The mood stabilizer associated with the highest rate of congenital malformations is:

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Valproic acid (Depakote) has been associated with a higher risk of congenital malformations, particularly neural tube defects, when taken during pregnancy compared to other mood stabilizers such as lithium or lamotrigine. Therefore, it is not recommended as a first-line treatment for women of childbearing age unless there are no other viable options. Topiramate (Topomax) has also been linked to an increased risk of cleft lip/palate and other birth defects, but not as consistently as valproic acid. Lamotrigine (Lamictal) has been shown to have a lower risk of birth defects compared to valproic acid and is considered a safer option.

The Mood Stabilizer Associated with the Highest Rate of Congenital