FDA Warns Against Taking Anticonvulsant and Migraine Medication Valproate Sodium While Pregnant

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has put out a warning, stating that use of the migraine drug valproate sodium in pregnant women could result in lower IQ scores in the baby.

Results of the study show that children exposed to valproate products in the womb had a lower IQ at the age of six, and was distinctly lower than children who were not exposed to antiepileptics.

"Valproate medications should never be used in pregnant women for the prevention of migraine headaches because we have even more data now that shows the risks to the children outweigh any treatment benefits for this use," FDA's Director of the Division of Neurology Products, Russell Katz said, according to Reuters.

Drugs that contain valproate are most commonly used to prevent migraine headaches, treat epileptic seizures and manic episodes associated with bipolar disorder.

However, the drug has also been linked to dangerous health issues, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Valproate has been known to cause life-threatening liver failure in patients. Children younger than 2 years old who are on the medication can be at an increased risk of developing life-threatening liver damage, especially those on more than 1 medicine to treat seizures and those with metabolic disorders, severe disorders accompanied by retardation, or organic brain disease. The drug has also been known to cause life-threatening inflammation of the pancreas in rare cases, which can lead to stomach pain, nausea, vomiting or loss of appetite, and has been known to cause permanent birth-defects.

To find out more about this drug and its effects, check out the Food and Drug Administration's website for more information. Click here.