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epilepsy meds while pregnant
Fri, 10/18/2019 - 15:41Topic: Women With Epilepsy
I am 34 considering having a baby. I have had epilepsy since about 6yrs old from being a clumsy kid smacking my head into a metal bleacher when i fell(some of us have the natural talent of being clumsy LOL) So I'd guesstimate its been about a good 20+ years that I've been on Tegretol. I also take Keppra with it just for the purpose for auras, which it practically eliminated them. I used to take Gabapentin as well but my doc weaned me off that with a good outcome of no active seizures other than about the 1 a year I have. I'm wanting to hear from those who have been on meds while pregnant and how it turned out. Or if there's other meds like Lamictal, etc that you switched to before getting pregnant. Please share your stories!
Hi valynn, Thank you for
Submitted by Anonymous on Fri, 2019-10-18 - 16:46
Hi valynn, Thank you for posting. It’s great that you are taking the time to plan ahead for and your family, this gives you time to work with your neurology/epilepsy team and obstetrical team ahead of time. It’s important to have a healthcare team that is willing to work together with you - before, during and after the pregnancy. An Epilepsy specialist can follow you during pregnancy and make sure you are on the best medication for you. For help finding a doctor specializing in epilepsy, please visit: www.epilepsy.com/living-epilepsy/find-epilepsy-specialist www.naec-epilepsy.org Our checklist for women with epilepsy may be helpful for you to review with your doctor, here: https://www.epilepsy.com/sites/core/files/atoms/files/105CWE_ChecklistWomen_06-2019.pdfFor additional resources regarding epilepsy & pregnancy, please visit: https://www.epilepsy.com/living-epilepsy/women/epilepsy-and-pregnancy We know this can feel overwhelming. However, there are plenty of things you can do to reduce these feelings and help manage your epilepsy: https://www.epilepsy.com/learn/managing-your-epilepsy My Seizure Diary: https://www.epilepsy.com/living-epilepsy/epilepsy-foundation-my-seizure-diaryis a great tool for not only tracking seizures, setting reminders, recording your medical history, medications, side effects, moods, behaviors & triggers, which can be shared with your healthcare team.You can also create a Seizure Response Plan or Action Plan: https://www.epilepsy.com/living-epilepsy/toolbox/seizure-forms which is a helpful tool for those who are close to you to understand what do if you have seizure. Review our seizure alert device factsheet with your doctor, to see if a seizure alert device is an option for you: https://www.epilepsy.com/sites/core/files/atoms/files/DAS100_Seizure_Alert_Devices_09-2018_FINAL2.pdfAdditionally, you may always contact our Epilepsy and Seizures 24/7 Helpline: 1-800-332-1000 contactus@efa.org, where a trained information specialist can connect you to resources, provide referrals and additional support. epilepsy.com/helpline Or contact your local Epilepsy Foundation at: https://www.epilepsy.com/affiliates to find support groups, events, and programs in your community.