I have talked in passing with my Ob/Gyn about the possibility of continuing Wellbutrin while we are trying to conceive. At that point we weren't actually starting but wanted to know if it was all right. She mentioned that it's OK, and if I need to remain on the medication that it's allowable. BUt she never gave us any other information.

So I'm stuck asking: Are there any serious risks by taking Wellbutrin while trying to conceive AND while pregnant? I know it's not safe to breastfeed while on the meds, so that's been ruled out. BUT I do need to remain on the meds, it wasn't pretty last time I came down (switched meds).

I have googled this a couple of times, but I just find forms where people answer 'yes' no reasoning behind it. So if anyone knows anything about this, it's really appreciated.

http://www.wellbutrinxl.com/public/downloads/WellbutrinXL_Full_Prescribing_Information.pdf

Page 12, but read all about diabetes, heart, kidney data too. Read the whole thing.

Keep in mind that pharmaceutical companies do fail to perform adequate trials and/or report results correctly, even when not lying outright. And doctors don't always know every detail about every drug.

I see you have a related question. Use Answer to keep Qs together.

Wellbutrin is a Category C during pregnancy. Basically this means that it is not known whether it will harm the unborn baby. You need to discuss this closely with your doctor to see if the risks outweigh the benefits.

It is possible to wean yourself off Wellbutrin and switch to other meds that are not considered potentially harmful. However, it may take some time to find the right med and the right dosage.

You should explore these options prior to actually Trying to conceive.

Just as a side note: Zoloft, like the Wellbutrin, is an option in pregnancy if the benefits of their use outweigh potential risks, as J_9 stated.

One advantage with Zoloft is that it would be compatible with breastfeeding.

Thank you! I've tried Zoloft in the past, but the side effects outweighted the benefit, and in the long run it made things worse. Wellbutrin now is my 4th kind.
I do intend on talking to my doctor about this, can`t though untilw e are home from our extended vacation (4 months). Also, we aren't actively trying to conceive until we get home and talk to the doctor. But we aren't being careful either because we do want another baby. Which is where this question came from.

If it`s unknown that the medication might harm the unborn baby, why do I keep hearing that it`s safe to take

Quote:

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Originally Posted by ladybug123

if it`s unknown that the medication might harm the unborn baby, why do i keep hearing that it`s safe to take

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Well, where are you hearing it's safe? It's always important to consider the source. A lot of times the media and bloggers and all sorts of other people get confused on facts.

It's considered "safe" because there are very few reported birth defects that can be attributed to Wellbutrin. Basically meaning that the benefits to Mom outweigh the risks to the baby.