Advise please...

[Murraymycat]

I just found out I am pregnant. I am taking 100mg of lamictal and 150mg of Wellbutrin XL. I stopped taking both of those meds two days ago when I found out and am wondering if that was the right decision. I feel like crap, and I know the medications can potentially harm the baby, but can abruptly stopping the medication hurt the baby? I really feel crappy and its only day two. The OBGYN says ask the psychiatrist, and the psychiatrist says ask the OBGYN. I was wondering if I should just continue taking them, stick it out and deal with the withdrawal, or is one of the two drugs I am on less of a risk than the other? This is a very difficult decision. I am on the meds for  PTSD from a trauma. Any advice would be appreciated.

[Anonymouse88]

If you stop the Lamictal for much longer (like a day or two, tops), you'll need to start from the beginning with a titration.  Lamictal is pregnancy category C, which means it might have had issues in rats/other lab animals, but there's no conclusive evidence in humans that it causes harm.  Therefore, it's up to the doctors and you to determine if the risk to your health and the baby's health would be greater from the Lamictal or from the mood dysregulation of being unmedicated.  Wellbutrin is also category C, but since you're on a low dose, it's a lot easier to start and stop.  Check the Lamictal info packet on missed dose info.  NAMI's website says you can miss up to 3 consecutive days without adjusting the dose.  It's not a good idea to stop anticonvulsants like Lamictal cold turkey unless you have something like a major rash.  I think it's safer to titrate down if you do end up having to stop it.

As untreated mental illness carries risks to a fetus, if Lamictal has been working well for you, I think it would be best to keep taking it until you can get your ob/gyn and psychiatrist to actually talk to one another.  You won't be able to take care of yourself and a fetus and later a baby if you destabilize now, so give yourself time to really think about the risks and benefits, especially since your doctors aren't going "OMG stop those meds now!".

[thatquietgirl]

If it can hurt you, then it can affect the baby insomuch as you experiencing stress can affect the baby.  What did either say as far as YOU getting off it?  Did they say you should have tapered off or that cold turkey was fine?  I would ask your psychiatrist if they have any experience with medication during pregnancy.  There are a few out there that can be used if it ends up necessary for you to take medication because you find no meds not to work for you over time.  I would strongly suggest being in therapy (if you aren't already) so that there is some sort of help and support for you.