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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 5 of 5. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by babydancer62 on January 12, 2006, at 16:02:06
Hi All, I am Bipolar and Trying To Conceive #1(over 40!) with my DH & although we're working closely with my PDOC & OB/GYN, I have concerns as I'm sure you understand, about being on medications while being pregnant. This is a huge decision. I would really like to hear from others on this. My meds are all Category C which the FDA page states:
Pregnancy Category C: If animal reproduction studies have shown an adverse effect on the fetus, if there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in humans, and if the benefits from the use of the drug in pregnant women may be acceptable despite its potential risks, the labeling shall state: "Pregnancy Category C. (Name of drug) has been shown to be teratogenic (or to have an embryocidal effect or other adverse effect) in (name(s) of species) when given in doses (x) times the human dose. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. (Name of drug) should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus." The labeling shall contain a description of the animal studies. If there are no animal reproduction studies and no adequate and well-controlled studies in humans, the labeling shall state: "Pregnancy Category C. Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted with (name of drug). It is also not known whether (name of drug) can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman or can affect reproduction capacity. (Name of drug) should be given to a pregnant woman only if clearly needed." The labeling shall contain a description of any available data on the effect of the drug on the later growth, development, and functional maturation of the child.
At first I thought I'd be okay without medications so I starting with trying to wean off of the drugs I'm taking: Lamictal, Zyprexa, and Zoloft but I had a relapse. The doctors and my Dear Husband are pointing to the benefits outweighing the risks...
Any thoughts? Thanks in advance for your time.
Posted by Racer on January 12, 2006, at 18:06:36
In reply to TTC with a Mental Illness: CATEGORY C?!, posted by babydancer62 on January 12, 2006, at 16:02:06
I'm in the same boat -- trying to make a baby after 40, on meds. Right now, I'm only on Wellbutrin and Buspar, which are both Catagory B, for that reason. Which is part of the reason I'm on the sofa with a quilt over my head, trying to sleep so that I won't cry...
Have you talked to your psychiatrist about this? Asked about changing to Catagory B drugs, like Wellbutrin, etc?
With SSRIs, or any SRI type drug, there are two basic problems: some can cause fetal cardiac abnormalities, and Paxil apparently is moving to Catagory D for more distinct fetal damage; and they cause withdrawal symptoms at birth. The withdrawal, which can be uncomfortable for adults, can be very dangerous for neonates. Plus, the SSRIs are associated with low birth weight, also a problem for neonates.
One option, though, is to get off the SSRIs as soon as you know you're pregnant, go back on if you really must during your second trimester, and then get off again during your third. That's not what I would want to do, but it is one possible optionl. A better option is to research safer alternatives, like Wellbutrin, etc.
If you go up the list, I asked about Catagory B anxiolytics, and someone posted a link to an article about safe psychotropic medications. Scroll up, and check it out. If it's not on this page, it's on very last archive.
Good luck, on both finding a good solution, and on having that baby.
Posted by babydancer62 on January 12, 2006, at 20:43:06
In reply to Re: TTC with a Mental Illness: CATEGORY C?!, posted by Racer on January 12, 2006, at 18:06:36
Dear Racer, thank you very much for your response, and the great link that I found in the first archive. It is a comfort to know that I am not alone in my quest, and I wish you loads of BABY DUST and HEALTH!
Posted by octopusprime on January 14, 2006, at 0:23:40
In reply to TTC with a Mental Illness: CATEGORY C?!, posted by babydancer62 on January 12, 2006, at 16:02:06
i just posted some similar resources in this post: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20060108/msgs/598911.html
pdoc mentioned this resource: http://www.womensmentalhealth.org/topics/pregnancy.html
also, a phone number for the pregnancy registry - 888-233-2334 - i believe this pregnancy registry is for *all* drugs. they don't disclose the drug risks over the phone unless you register in the registry. you can only register if you are currently pregnant.
good luck
i am just turning 27, so age is not as big of a factor. i am not going to wean off drugs for a second attempt (i am lamictal 200 mg only, with very infrequent klonopin use and no klonopin while knowingly pregnant). i am the only person in the household working. my job is required to keep our immigration status. i must be able to concentrate at work without flipping out, which is quite impossible without medication.
Posted by babydancer62 on January 19, 2006, at 21:20:03
In reply to Re: TTC with a Mental Illness: CATEGORY C?!, posted by octopusprime on January 14, 2006, at 0:23:40
Hello again, and thank you all for listening and taking the time to post. The update is that after having a stressful meeting with my PDOC and OB/GYN my husband & I have decided NOT to have a baby. The UNKNOWNS are just that. I couldn't stop worrying about the WHAT IF'S so took a breather and made the decision. After doing so, the weight off of my shoulders told me that it is the right one. We may consider adopting at some point, but for now my mental health is most important! Hugs.
This is the end of the thread.
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