Getting off meds to start a family

[Shinypink]

I was diagnosed as bipolar about 8 years ago. Over the years I have taken many different meds. At the beginning of last year I decided that the sedating effects as well as other side effect were hindering my everyday life and relationships. With the help of my doctor, I first went off of my Lithobid. I was amazed at the difference I felt. I felt like I was coming out of a fog! I was very encouraged, and decided to try to go off of my other meds as well. I waited a few months to make sure that going off of the Lithobid did not worsen any of my syptoms, and then started a long process of going off of my Risperdal. I was taking 4mg and over about 5-6 months I slowly got off of that as well. I had been very apprehensive about what problems might arise without the Risperdal. In the past I have had a lot of problems with anxiety and manic phases. I am diagnosed as a rapid cycling bipolar and although I do have some depression problems, I feel that I am much more on the manic side of the spectrum. Luckily, I seem to have no real ill effect for going off of the Risperdal. I am currently still on 400mg of Lamictal. I am hoping to start a family with my husband in the next few years. I do not want to be on any meds while I am pregnant/breastfeeding. Should I go off of the Lamictal (slowly of course) and then stay off of it a while before I get pregnant to make sure I can handle the 9 months? I have heard that the most dangerous time for a bipolar woman is after you give birth. Has anyone had experience with this situation? Is there anything that I can do to make myself as well as my husband more at ease and prepared for my lack of meds as well as the pregnancy?

[JillthePill77]

I always try to assemble a team for any big medical decision and this is the biggest of them all.  My Psychatrist, Psychologist and general physician work together with my specialist to help ME make decisions for MYSELF.  I've had to insist on that, but it really works once you've found doctors that you trust.

I think your best bet is to keep in close contact with your Pyschs and to start right now finding a good OB/GYN.  Then let them provide the information, so you can make a really informed decision.

[SilentRage]

Well in my situation with my bipolar (even though they didnt diagnose me at the time) Almost 5 years ago after I gave birth to my son I went into a depression mode especially since i had severe preeclampsia therefore for cautionary reason that put my son in NICU and i wasnt able to hold him right away.Which caused me to be really depressed

That is probably what they meant is a dangerous time. Your hormones might be working over big time. But with the support of your family especially your husband you will be able to pull through. And good luck with you impending family and keep in touch if you can.

[Soultana]

I'm 5 months pregnant, I take Lamictal and both me and my baby are doing fine so far. Sorry this is so short, my attention span is at an all time low right now. :-s