Is lamotrigine safe to take while pregnant?

Given its favorable reproductive safety profile, lamotrigine is a reasonable option for women who require treatment with a mood stabilizer during pregnancy.

What are Category A drugs in pregnancy?

Category A: Controlled studies in women have failed to demonstrate a risk to the fetus in the first trimester and there is no evidence of risk in later trimesters. The possibility of fetal harm appears remote. Medications in this class are considered safe to use in pregnancy.

Is lamotrigine a teratogenic drug?

It is recognised that some, particularly valproate, carbamazepine and lamotrigine, are human teratogens, while others including topiramate require further investigation.

Can lamotrigine cause birth defects?

A study published last year in the journal Neurology also found that babies born to pregnant women taking lamotrigine appeared not be at an increased risk of birth defects, such as cleft lip, cleft palate or clubfoot.

What is category C pregnancy?

Category C Animal reproduction studies have shown an adverse effect on the fetus and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in humans, but potential benefits may warrant use of the drug in pregnant women despite potential risks.

What is a Category C drug in pregnancy?

What are the 5 pregnancy risk Categories for drugs?

In 1979, the FDA established five letter risk categories – A, B, C, D or X – to indicate the potential of a drug to cause birth defects if used during pregnancy.

Does Lamictal cross the placenta?

Lamotrigine has a good tolerability and safety profile, but is known to cross the placenta. There is no consensus regarding its use in pregnancy.

Which antiepileptic drug is safe in pregnancy?

A review of the risks of major congenital malformations and of adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes for antiepileptic drugs by the Commission on Human Medicines has confirmed that lamotrigine (Lamictal) and levetiracetam (Keppra) are the safer of the medicines reviewed during pregnancy.

Can lamotrigine cause false positive pregnancy test?

This medicine can cause you to have a false positive drug screening test. If you provide a urine sample for drug screening, tell the laboratory staff that you are taking lamotrigine. Use lamotrigine regularly to get the most benefit.

What is a Category B drug?

Category B drugs include prenatal vitamins, acetaminophen and several other medications used routinely and safely during pregnancy. If there is a clinical need for a Category B drug, it is considered safe to use it.

Is Category D safe during pregnancy?

Category D: There is positive evidence of potential fetal risk, but the benefits from use in pregnant women may be acceptable despite the risk (i.e. life-threatening condition to mother).