Psych drugs in pregnancy

Question 1

Lithium

Answer 1

Mood stabiliser use for bipolar affective disorder
Can be used in pregnancy but NOT in the first trimester because of increased risk of Ebstein’s anomaly (congenital heart defect)
Contraindicated in breastfeeding because transmission via breastmilk causes hypothyroidism in children and renal problems

Question 2

Sodium valproate

Answer 2

Anticonsulvant used as a mood stabiliser

Contraindicated in pregnancy and breastfeeding due to increased risk of neural tube defects and hepatotoxicity