Class 'C' drugs in the 2WW?

MrsMitty08

What are your opinions about taking drugs considered "class C" during the 2WW?  Do you classify them the same way as most of us do alcohol, sushi and lunchmeat---"drink til it's pink"?

I take Topamax for migraine prevention.  I've read a lot of information but it all comes back to it being listed as "class C". 

I didn't ask my Dr. about stopping it for the 2WW but she reassured me that she didn't think it caused my m/c (I was still taking it until I was about 6w).  After what happened to us last time, I did decide to stop taking it as soon as we have a BFP but I hadn't even thought about stopping for the 2WW until recently....

So, what do you ladies think/do?  Are any of you on class 'c' medications?

 

 

politelypink

I know my pain meds arn't to be taken throughout a pregnancy. I've talked to my gynecologist about it, and he informed me of the pros/cons. For me, it makes sense to continue taking them at a lower dose.

jillychris

I take Allegra, which is labeled as a class C. My OBGYN has told me it is okay to continue taking while I am TTC and after I get a BFP.

romigu

i've tried to eliminate as many medications as possible....however, i think i would reconsider a class C medication if stopping the medication would cause problems with my health.  I guess if I were in your shoes, I would weigh out how bad my migraines can get vs. the unknown effects to the fetus.  Are you willing to tough out migraines for piece of mind?  Its a tough decision.   I'm personally starting to realize that there is nothing I won't do to bring a healthy baby into my life.  What does your Ob think?  

cantalopes24

Sweetness I don't think you can classify Topomax and lunch meat in the same category. I would continue using Topomax through your 2WW if it takes you a year to get pregnant there are going to be a lot of miserable days of migraines you could have avoided.

cantalopes24

romigu:

i've tried to eliminate as many medications as possible....however, i think i would reconsider a class C medication if stopping the medication would cause problems with my health.  I guess if I were in your shoes, I would weigh out how bad my migraines can get vs. the unknown effects to the fetus.  Are you willing to tough out migraines for piece of mind?  Its a tough decision.   I'm personally starting to realize that there is nothing I won't do to bring a healthy baby into my life.  What does your Ob think?  

A big part of bringing a healthy baby into your life is being healthy yourself.

romigu

cantalopes24:

romigu:

i've tried to eliminate as many medications as possible....however, i think i would reconsider a class C medication if stopping the medication would cause problems with my health.  I guess if I were in your shoes, I would weigh out how bad my migraines can get vs. the unknown effects to the fetus.  Are you willing to tough out migraines for piece of mind?  Its a tough decision.   I'm personally starting to realize that there is nothing I won't do to bring a healthy baby into my life.  What does your Ob think?  

A big part of bringing a healthy baby into your life is being healthy yourself.

i'm not sure if you read the sentence earlier where I said that I would reconsider a class C medication if stopping it would cause problems to my health.   I think its a tough decision.  I agree that its important for the mother to be healthy to be able to carry the baby to term. 

lavril

Last time I waited until I got a BFP to stop (allegra D).  This time I will stop somewhere around 7-10dpo when implantation occurs.  That way I won't feel guilty about possibly harming the baby, and I won't have to go long w/o the meds if AF is on her way.

I think I might be a bit more paranoid this time around too...

Good luck!

annycarlson

I was on Paxil (which is pure evil, btw) before TTC, and my doctor told me that it was safe during PG.  It's a class D drug, by the way, so it's definitely not safe -- the drug manufacturer itself says so.  Nearly needless to say, I've been off Paxil for 6 weeks prior to TTC to make sure it was completely gone.

Also switched from Claritin to Chlortrimeton on the recommendation of my new doctor (since my last one didn't seem to have a clue).  Bottom line: you're the only one who can make that call. 

kdruffles

I too have been taking Topomax for Migraines. My neurologist told me to stop 2 weeks(that is how long it takes to get out of your system) before trying to conceive. As PP say it sucks because who knows how long it will take! He did ok tylenol with codeine when I do get a migraine. I also took that when I was pregnant with my 1st. Migraines are the worse thing in the world as far as pain goes for me, so I totally understand. Because there are no long term studies no one really knows what it does to fetus... I guess you just use your best judgement. Do the benefits out way the risks HTH

Megaloo05

I took Keppra XR & Nadolol for migraine prevention. When my neurologist found out I was off BCP she took me off my migraine meds. I think my migraines were from the hormones. I get them bad. Like black out stroke symptoms so i know your pain and i was scared to death to come off of them. I also take Allegra 180mg but my OB didn't tell me to stop taking them. I didn't realize it was a Cat C either. I will ask him the next time I see him. If your call if you want to take the chances of a migraine or not. I personally wouldn't want to harm the baby. But that is my view.

soldiersgrl3

I am currently taking Celexa for severe depression and Zyrtec for severe allergies. I have discussed taking Celexa with my psychiatrist and we both agree that in order for me to have a healthy pregnancy and baby I need to be on my medicine. I just researched Zyrtec and did not realize it is a class c drug. I have an appt at the end of the month and I will definitely discuss it with my allergist.

DiademChi

I would check with your doc. Some class C meds stay in your body longer and may linger after stopping taking them. Some have more antedotal (forgive spelling) evidence of harm. I know I need to stay on my allergy meds since without them I have trouble breathing, eating and even touching plants or food. That is a clearer tradeoff. I also suffer migraines so I can understand the need to prevent them. I use Relpax which treats ( instead of prevent) but at least it has a good number of animal studies showing it is safe when pregnant up to 12 times the normal does.

cyndielise

Well, I only do sushi and lunchmeat, but I am just trying not to have either until after baby...  I don't miss them that much.  :]

MrsDizzyku

I've been playing it safe while we're TTC and avoiding a lot of things, including Imitrex for migraines...honestly that's my biggest fear about getting pregnant is that I'm going to have migraines and headaches and for 9+ months the best I'll be able to take is Tylenol? Might as well be a sugar pill...are there any migraine meds that are safe during pregnancy?

Peachy050909

I ended up taking Fiorinal for my migraines during my pregnancy. Didn't work the greatest but helped alittle. I'm currently on asthma meds that are considered class C but the alternative is not being able to breathe, which is pretty neccesary to TTC, lol.

I guess its a matter of how much pain vs. potential side effects. Certain drugs can cause pphn (persistant pulmonary hypertension of the newborn) if taken in the 3rd tri (which my son had, but for other reasons).

MySweetBaboo

cantalopes24:

Sweetness I don't think you can classify Topomax and lunch meat in the same category. I would continue using Topomax through your 2WW if it takes you a year to get pregnant there are going to be a lot of miserable days of migraines you could have avoided.

Lol, I miss you Lopes!

I personally avoid all medications while trying to conceive that are not on the "Medications in Pregnancy" list my doctor gave me for my first.  If I am really sick, I will take antibiotics, etc. and always ask if it is safe for TTC. If it is not, I will still take the small risk because I need to feel better, but I am one who never likes to take medication unless necessary.  I get occasional migraines and was just introduced to Percogesic, it is safe for pregnancy, it is over the counter and is tylenol based with an antihistamine I believe.

I always and will continue to eat lunch meat, drink alcohol and eat sushi throughout the 2ww. I will also continue to eat lunch meat in moderation when I am pregnant.

MrsMitty08

Thanks for all of the advice, ladies.  I am going to call my OB and get her official opinion since I didn't realize Topamax can take two weeks to get out of my system and I just hate worrying that it had something to do with my miscarriage before.  (even though she said it probably didn't).

 Thanks again!

MrsMitty08

cantalopes24:

Sweetness I don't think you can classify Topomax and lunch meat in the same category. I would continue using Topomax through your 2WW if it takes you a year to get pregnant there are going to be a lot of miserable days of migraines you could have avoided.

  Oops---I didn't mean to make it sound like I classify medications and lunch meat as the same thing to pregnant women!  ha!  I just meant do people handle those things in that way, as in, waiting until the BFP to change their ways about them. 

Thanks for your advice---with Topamax, if I go off of it, it is a process to come back on it because the doses have to be staggered so making the decision to stop would be a long-term one and not temporary.

brookelynpaisley

I'm on Labetalol, which is a class C drug. Without it, I'd have high blood pressure, so I don't really have a choice. My doctor knows I'm TTC and felt safe putting me on it. The benefits out-weigh the risks.

cantalopes24

MrsMitty08:

cantalopes24:

Sweetness I don't think you can classify Topomax and lunch meat in the same category. I would continue using Topomax through your 2WW if it takes you a year to get pregnant there are going to be a lot of miserable days of migraines you could have avoided.

  Oops---I didn't mean to make it sound like I classify medications and lunch meat as the same thing to pregnant women!  ha!  I just meant do people handle those things in that way, as in, waiting until the BFP to change their ways about them. 

Thanks for your advice---with Topamax, if I go off of it, it is a process to come back on it because the doses have to be staggered so making the decision to stop would be a long-term one and not temporary.

I figured it was just funny wording It took me four years to find a migraine medication that worked and stopping it has super sucked. If you can afford it (a lot of insurance are covering it now and if not offer discounts) I would look into acupuncture and a chiropractor because they will help you transition when you come off the medication. Good luck and don't feel guilty!

MrsMitty08

cantalopes24:

MrsMitty08:

cantalopes24:

Sweetness I don't think you can classify Topomax and lunch meat in the same category. I would continue using Topomax through your 2WW if it takes you a year to get pregnant there are going to be a lot of miserable days of migraines you could have avoided.

  Oops---I didn't mean to make it sound like I classify medications and lunch meat as the same thing to pregnant women!  ha!  I just meant do people handle those things in that way, as in, waiting until the BFP to change their ways about them. 

Thanks for your advice---with Topamax, if I go off of it, it is a process to come back on it because the doses have to be staggered so making the decision to stop would be a long-term one and not temporary.

I figured it was just funny wording It took me four years to find a migraine medication that worked and stopping it has super sucked. If you can afford it (a lot of insurance are covering it now and if not offer discounts) I would look into acupuncture and a chiropractor because they will help you transition when you come off the medication. Good luck and don't feel guilty!

Thank you