Pregnancy and Anti-depressants

I too wondered about them and pregnancy as well. My son is 3 now and I was on Prozac for PPD up until a few months ago and I ran out and the new doctor needed to "see me" about it before they prescribed more. So needless to say, I ran out of them and things were out of hand for a week or two until I could get in to see my general practitioner. That appointment was another story, but she put me on a new medication Lexapro and so far it's been just fine. It just makes me drowsy, but then again, so does my allergy medicine. But I think we're going to TTC in January, so I'm nervous about what to do as well and I know that I need to be on something. I go through the same thing as you - mood swings, crying at every little thing, blow-up at little things, etc. I know w/Lexapro, it has a sticker on the container not to become pregnant or breastfeed with it, so I'm concerned now with having to go on yet another medication since I do plan to TTC soon and breastfeed when the baby comes. I guess I'd like to hear suggestions, too. I'm going to be making an appointment w/my new OB/GYN soon so I can discuss that w/her.

Have you thought about adding some fish oils, 1000mg of panthenic acid (vitmain B5) and a b-complex? Fish oils saturate the brain with good fats, it is very beneficial for a growing baby, many published studies state that babies "are smarter" when a pregnant moms takes them. Other studies have been published on its effects in helping to relieve depression, ADD/ADHD, anxiety, stress, etc that supplement is a win-win. If you do, Nordic Naturals is one of the top three brands out there, pure and clean. Can be found at Whole Foods. DHA for women is what I would recommend. Other ideas to try, perhaps some mindful meditation classes, yoga, qi-gong (chi-gong)

There are nutritional routes too, take out the high fructose corn syrup, dairy, all added sugars, sweetners, preservatives, etc. The cleaner your diet, the more efficient your mind and body will work.

Email me if you would like more info.

Best wishes,
J., MPH
Lifestyle and Wellness Consultant

I'm currently on Zoloft and am 14 weeks pregnant so there are anti-depressants that are safe to take while TTC or pregnant. I requested to go on anti-depressants to avoid PPD and I wanted to have some kind of control over my mood swings. I hope this helps.

Hi M., I would definitely suggest making a plan with your doctor as he/she will have your and the baby's best interest in mind. I am a mental health counselor in Schaumburg and I have worked with many women coping with depression (postpartum and otherwise). I have found that what your doctor said is pretty true - that the benefits often outweigh the risks. I've especially known a number of women to stay on a low dose of Zoloft during pregnancy. I would also suggest, if you aren't already, seeking the support of a counselor. It makes such a difference and can help you learn the skills to keep those outbursts and overwhelmed feelings under control. If you need any thing please feel free to contact me at ____@____.com or at ###-###-####. You can also visit our website at owenscounseling.com to see more about me. One way or the other I really do recommend getting that extra support from someone. It will make your life and your family's life so much easier.

My best to you,
K. Evans, LCPC

I stayed on Prozac during my pregnancy after initially going off of them and subsequently not doing so well. Does your OB/GYN suggest going off? I would speak with them more about it as taking care of your little one and yourself is the most important at this point, and if you are off meds and not dealing, well then it is probably not best.

I have been battling depression for years now. After my daughter was born (8 years ago) my doctor put me on Zoloft. I nursed her for a year while I was taking it. When we were trying to get pregnant with my son, I was also on Zoloft. I did get pregnant while on it and everything went fine. I stayed on it while I nursed.

I know how you feel when you go off the meds. I tried going off and things just got horrible!!

Zoloft wasn't enough after a while. The doctor was talking about trying Cymbalta, but I don't think it has been tested on pregnant/nursing moms. I chose not to try it since I was still nursing. Now that my son is not nursing, the doctor added a medication.

There are medications that can help you while you are pregnant and nursing. I would suggest talking with your ob/gyn and discussing what is right for you.

I could not go with out zoloft. The thoughts that raged through my mind were just awful and I could not even deal with daily activities.

Good luck.

M.

I don't know about Cymbalta as that is a newer drug, but I was on a low dose of Zoloft during my pregnancy with my 5 month old. It is a good one to choose since it has been on the market a long time and there are quite a lot of studies on it in pregnancy and nursing. I was on it while nursing my 4 year old as well. I would be nervous doing it with a newer drug without studies, but you have to have your depression under control in some way.

M., have you considered alternative therapies for emotional support? Perhaps it's not for everyone but my best friend was deterined to wean herself off of meds. Following her father's death she went on Zoloft & later Cymbalta. Over the years she tried to go cold turkey with the Zoloft but the dizziness made her afraid to drive. She stayed on her meds until she felt ready to try weekly hypnosis sessions where she learned EMOTIONAL FREEDOM TECHNIQUES. It is likened to accupuncture without needles. With the help of these therapies she has relearned her range of emotions and how to cope.

I don't have first hand experience,but my sis in law was switched from prozac to zoloft when she wanted to get pregnant with #2. From what I understand, zoloft is the safest one during pregnancy....looks like a few other responses support that! Good Luck!