Aa
Elavil in pregnancy
I have been taking Elavil (20mg/day) for almost ten years now (I am 31), to help me fall asleep in a reasonable time (without it, it typically took me about 3 -4 hours to fall asleep and the sleep that I did get, was not really restful or refreshing). While trying to conceive my first child (who is now 2 years old) and while I was pregnant, I stopped taking the Elavil because of possible risks to the fetus. I ended up getting depression during the pregnancy and suffered severe post-partum depression verging on psychosis after my daughter was born. My husband and I are convinced that my lack of sleep and poor-quality sleep during that time was one of the major (if not the biggest) contributors/causes of that depression.
When contemplating trying to conceive my second child (with whom I am now 22 weeks pregnant), I did quite a thorough literature search (although mainly on the internet), and found that the majority of the research seemed to show either inconclusive results or a reasonable chance of it being safe during pregnancy. We had a consultation with a psychiatrist, last July, who confirmed what we had concluded, and decided that I should stay on the Elavil throughout this pregnancy (which I have done). My concern, now, is that in the past couple of months I have found several articles that said that Elavil is NOT safe to take during pregnancy, and that there is some evidence it can cause birth defects or mental retardation. Has there been new research released in the last few months that has caused this shift in opinion? If that is the case, is there any point in going off the Elavil now (at 22 weeks) - in consultation with my doctor, of course - or would any damage that were to occur, have already happened? Also, at my 20 week ultrasound, they found a "bright spot" on the baby's heart, that they want to investigate further as it may be an indicator of Down Syndrome or another trisomy. If my baby does have one of these disorders, is it possible that the Elavil was the cause? Any insight you can give me would be most appreciated. Sorry about the length of the post.
When contemplating trying to conceive my second child (with whom I am now 22 weeks pregnant), I did quite a thorough literature search (although mainly on the internet), and found that the majority of the research seemed to show either inconclusive results or a reasonable chance of it being safe during pregnancy. We had a consultation with a psychiatrist, last July, who confirmed what we had concluded, and decided that I should stay on the Elavil throughout this pregnancy (which I have done). My concern, now, is that in the past couple of months I have found several articles that said that Elavil is NOT safe to take during pregnancy, and that there is some evidence it can cause birth defects or mental retardation. Has there been new research released in the last few months that has caused this shift in opinion? If that is the case, is there any point in going off the Elavil now (at 22 weeks) - in consultation with my doctor, of course - or would any damage that were to occur, have already happened? Also, at my 20 week ultrasound, they found a "bright spot" on the baby's heart, that they want to investigate further as it may be an indicator of Down Syndrome or another trisomy. If my baby does have one of these disorders, is it possible that the Elavil was the cause? Any insight you can give me would be most appreciated. Sorry about the length of the post.
Im on 75mg and I just found out im pregnant next month my doctor wants me taking 100mg im on it cause I have fibromyalgia should I stop taking it?
I would like to know if Elavil can cause kidney to be deformed,an have hearing loss as well heart defects??????????? Anyone that can help me with these questions, I would apreciate it
How is your baby after being on Elavil while pregnant? What dose were you on? I am going through IVF and am on Elavil and not sure I can get off of it. Please help me with any information that you may have.
My OBGYN said it is a Category C and the FDA shows it as a C. Where did you find it to be a Category D? My doctor told me to go ahead an stay on Elavil. Still scared but I am 40 and have no kids and would love a baby.
NO Elavil has NOTHING To do with Down Syndrome or a Trisome of any kind. It's a genetic issue that causes these problems. (my son has down syndrome, I'm 22 yrs old. )
You need to speak to your doctor about this if you haven't already. For example, Some doctors say that narcotics are bad during pregnancy. Well.... I was on Vicoden for the last 5 months of my pregnancy due to migraines and leg pain. I had 3 OBGYN's, including 2 high risk obgyns from Loma Linda University Childrens Hospital tell me it was OK.
I took it for migraines. It's a class C medicine which means in ANIMALS it caused birth defects. The lower the dose the lower the risk. I was on 50 mg. and lowered myself off it when I suspected I was pregnant.... lotta good that did me. (TJ had 3 holes in his heart...and Down Syndrome. lol)
Not that I regret having him at all, he's my miracle baby. I suspect you'll be ok and so will your baby. they'll probably schedule you for a Fetal Echo, which will check all the chambers of the heart as well as the valves.
my prayers are with you and if you need any advice, please message me.
You need to speak to your doctor about this if you haven't already. For example, Some doctors say that narcotics are bad during pregnancy. Well.... I was on Vicoden for the last 5 months of my pregnancy due to migraines and leg pain. I had 3 OBGYN's, including 2 high risk obgyns from Loma Linda University Childrens Hospital tell me it was OK.
I took it for migraines. It's a class C medicine which means in ANIMALS it caused birth defects. The lower the dose the lower the risk. I was on 50 mg. and lowered myself off it when I suspected I was pregnant.... lotta good that did me. (TJ had 3 holes in his heart...and Down Syndrome. lol)
Not that I regret having him at all, he's my miracle baby. I suspect you'll be ok and so will your baby. they'll probably schedule you for a Fetal Echo, which will check all the chambers of the heart as well as the valves.
my prayers are with you and if you need any advice, please message me.
There is always a risk when taking medications that the fetus can be harmed. Most dr s suggest that the woman come off the drugs until after birth, but if necessary she stays on them if it will harm the woman from being off the drugs.
Most likely it is genetic, elavil will not cause down syndrome . And if you want to come off the drug you may want to really talk to your dr about it bcuz the baby has been getting the drug and you dont want any adverse reactions or withdrawl symptoms for the baby. There is not a lot of studies to say for a FACT elavil will do this and that, but there are some cases where women had some birth defects.
Again, there are always risk you take when ever you take a medication while being pregnant, some drugs just may have a higher chance of affecting the baby.
Elavil is a tricyclic, class D drug that is really not recommened during pregnancy
Most likely it is genetic, elavil will not cause down syndrome . And if you want to come off the drug you may want to really talk to your dr about it bcuz the baby has been getting the drug and you dont want any adverse reactions or withdrawl symptoms for the baby. There is not a lot of studies to say for a FACT elavil will do this and that, but there are some cases where women had some birth defects.
Again, there are always risk you take when ever you take a medication while being pregnant, some drugs just may have a higher chance of affecting the baby.
Elavil is a tricyclic, class D drug that is really not recommened during pregnancy
I would like to know more about the above question. I have been on Elavil 20 mg for over 10 years and want to get pregnant but I am scared of what Elavil could do to a fetus. Any information on this subject would be great.
Have an Answer?
You are reading content posted in the Pregnancy Community
Get information and tips on how to help you choose the right place to deliver your baby.
Get the facts on how twins and multiples are formed and your chance of carrying more than one baby at a time.
Learn about the risks and benefits of circumcision.
What to expect during the first hours after delivery.
Learn about early screening and test options for your pregnancy.
Learn about testing and treatment for GBS bacterium.
