Depakote and phenobarbitol have the highest incidence of birth defects.
I am glad that you posted that phenobarbitol is not all that great for pregnant women. I just posted last month how my doctors switched me from Keppra to phenobarbital during my pregnancy supposedly because it was going to be better. However, I just recently switched neurologists and found out just four days ago that probably wasn't the smartest thing to do. My new neurologist was baffled at the idea of being switched off the Keppra. I am just as confused. My son is 3 and his speech is still delayed. He receives speech therapy, but doesn't really seem to work all that well.
Hi everyone,
Congratulations to all of the mothers! I am currently 10 weeks pregnant with my first baby and was so nervous about taking medications. (This pregnancy was not planned!) I went to a new OB/GYN and told her that I was on Keppra. She was very encouraging about it. I then spoke with my neurologist and he told me that because Keppra is one of the "cleanest" drugs available, it's also one of the safest for pregnancy. I have been on folic acid supplements since October (b/c my other GYN said better to be safe than sorry).
Unfortunately, I had a seizure last week and had my Keppra dosage increased to 4,000 mg/day. I am praying that this will work for me throughout my pregnancy. My neuro said he would switch me to Depakote if I have another seizure, but he wouldn't want to do that during the 1st trimester.
I am just putting my faith in God and know that He will be glorified in whatever happens.
Good luck to everyone!
Becky
Congrats on your pregnancy Becky!
Just keep working with your neuro and OB together to make sure that you and baby stay healthy, and you will be just fine! I am already 25 weeks (it's gone so fast!) and have been faithfully taking my Keppra and folic acid and have not had a seizure yet and I've had a perfectly healthy pregnancy thus far. Hopefully you can stay on Keppra. From almost everything I hear, I really do believe it is the best med to be on while pregnant.
Best wishes!
Amy
Hi Ladies,
I've been reading all these Keppra & pregnancy posts for the past few months now and finally registered today so I tell my story. I'm 35 and have JME. I've been taking my miracle drug Depakote since I was 18. Thankfully it completely controlled my jerks (which previously I had on a daily basis) and seizures at a low dose (200mgs a day). I have been putting off pregnancy a lot longer than I should have as I am very nervous about giving up my good & faithful buddy Depakote. After a lot of talking with my neuro and husband, I switched to Keppra a few months ago. It's hard to know how much of it was psychological (self-confessed hard core Nervous Nelly) but I found the switch very hard. I was taking Keppra (250mg in pm) for 4 months, during that time I was very agitated, depressed and moody as hell. Kind of like permanent PMS. But on the good side, I had no myclonic jerks (including times when i was very sleep deprived), I slept very well and there were moments that I felt GREAT. Probably a little too great, it kind of exaggerated all my emotions. Anyway, after a very rough couple of days, I made the decision to give myself a vacation from worrying about Keppra, pregnancy and Epilepsy in general and went back to my Depakote. I now feel a lot more educated about the whole process, so in some ways it was a good thing. I went to see a new Neuro, who was amazing and specialized in women with Epilepsy. So I'm going to start the process again in a few months and hopefully I'll be more relaxed about the whole thing and not over think everything. My new neuro thinks I should try Lamictal as there is more research done on the effects of it and pregnancy and it doesn't have the same behavioral effects as Keppra. But after reading up about Lamitcal, I don't like the sound of that rash & I think I'm going with the philosophy of "better the devil you know". Keppra makes me a real crank but it does the job it's supposed to do and I can put up with that for 9 months, my husband isn't looking to thrilled at the prospect though. Anyway, that's my story. Amy, I wish all the best for you & your baby girl, please keep us updated with her progress. It's very encouraging to see so many positive outcomes on this site.
Good luck