Taking epilem during pregnancy

[Panda_Bear1989]

Hi, i was diagnosed with epilepsy when i was 13 years old, there only mild and last a min max im 22years of age now and im still taking epilem 500g a day and my fits are random mostly once every 3 months.My partner and i are currently trying for a baby and when i approached my doctor about it she just told me its a category D and that i should change my meds, my neuro said if i take folic acid before and some months during i should be fine. i would just like a 3rd opinion that my baby will be healthy, and how does it affect the baby having a seizure while beeing pregnant???

[Panda_Bear1989]

Thankyou so much, i cant believe between the doctors and my neurologst i have gotten better advice of here.

[Ashelen]

ask for a referral to a Maternal-Fetal Medicine Specialist...i've got to be honest, with you being epileptic I'm surprised that they didn't already suggest that from the beginning....this is someone who specifically specializes in medication during pregnancy and the risks involved, and he/she will monitor you and baby using special tests and diagnostics to make sure that your meds and your epilepsy are not affecting baby...he/she will also know the safest course of action as far as using the meds or switching.

You could also contact a pharmacist and speak about their recommendations...unfortunately, doctors just aren't as familiar with medications and their risks as pharmacists are...so a pharmacist should be a part of your medical team especially when you have to take serious meds like anti-seizure meds.

[mommybear0710]

I would listen to the ob my sis-inlaw took seizure meds while pregnant with my nephew and he has anger problems and developmental problems. But she has grandmall (sp?) seizures and I'm not sure what she was on. She didn't take anything with my neice and she is healthy.

[trying43]

I would go with ur obs opinion.  The neurologist is not a specialist when it comes to babies.  I was on topamax 200 mg daily and had to change meds before we even tried to have baby number 3.(seizure disorder since 07) definitely go to another neurologist. Folic acid is good to take but its not going to prevent birth defects from a class d drug.  Good luck.