is anyone pregnant and taking anxiety and bi polar medication?

[MelissaMommyof3]

I just found out I am 4 weeks pregnant. I concieved on Nov 22 and took a test dec 5th and recieved a positive result. Just like with my 2 other boys i found out only 10-12 days after conception. This baby however is a wonderful surprise. I have some major concerns. I am on lamictal,xanax,ambien and in the process of weining off oxycotin for a back injury i suffered due to a car accident. I never had these concerns bc i was just diagnosed with borderline personailty disorder and bi polar II in june of 08. So my previous pregnancies I was not taking any medications This time around I am on multiple and worst of all a opiatewhich is going to be the hardiest off all to wein off. My doctor has assured me that the 3 meds i listed above all safe. He did take me off of prisiq,topomax and hydroxozine. Well I truly hope I can meet some other pregnant moms or woman who have already had children who took these drugs throughout their first 2 trimesters. I am very educated and done much research on these meds and feel confident in my doctors decisions. I just wld liek to meet other moms who are also on these meds and we can be good support for one another. So far I feel fine so I pray all goes well.

[bernie40]

Hi, i replied on the other forum but thought i'd reply on here to.  I'm also bipolar and have had to come off my depakote but i'm still taking lithium.  I'm 6wks 1 day.  I'm worried about the lithium but will be discussing this with my psych tomorrow.  However, the last thing I want is to become bad with my bipolar again, it's difficult I know.

On a positive note, although I was not on medication with my other 4 children and i had severe PND with my first, third and fourth, at least this time round I shall be being monitored from day one.  I also have the advantage of knowing what meds suit me best and can get straight back on them when the baby is born even though this will mean I cannot breastfeed.

Congratulations and all the best.  I'm here if you ever need to talk.

[Andi1508]

I am 7 weeks pregnant with my first, so I don't have any previous pregnancies to tell you about. But I definitely relate to your post. I am on low as-needed doses of Xanax, ambien, and I'm on a daily dose of methadone for pain. I was starting to wean off the methadone until I got pregnant, and was told by the nurses at my clinic (and my own online research) that it's not safe to wean off opiates in the first trimester. In fact, I was told it's best to stay steady-- basically to avoid withdrawl symotoms-- because those symptoms can cause miscarriage. I don't know if that would apply in your case because I don't know how much oxycontin you were taking or how severe the dependence. If it's a substantial dose though, I'd look into a second opinion though re: the weaning. I'm very nervous about the Xanax I'm on...I only take it a few times a week, but I've read online that its not the best drug for pregnancy. :/ Ambien apparently is safe. Anyhow, I hope everything works out with you! God bless :)

[lisserjam2004]

wow!  I'm on lamictal and geodon and other stuff, my doctor plans to keep me on them.  she is one of the best psychs in my area and she deals with pregnant, and post partum stuff, so i trust her.  I don't think my OB is going to like it though..

[MelissaMommyof3]

God bless you. I have read your profile and seen some of the struggles you have faced. I truly hope all goes well for you this time around. If you ever need a friend I am here. I have 2 boys as well 10 and 2. I normally never worry about the health of my pregnancies but this time around is so different bc of the medications. Also with my boys Iplanned and took prenatal pills ahead of time and weined off all meds prior. It is totally tru about taking a preg woman off meds that could in the end casue her so much more harm. If I would of known I could of stayed on lexepro my last child i wld have bc i was extemely anxious throughout most of my last pregnancy. I cried so much and got worked out so easily.  My stomach was always in knots and i just know that the way i felt could not be safe for my child.  A pregnant mom who is suffering from panic attacts,depression and is contantly anxious is far more worse than what a medication that is used to control chemicals in the brain could do. You have to weigh the odds. And find a trusted doctor. My biggiest worry is getting off this oxycotin. It is such a potent an addictive drug. I may not crave it or take it the wrong way as most due but my body still gets dependant on it just the same. I am not even worried about my back or the pain i will be in I just dont want to go thru withdrawl. I never been on a medication like this before. I hope to God in the nexy few weeks i can get off it saftly with no withdrawl symptoms that are harmful for myself n my pregnancy. I never knew one car accident would turn my life so upside down.

[Northgal76]

First off congrats on your pregnancy. I cant honestly say that I have been on any of those meds during a pregnancy. I too would trust your doctors advice. I am sure that he has dealt with similar pregnant moms on medications. For both of my boys I was on different antidepressants. The doctor was more concerned if I came off them then if I stayed on them during my pregnancies. Wishing you all the best :)