Tapering off meds for conception and pregnancy - any stories or advice? - Bipolar Disorder Message Board

gav_73 · 07-30-2007, 11:28 PM

Hi all,

Well, it's been awhile. So busy I can't begin to explain. Anyway, it's finally here - baby time - and we are preparing to conceive a child in September. I've been on Lamictal for mood suppression (BP II) and Seroquel for sleep. However, these drugs are not recommended for pregnant women, at least, not until more research is done, and especially not in the first trimester. I am in between insurance companies right now and have an appt. with a new pdoc and OBGYN specializing in high-risk pregnancies in early September. In the meantime, however, I am going to have to slowly ween myself off the Lamictal without help. I am only decreasing my dosage 25 mg a week for approximately 6 weeks until I'm totally off. I figure that may ease the transition into my new unmedicated exisitance. Has anyone gone through a similar experience and have advice to share about how they were able to get through their pregnancy med-free? I am a bit worried, particularly since I have a history of post-partum depression and have had such a good experience with Lamictal that I hate to give it up.

Anyway, any help would be greatly appreciated.

jendg28 · 07-31-2007, 09:15 AM

That's a very good question. I was wondering how I would be able to handle that situation when the time came. Good luck.

goody2shuz · 07-31-2007, 12:47 PM

Hi, Gav

Glad to see you back and in time to share in this event in your life. I wish I could give you some advice but I am going to be following this thread closely since Erin is on the same meds and has even posed the question of what will happen when she wants to have a baby (which is sure to be many years from now

) I did run this past a Nurse Practitioner who looked the meds up and seemed to think that they were in the low classification of causing harm to the fetus....but we didn't get into it very much since Erin is still quite young. But I recall picking these two meds because of their great side effect profile as well as being able to be used during pregnancy.

If you have experienced postpartum depression in the past it would be wise to be followed closely by a good ob/gyn and pdoc who will work as a team to see you and your baby safely through the pregnancy. They say that depression truly affects the fetus as much if not more than the meds so they will have to weigh the risks very carefully.

Sounds like the tapering is good....I heard that you should taper down the same exact way you tapered up for the best results. If you have any questions I would think that your old pdoc could help you along with a simple phone call explaining your problem with the insurance.

I wish you the best of luck....I truly will keep you and your family to be in my prayers....and will follow your posts to see how things are going.

Love ~ Goody