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Is Frisium Advisable During Pregnancy?

Posted on Tue, 27 Jun 2017

Question: i am in 7th week of my pregnancy and i am taking the following anti seizure drugs:
1. Frisium 5mg BD
2. Mazetol SR 200 at Night
3. Carbamazepine Syrup 5 ml in the morning.
I have heard (over google) that Frisium should not be taken in the first 3 months of pregnancy however my Neurologist confirmed that Frisium is safe during pregnancy.
Can you pls advice.

Answered by Dr. Neeraj Kumar (43 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Get regular ultrasound done

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I have gone through your question and understand your concern.
The drugs used are not in therapeutic doses and may not have any side effects in fetus.
The indication for these medications is not clear, however use of multiple aed in first trimester increases the risk of congenital malformations.
Get regular ultrasound and TIFFA scan at 18 to 20 weeks.
Clobazam at this dose may not be harmful.
Hope you found the answer helpful.
Do get back to me for further information.
Regards
Dr N Kumar
Neurologist

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Neeraj Kumar (37 hours later)

Thanks Dr. XXXXXXX We got 1st ultrasound (US) done at end of 6th weeks and baby was developing fine. However, picture will be more clear in later US when the baby has developed more.
Google shows same results for Clobazam as it showed for Frisium. Another XXXXXXX doc says these drugs are not safe in pregnancy.
My wife got two seizure attacks in Feb16 and Jan17 but latest attack was 1 week back when she stopped taking aed for 7 odd days - she was into 7th week of her pregnancy. Considering these complications can consume only Mazetol and Carbamazepine (M&C)? And stop taking Frisium (which she has already done). Will it be safe to avoid Frisium and continue only with M&C as a minimum deterrent against seizure attacks during the entire course of pregnancy.

Answered by Dr. Neeraj Kumar (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Do not start clobazam now

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
It is advisable not to change antiepileptics during pregnancy.
This may result in seizures.
As you already have stopped clobazam, then continue with mazetal.
Regular ultrasound for monitoring to be done.
Hope you found the answer helpful.
Regards
Dr N Kumar
Neurologist

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng

Follow up: Dr. Neeraj Kumar (39 hours later)

Thanks Dr. XXXXXXX Can we continue with M&C (defined in my previous question above) throughout pregnancy and during the breast feeding ? We are not changing the medicine and have only stopped Frisium which was consumed during the first two months of pregnancy with approval/suggestion of current Neurologist.

Pls advice.
Regards

Answered by Dr. Neeraj Kumar (23 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Continue both drugs now

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Yes you can continue with both.
Not required to change it.
You can also breast feed the baby after delivery.
Regards
Dr N Kumar

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Remy Koshy