Quietapine before due date as precaution

[DoraDonig]

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

[Bluelady-sing]

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

[DoraDonig in reply to Bluelady-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 Volunteer]

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 in reply to Hazello]

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]

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 in reply to Sarahmcgregor14]

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]

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 in reply to BronSyd]

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]

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]

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 Volunteer]

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 in reply to Lilybeth]

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

[Lilybeth Volunteer]

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 in reply to Lilybeth]

Quietiapine is not on the list!

[Hannah_at_APP Administrator in reply to Bluelady-sing]

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

[Jenny_at_APP Partner in reply to Bluelady-sing]

Hi pumpkins,

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

Hope all is well.

[Lilybeth Volunteer]

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 in reply to Lilybeth]

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

[DoraDonig in reply to DoraDonig]

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 Partner in reply to DoraDonig]

All the best for tomorrow! x

[Lilybeth Volunteer]

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]

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

[DoraDonig in reply to jododo]

Fingers crossed it a goes well for you xxx

[Hidden]

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]

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 Partner in reply to DoraDonig]

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

[jododo in reply to DoraDonig]

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

[Lilybeth Volunteer]

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 Partner]

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