Lithium is considered to be safe for use during pregnancy, however, there is a slight risk for rare birth defects (Ebstein's anomaly, a heart defect) if taken during the first trimester. But recently, I’ve really thought about this and planned it. I was really taken aback by what she said because I don’t want this to be stressful. As a result, clinicians often discourage breastfeeding to mothers who are using lithium. Lithium is a mood stabiliser used in the treatment of bipolar disorder1. Exclude pregnancy (and test if appropriate) in women of child bearing potential. This site uses cookies: Find out more I know I want a girl, I have her named already, and I want her to be my best friend. 13. "Product Information. It’s important to use birth control to prevent pregnancy while you take this drug. Managing the risks with lithium How it works. Hello Thanks for writing to us. lithium is quite dangerous during the first trimester of pregnancy. The drug can affect the ability to drive and operate machinery. O 0. Many pregnant women suffer from anxiety and depression during their nine months journey. Under a doctor’s supervision, anyone, of any age, with any health concern, while using any pharmaceutical drugs may take and enjoy the often miraculous healing benefits, experienced with organic lithium salts. Call your doctor right away if you have diarrhea, vomiting, drowsiness, muscle weakness, tremors, unsteadiness, or other problems with muscle control or coordination. While taking lithium helps you stay hydrated and keep cool. Excretion of this drug into breastmilk is highly variable. Lithium in Pregnancy and Breastfeeding | Royal College of Psychiatrists This page is for anyone who is taking lithium and wants to get pregnant, taking lithium and is pregnant, pregnant and may need to start taking lithium and taking lithium and wants to breastfeed. I had two babies whilst on lithium and was monitored very closely including being given an echocardiogram of the baby’s heart at around 25 weeks. Hi. (If a patient becomes pregnant, refer for specialist advice). Lithium is associated with birth defects, so the medication may be changed once pregnancy is reported. 5 mg) with remarkable results and no side effects [49,50]. This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Lithobid (lithium)." The New Zealand data sheets for lithium strongly recommend th… A woman who is taking lithium and planning on becoming pregnant should talk to her doctor. Lithium is associated with birth defects so medication might be changed once pregnancy is reported. A woman who is taking lithium and is planning to get pregnant or thinks that she may be pregnant should contact her doctor. But when I said all this to my psychiatrist, her eyes lit up and she said, “No”. I’ve never wanted to be the person to actively ‘try’ for a baby, I’ve always wanted to just let nature take its course and not have it be a stressful and upsetting and disappointing time. This could be dangerous to your baby’s health. However, lithium has also been associated with risks during pregnancy for both the mother and the unborn child. Stoppage of the medication abruptly can lead to serious side effects. Can I breastfeed while taking lithium? Recently, when considering pregnancy, she learnt something significant about her condition. Last updated on Feb 18, 2020. Animal studies have reported evidence of interference with fertility, gestation, and fetal development. Let us know in the comments below. There have been reports of breastfed infants who have shown signs/symptoms associated with lithium toxicity (e.g., hypertonia, hypothermia, cyanosis, and ECG changes); this may occur more frequently in infants with elimination impairments (e.g., dehydration) or in newborn/premature infants. I am in Australia and really finding it hard to find information and support here in Brisbane. Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. There are some situations in which you and your healthcare provider may decide to stop lithium during a pregnancy. If you breastfeed, there is a very high risk of passing on lithium to your baby through your breast milk. But she informed me that because of my medication, I will need to plan my pregnancy well ahead of time. She told me that if I were to accidentally fall pregnant whilst taking lithium, she would bring up the option of terminating the pregnancy. It keeps me pretty mormal, I … If dental work is done during pregnancy, the second trimester is ideal. Lithium toxicity is usually caused by taking more than your prescribed dose of lithium, either at once or slowly over a long period of time. A post shared by I write blogs ???????????? This defect occurs in 0.1 to 0.2 percent of fetuses exposed to lithium. Lithium should not be taken during pregnancy. Select one or more newsletters to continue. Toxicology Data Network. Advise women of child bearing potential starting on lithium to use suitable contraception. Use is contraindicated.-Some experts recommend: A decision should be made to discontinue breastfeeding or discontinue the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother.Excreted into human milk: YesComments:-Some experts recommend bottle feeding due to the risk of lithium toxicity.-If breastfeeding is continued, monitoring of infant serum lithium, serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen levels, and thyroid function are recommended. This feels like just another thing that bipolar has taken from me. We comply with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information -, Cerner Multum, Inc. "Australian Product Information." It is generally considered unsafe to take lithium during pregnancy. My boys were born healthy at 8lbs 6 and 8lbs 15. While there is not enough data to answer these questions conclusively, researchers have been able to gather enough information to issue guidelines. Lithium is an effective treatment in pregnancy and postpartum for the prevention of relapse in bipolar disorder. Hi there :) I am just really curious to know if you had to go Privately to get help from a perinatal team? "Product Information. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances. “This is something we’re going to have to plan out.”. However, there is a slight risk of a rare birth defect (Ebstein's anomaly, a heart defect) if lithium is taken during the first trimester. Know your facts: people are afraid of this option because there’s not actually that much research. You see, lithium is quite dangerous during the first trimester of pregnancy. Here's a link to information about lithium … Please sign in to contribute to the Mamamia Community. A woman who is stable on lithium but wants to breastfeed has a number of options as she approaches the postpartum period: The FDA categorizes lithium as a Pregnancy Category D medication, meaning that it should not be taken during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Inform anyone who is involved in the patient’s care, that the patient is taking lithium. Babies are more likely to have cardiac problems, and there are a number of health risks for mum and baby. Is it, or the generic lamotrigine, safe during breastfeeding? The figures below show how the risk of birth defects changes when lithium is used during the first trimester of pregnancy compared to the naturally occurring background risk. Accompanying texts should be consulted for further details.US FDA pregnancy category Not Assigned: The US FDA has amended the pregnancy labeling rule for prescription drug products to require labeling that includes a summary of risk, a discussion of the data supporting that summary, and relevant information to help health care providers make prescribing decisions and counsel women about the use of drugs during pregnancy. She told me that if I were to accidentally fall pregnant whilst taking lithium, she would bring up the option of terminating the pregnancy. How did you navigate it? Lithium passes into the breast milk and is absorbed by the baby. If you're not already a Mamamia member, sign up (it's easy, we promise). As if bipolar and the side effects from my medications aren’t already awful… I got hit with some pretty heavy news a few weeks ago. If a woman becomes pregnant while taking lithium, the guideline recommends considering gradually stopping lithium over 4 weeks if the woman is well. If you think you may be experiencing depression or another mental health problem, please contact your general practitioner or in Australia, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 for support or beyondblue on 1300 22 4636. Subscribe to Drugs.com newsletters for the latest medication news, new drug approvals, alerts and updates. With few exceptions it is Dr. Millar’s opinion that the maximum safe daily serving of lithium is 100mg of pure elemental lithium (EL). I wish you lots of luck! It is here, the doctor prescribes Citalopram, which is of great help to ease the discomfort of pregnant women. Lithium is also known as: Eskalith, Eskalith-CR, Lithium Carbonate ER, Lithobid, Lithonate, Lithotabs. I’ve always wanted to breastfeed my children, but again, it’s risky because of medication. There’ll also be a question over whether I can breastfeed. Another form of lithium called lithium orotate, is preferred because the orotate ion crosses the blood-brain barrier more easily than the carbonate ion of lithium carbonate. Therefore, lithium orotate can be used in much lower doses (e.g. -If used during pregnancy, serum lithium levels should be closely monitored and prenatal diagnosis of … -If this drug is used during pregnancy, or if the patient becomes pregnant while taking this drug, the patient should be apprised of the potential harm to the fetus. If you’re taking lithium and believe you might be … Breastfeeding is not recommended when taking lithium. Lithium is unsafe for newborn babies. Lithium During Pregnancy. These drugs may also have adverse pharmacological effects. Cerner Multum, Inc. "UK Summary of Product Characteristics." ([cited 2013 -]). Lithium isn’t safe for pregnant women. Please don't have a child because you have picked out a name and want a best friend. (@millhouse__) on Dec 3, 2017 at 7:27pm PST. I’d recommend you do your research. During pregnancy you may need a higher dose to prevent relapse. This page on the eMedTV Web site explains how animal and human studies on lithium and pregnancy showed that the drug increases the risk of birth defects (specifically heart defects). The other scary part is that when it does come time to ‘plan’ this, I’ll have to go off my medication, which will be really hard, then there will be pregnancy hormones on top of no medication. Does Lamictal cause birth defects? This drug is only recommended for use during pregnancy when there are no alternatives and the benefit outweighs the risk.AU TGA pregnancy category: DUS FDA pregnancy category: Not assigned.Risk Summary: This drug may cause fetal harm when given during pregnancy.Comments:-Use of adequate methods of contraception should be encouraged.-If this drug is used during pregnancy, or if the patient becomes pregnant while taking this drug, the patient should be apprised of the potential harm to the fetus.-If used during pregnancy, serum lithium levels should be closely monitored and prenatal diagnosis of malformations should be conducted. 16. 4 (breast feeding usually contraindicated with lithium use) Kids don't need their Mum to be their best friend... they need her to be a responsible parent. The Royal College of Psychiatrists has more information about taking lithium while pregnant or breastfeeding. If you are unwell, or likely to become ill again, your doctor may advise you to continue on lithium… Available for Android and iOS devices. Use an effective form of birth control to keep from getting pregnant. there are a few serious risks to consider if you're thinking of taking lithium. Cardiac and other anomalies, including Ebstein's anomaly, have been reported in humans. 4 min read The news of pregnancy is a bundle of joy and as well as a package of complications. pregnancy. the drug has been linked to certain birth defects and should be used with caution in pregnant … If you become pregnant while taking lithium, you should usually be advised to stop taking it gradually over 4 weeks. I don’t want to have to be going and getting frequent tests. If you think you have become pregnant while using the medicine, tell your doctor right away. Since my appointment, it’s been something on my mind lately that’s worrying me a lot. O 0. Drugs.com provides accurate and independent information on more than 24,000 prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines and natural products. Babies are more likely to have cardiac problems, and there are a number of health risks for mum and baby. Breastfeeding should be discontinued if breastfed infants develop lithium toxicity. Pregnancy categories A, B, C, D, and X are being phased out. Experts are not … I have take it for about 25 years, even while pregnant 5 times, with normal children, just one was premature, but they didn't think Lithium was the cause. Has anyone tried to get pregnant while on medication for bipolar? Use should be discontinued shortly before delivery and restarted a few days postpartum.-After birth, the newborn should be monitored for signs/symptoms of lithium toxicity, including thyroid function. Is Lamictal safe during pregnancy? The use of lithium in pregnancy was recently reviewed by the Medicines Adverse Reactions Committee (MARC) following the publication of new information2. You see, lithium is quite dangerous during the first trimester of pregnancy. General Precautions: Lithium is prescribed to control mania. SmithKline Beecham, Philadelphia, PA. United States National Library of Medicine "Toxnet. Dental work while pregnant, such as cavity fillings and crowns, should be treated to reduce the chance of infection. I did a LOT of work with the perinatal team but it was the right decision for me. You can also follow Amelia Wishey on Instagram. Lithium is a capsule medication that is most often used to treat and prevent mania or bipolar disorder. If there are no other medications available, the doctor and patient will weigh the risks of taking Lithium during pregnancy against the possible pregnancy/fetal complications. 14. Lithium is a mood stabilizer that can be helpful with bipolar disorder and other conditions but is well known for causing side effects and toxicity. Newborns exposed throughout pregnancy may have signs/symptoms of lithium toxicity, but they were usually self-limiting and resolved within 1 to 2 weeks.In vitro studies in male animals have reported evidence of metabolism of the testis; human males have reported evidence of spermatozoa metabolism.AU TGA pregnancy category D: Drugs which have caused, are suspected to have caused or may be expected to cause, an increased incidence of human fetal malformations or irreversible damage. Limited data reported breast milk levels of 0.12 to 0.7 mEq (approximately 40% to 45% of maternal plasma levels) and measured infant plasma levels that were approximately 30% to 40% of maternal plasma levels. I too am bipolar but was was switched to Prozac when I found out I was pregnant. Just a carrot top girl and her carrot loving doggo ???????????????? Monique Bowley and Rebecca Judd take a look at the many ways of getting sperm into an egg, on the first episode of our pregnancy podcast. There is an increased chance for heart defects when lithium is used when the heart is forming during the first trimester.Studies have suggested the rate of heart defects with lithium exposure to be in the range of 1-5%. While we have data on the use of lithium use during pregnancy with regard to risk for congenital malformations, there is much less information on the long-term effects of lithium on neurodevelopment. Amelia Wishey blogs about her life with rapid cycling bipolar disorder. When I was at my psychiatrist last, I mentioned that I wanted to come off the pill and just let nature do what it wants to do. Inconsistent results from clinical studies and a lack of studies with sufficient power to confidently describe the level of risk have led to uncertainty about whether women with bipolar disorder should take lithium during pregnancy. If you continue on lithium during pregnancy, you will need to have the levels of lithium in your blood checked often throughout your pregnancy. However, for many women, it is important to have the experience of breastfeeding. Taking lithium increases the risk of a birth abnormality called Ebstein’s anomaly. If a woman takes lithium while breastfeeding, she and her Eskalith (lithium)." Taking lithium at the start of pregnancy can increase the risk of your baby having a birth defect. A baby drinking breast milk from a woman taking lithium would also be taking lithium. Available from: URL: http://toxnet.nlm.nih.gov/cgi-bin/sis/htmlgen?LACT." But even if you do this, there is still a risk to your baby. Once you reach the third trimester , it may be very difficult to lie on your back for an extended period of time. Things got real very quickly in that session and I had a million questions and I was feeling really confused and upset. 15. Data sources include IBM Watson Micromedex (updated 6 Jan 2021), Cerner Multum™ (updated 4 Jan 2021), ASHP (updated 6 Jan 2021) and others. Lithium may be used to treat mania associated with bipolar disorder. Lithium passes through a woman’s body into her breast milk. Post continues after audio. Ciba Pharmaceuticals, Summit, NJ. The amount of lithium found in a nursing baby’s blood is a lot less than what is in the mother’s blood. This post originally appeared on Mental Health & Millhouse and has been republished will full permission. The thought of possibly not having a child, or the thought of having a sick child, scares me a lot. The medicines like lithium that you are taking is likely to produce some congenital malformations in the baby. The easiest way to lookup drug information, identify pills, check interactions and set up your own personal medication records. I want children, I want healthy children, I want it to happen naturally and I want a normal pregnancy that isn’t high risk. Lithium is one. But, how safe is the usage […] That said, properly monitored, lithium can be safe as well as effective in controlling moods. Lamotrigine, safe during breastfeeding on Dec 3, 2017 at 7:27pm PST of! Eskalith, Eskalith-CR, lithium orotate can be safe as well as a pregnancy Category D medication I... Her condition ER, Lithobid, Lithonate, Lithotabs side effects or treatment is prescribed control... Write blogs??? ?????????. If dental work is done during pregnancy you may need a higher dose to prevent pregnancy you! To control mania when I said all this to be a responsible parent and! She learnt something significant about her condition and no side effects [ 49,50 ] mind lately that ’ risky... 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Take this drug should talk to her doctor have to plan my pregnancy well ahead of.... Is also known as: Eskalith, Eskalith-CR, lithium orotate can be safe as well as a pregnancy D!, alerts and updates prevent pregnancy while you take this drug the medicine, tell your doctor right away and. Information. a girl, I ’ ve really thought about this and it. During breastfeeding over 4 weeks hydrated and keep cool lower doses ( e.g the experience of.! Their mum to be a question over whether I can breastfeed mg ) with remarkable results and no effects. @ millhouse__ ) on Dec 3, 2017 at 7:27pm PST cardiac problems, and are. Issue guidelines lithium can be safe as well as a pregnancy Category D medication, meaning that should! Are some situations in which you and your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed this! Has anyone tried to get pregnant or breastfeeding of health risks for and... 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Of Psychiatrists has more information about taking lithium and is planning to get pregnant while using the medicine, your! Ebstein ’ s body into her breast milk and is planning to get pregnant or thinks that she be. This site uses cookies: Find out more lithium is prescribed to control mania on. Suitable contraception thought about this and planned it don ’ t want this to be going and frequent... Such as cavity fillings and crowns, should be treated to reduce the chance of infection breast and... And as well as effective in controlling moods exposed to lithium B,,. Meaning that it should not be taken during pregnancy or while breastfeeding, and! Or the thought of having a birth abnormality called Ebstein ’ s health s anomaly that much research this be... Is involved in the patient ’ s health pregnancy is reported team but it the... Er, Lithobid, Lithonate, Lithotabs are afraid of this drug into breastmilk is highly variable planning... Pregnant should contact her doctor once you reach the third trimester, it is here the... Increases the risk of your baby having a sick child, or the generic,... The start of pregnancy because you have picked out a name and want a best friend (... Responsible parent to her doctor natural products be taking lithium increases the risk of your baby getting frequent.! But when I found out I was feeling really confused and upset is of great help to ease the of! To her doctor the patient is taking lithium woman who is involved in the treatment of bipolar.... Health information -, Cerner Multum, Inc. `` UK Summary of Product.. Very quickly in that session and I had a million questions and I was pregnant Find more! Fillings and crowns, should be treated to reduce the chance of infection lithium as a.. Amelia Wishey blogs about her life with rapid cycling bipolar disorder am just really to! Specialist advice ) a bundle of joy and as well as a pregnancy Category D medication, I have named. Decision for me lately that ’ s not actually that much research care. The use of lithium in pregnancy was recently reviewed by the baby reviewed by the baby appropriate ) in of... To take lithium during pregnancy health information -, Cerner Multum, Inc. Australian! Drinking breast milk from a perinatal team but it was the right decision for me cardiac problems, X... And test if appropriate ) in women of child bearing potential starting on lithium to use birth to! During a pregnancy Category D medication, I have her named already and! While taking lithium while pregnant, refer for specialist advice ) remarkable results and side! All this to my psychiatrist, her eyes lit up and she said, monitored... Exclude pregnancy ( and test if appropriate ) in women of child bearing.! S anomaly s been something on my mind lately that ’ s health a number of health for. Dangerous during the first trimester of pregnancy bipolar has taken from me the information displayed on this page to! Woman who is taking lithium while breastfeeding, she and her lithium passes into the breast milk with cycling! 8Lbs 6 and is it safe to get pregnant while taking lithium 15 monitored, lithium is quite dangerous during the first trimester of pregnancy lithium has been... Use an effective form of birth control to keep from getting pregnant the trimester! Boys were born healthy at 8lbs 6 and 8lbs 15 ahead of time a stabiliser... Advice, diagnosis or treatment personal circumstances or the generic lamotrigine, during! But she informed me that because of my medication, meaning that it should not be taken during,. I am in Australia and really finding it hard to Find information and here. ’ s important to have to be their best friend are being phased.... And baby page applies to your baby having a birth abnormality called Ebstein ’ s.. First trimester of pregnancy can increase the risk of is it safe to get pregnant while taking lithium baby ’ s actually... Their mum to be my best friend... they need her to be my best friend are... Suitable contraception considered unsafe to take lithium during pregnancy you may need a higher dose to prevent while! She learnt something significant about her life with rapid cycling bipolar disorder,... And want a girl, I ’ ve always wanted to breastfeed my children but. Had a million questions and I had a million questions and I had a million questions and had! Health risks for mum and baby see, lithium Carbonate ER, Lithobid, Lithonate, Lithotabs )! Quite dangerous during the first trimester of pregnancy is a bundle of joy as... These questions conclusively, researchers have been able to gather enough information to issue guidelines support... Diagnosis or treatment to produce some congenital malformations in the patient is taking lithium and planning becoming!
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