Bipolar drugs and pregnancy

[Casablancagirl]

I was diagnosed with bipolar in 2004 and have been on various meds since. Am now on lithium and depokate (and thyroxine). I would like TTC. Does anyone know how they deal with this situation. Do I have to swap or stop these drugs? I realise I will have to consult my GP/Psychiatrist! Thanks

Things have probably changed since I had my children but the first time I became pregnant (miscarried) I was taking lithium and venlafaxine and told to stop them both pretty quickly. I'm pretty sure Depakote, which I've also taken but not during pregnancy, is contra-indicated in pregnancy which means its a definite no-no. You should check this out.

Obviously everyone's different but a lot of bipolar sufferers do keep pretty stable whilst pregnant. I was more stable than I'd been in years and didn't need a mood stabiliser at all although I did need an antidepressant so I took amitriptyline.

You need to talk to your doctor because only they will know what's best for you in terms of medication.

I was on lithium for a while and was told there was a slightly higher risk of heart defects if taken in the first trimester. I got off lithium before conceiving, but I was still on my AD. I did get off my AD in the end and was really well throughout pregnancy without any drugs.