What Are The Possible Effects Of Taking Keppra During Pregnancy?

Posted on Tue, 30 Jun 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Tue, 30 Jun 2015 Answered on

Wed, 22 Jul 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : I am going through an adoption process, and we are talking to a potential birthmother that is taking Keppra for seizures. She admitted to taking MJ early in her pregnancy but she also tested positive for barbituates. Would Keppra cause a positive barbituate test?
Also, are there any potential birth defect risks I should be concerned about.

Answered by Dr. Olsi Taka (46 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Read below.

Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern.

Regarding Keppra's effect on pregnancy, no anti-epileptic drug is completely safe, they all carry some risk for malformations. That being said Keppra is mentioned among the safest one, less associated with malformations so if the only therapy the risk is low.

There is the barbiturates positivity though, levetiracetam (keppra) wouldn't cause a positive barbiturate test. Barbiturates themselves do increase the risk for malformations like cleft lip/palate, heart abnormalities, spinal cord abnormalities.

That doesn't mean that those issues are actually going to happen but there is an increased risk.

I remain at your disposal for further questions.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar