A recent study conducted by academics from Aston University, in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), has revealed an alarming trend regarding the global use of antiseizure medications. The research indicates that while access to these essential neurological drugs is increasing in low- and middle-income nations, the safety of their prescription remains a significant concern.
The study, led by Dr. Adrienne Chan and Professor Ian Wong, analyzed the use of antiseizure medications across 73 countries from 2012 to 2022. The findings suggest that the rise in prescriptions signals improved access to vital medications; however, the most commonly prescribed drug, valproate, is linked to serious birth defects when taken during pregnancy. These defects can include conditions such as spina bifida, cleft palate, and various neurodevelopmental disorders affecting communication, behavior, and memory.
The WHO categorizes valproate as an “essential medicine” but has issued explicit guidance advising against its use in women and girls of childbearing age due to the associated risks. The organization has identified disorders related to valproate as a critical global health issue, underscoring the need for responsible prescribing practices.
Global Disparities in Prescribing Practices
The researchers emphasized the urgent need for educational initiatives worldwide to raise awareness about the risks of valproate and to promote the use of safer alternatives. In many high-income countries, stricter regulations and effective pregnancy prevention programs have led to a notable decrease in valproate prescriptions. Conversely, in regions where newer antiseizure medications are less accessible or prohibitively expensive, the reliance on valproate remains prevalent.
The WHO commissioned this study as part of its ongoing mission to understand and enhance the safe and equitable use of essential neurological medicines globally. The results have been published in the journal eClinicalMedicine.
Future Research Directions and Policy Implications
The study utilized sales data from the countries under investigation, but the researchers acknowledge the necessity of delving deeper into specific population patterns and examining how safety protocols are implemented across different regions. This approach is expected to provide insight into whether antiseizure drugs are being prescribed to women of childbearing age and the potential risks posed to unborn children.
Dr. Chan remarked, “Our findings show that access to antiseizure medicines is expanding globally, which is good news for patients who previously had little or no treatment options. But the continued widespread use of valproate in some parts of the world is concerning, given its known risks during pregnancy. Greater global alignment on safe prescribing and education is urgently needed to protect future generations.”
The study highlights a pressing need for international collaboration to address these disparities in healthcare. As access to antiseizure medications improves, ensuring that they are prescribed safely is paramount to safeguarding the health of both mothers and their children.
For further details, refer to the publication by Adrienne Y.L. Chan et al., titled “Antiseizure medications consumption in 73 countries and regions from 2012 to 2022: a longitudinal trend study” in eClinicalMedicine. The DOI for this study is 10.1016/j.eclinm.2025.103558.
