[Me,Lately]

I'm sure I could just do a simple search on the internet to find medical answers to this question, but I'm interested to know what you all think on this subject.

First, I am not pregnant and do not expect to become pregnant anytime soon. However, I am a regularly anxious and nervous person, and worry more than I should about the future....which will hopefully involve starting a family some day. I am currently on Lexapro, Concerta, and was previously on Abilify but recently tapered off of it (I might have to go back on if my moods do not stop cycling so rapidly or sending me into a deep depression). I am also on a birth control pill.

The optimal situation would be for me to stop taking meds completely wayyy before I become pregnant so the baby wouldn't be at risk. I'm just so scared to be off of them for such a long period of time.... I have been on some sort of medicine for nearly 10 years, I don't want to become the person I was before I started taking them again. I want to be stable.

I am so angry at myself for getting this worked up over something that's a few years in the future. But I feel like it's just unfair that some people don't have to worry about choosing between a healthy baby and their own sanity and mental well-being.

I'm not sure what sort of responses I'm looking for.... Words of wisdom? Personal testimonies? People who can relate? Anything would help. Thanks.

[BlackPup]

my pdoc has chosen meds that reduce the risk to the baby but still work for me. I'm on abilify and allegron. I'm not pregnant but trying so hope to be soon.

[Moreta]

I'm trying to get pregnant, and with my pdoc's advice, he said to stay on the medication i'm on. I take Geodon, Lamictal, and Ambien. He said my sanity out weighs the risks during pregnancy. I'm a mess when I come off of meds. I get really psychotic and suicidal when I don't take my meds.

The only downside is that I'll have to quit my other medications, which really sucks, b/c I have chronic pain in my back. So no more pain pills.

[Fresia]

I don't know which meds are teratogenic (harm to the embryo/fetus) but there are some that are more or less than others. Some temporarily stop their meds during pregnancy and some chose to stay on their meds. However, some also do research to find ones that are less/not teratogenic (as they ratings by classes with the FDA in the States) and switch once they learn that they are pregnant or once they start trying, which are options as well. No matter which route, make sure there is a treatment plan in place with providers and friends/family for support. It is good you are thinking about what will and will not work for you! There are options and is just a matter of doing what fits your comfort level for your sanity and for the baby, when the time comes.

It is hard and frustrating that we have to make that choice between sanity and health of the baby with some of these meds, no doubt about that. However, there are options and support that can have in place to help.

[Me,Lately]

Thank you all so much for your responses! I will definitely do research, and try to settle down in my tendency to worry long before it is necessary.

This whole forum makes me feel not so alone...