It is most important for you to consult your physician before beginning your family. Your physician will provide genetic counseling and guidance with regard to your epilepsy, use of AED's, and family planning. There are many contraceptive methods available for protection against pregnancy. Questions which may arise when choosing oral contraceptives as a method of birth control are addressed below. Oral contraceptives have not been found to increase or decrease the frequency or severity of seizures in women who are taking AED's.
Oral contraceptives are very effective in preventing pregnancy in a sexually active woman.
In a sexually active epileptic woman, taking birth control pills and AED's, the risk of pregnancy is greater. The greater risk of pregnancy in epileptic women taking birth control pills and AED's is thought to be related to the effects of AED's on the metabolism of oral contraceptives. AED's increase the metabolism and elimination of estrogen from the body. The effects of increased metabolism of estrogen and decreased availability of progestin in the body decreases the effectiveness of oral contraceptives in preventing pregnancy in some women. Therefore, your physician may need to provide an oral contraceptive which contains a higher amount of estrogen than you might otherwise need to protect you against pregnancy.