Contraception in women with epilepsy: Potential drug interactions between contraceptive hormones and enzyme inducing antiepileptic drugs

Abstract

Contraception is essential for a woman as it helps to achieve autonomy in personal life and avoid unwanted pregnancy. Adequate contraception is even more essential for women with epilepsy (WWE) due to potential maternal and fetal risks of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) and poor seizure control. There are several hormonal and nonhormonal contraceptive options available for WWE, with combined oral hormonal pills being used most commonly. The choice of contraception in WWE is influenced by many factors, chief among these being potential drug interactions between contraceptive hormones and enzyme inducing antiepileptic drugs (EIAEDs). While EIAEDs may increase metabolism of contraceptive hormones leading to contraceptive failure, contraceptive hormones in turn may increase metabolism of AEDs resulting in their faster elimination and breakthrough seizures. The co-administration of lamotrigine and oral hormonal pills is especially complicated by unpredictable interactions and requires several considerations. In this review, we try to address various issues concerning the use of different contraceptive modalities in WWE. In addition, we review the current guidelines for concurrent use of hormonal contraception and AEDs in WWE.