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pregnancy and keppra
Tue, 12/27/2005 - 13:01Topic: Women With Epilepsy
Hello everyone
I am 28 years old, female, with JME. My doctor has switched me from Depakote to Lamictal and now Keppra. I take Keppra 1000mg a day. Is there anyone, who is on Keppra, who is pregnant or who has had a baby. There is a ton of information of Lamictal and pregnancy but not much of Keppra and pregnancy. My husband and I want to start planning for a family, but we are VERY nervous. My ob/gyn put me on a prenatal vitamin and extra folic acid. I would appreciate any information from anyone.
-aspepath
Comments
Re: pregnancy and keppra
Submitted by cjcurls on Mon, 2006-02-13 - 12:34
I just miscarried at 10weeks.
I was on Keppra & promptly pulled myself off.
I am now on nothing. (and suffering the consequences)
There are so many contradicting studies and very little definitive research. It's maddening and disheartening. It seems we have been left to flip a coin - either suffer through the siezures and their effects or suffer through the agonizing process of wondering IF we are harming our babies.
I wish you well.
Keppra does have an online registry so they can conduct studies - I highly suggest that once pregnant you participate.
IMPORTANT EVERYONE - There is another research group that is monitoring several drugs during pregnancy. If we all participate then perhaps the research will be more conculsive.
Go to aedpregnancyregistry.org - all of the information on which drugs they are studying is available onlne.
Good luck!
Wish me well too - we are researching before trying again, but we'll be ready soon.
Re: pregnancy and keppra
Submitted by sbrobin on Sun, 2006-04-23 - 00:30
I am 29 with JME, taking 2000mg daily of Keppra, and 8 months pregnant. I never did much of my own research on the drug before or during this pregnancy and just trusted my neuro (director of medicine at my hospital) and OB. Keppra has been great and I'm seizure free as long as I take it on time. I told my neuro in advance when I was trying to get pregnant and he had me taking prenatal vitamins and extra folic acid months before I became pregnant. I've had no problems thus far and our baby appears to be perfectly healthy (currently kicking me in the ribs). I had tried Lamictal a couple years ago, but it didn't control my jerks and made me depressed.
I had asked about both docs about breastfeeding and they said "not advised" because that's what all the keppra docs say since there is not enough research. Now I'm getting close to delivery and thought I'd try to find more info, but can't. Anyone have any advice on breastfeeding?
-Sarah
Re: Re: pregnancy and keppra
Submitted by mvandett on Thu, 2007-06-14 - 13:37
how did things work out for you? I notice this comment was a year ago. I am currently 9 weeks pregnant and on 2 medications, one of which is keppra, 1000 mg twice a day. your thoughts are appreciated.