Studies have shown that Depakote, a popular anticonvulsant medication, may increase the risk of birth defects in babies whose mothers ingested the medication during pregnancy. Depakote has been prescribed to thousands of patients within the United States who suffer from epilepsy, bipolar mania, and migraines.

Depakote, known in its generic form as valproic acid, was initially approved as an anti seizure medication by the U.S. Food and Drug Association (FDA) back in 1983. The medication works by restoring the balance of certain neurotransmitters in the brain. These neurotransmitters are responsible for soothing over-stimulated nerves and carrying messages between the brain cells.

Overview of the Study Linking Depakote to Birth Defects

In June 2010, a study was published in the New England Journal of Medicine linking valproic acid to six different birth defects. Under the supervision of Janneke Jentik, of the University of Groningen in the Netherlands, researchers reviewed data from eight studies that highlighted birth defects common among children whose mothers took epilepsy drugs during the first trimester.

They compared this information with other databases including the European Surveillance of Congenital Anomalies antiepileptic-study database, and groups of infants whose mothers had no connection to valproic acid.

According to the study, six birth defects were more common in children whose mothers took Depakote or one of its generic forms during the first trimester. The six common birth defects includ spina bifida, atrial septal defect (hole in the heart), hypospadis (an abnormality in the urethra opening in boys), polydactyly (extra fingers and toes), and craniosynostosis (a condition where sutures on an infants skill close prematurely).

The study showed that other epilepsy drugs were not associated with the same increased risk in birth defects as valproic acid. The researchers involved in the study claim that the data shows a specific relationship between birth defects and valproic acid, not just antieplicetic drugs in general.

Dr. Catherine Birndorf, the founding director of the Payne Whitney Women’s Program at The New York Presbyterian Hospital-Weill Cornell Medical Center, claims that while the drug is “phenomenal for [treating] seizures and bipolar illness,” she won’t prescribe valproic acid to women during pregnancy, if she can help it.

Birndorf goes on to explain that in some situations taking the valproic acid may be the best choice, since the risks of untreated illness are dangerous to both the mother and unborn child. Birndorf suggests that each patient’s situation be determined by a medical professional on a case by case basis.

She goes onto note that it can be difficult to switch medications once a drug regimen has begun, so women of childbearing age should ask their doctors about alternative medications to Depakote and its generic forms.

Due to recent studies linking Depakote to various birth defects, personal injury attorneys are investigating potential Depakote birth defect lawsuits against Abbott Laborartories, the drug’s manufacturer.

Depakote lawsuits against Abbott Laboratories will likely claim that the pharmaceutical company violated consumer protection laws. Claims against the company will likely include negligence, failure to warn, product liability, and breach of contract.