Neurontin is a popular anticonvulsant medication often prescribed to treat epilepsy and various forms of neuropathic pains such as shingles, diabetic neuropathy, and sciatic nerve pain. In addition to treating neuropathic pain, physicians prescribe Neurontin for a variety of off-label uses such as treating anxiety and bipolar disorders.

While Neurontin is a highly reliable drug when used for treatment purposes, it has recently been alleged to cause minor to severe birth defects in unborn babies. Because of the alleged risk of exposing a fetus to the effects of the drug, many women have become wary of taking Neurontin during pregnancy. This poses a problem for the many pregnant women who suffer from neuropathic pain and epilepsy, because mothers are having to choose to treat their conditions at the risk of exposing their unborn children to negative side effects.

Many product liability lawsuits have sprung from allegations that the drug’s label does not adequately explain the risk of Neurontin birth defects. The FDA categorizes Neurontin as a Category C drug, meaning that animal fetuses have exhibited adverse effects after being exposed to the drug. The FDA advises that any drug classified as Category C should only be prescribed to pregnant women if the benefits outweigh the risks.

However, many women complain that this categorization was not explained to them when they were prescribed Neurontin, and state that they never would have taken the drug if they had known about the risks of birth defects. Despite the risks, many pregnant women still opt to use Neurontin due to the unbearable symptoms of either their physical or mental disorders.

Overview of Neuropathic Pain and Neurontin

Millions of Americans suffer from neuropathic pain, or the uncomfortable sensation that stems from signals in the nerves. Neuropathic pain is often described as a stabbing, shooting, aching, or shock-like sensation that can occur throughout the body. This condition is often a symptom of another condition such as diabetes or shingles, but can also be caused by outside burns or strenuous activities. There are three different types of neuropathic pain:

• Allodynia: When pain comes and goes, or gets worse with a touch or stimulus that would normally not inflict pain.
• Hyperalgesia: When severe pain occurs from a touch or stimulus that should not be painful; the pain is constant in this form.
• Paraesthesia: When pain is present when nothing is touching the patient.

Neuropathic pain is a highly inconvenient condition for patients, but is compounded in pregnant women who are already uncomfortable in their adjusting bodies. According to medical experts, anticonvulsants can be a very effective method for stopping neuropathic pain, but can also be highly problematic for pregnant women. Anticonvulsants are effective in stopping nerve pain because they stop or slow the nerve impulses, which prevents oncoming pain and seizures. Unfortunately, numerous anticonvulsants and antidepressants have been linked to birth defects in babies who were born to mothers who took these medications while pregnant.

There are numerous arguments against taking any medications while pregnant, with some experts believing that any chemical exposure could be detrimental to the baby’s health. However, other experts argue that pregnant women must treat their own symptoms in order to provide the best chances for their babies. While studies have not conclusively proven that Neurontin and other anticonvulsants cause birth defects, many believe the risk is high enough to warrant extra caution while pregnant.