Bipolar, Pregnancy and Medication risk

Question

I am Bipolar and was diagnosed about 15 years ago. Went for trial run through various medications( all in a controlled environment with a professional) and found that a combination of Camcolit, Lamicton and Seroquel worked for me. 

I was weened off Camcolit over 3 months as were trying for a pregnancy and were worried about the toxicity towards a possible baby.. I am now pregnant. It's very early days yet ( Just over 5 weeks).

What are the risks with the medication I am still taking?( lamicton and Seroquel)

I have my safety net and go for regular checks with my psychologist as well as my psychiatrist.

Any advice would be appreciated.

I am so EXCITED!!! :) *bounce*

psychdegree · Accepted Answer

1st I will start off by saying Seroquel is pretty safe to take during pregnancy, ive seen a lot of woman take it throughout their pregnancy and the baby was perfectly normal. When I was in college for psychology, we had to do research studies on women and any antipsychotic meds and Taking antipsychotic medication during the last 3 months of pregnancy may cause problems in the newborn, such as withdrawal symptoms, breathing problems, feeding problems, fussiness, tremors, and limp or stiff muscles. But you must way the risks with the benefits, bc we do depend on our meds, it may hurt the baby more if we stop, due to withdrawls and more stress on the baby bc we are not taking the medication. But as I said before they all have risk, but Seroquel was one of the safest and most commonly taken throughout pregnancy that I saw. Taking lamicton (lamictal) while pregnant gives you a much higher risk to have a baby with a oral cleft palate. Im sure you know that's between the upper lip and the nose (seen with cleft lip) or between the roof or back of the mouth and the nose (seen in cleft palate) may not close properly. So that's the biggest risk with the lamictal, so with that one I would be careful with, yet still this is in a mild number of women, but still something you want to think about. I'd go with what your psych and general doc say to do. they know whats best..just giving you the info I know..let me kno if this helps or you need anymore info..i am also on both (among many other meds) so ive had this conversation with my doc and these are the 2 I may could continue during a pregnancy out of all the meds im on.

cece92 · Answer

ps serequel abgood one and one i used pregnant, there are risks behind all drugs but the lower the dose the lesser the riaks and sometimes the benefits outweigh the risk..x

cece92 · Answer

im pregnant with my second and am currently un medicated..im following the samebirth plan re drugs and pregnancy this time rpund coz i know it worked for me with no adverse aide effects for my beautiful and incredably forward two and a half year old son....i avoid medication for the firat 2 trimesters as this is whenvmoat of the developement happens...i stick to atrick routine for my self for stability and will obviously medicate but only in the result of an
 episode...which can b harder to diatinguish withv raging hormones so be gentle and paitent with yourself and ensure u have a good support network of people whwo are aware of your situation..i medicated for the last trimester which helped greatly with the plumet of hormones after birth..as i atated it worked for me and my first..hope this helpped. good luck and allvthe best. C x

psychdegree · Answer

So glad to hear things are at least manageable right now! That will b great if u can stay off them, & many ppl say sometimes ur hormones help even some mood swings out. So keep us posted & were always here to chat

KimStuart · Answer

Hi Nico,

Thank you for replying. As I've posted in my post to Psydegree, i'm grateful for the support. :) 

Kim

KimStuart · Answer

Hi,

I was on holiday, so excuse the late reply.

Thank you for your response. It was very helpful and informative. I have spoken to my doc and we have opted to stop medication since my first post. I have an app where i'm monitor my moods and behavior, creating a history. so that will help. My partner is also keeping tabs.

I find that mood swings have started ranging from depressed to very irritable (short tempered) to very happy and elated (not manic). Though i'm not sure if those are the pregnancy hormones or the abrupt stopping of the lamicton. We'll see. 

We've decided it's easier monitoring and it's not like I can't go back on the medication. 

Wish me luck.

This is the first time I have joined a forum, and I find it immensely relieving to know that there is so much support. In younger years when I didn't know what was going on, it felt very alone. Also Psychologists and Psychiatrists were very much frowned upon on in our little town. Luckily that has changed and I am very grateful for it.

Again thank you for your post.

x

psychdegree · Answer

Hi Kim..just checking in on you. Have you spoke to your doc?

TheLightSeeker · Answer

Hi Kim.

-- Both Seroquel and Lamictal (in the U.S)  have been assigned to pregnancy category C by FDA

 FDA Pharmaceutical Pregnancy Category C
Animal reproduction studies have shown an adverse effect on the fetus and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in humans, but potential benefits may warrant use of the drug in pregnant women despite potential risks.

Every patient's case is unique and only your prescribing doctor can do the risk/benefit assessment in regards to your inquiry and advise you accordingly.

Wishing you the best with your pregnancy.

Love & Light
 Niko

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