Depakote and pregnancy over age 35

[mwkitty]

My doctor has me on a list of medicines I'm not worried about because it says they don't hurt unborn babies but one of them called Depakote does. No one even asked me if I was pregnant and I don't remember any tests being done to see if I was, not once since I've been on the Depakote! I started taking it, 500 mg three times a day in May. I remember calling my doctor telling her I was gaining a little weight, I was always tired, my hair was starting to fall out, I was nauseated and had a flu I couldn't and still can't get rid of. She told me those were all signs of side affects of Depakote and not to worry. She let me cut the dose a little bit but the symptoms didn't change. Every time I visited the doctor she told me to stay on it and she added Abilify (supposed to make Depakote work even better) in July. I still dont think either of those helped with depression or anything at all because nothing's changed. I got a surprise that I guess happened in Septamber and now I'm really worried. What should I do? I just found out how badly Depakote can ruin a baby, especially if you take it during the first trimester and my dose is pretty high compared to most people! I'm scared to go back to that quack and I don't know what to do.

[adgal]

I fully agree with what Azwoman said.  It's important to talk to your OB about it now, as well as the prescribing Dr.

I read up on this drug and it is catagory D.  So yes, as you know there are proven risks associated with taking this drug during pregnancy.  However, sometimes the benefit outweighs the risk depending on what it's being taken for.  Also, remember that the risks are things that could possibly happen, not things that necessarily will happen.  Every single medication on the market today comes with risk..no exceptions. However, most people don't have problems with it.  Hope that made sense.  I know it's scary, but chances are just as good that it did NOT impact your baby.  But again, as Azwoman said, it's important to talk to your Dr.s and find out exactly what is happening.

All the best to you.

[Azwoman]

Gosh,, are you seeing an OB GYN?? You need to tell him immediately. And as far as you not knowing you were pregnant until you were this far along, I cant really comment on that except there are usually warnings on medication (and the pamphlets the pharmacy gives you) that the medicine may harm a fetus. You are taking a fairly large dose as my former roommate was on that, and I know it is a potent anti-psychotic medication.
Are you receiving pre-natal care? Tell your doctor immediately, both the OB and the DR that prescribed it and you obviously may need to be weaned off of it and put on something else- i really don't know. Good luck and I hope your baby is healthy.