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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 10 of 10. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by judy1 on July 26, 2000, at 10:22:48
Hi all,
Found out I'm pregnant and had a very kind psychiatrist taper me off of meds except for klonopin (because last time I was pregnant it was nonstop panic attacks for the first 2 months). Anyway I was wondering if anyone has info about the safety of risperdal in pregnancy? All the docs are telling me it's too new, but to take it anyway, which is easy for them to say. My last full term pregnancy brought about a perfect mood state, followed by post partum psychotic depression which I sure would like to avoid. I read somewhere that lecithin (sp?) was a good mood stabilizer, any other ideas? I hope everyone is well. Take care.
Posted by Jennifer on July 26, 2000, at 14:05:05
In reply to pregnant and bipolar and panic, etc., posted by judy1 on July 26, 2000, at 10:22:48
Congratulations Judy! That's great they've tapered off your meds. I don't know about the risperdol, but I'd hold it off as long as possible. My thought was more on the great psych effect you had during pregnancy. I had the same thing and then crashed about 3 days postpartum. If I had to do it all over again, I would take some sort of antianxiety med and start the antideppressants immediately following delivery. I would rather give up the breastfeeding than have those bad attacks again...I couldn't care for her (my baby) in that state anyway. Any chance you can talk with your psych about conferring with your OB regarding immediate postpartum meds? As long as you have that pregnancy high, I'd stay off whatever you can for the rest of the term. Once again, congrat's...and hugs. Jennifer
> Hi all,
> Found out I'm pregnant and had a very kind psychiatrist taper me off of meds except for klonopin (because last time I was pregnant it was nonstop panic attacks for the first 2 months). Anyway I was wondering if anyone has info about the safety of risperdal in pregnancy? All the docs are telling me it's too new, but to take it anyway, which is easy for them to say. My last full term pregnancy brought about a perfect mood state, followed by post partum psychotic depression which I sure would like to avoid. I read somewhere that lecithin (sp?) was a good mood stabilizer, any other ideas? I hope everyone is well. Take care.
Posted by judy1 on July 27, 2000, at 10:17:10
In reply to Re: pregnant and bipolar and panic, etc. » judy1, posted by Jennifer on July 26, 2000, at 14:05:05
For the positive wishes. I'm sorry you had to go through the post partum mood too, and I agree forget the breastfeeding this time (although with a first child it seems the most important thing in the world). I'm really enjoyng the lull in the mood swings right now, even with nausea :). Take care.
Posted by china Loomis on July 27, 2000, at 13:02:12
In reply to pregnant and bipolar and panic, etc., posted by judy1 on July 26, 2000, at 10:22:48
> Hi all,
> Found out I'm pregnant and had a very kind psychiatrist taper me off of meds except for klonopin (because last time I was pregnant it was nonstop panic attacks for the first 2 months). Anyway I was wondering if anyone has info about the safety of risperdal in pregnancy? All the docs are telling me it's too new, but to take it anyway, which is easy for them to say. My last full term pregnancy brought about a perfect mood state, followed by post partum psychotic depression which I sure would like to avoid. I read somewhere that lecithin (sp?) was a good mood stabilizer, any other ideas? I hope everyone is well. Take care.
judy, I also had panic attacks when I was pregnant. I ended up taking 1 mg. of xanax at night during the last 4 months of mu pregnancy. After my daughter was born I then went on prozac. Therefore I could not brestfeed. But everything worked out well. Best wishes and good luck.
Posted by Chris A. on July 28, 2000, at 0:14:10
In reply to pregnant and bipolar and panic, etc., posted by judy1 on July 26, 2000, at 10:22:48
Have you considered high dose Omega-3 fatty acids? One site that discusses the Harvard study led by Andrew Stoll is at: http://www.omegabrite.com/tstudy4.asp
They also sell fish oil at that site (be forewarned). I have purchased from them, as their's is more concentrated than what I've found elsewhere and they claim that it is processed so as to be pure. Purity would be an important consideration, especially during pregnancy. Unfortunately, it didn't make me well. The consultation phone number at the Harvard Bipolar Research Unit is (617)724-0833. They might have more of an idea of whether it would be a good idea to take high doses during pregnancy.Post-partum depression is horrible. It's an experience I will never forget. I'll be thinking about you and praying for you as you try to prevent it.
Blessings,
Chris A.
Posted by judy1 on July 28, 2000, at 2:23:24
In reply to Re: pregnant and bipolar and panic, etc. » judy1, posted by Chris A. on July 28, 2000, at 0:14:10
I was really happy to hear from you although it sounds like the cycling is still occurring? Is it mostly depressive? I did at one time try Omega 3's but I think I was taking something like 20 pills a day- I checked out the site and they said it was more concentrated. Did you still have that awful fish smell? Did you notice any improvement at all? Sometimes when I switch drugs, I do it in a very unmethodical way, so I can't tell if I'm having withdrawal problems from something I've stopped or the new drug is not working. A little too much impulsiveness I guess. Right now is that hormonally induced state of happiness, someone should bottle it. The other thing my pdoc mentioned is as my progesterone levels increase, they act like a barbituate, I do remember that sense of calm while pregnant. I'm sure you're tired of the way you feel, when I was in my 20's I rapid cycled for 3 years, then had an 8 year stretch of normalcy. I hope you have a nice long stretch of stability soon. Thank you for your prayers. Take care- Judy
Posted by dove on July 28, 2000, at 12:21:33
In reply to Chris A!, posted by judy1 on July 28, 2000, at 2:23:24
I have had the opportunity to give birth to five children. During each pregnancy I found myself in a very uniquely beautiful state of mind. Within 24 hours post-partum I would begin my descent into bipolar hell. The only prescribed med I ever took for these mood-swings was Tegretol, which I could not take during pregnancy or post-partum as I breastfed all my kiddos. I've tried Omega-3 before, during, and after my pregnancies, and was never helped by it at all.
One thing to keep in mind with the fish oils is the toxic metals and other uglies that sometimes make their way into the natural oil. My OB doc strongly discouraged me from using it all. My Midwife, who uses only holistic-herbal medicine also discouraged me from using it. I know that some of the fish oil suppliers guarantee their product, but I also know that my State University has tested over 50 brands of fish oil and Omega-3, and found that 1 in 10 bottles were contaminated, even within the same batch and same brand. So if you can find a trustworthy brand, the extra expense would probably be worth it.
Congratulations and the best of luck staying safe and stable.
dove
Posted by judy1 on July 28, 2000, at 15:37:42
In reply to Re: Pregnancy - bipolar - fish oil, posted by dove on July 28, 2000, at 12:21:33
Thank you for your input, you're so lucky to have had 5 children. What did you do when you breastfed and had mood swings? Are you bipolar 1? I landed up in the hospital when I had my son because I refused meds, and quite frankly I was very much out of control. I really feel like I don't need anything now, just afraid of the post-partum part. (Plus I know my husband and doc will be watching for any signs.) Thanks and take care.- Judy
Posted by Janice on July 28, 2000, at 18:03:34
In reply to Dove, posted by judy1 on July 28, 2000, at 15:37:42
Hi Judy,
I can't help you with any of your medication questions but I'd like to wish you a safe, happy and STABLE pregnancy. Keep us informed, Janice.
•During each pregnancy I found myself in a very uniquely beautiful state of mind.I've never had children, but my psychiatrist has told me about pregnancy producing a good stable mood in most bipolar women. Why does nature do this? To ensure the fetus lives? To ensure the world has more bipolars? anyone know?
Posted by judy1 on July 29, 2000, at 0:54:50
In reply to Congratulations Judy!, posted by Janice on July 28, 2000, at 18:03:34
I tend to believe it's to ensure a supply of individuals with bipolar disorder, since we supply the bursts of genius in society :). Just think how complex the mind must be to have hormones working better than any mood stabilizer I've ever taken. I will stay in touch and hope you are well. Take care, Judy
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