HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

How Long Before Getting Pregnant Should Valporic Acid Be Stopped?

I have been prescribed Valproic Acid by my Neurologist as a preventative of migraines. I take this twice daily, and have been taking this orally for approximately one month. I was made aware that this may cause defects if I decide to become pregnant. When I decide that I want to have children, how far in advance do I need to stop taking this medication so I eliminate the risk of my children being born with defects? Also, is this something that a migraine sufferer should be on long term?
Fri, 14 Nov 2014
Report Abuse
Internal Medicine Specialist 's  Response
Hello welcome to HCM.
I have read your question and understand your concerns.
Valproate has definitely health hazards to a developing baby particularly in frst 3 months.
So, I advice you to stop it before conception.
My advice to you is -

1. For prevention of migraine there are other drugs available. So ask your doctor to change Valproate to some other medication. Stop Valproate gradually and not suddenly for better withdrawal. Withdraw Valproate before you are trying for conception.

2.Migraine sufferer has no long term sequqle actually. But it can be hereditary, in some patients only.

So, My advice to you is - Ask your doctor to stop Valproate right now and change to some other medicine because when you know about pregnancy already damage will be done. So stop before trying for baby.
Thank you.
I find this answer helpful
Psychiatrist Dr. Vishal Garala's  Response
Hi.

I understand your concern .

Valporate is uaed in prophylactic medicine in migraine .

It has teratogenic effect on fetus.

Review suggest it will cause neural tube defact in fetus . Literature says it should be avoid during 1st 3 months of pregnancy .

So it should not taken at the time of conceive .

When you will come to know on very 1st month or when you start planning you have to consult your treating doctor for advice .

There are other alternative that are safe during pregnancy.
I hope I have answered your question .
Still if you have a query then feel free to ask .

Thank you .
I find this answer helpful

Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Loading Online Doctors....
How Long Before Getting Pregnant Should Valporic Acid Be Stopped?

Hello welcome to HCM. I have read your question and understand your concerns. Valproate has definitely health hazards to a developing baby particularly in frst 3 months. So, I advice you to stop it before conception. My advice to you is - 1. For prevention of migraine there are other drugs available. So ask your doctor to change Valproate to some other medication. Stop Valproate gradually and not suddenly for better withdrawal. Withdraw Valproate before you are trying for conception. 2.Migraine sufferer has no long term sequqle actually. But it can be hereditary, in some patients only. So, My advice to you is - Ask your doctor to stop Valproate right now and change to some other medicine because when you know about pregnancy already damage will be done. So stop before trying for baby. Thank you.