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Epilepsy - Management
What do I need to consider when prescribing contraceptives for women on antiepileptic drugs?
- Ensure that all women with epilepsy who are of reproductive age or who are approaching reproductive age are well informed about contraception in general.
- Ensure that women who want to use the combined oral contraceptive (COC) are informed that:
- Enzyme-inducing antiepileptic drugs may alter the effectiveness of hormonal contraceptive methods.
- Lamotrigine may become less effective at controlling seizures after the woman starts taking the COC, requiring an increase in the dose of lamotrigine to maintain seizure control.
- Barrier methods and intrauterine devices are the most suitable methods of contraception for women taking enzyme-inducing antiepileptic drugs and lamotrigine.
In depth
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