- What Can I Do For Bipolar And Pregnancy?
QUESTION:
Dear Dr. Heller,
I was diagnosed with Bipolar depression about 6 months ago. I was put on Depakote for my depression. My doctor that I had, told me that I can not take my medicine if I intend to get pregnant. He said that it could have serious side effects on the baby. Me and my husband are trying to have another child so I stopped taking my medicine. My question is what is there to help Bipolar depression when your pregnant, and that is safe? I hope to hear from you soon.
Thank you for your time.
ANSWER:
If you really do have bipolar with true mania or hypomania you are caught with a significant problem since most medications carry a risk. Prozac is now considered acceptable in pregnancy. Medications like Depakote, Tegretol, Neurontin, or lithium have their potential problems. I’d recommend getting a number of opinions – particularly from a psychiatric psychopharmacologist (psychiatrists who are experts in the medications). I’d also make absolutely sure that you have bipolar, and not just depression. It will boil down to risks against the benefits. Being depressed or manic during pregnancy will likely affect your baby as well.
