Breastfeeding and Antiepileptics
According to results from the NEAD (Neurodevelopmental Effects of Antiepileptic Drugs) study, published in the Neurology Journal of the American Academy of Neurology, antiepileptic medications used by a breastfeeding mother do not seem to affect a child’s intelligence.
The study reviewed women who had been exposed to one of the following seizure medications while breastfeeding: carbamazepine, lamotrigine, phenytoin, and valproate. Neither carbamazepine, lamotrigine, phenytoin, or valproate, when used as monotherapy, had an effect on the child’s IQ at the age of three.
Pregnancy and Antiepileptics
This same group of researchers studied the effect of carbamazepine, lamotrigine, phenytoin, or valproate on the IQ of three year old children whose mothers had taken anticonvulsant medications during pregnancy. The results indicated that carbamazepine, lamotrigine, or phenytoin had no effect on a baby’s intelligence. Valproate, however, did seem to affect neurodevelopment as children who had been exposed to valproate in utero had a lower IQ than those who were not exposed. Further, the amount of valproate that the mother took during pregnancy was also important since higher doses seemed to correlate with lower IQ levels.
To view the article in its entirety you can go to http://www.neurology.org/content/75/22/e90.full.html
Reference:
Karceski, S and Pack, A. Seizure medications, pregnancy, and breastfeeding. Neurology 2010; 75;e90
