It is also important to consider whether hormonal birth control might make your mood stabilizer less effective.

Women who are prescribed Tegretol should be instructed to use secondary methods of birth control such as condoms.

In some cases, a gynecologist may recommend using a higher dosage of birth control medications as well.

Woman holding contraceptive pills

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This can increase the metabolism of the mood stabilizer and affect its effectiveness.

Conversely, higher doses of Lamictal can decrease the effectiveness of certain birth control.

Pharmacists frequently find interactions, but it’s possible for you to not assume this will occur.

Evidence suggests that 50% of people taking five or more medications daily experience an adverse drug interaction.

It’s also worthwhile to talk to your pharmacist about possible drug interactions as well.

Williams, D.Antiepileptic Drugs and Contraception.US Pharmacist.

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