Quietapine before due date as precaution - Action on Postpar...

Action on Postpartum Psychosis

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Quietapine before due date as precaution

DoraDonig profile image
29 Replies

Hi all

I am due with my second on the 8th of March and my psychiatrist has just prescribed 50mg of quietapine for the next 2 weeks, increasing to 100mg after that, just as a precaution... Has anyone been medicated before they were due, even if they were well? She said it decreases a risk of a PPP episode significantly (i really struggled after my first).

Hope you are all well, i ll be grateful for ny feedback :)

Dorota

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DoraDonig profile image
DoraDonig
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29 Replies
Bluelady-sing profile image
Bluelady-sing

I am planning to have a baby been weaned of quetiapine to avoid risks to baby

DoraDonig profile image
DoraDonig in reply toBluelady-sing

Thanks so much for your message. The psychiatrist assured me that the risks are minimal (during pregnancy and breastfeeding) so I hope all will be well

Hazello profile image
HazelloVolunteer

Hi Dorota,

Welcome to the forum and congratulations on your pregnancy! I am afraid I have not had a second pregnancy since my episode of PP so can't comment on the medication however I think I recall being told that there is the option of medication at the end of any subsequent pregnancies, or straight after the delivery. I hope other women who have experience of this might be able to comment further. How are you feeling about taking medication?

Regards

Hazello

DoraDonig profile image
DoraDonig in reply toHazello

Thanks so much for responding. It's a really low dose so i dont mind and it's temporary. I used to sleep for 16 hours a day the last time I was on it so I really hope the low dose will help with that side effect.

Sarahmcgregor14 profile image
Sarahmcgregor14

Hi Dorota,

I've just spent time with my psychatrist planning my treatment. Our plan is for lithium throughout the whole pregnancy; I developed a bipolar variant after my son was born and its not worth stopping the lithium and risking mania or psychosis at any stage of the pregnancy or postpartum. She also mentioned a small dose of quetiapine in the early postpartum days would be useful if I'm not sleeping all that well.

The baby is most susceptible to psychotropic meds in the 1st trimester- in the third trimester risks are a lot lower (I have a degree in fetal physiology).

Keeping you well will help keep the baby well, but of course its natural to worry about these things!

Good luck with the last few weeks and the time to come.

Sarah

DoraDonig profile image
DoraDonig in reply toSarahmcgregor14

Hi Sarah

Thank you for responding!

That is very useful to know! This is exactly what the psychiatrist said (re: first trimester v last trimester).

And you're completely right-healthy and happy mum=happy baby.... The psychiatrist was really adamant that I have to put my needs and care as top priority...

Good luck :)

Dorota

BronSyd profile image
BronSyd

As far as I'm aware quietapine is relatively safe during pregnancy especially in the end stages. I chose not to take medication with my second and did a wait and see approach. I felt that during my first episode I responded very well and quite quickly to medication so was not worried. I knew that if I recognised symptoms that I would start medication. Which is what happened about 6 days post-partum with my second. I couldn't shut off my brain or sleep despite being exhausted. My Dr actually put me on a way too high dose (300mg quietapine) which knocked me out. I pushed for it to be reduced down to 25mg over about a week. Only took it for a few weeks till I knew that I was basically back to normal.

I'm about to have my 3rd child so will probably do the same wait and see approach but hopefully start on a much lower dose this time if I need it.

Good Luck.

boat1 profile image
boat1 in reply toBronSyd

If a severe episode is starting quetiapine may not be enough to stop it? Can't you take a lower dose on night of delivery that's what I did last time . This time may take lithium last few wks of preg. You know urself best but just a thought

DoraDonig profile image
DoraDonig

Thank you for responding!!! Very helpful to know that you were able to take control of your care and make decisions that you suited your needs!!! And congratulations on your 3rd baby:) hope all goes well for you

boat1 profile image
boat1

Previously I didn't and was ok but this time am going to start lithium in a few wks. The pernatal specialist is suggesting this. I am well at the moment on nothing. I was trying to find out if quetiapine or lithium better . It depends on exact diagnosis I guess and I'm v used to lithium. Will obv take quetiapine after to relax as well as lithium.

Lilybeth profile image
LilybethVolunteer

Hello Dorota and boat 1

I'm not sure if the bumps (best use of medicines in pregnancy) website might be helpful at medicinesinpregnancy.org.

Take care.

DoraDonig profile image
DoraDonig in reply toLilybeth

Thank you Lilybeth for sending this over. What a brilliant and comprehensive website!

Lilybeth profile image
LilybethVolunteer

Hello Dorota

I'm really pleased the bumps website is helpful and wish you all the best :) We are all here to lean on ......

Bluelady-sing profile image
Bluelady-sing in reply toLilybeth

Quietiapine is not on the list!

Hannah_at_APP profile image
Hannah_at_APPAdministrator in reply toBluelady-sing

Hi Pumpkins, this link should hopefully work and give you some info on this medication: choiceandmedication.org/der...

Jenny_at_APP profile image
Jenny_at_APPPartner in reply toBluelady-sing

Hi pumpkins,

I found quetiapine - medicinesinpregnancy.org/Me...

Hope all is well.

Lilybeth profile image
LilybethVolunteer

Hello Dorota

Not long now until your due date on the 8th :) I hope you are ok in this freezing weather !

Take care ..... thinking of you.

DoraDonig profile image
DoraDonig in reply toLilybeth

Thank you :) yes, we're safe and sound (despite car troubles on wednesday) and we're counting down :)

DoraDonig profile image
DoraDonig in reply toDoraDonig

Hi Lilybeth quick update... We re snowed in again and baby has absolutely zero interest in coming out... I m now 9 days overdue so going in to be induced tomorrow...hope all will go well :)

Jenny_at_APP profile image
Jenny_at_APPPartner in reply toDoraDonig

All the best for tomorrow! x

Lilybeth profile image
LilybethVolunteer

Hi DoraDonig

Lovely to hear from you. I hope all goes well tomorrow and will be thinking of you.

Take care in the snow :)

jododo profile image
jododo

Best wishes for tomorrow and the coming weeks! I’m booked for a c-section on Friday so not far behind you

DoraDonig profile image
DoraDonig in reply tojododo

Fingers crossed it a goes well for you xxx

Thinking of you...

wondering whether baby wanted to see some snow :-) ???

Hope all goes well DoraDonig throughout the birth.

Health and happiness for the both of you.

x

DoraDonig profile image
DoraDonig

She is here!!! Olibhia Emma o'Sullivan was born on Monday at 7:24am weighing a very healthy 7lbs 14oz. So far we ve both been very well. All the staff has beeen really good at keeping to my postnatal plan (including taking the baby from me for a 5 hours stretch on Monday night so that I can sleep!). I am hoping this may continue at home - we re being discharged today

Thank you all for the positive vibes and thoughts x really appreciated

Jenny_at_APP profile image
Jenny_at_APPPartner in reply toDoraDonig

Congratulations!! Lovely news :) I hope all stays well for you, take care xx

jododo profile image
jododo in reply toDoraDonig

Congratulations! It’s so reassuring they are taking the plan seriously.

Lilybeth profile image
LilybethVolunteer

What great news Dora ..... welcome to the world Olibhia :) What a clever mum you are :) So good to hear that you have both been very well and all's going to plan. That's such a good idea to have as much sleep as you can at night and even during the day you could take a nap when your baby sleeps.

Take care ..... wishing you all the best with your second bundle of joy :)

Ellie_at_APP profile image
Ellie_at_APPPartner

Dear Dora

Congratulations from me too! What lovely news. I hope that you are doing well at home, and great to hear too that staff have been following your care plan.

You must have your hands full, but never hesitate to write on here for any support or just to update :)

Take care X

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