What reproductive side effects and issues are there for epilim (sodium Volproate) and lovan (fluoxetine)?

Question

I am taking these drugs for bipolar II, I am 20 years old, I want to have children one day.

Also I am planning to go overseas next year to a developing country in Africa, are there drug issues with mine and maleria drugs or others?

Answer 1

By a stroke of coincidence, I've actually been on both of these in the past... originallly on Sodium Valproate as a child (my mum took me around to about 10 doctors before one would tell her I actually had epilepsy... sad story but at least it was only 5 years before she would let me get an independent test). Lovan I was on recently for major depression (biological).

I'm 24 now and am still thinking about kids, so I partly wanted to know about this one for myself. Here's what I found out...


Lovan/Prozac (brand names for Fluoxetine):

Studies in rats (see link below) show no affect on fertility. Neither does taking Lovan cause neurotoxicity in offspring. However the weight and health of the baby can be affected if the Lovan is not compensated for during pregnancy. It is my assumption that upon falling pregant you might be changed to another form of anti-depressant, or have your dose decreased, to reduce any risks of complication.

Fluoxetine has been around for a looong time in its market, and has the advantage of being very well researched. Doctors are prone to prescribe it because they know so much about it.

The main thing? It won't affect your chances of falling pregnant, but make sure you let you doctor know if you do (or plan to) start growing a baby :)


Epilum (brand name for Sodium Valproic):

The effects of Sodium Valproic on fertility among humans is a bit of a mystery due to inconsistency between independent studies. Some tests suggest there is no effect, whereas other say there is an affect on males but not females, or an effect on females but not males.

But the general consensus over the last 10 years or so has been that Sodium Valproic does not affect fertility in any measurable way. Some studies show that Sodium Valproic can increase your chances of detecting hyperandrogenaemia (polycystic ovary syndrome) earlier than in other women, but this is not to suggest that it causes hyperandrogenaemia, which can affect pregnancy and other facets of life.

So once again, not much to worry about there.

However, do not be surprised if you are again changed to another drug, or have your usage monitored closely, when you fall pregnant. Studies show that Valproic acid can increase the risk of blood clotting, malformation of the fetus, and neural tube defects (which can cause spina bifida in the child).

Effects can occur as early as the first tri-mester. Meaning that BEFORE you plan to become pregnant, you'll need to see your doctor about whether it is safe to continue using Sodium Valproic.


As for the vaccinations, I can't find any information about your medication affecting this. I would assume that as vaccinations work by introducing a 'manageable' amount of the illness into the bloodstream to build immunity, that it would have no effect on your medication, nor be affected by it. This is because your medication does not affect your immune system. In fact, in the course of taking it properly you would be eating properly as well, which further decreases risks to your immune system.

Vaccinations should be fine, but let the nurse know what you're taking before you get the shots.

Answer 2

One of my friend used Fluoxetine 20mg for 7 years and the problems are:
No libido
Not able to have an erection
No orgasm
No ejaculation
Weight gain
Hypertension
He could solve Sexual dysfunction by switching to Bupropion XL.
You may read this:
http://cerhr.niehs.nih.gov/chemicals/fluoxetine/fluoxetine_final.pdf
http://cerhr.niehs.nih.gov/chemicals/fluoxetine/fluoxetine_monograph.pdf
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fluoxetine#Side_effects

Valproate:
Common side effects are dyspepsia and/or weight gain. Less common are dysphoria, fatigue, dizziness, drowsiness, hair loss, headaches, nausea, sedation and tremors. Valproic Acid also causes Hyperammonemia.
Rarely, valproic acid can cause blood dyscrasia, impaired liver function, jaundice, thrombocytopenia, and prolonged coagulation times. In about 5% of pregnant users, valproic acid will cross the placenta and cause congenital anomalies. Due to these side effects, most doctors will ask for blood tests, initially as often as once a week and then once every 2 months. Temporary liver enzyme increase has been reported in 20% of cases during the first few months of taking the drug. Inflammation of the liver (hepatitis), the first symptom of which is jaundice, is found in rare cases.
There have also been rare reports of cognitive dysfunction, Parkinson's disease, and even pseudoatrophic brain changes in long-term treatment with valproic acid.

But the disease Bipolar II is more dangerous than these side effects. Benefit from the drug may outweigh risks.

Talk to a clinical psychiatrist.

Answer 3

Epilim Side Effects In Men