Is Depakote Safe During Pregnancy?
Depakote® (
divalproex sodium) may not be safe for women who are pregnant. In previous studies that looked at the
effects of Depakote during pregnancy, the drug caused birth defects and other problems.
Depakote and Pregnancy Category D
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) uses a pregnancy category system to classify the possible risks to a fetus when a specific medicine is taken during pregnancy. Pregnancy Category D is a classification given to medicines that have been shown to present a risk to the fetus in studies of pregnant women but may still offer benefits that outweigh the risks that the drug presents. A pregnancy Category D medicine may still be given to a pregnant woman if the healthcare provider believes that the benefits to the woman outweigh the possible risks to the unborn child.
Many studies have shown that Depakote may cause birth defects in humans. Sometimes, these birth defects can be very severe. Pregnant women should not take Depakote unless absolutely necessary. However, uncontrolled
epilepsy can also be dangerous to both a pregnant woman and the fetus. You and your healthcare provider must discuss the specific benefits and risks of using Depakote during pregnancy for your particular situation. If your epilepsy is very mild (or if you have not had a
seizure in several years), you may consider stopping Depakote. However, if your epilepsy is severe or difficult to control, it may be best for you to stay on Depakote. No matter what, do not stop taking Depakote suddenly
(see Depakote Withdrawal).
If you and your healthcare provider decide that it is best for you to continue taking Depakote during pregnancy, you will need frequent blood tests to measure your Depakote levels. Pregnancy can affect the way your body handles the drug, and it is important to keep your dose at the lowest effective level (to help protect your fetus). Your healthcare provider may suggest a higher-than-usual dose of
folic acid, as this may also help protect the fetus.
