Most women with epilepsy have several considerations related to the use of seizure medications. One of the most significant is the use of birth control because some seizure medications interfere with the effectiveness of certain contraceptives.  

Seizure medications called liver enzyme-inducing drugs increase the breakdown of substances in the liver. This includes breaking down oral contraceptives (birth control pills), which makes them less effective as birth control. The effectiveness of hormonal implants and hormonal injections used as birth control may also be adversely affected by these types of seizure medications.  

Liver enzyme-inducing medications may also increase a woman’s risk of osteoporosis.

Instead of oral contraceptives, women with epilepsy may wish to use natural forms of family planning or barrier methods, such as a diaphragm or condom, along with spermicidal cream. There is no evidence to suggest that women who are taking enzyme-inducing seizure medications cannot take the morning-after pill, although they may have to take a higher dose. Women with epilepsy are advised to consult their physician about their birth control options.

Taking seizure medications may pose additional complications for women with epilepsy before and after childbirth. Women who take more than one type of seizure medication are at an increased risk of having a child with a birth defect, although the risk is relatively small.