im on depakote and i might be pregnant what could it do if i was???

Answer 1

Depakote is listed as a Pregnancy Category D drug. This means that there is a risk to the baby, but the benefits may outweigh the risk for some women. You should really talk to your doctor about your specific case.

A large majority of women who use Depakote during pregnancy have normal, healthy babies. Certain types of defects are increased (especially if Depakote is taken during the first 3 months of pregnancy) but they are still relatively uncommon.

All women who are capable of becoming pregnant should take at least 400 mcg (0.4 mg) of the vitamin called folic acid every day because it helps to prevent one type of birth defect. (The most well-known of these is spina bifida, in which the spinal cord is not completely enclosed.) These defects are more common in the babies of women who take Depakote during the first 4 to 6 weeks of pregnancy. If the doctor thinks a woman is at especially high risk, a much larger dose of folic acid—4000 mcg (4 mg) per day—may be recommended. There's no proof that the folic acid will prevent the defects, however, so the doctor may recommend a check-up later in pregnancy.

The good news is that you can safely breastfeed while on Depakote after your baby is born!

Answer 2

Depakote is an anti-seizure drug, isn't it? I was on Tegretol for both of my pregnancies and even though it was a class D drug (not safe during pregnancy because it can cause spina bifida, cleft palate, cleft lip, and a host of other birth defects) my neurologist told me to stay on it. If I'm not mistaken Depakote is also a class D drug, and should NOT be stopped abruptly. The most important thing for you to do now is take a pregnancy test, and call your ob/gyn immediately. Most obs don't want to see you until you're 10 - 12 weeks along, but tell them you're taking Depakote, and they'll probably put you in the high risk category and get you in right away. It's also a good idea to schedule an appointment with your neuro. (or whoever it was that put you on the medicine). With both of my pregnancies, I had to have regular neuro. appointments.

My ob/gyn put me on a double dose of folic acid (800 mcg. per day as opposed to the standard 400 mcg., on top of what was already in my prenatal vitamin) and both of my boys are perfectly healthy, no defects, normal, and smart as whips. :)

The imporant thing is to determine if you are pregnant, and see your ob/gyn ASAP if you are.

Answer 3

As an RN and a mom of 5 if you have questions ask. Your doc will be able to switch your meds. Some anti- depressant and others like halidol can cause problems especially in the first trimester. So be careful and good luck!

Answer 4

Please call your doctor or therapist.. Depakote is a strong drug that can damage your liver. If you stop this drug you would be worse off than you were before you started taking it. I was on it for 8 years for mental problems and migraines. Don't, please stop taking this on your on...all your doctors should know your on this drug. Good luck and if you want to be...congratulations on being pregnant.

Answer 5

You need to call your doctor immediately and see what other drug can be used during your pregnancy.

Answer 6

Call your pharmacy. You can also do a search on the drug name and read the warnings there.

Answer 7

Definitely call you Doctor, or your pharmacist.

Answer 8

I would call your Dr

Answer 9

Call your doctor... IMMEDIATELY...!