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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by storm on June 8, 2001, at 22:35:05
I am currently taking lithium, neurontin, and prozac. I was wondering if these meds lose their effectiveness when stopping them for a period of time. I would like to have children but am wanting to know how I will be affected in taking the meds. thanks :)
Posted by SalArmy4me on June 8, 2001, at 22:46:23
In reply to stopping meds temporarily for pregnancy?, posted by storm on June 8, 2001, at 22:35:05
http://www.dr-bob.org/tips/split/Antidep-preg-lactation.html
Posted by Cam W. on June 8, 2001, at 23:13:52
In reply to Re: stopping meds temporarily for pregnancy? » storm, posted by SalArmy4me on June 8, 2001, at 22:46:23
Sal - That info should be updated. More recent info on mood stabilizers and pregnancy say that the risks of fetal malformations are not as common as once thought. Especially if care is taken to monitor levels and supplement with folic acid (esp. for VPA and carbamazepine).
Some researchers think that, especially near term, the risk of going without mood stabilizers is related to potentially worse outcomes for the babe, than taking the meds (eg. risk of mom having a bipolar episode and partaking in risks that may harm the fetus). Other researchers say that stopping the mood stabilizers for the first trimester may be judicious, but still others say that this is not necessary.
Any decision whether to stop meds for any length of time must be an informed choice of the potential parents, in consultation with their doc and perhaps a genetics consultant. It is a tough call and one not to be taken lightly. Remember, according to the kindling hypothesis, any bipolar episode one experiences makes the next episode come sooner and last longer. A person with bipolar disorder is more at risk of having an episode when they go off their medication than if they stay on it.
Food for thought - Cam
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