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Chapter 10 - Contraception and Prepregnancy Counseling

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  19 December 2024

By
Naveed Chaudhry  and
Emily Johnson
Edited by
Esther Bui  and
P. Emanuela Voinescu
Esther Bui
Affiliation:
Toronto Western Hospital
P. Emanuela Voinescu
Affiliation:
Brigham & Women's Hospital, Boston, MA
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Summary

Enzyme-inducing antiepileptic drugs (EI-ASMs) such as phenytoin, carbamazepine, oxcarbazepine, and phenobarbital may decrease contraceptive efficacy. When considering contraception for women with epilepsy (WWE), the intrauterine device (IUD) is a first line choice. It is important to keep in mind that hormonal contraception with estrogenic components induces the metabolism of lamotriginePreconception counseling should be started early and revisited frequently for WWE of childbearing age. Pre-partum optimization of ASMs ideally should be done 9−12 months before a planned pregnancy. The majority of WWE are likely to have a safe pregnancy and a healthy newborn.

Keywords

ContraceptionIUDwomenepilepsyanti-epileptic drugscounselingbreastfeedingregistry
Type
Chapter
Information
Women with Epilepsy
A Practical Management Handbook
 , pp. 168 - 190
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2025

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