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Pregnancy

Talk about every stage of pregnancy, from early symptoms to preparing for birth.

Lithium and Pregnancy

2 replies

user1491956947 · 03/03/2019 03:20

Hi everyone. A couple days ago I stopped taking my lithium cold turkey for the time being because I think I have a good chance of ending up pregnant this cycle. I am not trying to conceive because I am in my senior year of college. I quit the lithium because I do not want to risk harming the baby if I end up pregnant. I plan on resuming the lithium once I know for sure I am not pregnant.
I woke up this morning and was feeling nauseous and feeling like I would throw up. I have felt nauseous through the whole day now (feels like motion sickness) and I am not sure if it is from lithium withdrawal or an early pregnancy sign. I have googled withdrawal symptoms from lithium and I cannot find anything on physical symptoms. I have also stopped this med before and did not have any symptoms other than brain zaps.
I would only be 8dpo so I am not even sure if it is possible to have any pregnancy symptoms. I was also having cramps yesterday and I thought I was just starting my period, but it did not come. I am not having any cramps today though.
I plan on making an appointment with my doctor if I end up pregnant. Until then, any and all advice or experience with coming off of meds would be appreciated.

OP posts:
Rtmhwales · 03/03/2019 04:40

You can experience nausea, severe vomiting, chest tightness, headaches, body tremors and shakes, and dizziness from lithium withdrawal. I'd consult with your GP immediately to let them know why you've come off lithium and that you've done it without tapering. You may be able to test for pregnancy now.

spreadingchestnuttree · 03/03/2019 05:09

Please see the doctor now - don't wait until you're pregnant. You shouldn't stop taking lithium without advice.

I'm sure you're aware that while there aren't physical withdrawal symptoms, you're risking your mental health.

The Mind website says: "if you come off lithium too quickly you are very likely to have a rebound manic or psychotic episode and become quite ill, so you need to be cautious, reduce gradually – over at least one month, and much longer if you have been taking it for years."

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