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Pregnancy & Epilepsy
Mon, 09/30/2019 - 17:16Topic: Women With Epilepsy
Hi everyone! I was diagnosed with JME about 7 years ago and only ever had one Grand Mal seizure but just recently found out I’m still having seizure activity, I was put on Keppra right after my seizure and have been taking it ever since. I take two pills twice a day (2,000 mg) However I keep seeing posts saying that you can & can’t get pregnant while taking it so I’m just wondering who all takes Keppra and if you were able to get pregnant or not while taking it ? I just turned 21 and I haven’t had a period at all this month (I’m 5 days late as of now) and think I might be pregnant but I just wanted to know if anyone had issues getting pregnant while taking Keppra. Thank you!
Hi Bgeorge1998,Thanks so much
Submitted by Anonymous on Tue, 2019-10-01 - 09:39
Hi Bgeorge1998,Thanks so much for posting and we understand your concerns. Please reach out to your healthcare provider to discuss your concerns and to help determine if you’re pregnant or not. It’s important that you have a healthcare team willing to work together with you - before, during and after a 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 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.pdf For 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-epilepsyCreate a seizure response or action plan, which is a helpful tool for those close to you understand what do if you have a seizure: https://www.epilepsy.com/living-epilepsy/toolbox/seizure-forms Tracking your seizures, set reminders, record your medical history,medications, side effects, moods, or other personal experiences, using a diary: https://www.epilepsy.com/living-epilepsy/epilepsy-foundation-my-seizure-diaryLearn how to live with seizures, potential risks and safety tips: https://www.epilepsy.com/learn/seizure-first-aid-and-safety/staying-safe 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.pdf Sometimes it's helpful to connect with other people who live with epilepsy, to ask questions, share experiences, find& give support to each other. Learn more about your community support resources, here: https://www.epilepsy.com/learn/challenges-epilepsy/social-concernsAdditionally, you may 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