New - Changing AEDs while pregnant?
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UPDATED: Sun, 12/02/2007 - 10:08am
canuck...
switching meds before pregnancy
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Hello all. I have what I hope isn't too personal a question, but for those who've had successful pregnancies; specifically on Lamictal, how long after switching drugs did you wait to get pregnant? I'm currently in the process of switching from Tegretol, after doing a lot of research on my own and getting tired of waiting for an appt w/ the neuro. My gp's pretty good, but we never really discussed this matter. I'd like to hear from some of the other ladies out there who have been where I am now. I'm hoping to start trying immediately after I've weaned off the other drug. Wishful thinking or distinct possibility?
By canuck... at Sun, 12/02/2007 - 10:08am | 163 views | 8 comments
Topic: Women With Epilepsy
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Recent Comments on this Discussion
Hi, I've just returned to phenitoin after a year of trying switching meds: first to lamictal (with skin rashes and 2 seizures during 2 months), then valproate (2 seizures after 4 months) and lastly Keppra (side effects and 3 seizures during 2 months). I'm allergic to tegretol that's why I couldn't switch to it.
I had been taking phenitoin for 16 years with barely 4 seizures in that period, versus 7 seizures in 8 months. I tried to switch meds precisely because I wanted to start trying to get pregnant. If someone asked me now, I wouldn't have waisted time trying to switch meds if I've been under control with my actual medication, as I did. From what I've heard and discussed with almost 6 neurologists Tegretol is the best drug to get pregnant on, why are you considering switching to Lamictal? Both lamictal and keppra have accumulated less statiscal registries that could back up the lower risk levels associated to them during pregnancy.
The good news is that I'm currently 2 months pregnant and feeling ok. I started trying 2 months after I switched med, and got pregnant 4 months after my last seizure. I guess the lesson is every metabolism responds in different ways, and it'll be difficult for you to have a straight answer. I'll suggest to do lots of research (with your neurologist, in medical institutions, internet, etc.)
My husband I just recently decided to start trying, I was on tegretol and topomax. I came of the tegretol but was unable to switch to lamictal (I got the rash! ugh). I think I'm going to stay on the topomax, but I'm very worried...my body just can't seem to handle the other AEDs (side effects, not seizures).
When I switched to Lamictal, I just waited long enough to transition off Depakote and onto Lamictal (one month), and one additional month to make sure the Lamictal was working. So in all, my doctor gave me the go-ahead after 2 months. It may take more or less time depending on the severity of your condition and the success of the new drug.
I'm pretty much switched over onto the Lamictal, and so far haven't really had any problems except when I tried to wean too quickly. Since I smartened up things have been terrific. For the most part I don't think one really has to wait. My pharmacist did mention holding onto the Tegretol for a month though; just in case. Therefore dh wants to wait a month. I figure that if I've been good so far on such a low dose of Tegretol vs Lamictal it's unlikely that the Lamictal won't work. From my research, Lamictal is the drug to take if you're planning to get pg. In the initial findings, although a couple of studies have indicated a slight increase in oral clefts, most others couldn't prove it. Aside from that, it drops your risk down to that of the general population. Sorry so long, but I hope it helps you some. Good luck to you. May we both have a happy healthy 9 months in the near future.
Hi! Just wanted to see if you ever found out how long you should wait to get pregnant after switching from tegretol to lamictal. I, too, am just finishing being weaned off tegretol. I would like to get pregnant in the near future. I already have one daughter who is 2. I was taking 800mg of tegretol while pregnant with her and there were no complications whatsoever. But doctors told me lamictal is the go to medicine for pregnancy. I hope they are right!
I was thinking about doing the same thing but not long after switching meds I started having mild skin rashes so I switched back to Tegretol. I'm still looking for other options. Good Luck
I just recently started weening off of Tegretol. My neuro put me on Keppra. So far, so good. It does make me a bit tired, but that is subsiding now that it's been 3 weeks. I've heard Keppra is better for pregnancies because it has a pregnancy category of C. Lamictal is D which is worse.
After I'm totally off the Tegretol, which should be in about 2 weeks, I'll wait about a month and then it's baby making time. :)
Jen
Hi Jen,
In terms of looking for drugs that are in the "C" category, Lamictal is rated a "C" -- it is not a "D" category drug for pregnancy. You can read more about it here....http://www.drugs.com/lamictal.html
Good luck!