Academic Problems Linked to Depakote and Other Epilepsy Medications

Portland, ORA new study has found another possible side effect of epilepsy drug Depakote. The study suggests that teens born to women who took two or more epilepsy drugs while pregnant do worse in school than teens not exposed to the medications prior to birth. This could add one more item to the list of Depakote side effects, which reportedly includes an increased risk of Depakote birth defects.

The Swedish study was published online November 4 in Epilepsia. During the study, researchers found that teens who were exposed to two or more epilepsy medications prior to birth scored lower in several school subjects, including math, than teens who were not exposed to the medications.

Earlier research suggested that exposure to specific drugs such as Depakote (known generically as valproic acid), had a negative impact on a child's information processing, problem solving and decision-making skills.

According to researchers, teens who were exposed to more than one anti-epileptic drug prior to birth were less likely to receive a final grade in school—meaning they likely did not attend school because of mental deficits. Teens who were exposed to one anti-epileptic medication were less likely to pass with excellence than teens who were not exposed to the medication.

Other researchers note, however, that the study did not factor in how often the mothers had seizures while they were pregnant, which may also have had an impact on the child's development. Furthermore, various other genetic and social factors may have played a role in the academic scores of students exposed to one epileptic medication.

Researchers noted that exposure to valproic acid appeared to have a stronger negative impact on the teens' cognitive skills compared with other epileptic medications.

Other reported Depakote birth defects include cleft palate, hypoplastic right heart, spina bifida, abnormally developed ribs and fetal death. Women who have epilepsy and are pregnant or plan on becoming pregnant are advised to take only one epileptic medication if possible.

A 2009 warning from the FDA noted a risk of neural tube defects, craniofacial defects and cardiovascular malformations in babies who were exposed to valproate and similar drugs prior to birth. At the time, the FDA recommended that women who may bear children should only use valproate, if necessary, to manage their medical condition.