What fetal defect is carbamazepine associated with?

Carbamazepine, an anticonvulsant medication commonly used to treat epilepsy and bipolar disorder, has been associated with a range of congenital defects when used during pregnancy. One of the most significant risks is the increased incidence of spina bifida, a type of neural tube defect. This occurs due to the medication's effect on folate metabolism or its potential interference with the proper closure of the neural tube during early fetal development.

When a woman takes carbamazepine during pregnancy, there is a documented concern for the impact on neural development, leading to malformations such as spina bifida, which involves incomplete closure of the spine and can result in severe physical disabilities. This connection underscores the importance of careful risk assessment and counseling for women of childbearing age who require treatment with carbamazepine. Awareness of this risk can help guide decisions regarding the use of alternative medications or additional supplementation with folic acid to mitigate potential defects.