Bi-polar disorder or manic depression affects approximately 5.7 million American adults. It is a common misconception that bi-polar disorder is more common amongst women, but studies confirm that men and women are equally affected by the affliction. Although the number of men and women affected by manic depression are similar; treatment options may differ between genders. This is particularly important when treating bi-polar disorder in women who are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
Since the onset of bi-polar disorder commonly occurs in young adulthood most women diagnosed with the illness will be of child bearing age for some time. It is important for women who have been diagnosed with bi-polar disorder to carefully weigh their treatment options if they plan to become pregnant.
Careful planning can help reduce the potential risks to both the mother and the fetus. Certain medications that are commonly used to treat bi-polar disorder have been shown to increase the risk of birth defects. These medications include Tegretol and Depakote, two anticonvulsant medications that shown to be effective at treating the symptoms of bi-polar disorder, but have also shown to cause serious birth defects like spina bifida.
Lithium and first generation antipsychotics like Haldol are considered to be preferred mood stabilizers for pregnant women because they have consistently shown minimal risk to the fetus.
In most cases women who are using Depakote to control their bi-polar symptoms are encouraged to switch to another mood stabilizer before conception, due to the increased risk of birth defects that has been associated with the use of Depakote during pregnancy.
A study released in 2006 found that 20.3 percent of mother’s who took Depakote while pregnant had babies who experienced serious adverse outcomes. This staggering number has driven many expert to the opinion that Depakote should only be taken by pregnant women if it is absolutely necessary for the mother’s well being.
One of the most serious birth defects that has been associated with the use of Depakote while pregnant is spina bifida. Spina bifida is a rare neural tube defect where some of the vertebrae overlaying the spinal cord are not fully formed and remain unfused and open.
In the total population the risk of having a child born with spina bifida is less than 1 in 1000; however, if the fetus has been exposed to Depakote the risk of spina bifida can be as high as 2 percent.
It is extremely important that women who plan on becoming pregnant carefully plan their pregnancy with their doctor to ensure that potential risks to the fetus are minimized.
If you or loved one has taken Depakote during pregnancy and as a result the child has suffered a birth defect there is help. Our Depakote attorneys can help explain your legal rights and explore the ways they may be able to help. Contact us for a free consultation with a Depakote lawyer.
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