I have epilepsy and i think i'm pregnant. what kind of medication should i be switched to/medication should i avoid?

Contact ob and neuro: Please take a pregnancy test as soon as possible. If you are pregnant you need to check with your neurologist about whether or not you need to change your seizure control medications. Do not stop you medications abruptly as this may precipitate seizures. You need to be followed by an obstetrician early in pregnancy. Good luck and contact your neurologist as soon as possible.

Avoid valproic acid: Many of the anti-epileptic medications have potential adverse effects on a fetus, but seizures tend to pose more of a risk than the medications. Too dangerous to continue, however, is valproic acid and its derivatives (valproate, divalproex, Depakote, Depakene, Stavzor, Depacon) A resource: The Antiepileptic Drug Pregnancy Registry (Tel:1-888-233-2334 www.massgeneral.org/aed)