This study summarizes the available data on the prevalence and risks of gabapentin and pregabalin exposure during pregnancy and its impact on pregnancy and childhood outcomes. It found increased risks of congenital anomalies, neurodevelopmental disorders, preeclampsia, preterm birth and small-for-gestational-age with pregabalin, and preeclampsia and preterm birth with gabapentin. Does taking gabapentin in pregnancy increase the chance of other pregnancy-related problems? Pregnancy-related problems, such as preterm delivery (birth before week 37) or low birth weight (weighing less than 5 pounds, 8 ounces [2500 grams] at birth) have been reported in some studies looking at the use of gabapentin during pregnancy. Is gabapentin dangerous in pregnancy? Because the risks of taking gabapentin while pregnant in humans are not fully understood, use of gabapentin during pregnancy is determined on a case-by-case basis to determine if the benefits outweigh the risks. Gabapentin is a pregnancy category C, which means risk cannot be ruled out. When treating neuropathic pain in a woman who is pregnant, the use of gabapentinoids (e.g. gabapentin) or an antiepileptic drug (AED) (e.g. levetiracetam, lamotrigine) is a last line option. This is due to the limited availability of data for safe use during pregnancy. Other options should be trialled first. Pregnancy-related problems, such as preterm delivery (birth before week 37) or low birth weight (weighing less than 5 pounds, 8 ounces [2500 grams] at birth) have been reported in some studies looking at the use of gabapentin during pregnancy. In this large population-based study, we did not find evidence for an association between gabapentin exposure during early pregnancy and major malformations overall, although there was some evidence of a higher risk of cardiac malformations. Maternal use of gabapentin, particularly late in pregnancy This study examined the association between gabapentin exposure during pregnancy and major malformations, cardiac defects, preterm birth, SGA, and NICUa. It found no evidence of increased risk of malformations, but higher risk of PTB, SGA, and NICUa with gabapentin use, especially late in pregnancy. Gabapentin is not generally recommended in pregnancy as there is not enough information about its safety. It may cause withdrawal symptoms in newborn babies and should only be taken if the benefits outweigh the risks. All pregnant women in the UK will be offered a very detailed anomaly scan at around 20 weeks of pregnancy as part of their routine antenatal care. No extra monitoring for major birth defects is required following gabapentin use in pregnancy. Babies exposed to gabapentin before delivery may experience withdrawal symptoms for a few days after birth. Learn about the reproductive safety of gabapentin, a medication used for various conditions, based on a review of available data and a prospective study. The risk of major malformations is low, but there may be an increased risk of preterm births and low birth weight. We have data on 223 pregnancy outcomes exposed to gabapentin and 223 unexposed pregnancies. The rates of major malformations were similar in both groups (p = 0.845). There was a higher rate of preterm births (p = 0.019) and low birth weight <2,500 g (p = 0.033) in the gabapentin group. Gabapentin is a drug used to treat epilepsy and neuropathic pain, but its effects on pregnancy and breastfeeding are unknown. Learn about the risks, benefits, and alternatives of using gabapentin during pregnancy and breastfeeding, and how to enroll in a pregnancy registry. All pregnant women in the UK will be offered a very detailed anomaly scan at around 20 weeks of pregnancy as part of their routine antenatal care. No extra monitoring for major birth defects is required following gabapentin use in pregnancy. Babies exposed to gabapentin before delivery may experience withdrawal symptoms for a few days after birth. Pregnant women and their physicians should weigh the benefits of treatment with gabapentin with the risks of potential adverse pregnancy outcomes associated with its use. Gabapentin is a gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) analog with GABA agonist activity. Gabapentin is a γ-aminobutyric acid analog formally indicated for the treatment of epilepsy and neuropathic pain that is gaining increased popularity. Gabapentin has been historically considered a safe medication, including during pregnancy and lactation, with low reported concerns for misuse and us Gabapentin is an antiepileptic drug used for various conditions, but its safety in pregnancy is unclear. A large study found no evidence of major malformations, but a slightly higher risk of cardiac defects and adverse outcomes. Selected References: Blotiere PO, et al. 2020. Risk of early neurodevelopmental outcomes associated with prenatal exposure to the antiepileptic drugs most commonly used during pregnancy: a French nationwide population-based cohort study. BMJ Open 10(6). Brannon GE, Rolland PD. Anorgasmia in a patient with bipolar disorder type 1 treated with gabapentin. J Clin Psychopharmacol. 2000;20(3):379 Learn about gabapentin use in pregnancy and breastfeeding, based on published literature and expert opinions. Find out the potential risks, benefits, and alternatives of this medication for seizures, nerve pain, and restless legs syndrome. The majority of the available epidemiological data relate to gabapentin use in pregnancy for the treatment of maternal epilepsy. A few case reports/series describe use of gabapentin in the treatment of neuropathic pain or hyperemesis gravidarum but studies have not assessed fetal outcomes following use in pregnancy for these indications.
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