[Ellie80]

Im on 300 mg wellbutrin xl and 15 mg deplin. My husband and i want to start trying to get pregnant but my doctor wants me off my meds. Im worried about being able to function without being on my meds. Interested in hearing from anyone who went off meds for pregnancy and how that went. Thanks guys!

[shezbut]

Are there other, safer medications for you to take while planning pregnancy? What do you take the meds for? Depression? Does your doctor feel comfortable taking you off medications for a year or so? Have you talked with him/her about your concern that you may not be able to handle things okay?

Do you have other support systems in place? Do you exercise regularly for stress-relief? Attend any social support groups? Do you have supportive friends and/or family? Do you have any reason to expect complications in pregnancy or delivery? Have you and your hub been together long? Does he have a decent understanding of your illness?

Those are the main Q's that popped into my mind. I did stay on my medication, for epilepsy, throughout both of my pregnancies. Doctors watched me closely, and warned me of the possibility of cleft lip ~ that was the main complication in my case. Both turned out to be very healthy, thankfully! I did exercise a lot and found a MOMS Club, devoted to supporting other stay-at-home moms. That was a wonderful discovery of mine!! They are an international club. You may want to check them out sometime.

http://www.momsclub.org

I wish you and your hub the very best. Take care!

[LucyG]

I went off meds when I developed a receding hairline, and the anxiety got so bad, I was afraid to close my eyes. I have bipolar 2, and started using the amino acids GABA to control the hypomania, and DL-phenylalanine and 5-htp for depression. That was five and a half years ago, and have done remarkably well. My naturopath just put me on natural lithium [not lithium carbonate, the med] as well which has really helped me get feeling better.

There are books that will help you go off the meds, one I found helpful was Breaking Your Prescribed Addiction by Billie Sahley PhD., RN. Another helpful book I would recommend is What Your Doctor Isn't Telling You About Depression. I don't remember the name of the author, but I'm sure you can find it on Amazon.com.

I can honestly say that my bipolar has been 10 times more stable since getting off meds as the amino acids enable your brain to produce the neurotransmitters needed to regulate your brain chemistry rather than just keeping the old stuff in circulation forever. I also LOVE not being tied to a Pdoc, and waiting for her to return my call, changing meds, etc. Now, if my mood shifts, I take the amino acid or lithium depending on what's going on, and it's usually back to normal within 12 to 18 hours vs the 6 days it used to take.

[Ellie80]

I am familiar with amino acids....one naturopath said you cant take them when u r pregnant either

[whenwillitend]

I went off my meds with both pregnancies, but not until I actually was pregnant. From what I've heard, what we do in the first couple of weeks of pregnancy doesn't really affect baby. Look at how many women drink and smoke and all before finding out. And we find out so early nowadays that technically you're only two or three weeks pregnant (not counting the two weeks before implantation). If you don't feel safe being off your meds for who knows how long, talk to your doctor.

Btw, be prepared to find new meds after pregnancy, both times for me my meds didn't work anymore afterwards.