The Motherisk Nausea and Vomiting of Pregnancy (NVP) Forum

Motherisk receives questions from around the world about morning sickness symptoms, effects, treatments and ways to cope. Those questions and answers are posted here for anyone to read, provided the reader acknowledges and accepts the proviso and disclaimer below.

Forum > Hyperemesis Gravidarum: Other medical issues and HG

When you need medications for other conditions during pregnancy

Coping
Date: 2000-06-02

Question:
I am pregnant, suffering from severe hyperemesis, unable to eat or drink and I have been put on TPN to maintain nutrition. Most difficult for me is the fact that I need to take my anti-depressant medication and I cannot even keep the pills down. What can I do?

Answer:
Many pregnant women suffering from severe NVP or hyperemesis gravidarum have to take medications such as antibiotics, antihistamines and antidepressants for other health reasons. The safety of such medications should be confirmed by your doctor or a teratogen information service such as Motherisk. Once confirmed, the hardest part can be simply swallowing or keeping the pills on an empty stomach, or vomiting. The priority is to control the vomiting with an antiemetic medication, either oral, intravenous, rectal or by injection, and then to try and take the medication with gradual, small amounts of liquids or solids. When even this not possible, your doctor should be informed. He or she may be able to give you the medication in another form (intravenous, rectal or by injection).

Our Helplines

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Resources

Current Studies at Motherisk

The Motherisk Nausea and Vomiting of Pregnancy (NVP) Forum

PREGNANCY & BREASTFEEDING

ABOUT MOTHERISK

OTHER MOTHERISK RESOURCES