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JME and Pregnancy

Mon, 01/10/2005 - 13:33
Hi,I have been diagnosed with Juvenile Myoclonic Epilepsy since the age of 15. Over the past 9 years the seizures have been controlled with fairly low doses of Depakine. I recently decided to come off the medication after 6 years seizure free however within one month, I had a seizure.My husband and I are thinking seriously about children and I am concerned about the risk of deformities with Valrpoic acid. I have read that Lamictal is effective in controlling JME seizures and poses least risk to the unborn child.I would like to get in touch with both fellow JME sufferers and also those with any knowledge / experience of JME with Lamictal and pregnancy.Many thanks

Comments

RE: JME and Pregnancy

Submitted by Beccajc on Tue, 2004-05-18 - 05:01
I posted this message earlier this month and was wondering if anyone could share their experiences of pregnancy taking Lamictal and specifically those with JME. I'd be really grateful of any information or insight into this.Thanks

RE: JME and Pregnancy

Submitted by Pepmarce on Fri, 2004-06-04 - 15:54
I am a fellow JME and am considering pregnancy, I can't help with your med question becasue I take Tegretol. I have a question of my own though, do you notice more symptoms around your period? I do and am concerned that becasue of the increase in hormones during pregnancy, I will have an increase of symptoms throughout the whole term. Any ideas if this is a valid concern?

RE: JME and Pregnancy

Submitted by mommy2kyra on Mon, 2004-06-07 - 12:03
I don't have JME, I have complex partials, but I can tell you that it is common for seizure activity to increase during menstruation (it always did for me). My first pregnancy, I had no problems with seizures (until the day after delivery). I am now on my 2nd pregnancy and have needed an increase in med dosage twice due to seizures. My neuro is watching me more closely this time, to hopefully ward off any seizures. So, each pregnancy is most definitely different. You may need more meds, less, or it may stay the same. You never know how the pregnancy will affect you.Hope this helps!Heather

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