Anyone bipolar &/or on Lithium?

[Scheherezadea]

I'm diagnosed Bipolar I, but have been stable for years on Lithium & Lamotrigine. Found out was (unplanned) pregnant at 8 weeks, so had to reduce the lithium & stop by 12 weeks, but that means I was taking the medication in the 'danger period' so damage to baby's heart may already be done.

Also having to come off meds cold turkey is a little worrying. Have been given a peri natal psych, CPN & midwife who specialises in MH, but I've not really met or know them, and I'm living in a strange town due to partners job.

Anyone else???

hi, i have bipolar type 2. i was only diagnosed a year ago and put on quetiapine. i think its going to take a while to get the meds right. i dont really know much about it, only that for me stress is a major factor. I am ONLY JUST starting to learn how to spot the signs of mania, and realising that the highs are as damaging to me and my kids as the lows. (i had stopped taking the meds as i 'wanted' the 'highs'.clearly my descision making process is totally fucked up flawed

Probably worth seeing if you can access support from 'mind' and see if there is a local bipolar self help/support group near you. not only will they be able to help you but you will meet people in a similar boat. I have only just emailed mind to ask for their help.

How are you feeling about your pregnancy? I have 2 children, both unplanned so i have some idea what you are going through with both the aspects you mentioned above.

The pregnancy is a little tough. I saw my psych yesterday who wants me to go back on the lithium, and also Quetiapine - how have you found the quetiapine? I've never tried it before.

hi, sorry to hear you are finding things tough,I hope that you are able to get the help and support you deserve so that things will be brighter soon.

i was put on quetiapine 50mg, the lowest possible dose, however three months in i had a very manic phase ending in the delusion that i was the love child of my father and my mums sister as i had found a very tenuous link, so i feel it was not helping at that dose for my condition.

I am very sensitive to the sedative affects of medication, which is why my psych chose queti for me. at the 50mg a day level i found it to be very draining and zombie like,It did help me to sleep better though. i do not feel i have given it a fair chance to work, so i dont think i can really give a good picture of my experience on it. those symptoms may have worn off over a bit more time.

phoned my psych today, all thanks to you! and seeing her tomorrow to get my treatment plan back on track instead of denying there is anything wrong and/or not wanting to change. Need to get my butt into gear and start dealing with all this shit!

Well done you for sorting your meds :)

I spoke to my psych today, she's going to put me on 100mg Quetiapine, starting on 50mg for the first 10 days.

It's a bit worrying you mention it sent you manic, I can't take anti-D's because of that reason. She's given me the option of going back on the lithium once I've had my 20 week scan.

Just fed up of feeling lousy :( although the sedative effect might nto help with the tiredness/low motivation.

Thanks for your reply
x