Babies born to mothers who take anti-seizure medication during pregnancy have lower IQs compared to those who do not take such drugs.

Valproate Sodium (Depakote) is an anticonvulsant and mood-stabilizing drug commonly used to treat epilepsy, bipolar disorder and major depression. It has also shown promising results in treating migraine headaches and schizophrenia.

The drug, which is believed to be the only effective anticonvulsant in certain women, has long been linked to birth defects particularly spina bifida when taken by pregnant women. Women of childbearing age therefore are advised to avoid it.

Besides these complications, a new study reports that taking valproate during pregnancy can lower IQ of the baby.

According to the study published in the New England Journal of Medicine, valproate children have six to nine points lower IQ scores at age 3 than those exposed to other epilepsy drugs such as lamotrigine, phenytoin, and carbamazepine.

The higher the dosage of valproate a woman had taken, the lower was the IQ of the child. The dosage of drugs however did not influence the IQ.

Scientists therefore urge epileptic to plan their pregnancies and consult with a doctor, adding that stopping the drug or switching it after confirming pregnancy is not effective and may endanger both the mother and the unborn.

PKH/HGH