Hi,I am Dr. Amitkumar Sharma (Internal Medicine Specialist). I will be looking into your question and guiding you through the process. Please write your question below.
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?
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.
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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.