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Bipolar Disorder/bi-polar and pregnancy

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Expert: Joyce A. Anthony - 8/18/2006


Question
My question is I am 23 years old I have been on medication for bipolar since I wass 14 years old. I just found out that I am almost two months pregnant.  Are there any safe medications I can take during my pregnancy? I know I shouldn't have but I stopped taking my medication just to be safe.  I feel though I need to take something before I lose my mind and my family. Please if you can help.

                    Thank you,
                     Natasha

Answer
Natasha:  I am afraid this question is best answered by your doctor.  Most often, bipolar medications are stopped during pregnancy, but there are certain circumstances--such as a person not being able to function safely--when it is necessary to keep taking your medication.  In any case, it is not advisable to stop without discussing this with both a medical doctor and your psychiatrist.  

I wish I could be more helpful, but medication is so individualized that, without knowledge of your complete history and the medications you are, this is a question that can only be answered safely by your doctor.

                          Joyce A. Anthony

Bipolar Disorder

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Joyce A. Anthony

Expertise

I can answer questions dealing with bipolar disorder in a parent, yourself or your child. I can give suggestions and insight into what can be expected of many medications for bipolar disorder. My most extensive knowledge is in children with bipolar disorder. Here I can give advice on dealing with daily events, schools, medication and professionals.

Experience

I am the daughter of a bipolar/schizophrenic parent, am bipolar myself and am raising a bipolar child. I have a background in Psychology from Gannon University, have run several parenting classes for those parenting bipolar children and have had extensive experience with medications, the school system, homeschooling a special needs child, dealing with counselors, doctors and other professionals in the mental health field. I write for a bipolar website, with the focus on educating the child with bipolar disorder on his/her illness.

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