mood stabilizers - MGH Center for Women's Mental Health

Bipolar Disorder and Pregnancy: Should Medications Be Discontinued?

As many of the traditional mood stabilizers used to treat bipolar disorder, including lithium and valproic acid, carry some teratogenic risk and the reproductive safety of other medications, including the atypical antipsychotic agents, has not been well-characterized, many women with bipolar disorder decide to discontinue their treatment during pregnancy. A new study from Dr. Adele Viguera and her colleagues at the Massachusetts General Hospital and the Emory University School of Medicine helps to better define the risks associated with discontinuing treatment during pregnancy.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2016-03-28T13:38:38-04:00March 7th, 2008|New Research, Psychiatric Disorders During Pregnancy|6 Comments

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome in Women Taking Valproate

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) occurs in 4-7% of women and is characterized by irregular menstrual cycles and hyperandrogenism (facial hair, acne, male-pattern hair loss, acne, or elevated male hormone levels). The majority of women with PCOS also suffer from obesity and insulin resistance. PCOS has been associated with a spectrum of health problems including infertility, diabetes, and possibly heart disease and endometrial cancer. Recently there has been concern that women with bipolar disorder who are treated with the mood stabilizer valproate (VPA; brand name Depakote or Depakene), may be at higher risk for PCOS, although the data have been somewhat conflicting.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2018-06-08T07:07:45-04:00November 8th, 2007|Women's Mental Health|0 Comments

Evaluating the Safety of First-Trimester Exposure to Lamotrigine (Lamictal)

Early reports suggested that women with bipolar disorder may be at lower risk for onset or relapse of this disorder during pregnancy and that some women may be able to remain well during pregnancy despite medication discontinuation. However, more recent studies have suggested that recurrence of affective illness during pregnancy is relatively common among women with bipolar disorder. Dr. Adele Viguera and her colleagues at the Center for Women's Mental Health reported that among pregnant bipolar women, relapse rates were very high (58%) in those women who discontinued maintenance treatment with lithium during pregnancy (Viguera et al 2000).

By Ruta Nonacs, MD PhD|2024-04-14T16:20:01-04:00July 11th, 2006|Psychiatric Disorders During Pregnancy|5 Comments

Anticonvulsants During Pregnancy in Women with Bipolar Disorder

Unfortunately the mood stabilizers most commonly used to treat bipolar disorder (including lithium and valproic acid) can increase the risk of certain types of congenital malformations in children exposed to these medications during the first trimester of pregnancy. For women who need a mood stabilizer during pregnancy, lithium is the safest option; however, when used during the first trimester, it carries a 0.1% risk of a cardiac malformation called Ebstein's anomaly. Although this is a potentially serious complication, it is important to keep in mind that the risk of malformation is relatively small.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2015-07-21T10:11:37-04:00October 6th, 2002|Psychiatric Disorders During Pregnancy|0 Comments