Olanzapine and pregnancy

[NicJK]

Hi ladies, I hope you are all keeping well! It looks like I will be staying on Olanzapine (5mg) for my next pregnancy. Has anyone else remained on it during pregnancy? Did you have any issues? Thanks so much

[Maria_at_APP Moderator]

Hi NicJK,

So nice to hear from you, how are you doing? It is lovely to hear about your plans for the next pregnancy.

Just in case you are not aware of this, but the following site has great information on medications in pregnancy:

medicinesinpregnancy.org/Me...

I can share my experience of taking olanzapine towards the end of my pregnancy, I started taking it at week 34 and my wee one was born at almost 38 weeks and 5 days. I was taking 2.5 mg while pregnant and went to 5 mg after baby was born. After discussions between the neonatal team and my psychiatrist we agreed on a hospital stay of 72 hours such that they could observe baby for any withdrawal effects. He was given the all clear and we were able to go home.

At home I was able to breastfeed while taking olanzapine, neither I nor the health visitor noticed baby being particularly sleepy, he was waking up for feeds and was reasonably alert. I stopped breastfeeding after 2 months and did not notice any significant changes to his sleeping pattern.

This has been my personal experience and medication of course affects each of us in a different way.

I wish you all the best on your plans for the future and take good care