While anyone taking drugs under a doctor’s direction should always check before discontinuing them, women trying to conceive should immediately consult with their physicians to find out if they should stop these eight medications:
Accutane. This is an acne treatment which contains synthetic vitamin A, and it is linked to mental retardation and other birth defects. Injury can happen in the first few weeks of pregnancy, so it should be stopped before even trying to conceive.
Antibiotics. Although the manner in which they do it is unknown, antibiotics alter cervical mucus patterns and throw off ovulation.
Antidepressants. These drugs can be a double-barreled disaster – they can scramble menstrual cycles and temporarily suppress fertility, and they can also raise the risk of birth defects. Again, they should be stopped before conception if possible.
Antianxiety drugs. These are drugs like Valium and Xanax, and they have been linked to birth defects during the first trimester.
Antihistamines. These are medicines for cold and flu designed to dry up your nose and throat, and they can dry up cervical mucus as well, making it difficult or impossible for sperm to reach the egg.
Corticosteroids. These are creams and ointments designed to relieve various skin conditions like psoriasis, and they can cause irregular menstrual periods, depending on their strength and the amount used.
High Blood Pressure Medicine. These contain Aldactone or other potassium-sparing diuretics, and, like corticosteroids, they can throw off menstrual cycles.
Ibuprofen. Regular use of pain relievers such as Aleve and Advil can sometimes throw a monkey wrench into ovulation. Doctors generally recommend a switch to Tylenol.
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