thread: looking to concieve,on medication,M.E,migraines and depression..any suggestions?

  1. #1
    Registered User

    Nov 2009
    3

    looking to concieve,on medication,M.E,migraines and depression..any suggestions?

    Hi there, myself and partner really want to have a baby, I am on medications and am disabled .
    I am on sumpitriptan for my nasty migraines and fluoxotine for my depression and anxiety,i also have Chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromialgia.

    I dont hve the best doctor ,and wonder if some ladies here could possible ahre any relative stories or help?

    What I would like help with is, does anyone know any alternatives to the drugs that i am on which would be safer to use during pregnancy? as both drugs rate at a level C on the problamatic scale.

    When i am not on my medication i suffer greatly from anxiety and panic and depression attacks,so any help would be wonderful,any stories of women whos depression got better during pregnancy? and also migraines ??? and cfs .

    thanks alot, im new as you can probably guess,and hope ive posted in the correct area.

    fairytale

    xoxo

  2. #2
    Registered User

    Oct 2008
    1,572

    Hi fairytale

    Welcome to BB and congratulations on trying for a baby. I can help out with the depression and anxiety meds questions but probably not with the others. I was on meds when I conceived both my girls and had no problems, and both my girls are fine. However the meds I was on were cipramil and now effexor RX. Both are very safe for pregnancy and a couple of the better ones for pregnancy I've been told by my Dr's. Feel free to ask more questions if you like.

    I found it very important, particularly when conceiving my first DD to have a really really good dr who supported my DH and I and would see us through to the end of the pregnancy, even with the A&D. Ask around on here for the best drs in your area. If you are in SA I can help you out With my first pregnancy I had the support of my GP, psychiatrist and my ob, and they worked together to keep an eye on me, and in my second, I was referred though the hospital system to the mental health team. There are lots of options out there, you just need to ask.

    One of my friends has fibromialgia and she has had no problems falling pregnant and having her little boy. I'm not sure what she takes but I do know it didn't affect her pregnancy.

    I'm sure more ladies will be on to help you out. Good luck.

  3. #3
    2013 BellyBelly RAK Recipient.

    Apr 2009
    3,750

    Welcome fairytale and good luck with your ttc journey.
    Firstly I would seriously consider seeing a Gyneacologist or your physchiatrist if you see one about your medication and weather you can change it or your dosage before trying to concieve (ttc) sounds like you need a new doctor if they are not willing to support you in making your body the best possible before conception.
    I am not familiar with those particular medications but I do know there are several anti-depressants available that are seen as safe to take during pregnancy. The greater risk from the safer anti-depressants is often in the last trimester and thats when you might be advised to reduce your dose before your baby is born and then you can gradually increase it again after the birth if neccessary. That is due to withdrawals from bub after birth not causing terotegenic affects (birth defects)
    There is every chance your condition will improve during pregnancy as many people who have long term depression, anxiety do find they feel much better during pregnancy however you need to be prepared for the possibility it could get worse (I would be surprised if it did) I would be looking for a good Dr that you can trust so if something unexpected does arise you feel comfortable telling him/her about it.
    Best of luck. I hope you find the help/support you need during your journey.

  4. #4
    Registered User

    Nov 2009
    3

    Thank you VERY much!! Everything you both said makes lots of sense and im so glad to hear there are AD's that are ok to take during pregnancy,so so glad,what a weight off my shoulders.
    My doctor is just very lazy, so I shall contact him regarding everything i have asked you ladies,and see what he says and get ready to find a more understanding doc in the meantime

    It makes me feel very good to know that most women feel better when prgnant than worse,regaridng M.E and depression,i guess the body goes into protective mode.

    What about pain relief? is it all a no no area? or are there ok pain reliefs to take at the same time?
    Ive heart ibuprofen and paracetamol are nono's ?

    xoxo

  5. #5
    2013 BellyBelly RAK Recipient.

    Apr 2009
    3,750

    Ibuprofen is a nono but panadol is safe to take. There are others out there you can take also especially if its only a once or twice a week thing incomparison to an several times a day thing.
    Yeah I think its a protection thing when your pregnant. Some people do feel worse but the majority of women find there symptoms inprove for at least some of their pregnancy.

  6. #6
    Registered User

    Oct 2007
    Middle Victoria
    8,924

    Hi

    I have a medical condition and have to take medication, and was worried about possible effects of medications on bub and pregnancy on my condition.

    My GP got me a referral to an obstetrician at one of the major hospitals in my state, who works with women who are, or wanting to get pregnant, and have medical conditions. My partner and i went in, and discussed all my meds and the options before i went off contraception. The hospital was great and i also had an appointment with an anaesthetist (sp), who looked into what options were available for birthing, if required (was an epidural ok etc...).

    I had also spoken to my neuro, and done my own research but wanted professional opinion from someone in the baby business.

    Monash Medical Centre also has a Drug Info Centre, as do most major women's hospitals who may be able to give you more info. If it is better to switch medications, it will be easier to do that before you get pregnant, so you can tell if symptoms are being affected by the med change - rather than possibly by the pregnancy.

    Some of my symptoms have really improved during pregnancy, and this happens with many conditions. It is hard to predict though what will improve and if some may increase during pregnancy, or at different stages of the pregnancy.

    You do want a good doctor that you can ask questions of, because pregnancy can make really wierd things happen to your body, and you will want to know what is 'normal' and what might need to be followed up.

    take care,

    Kate