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Levetiracetam and side effects on newborns
Fri, 05/17/2019 - 23:02Topic: Women With Epilepsy
Hi all I have been breastfeeding our 13 day old newborn and am on levetiracetam 3000mg a day and clonazepam .25 mg a day. We had to introduce formula at every feed as she was losing weight. Since taking formula she is now gaining weight. Medical staff think it’s definitely the meds.
Anyone else have issues with these meds affecting their newborns in anyway while breastfeeding?
TIA
Comments
Hi! Congratulations for your
Submitted by Louise_Rose on Sun, 2019-08-18 - 09:47
Hi! Congratulations for your baby! Sorry I can’t help you, but how is your baby? How was your pregnancy? I’m switching medication to keppra (levetiracetam) to try a safer pregnancy medication and would like to know how was your experience.
Hi there,I have an almost two
Submitted by julianna.scott on Fri, 2019-09-06 - 01:19
Hi there,I have an almost two year old and have been on keppra since his birth. I breastfed him until he was 19 months with zero complications and he continually measures ahead of the curve developmentally. His weight isn’t low but he isn’t a chunk either. As of now he’s average and meeting all other goals phenomenally well. I say this to tell you I’ve met with MANY neurologists, doctors, nurses and Lactation consultants and all have given the green light. I DID supplement formula when we came home before I got all my answers and gained confidence in feeding him myself. You’re doing an excellent job but do keep checking with your healthcare team. Let me know if I can help in any other way!!!
Hi Fran1979, Thanks so much
Submitted by Anonymous on Mon, 2019-05-20 - 08:38
Hi Fran1979, Thanks so much for your post and congratulations on the birth of your new baby! Please speak with your healthcare team to determine if the medication you’re taking while breastfeeding is having any impact on her weight. https://www.epilepsy.com/living-epilepsy/women/epilepsy-and-pregnancy/discussion-checklist For more information regarding seizure medication & breastfeeding please visit https://www.epilepsy.com/living-epilepsy/women/epilepsy-and-pregnancy/seizures-medications-and-pregnancy , https://www.epilepsy.com/living-epilepsy/women/epilepsy-and-pregnancy/breastfeeding & https://www.epilepsy.com/living-epilepsy/women/epilepsy-and-pregnancy/after-baby-bornIf you have any additional questions or concerns, please email contactus@efa.org or call our 24/7 Helpline at 1- 800-332-1000, https://www.epilepsy.com/living-epilepsy/247-helpline where a trained information specialist can connect you to resources, provide referrals and additional support.