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Author: Admin | 2025-04-28
You may be at risk of pregnancy.What medications affect birth control?Most prescribed and over-the-counter medications won’t interact with hormonal birth control. But certain classes of drugs — associated with specific conditions — are known to affect CHCs:1. Seizure medication and birth controlAnti-epileptic drugs (AEDs) work to prevent or stop seizures — temporary bursts of electrical activity in the brain that cause symptoms such as uncontrollable muscle movements and abnormal sensations.“Drugs used to treat seizures are most likely to interact with CHCs,” Dr. Freeman shares. “Many of the AEDs we use today don’t interfere. But there are still some AEDs prescribed that may affect your birth control.”Commonly prescribed AEDs that can make hormonal birth control less effective include:Carbamazepine, also used to treat schizophrenia, restless legs syndrome, bipolar disorder and neuropathic pain associated with fibromyalgia.Phenytoin, also used to treat behavior disorders and neuropathic pain.Topiramate, also used to treat neuropathic pain, eating disorders, psychiatric disorders and migraine headaches.Dr. Freeman also notes that one other AED, lamotrigine, interacts with CHCs. But in this case, lamotrigine is the drug affected. Taking CHCs can make lamotrigine less effective in treating seizures.2. Anti-HIV drugs and birth controlSome anti-HIV drugs, called antiretrovirals (ARVs), make birth control less effective. But Dr. Freeman notes the opposite can also happen — some types of CHCs can decrease the effectiveness of ARVs.Research shows some concern about several ARVs, but only efavirenz proved to have a significant impact on hormonal birth control. Experts suggest that more studies are needed to confirm additional drug
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