For women who want children, which treatment is preferred for myoclonic seizures?

Lamotrigine is often preferred for women who want children due to its favorable safety profile in pregnancy and a lower risk of teratogenic effects compared to other antiepileptic drugs. It has been shown to have a lower incidence of birth defects when used during pregnancy, making it a suitable option for women of childbearing age.

In contrast, sodium valproate is associated with a higher risk of congenital malformations and developmental disorders in children exposed to it during pregnancy. Phenytoin and topiramate also carry risks for teratogenic effects but are generally considered less favorable than lamotrigine. Across most guidelines regarding managing epilepsy in women, lamotrigine is highlighted as a first-line choice for those planning to conceive, balancing effective seizure control with minimizing risks for the developing fetus.