The risks associated with the use of lamotrigine during pregnancy

Abstract

Objective: This paper reviewed the relevant literature on the effects of lamotrigine on pregnancy outcomes to provide useful information regarding lamotrigine use in pregnant women with bipolar disorder.

Methods: A systematic search of electronic databases and other original sources was conducted that examined the effects of lamotrigine on pregnancy outcomes.

Results: It is not clear that foetuses of lamotrigine-exposed pregnant women are at higher risk of malformation or neurodevelopmental delay. When treating pregnant women with bipolar disorder, the risks associated with lamotrigine use have to be balanced with the risks of uncontrolled maternal symptoms. The information obtained from our review of psychotropic medications will assist clinicians in managing pregnant women with bipolar disorder.

Conclusions: Although lamotrigine has emerged as the safest mood stabiliser for use during pregnancy based on the clinical evidence thus far, further studies are needed to inform the best clinical practice when treating bipolar disorder in pregnant women.

Keywords: Lamotrigine; bipolar disorder; pregnancy; risk.