Need Advice from Moms That Have Been Treated for Depression While Pregnant

I took Paxil I think right at the beginning of the 2nd tri-mester until my baby was 1 year old. As far as I can tell it was safe for both of us and helped me get to where I needed to be.

Best of luck!

This is a GREAT site: http://www.safefetus.com/
You can type in any meds and it will tell you the effect on fetus or breastfed baby! I heard antidepressants can cause withdrawal after birth for the newborn.

Hello! I was on prozac when I became pregnant with my first...20 mg so not as high a dose. I took it through the first trimester, then got to worried and stopped. My daughter is and was fine. Still, I understand your concerns and I would refer you to your doctor again. The midwife suggested that I stay on them actually. She said a depressed mother was much more worrisome than prozac but I obviously worried about it and stopped taking it. i 'm not much help I know but that was my story.

K.,

My heart goes out to you. I'm so sorry that you have this condition to deal with, but good for you for taking care of yourself. I also understand your concerns regarding medications and pregnancy. I would recommend you look at the book "Medications and Mothers' Milk" by Dr. Thomas Hale. (I checked it out at the library through an inter-library loan.) He provides risks and benefits for 100s of medications used during pregnancy and/or breastfeeding.

Here is part of the book discription:
Each drug entry includes the drug name and generic name; common trade names used in Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom; uses of the drug; AAP recommendations on the drug; a drug monograph that describes what is currently known about the drug, its ability to enter milk, the concentration in milk at set time intervals, and other parameters that are important to a clinical consultant; pregnancy risk category; lactation risk category; theoretic infant dose; relative infant dose; adult concerns; pediatric concerns; drug interactions; alternative drugs that may be suitable choices; adult dosage; and a table that includes (when known) adult half life (T ½ ) of the medication, pediatric half life (PHL) of the medication, milk/plasma ratio (M/P), the time interval from administration of the drug until it reaches the highest level in the mother's plasma or peak time to max (Tmax), percentage of maternal protein binding (PB), oral bioavailability (Oral), the volume of distribution (Vd), the pH at which the drug is equally ionic and nonionic (pKa), and the molecular weight (MW) of the medication.

God bless you,
Julia

Hi K.,

Due to huge emotional, hormonal, and physical upheaval having my last 2 pregnancies so close together the dr. put me on wellbutrin for my last, and I do mean final, pregnancy. I had the same concerns and was told that the class of drug for wellbutrin is the same as tylenol and that it was a much bigger risk to the well being of the baby, as well as myself, if I didn't take it.

I would ask for an appointment to specifically discuss this with your dr. Let him know that you are trying to do responsible family planning for both you and the baby you want, so you need time to discuss this before you begin. If he can't help you with that, make an appointment with another OB/GYN to ask the questions. Just a consult.

I have been on antidepressants for a few years. I am 35 and just had my third child who is now 6 months old. I was on Effexor XR 150 mg and reduced my dosage to 75 when I was pregnant. I knew there was no way I could go without any medication at all. My husband and I contemplated a great deal and knew that it would be healthier for me and my baby if I could stay somewhat sane while on medication as opposed to unstable without it.I did my research and found that there were some studies with Effexor and pregnancy, but not a lot. I knew I did not want to risk more by taking my full dosage so I compromised and cut it in half. My son is 6 months old, very healthy and has suffered no complications at all with the Effexor. Since giving birth, I went back on my full strengh dosage and am back up to the 150 mg.I hope this information helps. My advise is to go with your gut, maybe cut out a little on your dosage, like I did and see how that makes you feel. If you have any other questions, feel free to contact me. Good luck!

My sister-in-law is pregnant right now with her third child and is currently taking 100mg Zoloft. She and her doctor realize that going off of it isn't an option for her. I'm not sure if she was on it with the other 2 kids though. I would assume she was, because her depression isn't new in her life. Good luck.

I guess I'm not entirely sure what you are worried about. Are you thinking about trying to get pregnant? If so, you need to talk to someone who knows about what meds you can take while trying and while pregnant. If you aren't trying, then what are you worried about exactly? It's not hard to not get pregnant. If you can't do something permanent about it and can't use the pill, then get the book "Taking Charge of Your Fertility" and learn how to read your signs of fertility so you don't have sex or at least know when to use a condom.

On a slightly different note, if you were to have another child, the best way to prevent PPD is to have your placenta dried and encapsulated and then take a capsule each day. It works better than any chemical medication out there and the bonus is that you don't have to worry about transferring drugs to your baby while nursing!

Good luck:)

Hi K.,

For Zoloft, see this:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zoloft#Birth_defects_and_eff...

For Wellbutrin, they haven't seen any evidence of increased birth defects, but they don't think they've studied it enough to be sure. The FDA is over-the-top with proof that something is safe for pregnancy, so almost everything will have that warning on it. There's no proof that it's ever caused harm, and women have taken it in pregnancy before.

I'd find out how he would "deal with it at that point" and see what the plan is. I would think it'd be better to switch meds and get stable on a new regimen before getting pregnant, as opposed to doing it while dealing with all the changes that arise when you're pregnant anyway and changing up meds, too. Please, one thing at a time!

It may be some consolation that dr's are generally terrified that they'll be sued by some parent that delivered a baby with a birth defect. This would be an expensive mistake for him to make, so if he's not too worried about it, that's a positive.

Finally, I wouldn't worry about the miscarriage too much. They're incredibly, incredibly common and lots of women go on to have perfectly normal pregnancies afterwards. If you're really worried, I'd definitely talk to your OB about it. Why it happened and what are the odds you'd go through that again.

Best, K.

Hi K.! Just wanted to let you know that I was on Paxil during both of my pregnancies. Both babies, one boy and one girl weighed over 8 pounds each and were/and still are very healthy children. I was so thankful to have that med during pregnancy because of all the stress that you and your body are under! It also helped to already have it built up in my system for the post-partum period. Good luck to you!
M.

Hi K.,

I have a long history of depression as well as PPD after each of my three children were born. I know that you are just looking for other moms' experiences here, but I encourage you to really do the research on your medications and the risks during pregnancy. Read the fine print on your prescription information and read the clinical trial results. Read the detailed information on the drug websites. These medications do carry risks, however minimal the chances may be. It is up to you and your doctors to determine the risks versus benefits in your situation. Talk to your psychiatrist, your OB, your pediatrician, and your pharmacist to get as much information as you can in order to make an informed choice. When I did this, I was surprised to hear the differing opinions from these professionals. There are risks with just about any drug you take, and "safety" can be subjective. Plus, a lot of this research is so new, so doctors cannot give you a "definite" answer. It really is a matter of doing the research and determining what risks are worth taking in your unique situation.

Good luck!

Have you spoken to your psychiatrist about it? He or she should be able to help you with information about how this might affect any future pregnancy. Is your doctor you mentioned not being worried your family doctor, who also managed your pregnancies, or an OB/GYN? If not an OB, then I would make an appointment to talk to an OB. Maybe you could also get your pap smear then so your insurance would cover it.
As for the miscarriage, I know that it can be devastating. Know that you are not alone. Many women just don't talk about miscarrying. I had a miscarriage after my first 2 children, then went on to have 2 more. That next pregnancy is scary, but I don't believe having one miscarriage puts you at greater risk of having more. It depends on the reason for the miscarriage. Usually it is a problem with the fetus that causes the miscarriage. It is in the best interest of that baby if there is a major genetic problem.
Good luck to you on your decision. It is one only you can make with the guidance of your physicians.
R.

I was taking Welbutrin and Cymbalta when I became pregnant with our daughter. My OB said they were high risk meds and had me wean myself off them. I was on them for the forst month and she is perfectly healthy and happy. I would say go ahead and take what you need unless you are actively trying to conceive. Good luck!!!

K.,
Please do your own research. Do not take other people's experiences as what WILL happen for you. Look @ the actual evidence-based medicine and studies.
http://uniteforlife.wordpress.com/2009/04/02/mother-speak...

Here's a mother's story who disagrees with the previous posters eval that psychiatric meds are safe, and in the story are links to research.

Even still you should research even more on your own. Dig up all the reports. Google the meds along with side effects, read the actual package inserts. Kellymom has good info on anti-depressants.

I would not presume to tell you what to do, but I would also ask you to NOT delegate the decision to your physician. You are the one who is going to live with the results of the decision that is made, consequences & benefits.

Blessings to you,
D. Easthon CD(DONA), LCCE, ELCS, CHBE
Waterbirth Credentialed
www.heart2heartbirthmatters.com

I agree with Ann N, DO THE RESEARCH, then make your own choice.

My now 10 yr old daughter had just turned 3 yrs when I went to my family practitioner for depression. I did not see either a psycologist or a psychiratrist for counseling. My M.D. put me on Welbutrin. I did regain interest in intimacey which was ONE of my relationship problems. I was not married to my daughter's father despite a 13 yr relationship. We did not "talk" about our problems, but he was happy that I had regained "interest." As a result, I became pregnant with my now 6 yr old son. As soon as I realized that I was pregnant, I stopped taking the Welbutrin. My son has ADHD, BUT, my brother was diagnosed as a child. Also, my children's half brother was diagnosed as a child. Otherwise, my son is perfectly healthy and normal. Also, my mother has been treated for depression.

It was my personal choice to stop taking the medication. I also nursed my son for about 9 months, his sister I had nursed longer. My obgyn prescribed a different depression med while I was nursing, but I never took it. Again my personal choice. You did not mention any of your depression simptoms, I was never suicidle, or had thoughts of harming anyone else. I was angry, lost interest in taking care of the house and intimacy, was resentful of their father because of our relationship problems.

You did not mention your relationship with the father. I ended up leaving their father because our relationship problems were never solved and I was beginning to see the signs of depression again. I decided that my children would be better served by my leaving than growing up in a totally disfunctional relationship with a depressed, resentful mother.

I am much happier now. Last year I got back together with my high school sweetheart. He is living with me and my children. They both like him alot and have accepted him as part of our lives. I am much happier and he gives me the "help" and understanding that their father did not with my children. He also actually helps me to diffuse when I am upset, whether I am in the wrong or right. He is a true "partner" in our relationship!

Hi K.,
I take Zoloft for anxiety and have for, gosh, I guess five years now. I was also very concerned about taking ANY medication while pregnant but my family doctor (that prescribed the Zoloft) said that in general companies don't do medical testing on pregnant women (which I also found doing my research on the H1N1 vaccine - which I opted not to get). Anyway, she said there were no specific studies but that women who had taken medication while pregnant were basically unofficially monitored afterwards and asked to report any issues. She told me as I saw another person post, that it's considered best to do what will give you the least stressful pregnancy.

I myself was happy with my decision to stay on the medication (50 mg). My son is now two and seems fine. I specifically watch for things, just expecting him to have the same condition as me, but he is every sense of a normal two year old boy at this point.
There are good websites out there. It's a lot of information to sort through but by doing that with your husband and talking with your doctor, you can feel somewhat comfortable with your decision.

I also had a miscarriage back in March and it was devastating. No one should have to go through that. I am now 24 weeks along though and things are going great. Not sure how many OBGYNs do this, but mine told me I could go in whenever I wanted to listen to the heartbeat, just to ease my worry about having another miscarriage. I took them up on it later that week (I told you I take the Zoloft for anxiety!) and they mentioned that they rent out the dopplar monitors. So for $30 a month I had my own heartbeat monitor at home and could check on the baby whenever I wanted. I returned it when I could feel him/her move. :)

Best of luck to you.

K.,
I was on both lexapro and celexa while pregnant and nursing and had no problems. I have 2 children that are now 5 1/2 and 3. Follow your doctor's advice. Being on antidepressents shouldn't cause a problem. If you experienced PPD it is VERY important that you are on antidepressents while you are pregnant so that you don't end up with severe PPD after the birth of a 3rd child. Hope this helps.

I took zoloft throughout my pregnancy with my youngest (he's 2) and there were no complications. My ob assured me zoloft was not a teratogen and was safe to use during pregnancy. Good luck.

I have suffered from anxiety and depression for a number of years. While pregnant with my first child I took Paxil, which is a class C drug- I believe the same as Zoloft and Wellbutrin. Until I was 7 months pregnant my doctor encouraged me to continue taking Paxil because not taking it was not an option because of my severe anxiety. When I was 7 months, however, a study came put showing a link between taking Paxil and heart defects. He wanted me to stop taking it immediately, and I followed his advice and weaned mysef off of the meds. What I discovered was that because if the hormone changes in my body, I didn't have any signs of anxiety or depression while I was pregnant. I had no problems at all until the baby came and I was slammed with PPD and massive anxiety attacks. I started right away on Lexapro (which is considered safe for nursing) and was feeling like myself in a few days. I stayed on it until I got pregnant again, weaned off, and started taking it again as soon as the baby came. You may find that your body will "correct itself" during a pregnancy, or your doctor could play with the meds a bit to find something safe while you're pregnant. Don't stress, there are lots of options and doctors are willing to work to find out what works best for you!

I have 3 children. My first 2 are 11 months appart, I was 35 and 36. My 3rd (pregnancy through an IUD) is 15 months younger than my son and 2 yrs 3 months younger than my daughter, basically I had 3 children in 2 yrs 3 months....

That in itself is tough, but on top of it, with each child my PPD was even more severe.

With my 1st and 2nd, I was put on zoloft right after their births. With my 3rd, I was a horrible mess already in the 1st trimester, so they put me on zoloft. I believe we tried wellbutrin for a couple of months but I was sso irritable and moody that it wasn't working.

My biggest fear was AFTER the birth, this is when I would completely collapse emotionally. I, like you, had many fears of hurting my baby. My mom, who is very much against medicine, even went as far as saying something ike "might as well not even have the baby if you're having to take medicine (anti-depressants)" Boy oh boy..... I was freaking out.

Well, I was eventually put on lexapro, it was the best IMO since zoloft has way too many side-effects (dizziness etc, I simply couldn't think clearly)

My son is ONE year old today (my 3rd) he is very VERY well-adjusted. He has a beautiful personality, he is very sharp, he is awesome.
I do not believe he will have mood disorders, I see him being very well-adjusted even at 1, he doesn't throw major fits (nothing out of the ordinary) he is patient with toys, games and so on..... so far, he looks very healthy and Im very optimistic that things will continue this way. i agree with the other lady who said that you have to trust your instincts. I love now having a 3rd, we are DONE, (tube tied and all) BUT had I NOT taken the medication I can tell you that I'd probaby be divorced and God only knows what else...

Sounds like for now, you need to be on birth control to make sure that you are doing all you can to avoid any problems with medication and an unexpected pregnancy.

If and when you decide that it is time to consider getting pregnant, then talk to your Dr. about how to best transition to that phase.

Good luck.

A.