Which mood stabiliser carries the highest risk of neural tube defects when used in early pregnancy?
- A Lithium carbonate
- B Lamotrigine
- C Sodium valproate ✓
- D Carbamazepine
Correct answer: C. Sodium valproate
Explanation
Valproate is the most teratogenic mood stabiliser, producing neural tube defects in roughly 1 to 2 percent of exposures (some sources quote up to about 10 percent with higher doses), along with neurodevelopmental impairment; it should be avoided in women planning conception. Lithium causes Ebstein anomaly at a much lower rate (around 0.05 to 0.1 percent). Carbamazepine also causes neural tube defects but less frequently than valproate, and lamotrigine is considered comparatively safe.
Reference: Katzung's Basic and Clinical Pharmacology, 16th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
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