For many women struggling with epilepsy, finding a safe and effective seizure-control treatment is imperative. However, some new anti-epileptic drugs, like Neurontin (gabapentin), can be harmful to a fetus’ development.

Women with epilepsy must engage in pregnancy planning in order to ensure their own health and safety as well as that of their infants. However, some drug manufacturers allegedly failed to sufficiently warn of possible birth defects associated with taking Neurontin and other anti-epileptic drugs while pregnant.

Antiepileptic Birth Defects Studies

A number of birth defects studies investigated the severe side effects of anti-seizure drugs like Neurontin. However, so far no study has indicated an ideal anti-epileptic drug for pregnant women.

Many studies indicate that older anti-epileptic medications like phenobarbital, phenytoin, carbamazepine and sodium valproate pose an increased risk of major birth defects, such as cleft lip, cleft palate and spina bifida.

Additionally, some birth defects studies link infant exposure to sodium valproate during pregnancy to an increased risk of delayed language and cognitive development. As a result, many medical guidelines recommend that women avoid sodium valproate while pregnant.

One anti-epileptic drug, lamotrigine, has been studied for possible birth defects and is reportedly safe for use during pregnancy. However, this anti-epileptic drug is reportedly not as effective as others, as it has been found to increase the risk of seizures during pregnancy.

This means that many women may still be prescribed Neurontin and other new anti-epileptics in order to increase seizure control.

While new anti-epileptics like Neurontin do not contain as high a risk of severe birth defects as older drugs of the same variety, Neurontin birth defects may still be a risk to pregnant women and unborn infants, though more studies are needed to confirm this link.

Neurontin Side Effects

Women who were prescribed Neurontin for nerve pain conditions, seizure disorders, or were prescribed Neurontin for treatment of off-label issues (including anxiety, insomnia, and bipolar disorder) claim they experienced Neurontin side effects. The most commonly reported and most troubling Neurontin side effects alleged by consumers are Neurontin birth defects.

Some known birth defects associated with the use of Neurontin include:

• Cleft palate
• Craniosynostosis (skull malformations)
• Other bone malformations
• Heart defects
• Hydroureter and/or hydronephrosis
• Hypospadias (an abnormality in the opening of the urethra in boys)
• Polydactyly (extra fingers or toes)
• Spina bifida
• Other congenital defects

Drug makers like Pfizer Inc., the manufacturer of Neurontin, have a responsibility to warn their consumers about all known possible risks associated with taking drugs like Neurontin. Many women may choose to pursue a Neurontin birth defects lawsuit to receive compensation for not being informed by Pfizer about the possible Neurontin birth defects associated with taking Neurontin while pregnant.