The drug was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for use in epilepsy in 1993 and subsequently for neuropathic pain in 2002. 2 However, despite the increasing number of patients receiving gabapentin, there is only limited information regarding the safety of this medication when used during pregnancy. Pregnancy Is it okay to take gabapentin while pregnant? Gabapentin use during pregnancy is determined on a case-by-case basis. With maternal doses up to 2.1 g/day, estimated doses for fully breastfed infants are 0.2 to 1.3 mg/kg/day (equivalent to 1.3 to 3.8% of the maternal weight-adjusted dose). An expert panel has deemed this drug is an acceptable choice for refractory restless leg syndrome during lactation. If you take gabapentin for epilepsy, it's important that this is well treated during pregnancy, as seizures can harm you and your baby. Keep taking gabapentin, but talk to your doctor urgently. They may recommend you change to a different medicine. 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 Conclusions Gabapentin use was associated with an increased risk of NICU admissions in the cohort study and pooled meta-analysis. Clinicians should prescribe gabapentin with caution during pregnancy and further studies are warranted. There was an increased risk of preterm birth among women exposed to gabapentin either late (RR=1.28 [CI 1.08-1.52], p < 0.01) or both early and late in pregnancy (RR=1.22 [1.09-1.36], p < 0.001). During pregnancy, it crosses the placenta, raising issues concerning the effects of prenatal exposure and the impact on the fetus. Doctors thus thoroughly check the gabapentin risk during pregnancy before starting medication. While gabapentin (Neurontin) is now used in a wide variety of clinical settings — for epilepsy, pain management, restless leg syndrome, anxiety, and sleep disturbance – there is relatively little information regarding its reproductive safety. Most recently, a prospective study from researchers at the Motherisk program reports on the outcomes of 223 pregnancies exposed to gabapentin Five studies reported significant findings with increased risks of overall congenital anomalies, specific anomalies (nervous system, eyes, oro-facial clefs, urinary and genital system), miscarriage, stillbirth and specific neurodevelopmental outcomes after exposure to pregabalin during pregnancy. 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. However, is hard to know if these problems are from the gabapentin, from the underlying health condition (s) being treated, or other factors. 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. Abstract Background: Despite the widespread use, only sparse information is available on the safety of gabapentin during pregnancy. We sought to evaluate the association between gabapentin exposure during pregnancy and risk of adverse neonatal and maternal outcomes. Gabapentin (Neurontin®) is mainly used to treat epilepsy and nerve pain, and to prevent migraine. What are the benefits of taking gabapentin in pregnancy? Gabapentin prevents epileptic seizures, which can be dangerous to the woman and also lead to pregnancy complications. Background Despite the widespread use, only sparse information is available on the safety of gabapentin during pregnancy. We sought to evaluate the association between gabapentin exposure during pregnancy and risk of adverse neonatal and maternal outcomes. Taken together, the current literature suggests that gabapentin use should be considered with caution during pregnancy and during the post-partum period. Well-controlled, prospective research studies are needed to determine the extent of the risks and benefits of prescribed and nonprescribed gabapentin exposure to pregnant people and their 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. Our results add to the current understanding of the safety of gabapentin prenatal use and provide pregnant women with pain conditions and epilepsy and their providers with important information, which can guide clinical decisions during pregnancy. Five studies reported significant findings with increased risks of overall congenital anomalies, specific anomalies (nervous system, eyes, oro-facial clefs, urinary and genital system), miscarriage, stillbirth and specific neurodevelopmental outcomes after exposure to pregabalin during pregnancy. Is gabapentin safe during pregnancy? Learn about the potential risks and benefits of taking gabapentin while pregnant, and what you should discuss with your doctor.
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