Bipolar Disorder Support Group
Bipolar disorder is not just a single disorder, but a category of mood disorders marked by periods of abnormally high energy and euphoria, often accompanied by bouts of clinical depression. This is the place to talk about your experience with bipolar disorder, learn from others' experiences, and find support.
I took a test this morning and discovered that I'm pregnant. During my last pregnancies I was diagnosed with depression and stayed on Zoloft. This time I'm on 1250 mg of Depakote and just started taking Abilify (I'm only on 5 mg right now). I'm worried that the meds may have caused damage since I wasn't trying to get pregnant and don't know how far along I am. I also am worried about both staying on any medication because I don't want to harm the baby and going off it and having an uncontrolled episode. My boyfriend already told me this morning that he doesn't want me to be on any meds at all. I don't even know if there are any options for bipolar medication when you're pregnant.
I have all these thoughts floating around in my head this morning. I'm so worried and stressed out. This wasn't planned and I feel totally unprepared and don't know what to expect. I guess this is just a needing reassurance kind of post more than anything else. My boyfriend has asked me not to tell anyone until I go to the doctor and we know "for sure" (although I was sure before I even took the darn test, lol). I need to tell someone and get some of the worry off my chest, and this board is so supportive I thought I'd turn to you guys. Thanks for listening!
Crystal
I have all these thoughts floating around in my head this morning. I'm so worried and stressed out. This wasn't planned and I feel totally unprepared and don't know what to expect. I guess this is just a needing reassurance kind of post more than anything else. My boyfriend has asked me not to tell anyone until I go to the doctor and we know "for sure" (although I was sure before I even took the darn test, lol). I need to tell someone and get some of the worry off my chest, and this board is so supportive I thought I'd turn to you guys. Thanks for listening!
Crystal
((((((hugs))))))... I understand and hear your worries. I have bipolar and am also on depakote and know I would feel very much the same as you if I were to be pregnant at any given time. What has helped reassure me (for the future) is that I have a close family member/ friend who has bipolar and took depakote and took it through both of her (2) kids pregnancy, on the lowest dose possible and she also took more folic acid to help protect the fetus. I have read a little bit on depakote and pregnancy online and from what I understand, it seems to me that if it were me I would talk to my pdoc to see if the benefits outweigh the risks, what the lowest possible dose could be and what would make it safer, like folic acid. But I would also be concerned about safety so would wonder if there was another drug maybe that I would be able to try, because I know depakote is known to have effects in pregnancy, but I would want to know all my options I guess. I wish you all the best. Hugs....
i mon depakote and before i left the hospital the psychiatrist explained to me that i had to be carefulo about preventing pregnancy wen i become sexually active necause depakote is a strong med. i take folic acid too...tlk to ur doctor and see if u can get off meds and be in control or be on one not so strong
goodluck
hugss
((hugs)) Crystal
Everything i've been told nothing is guarenteed safe for pg, just some may have fewer risks. I would go see your doctor asap and start weaning yourself off the depakote if you don't feel you can stop it cold. I was told depakote wasn't even safe for breastfeeding. :/
Good luck. I hope things go well.
Skye
(((HUGS)))