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Question re anti psychotics and pregnancy

5 replies

Questionapandpreg · 28/12/2021 20:11

First thing, I’m not pregnant nor planning to get pregnant in the future, I’m thinking more 4-6 years. I just like to thoroughly research everything.

Basically I’ve been on anti psychotics for the last 2.5 years. I’m on 18mg of haloperidol daily. My prolactin level is rising which is causing my periods to be off.

My psychiatrist is not the most attentive, I get like 5 minutes once every month or two, which is ridiculous really but nothing I can do about that.

Anyway back to my question. I understand anti psychotics and pregnancy aren’t the best thing, correct me if I’m wrong though. I have mild psychosis but it’s kind of difficult to treat, Im on my third anti psychotic. But the past 5 months no psychosis since I went on the 18mg.

I’d like to have kids in the next 4-6 years, hopefully. Obviously I plan to speak to my psychiatrist but not yet I don’t think, I think it’s a bit early. I’m just needing a little bit of experience.

Is there any advice surrounding pregnancy and anti psychotics.

I have irregular periods due to the higher prolactin levelsbecause of the haloperidol. My psychiatrist said to think about whether to start aripiprazole for that, as apparently that should lower it.

I personally think I have psychotic depression, I have severe depression and mild but firm psychosis. I feel so much better on anti psychotics but feel even better now I’m on duloxetine. I still have my moments but overall it’s looking up.

Anyhoo I’m going to stop rambling and hope someone has some experience.

OP posts:
Questionapandpreg · 29/12/2021 10:34

No one?

OP posts:
LemonSwan · 29/12/2021 11:11

Hia,

I previously had a psychotic episode a number of years ago, and am currently pregnant.

There are antipsychotics you can take in pregnancy. They were considering a preventative dose because of the risk of post-partum psychosis but we have decided to take the watch and wait approach.

I was on Ariprizole at one stage and personally I didnt like it; so if you are turning a corner and your meds feel like they are working I wouldnt change them now.

Theregoesmyhomebirth · 29/12/2021 11:35

Your local perinatal mental health team should offer advice when you're planning to conceive. Your psychiatrist can send them a letter/email to refer you for this (at least that's how it works in my trust). They would much rather see you before you conceive so you can discuss your options for meds.

Questionapandpreg · 29/12/2021 16:35

Yeah I don’t plan to come off my meds any time soon, I’m just wanting to get ideas in advance. I still need to do lots of things before I can start the process, I just wanted to get some advice, so thanks guys.

OP posts:
drawthelatch · 08/01/2022 21:56

The most important thing in your situation is to plan ahead. So when you decide you want a baby, firmly request a referral to the perinatal mental health team, and see them before you start trying to conceive. They will have a specialist psychiatrist and pharmacist who can explain to you the exact risks of haloperidol, and decide with you whether the best option is to stay on your meds, or change the dose before TTC, or switch to something else instead. And they will monitor you during pregnancy so you get access to a more responsive team if your mental health is wobbly.

For now, this website might help. As I understand it, antipsychotics in general are not definitively dangerous in pregnancy, but some are safer than others. Same with antidepressants.

www.medicinesinpregnancy.org/Medicine--pregnancy/Haloperidol/

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