Expert: Ivan Goldberg, M.D. - 10/13/2006

Question
Hi, I have two children 6 and 3 and also have bipolar 1. My husband and i would love another baby, and are currently researching the effects of my medications on me whiole pregnant, but most importantly our new baby. I take Lovan, Zyprexa and Valpro. I have tried Lithium but developed a sensitivity to it any information would be great. Also i have heard that being pregnant can cause some women to become more stable?

Answer
Hi . . .

Women with bipolar disorder may have an easy time during pregnancy, but stopping antidepressants and mood stabilizing medications may be followed by a severe episode.

Valproate is not a good thing to take during the first three months of a pregnancy. I usually switch my pregnant patients from valproate to oxcarbazepine or lamotrigine. Fluoxetine seems to be relatively OK for the developing fetus.

The period of greatest risk for a mood episode is during the 6-months following delivery.