Effects of the drug bendectin

[Jo2423]

Has anyone heard of bi-polar disorder being caused by taking the drug "bendectin" during pregnancy?

[StarrG62]

I remember in 1979 the relief when given this for nausea. So horribly sick through pregnancy that I became very malnourished. Could not even have a tiny piece of cracker. Had such dry heaves that my eyes had busted blood vessels.
But can't help but wonder if the drug is a reason for the mental health issue with my daughter.

[specialmom]

How old is your daughter?

[LaurieKno]

Jenn,
My son has Bi Polar syndrome with Schizophrenia affecta, I took Bendectin from March 1980 to the day before I gave birth I was so ill during my pregnancy, and on October 1, 1980 my son was born. As he grew I noticed issues with his cognitive learning, he would have melt downs one after the other from age 18 months on. He also has a disassociation with learning by reading, unless the papers are read to him he does not retain his learning. At the age of 12 he was hospitalized for Bi Polarism, it was a horrible time in our household, this is when they saw he suffered from Schizophrenia affecta. As the years go by, things increasingly get worse, he cannot live alone, lives in a fantasy world. I've contacted the makers of bendectin and was told "It's not related". Yet a study run on children from the 70's and 80's show mental defects. I don't understand how this cannot be related.

[JennzJ]

My 35 year old son was diagnosed with schizophrenia as a teen and has a mild case of Tourette's Syndrome. The older he gets the more ill he has become. I have recently been thinking that it could be the Bendectin is to blame. Neither condition runs in the family and I think that his actual diagnosis should have been bi-polar with psychotic features. I can put you in touch with my son if you want to compare notes dmkduhe.

[dmkduhe]

My mother has worried for years that  her use of Bendectin during pregnancy with my sister and I may have been the cause of our mental and physical disabilities. My sister and I have both been diagnosed Bipolar II and have degenerative disc disease. I was her second child and she took the drug longer with me. My mental and physical diagnoses are also more extensive. I have already had 3 surgeries on my spine (1-cervical, 2-lumber). My most recent MRI notes show some "defects" on the discs. I still suffer from chronic joint and nerve pain.

In addition, as a child I showed multiple symptoms of Asburgers, which is a high functioning form of Autism. I was completely withdrawn and introverted though with a higher than normal IQ in addition to other symptoms).  I have now been diagnosed Bipolar with borderline personality disorder (symptoms of ADHD, OCD, anxiety and severe chronic depression).

Are there other cases with children born from pregnancies where the mother used Bendectin who developed such a wide range of specific disabilities?

[dmkduhe]

My mother has worried for years that  her use of Bendectin during pregnancy with my sister and I may have been the cause of our mental and physical disabilities. My sister and I have both been diagnosed Bipolar II and have degenerative disc disease. I was her second child and she took the drug longer with me. My mental and physical diagnoses are also more extensive. I have already had 3 surgeries on my spine (1-cervical, 2-lumber). My most recent MRI notes show some "defects" on the discs. I still suffer from chronic joint and nerve pain.

In addition, as a child I showed multiple symptoms of Asburgers, which is a high functioning form of Autism. I was completely withdrawn and introverted though with a higher than normal IQ in addition to other symptoms).  I have now been diagnosed Bipolar with borderline personality disorder (symptoms of ADHD, OCD, anxiety and severe chronic depression).

Are there other cases with children born from pregnancies where the mother used Bendectin who developed such a wide range of specific disabilities?

[Nika466]

I my self am bipolar and it is hereditary and a chemical imbalance in the brain

[momtocpj]

This sounds exactly like my 32 year old son, who unfortunately has not been very successful in keeping gainful employment. He seems to me to exhibit bi-polar disorder symptoms along with aspects that look more schizophrenic. I have often been concerned that taking Bendectin during my pregancy could be the cause. I suffered for almost 7 months of the pregnancy and took Bendectin for probably 7 of the 9 months. I know there was litigation on physical abnormalities but have there been any studies done on mental disorders as a result of Bendectin exposure in fetuses?

[Jo2423]

Thank you very much.  I took Bendectin for three months while I was pregnant.  My adult son, although never specifically diagnosed as bi-polar, has had issues since the age of 13 with drugs and alcohol and mood swings.  Although he is in recovery and won't consider using drugs or alcohol now, the mood swings and paranoia continue to worsen.  He is a functioning business owner and has tried to get help but refuses to take medication.  I am wondering if the Bendectin could have played a part in this?

[ILADVOCATE]

  From what I can read about Bendectin can cause (temporary) mental changes that are one potential side effect of concern but bipolar disorder is separate is it occurs on its own but anything that can exacerbate mood swings could potentially worsen bipolar. Also during pregnancy because of the hormonal changes bipolar can often worsen. That medication does have some indications and side effects of concern so it would be worthwhile to speak to your doctor about this. Also any time you are taking a medication and start to experience any mental changes its crucial to inform your doctor at that time and they can see what to do from there, depending on cause within their professional discretion.