EAN 2023 | An update on lactation and antiseizure medications

Bruna Nucera, MD, Hospital of Merano, Merano-Meran, Italy, explores the topic of breastfeeding in women with epilepsy. The rates of breastfeeding among women with epilepsy are low, with only 42% breastfeeding at three months, and in general, women with epilepsy discontinue breastfeeding more often than women without epilepsy. However, there are numerous benefits of breastfeeding for both mother and child that should be considered, including a reduced risk of metabolic diseases and breast and ovarian cancer for the mother. The main reason for discontinuing breastfeeding in women with epilepsy is the fear of drugs transferring to the child through breast milk and causing adverse events. Dr Nucera acknowledges the difficulty in estimating the effects of drugs on breastfed infants due to various factors such as drug type, protein binding, fat solubility, and child-related factors. Overall, it is challenging to suggest not breastfeeding for women with epilepsy, as the likelihood of adverse effects is low. This interview took place at the European Academy of Neurology (EAN) 2023 Congress in Budapest, Hungary.

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