Zolof and 38 Weeks Pregnant

I think it's a good idea to get on meds for now. Especially since women who are prone to depression are more prone to post-partum depression.

From my understanding, Zoloft is the safest and easiest to wean from. I have taken depression meds (paxil, horrible) and my sister has taken several, Efexor which had horrible side effects, Zoloft was the best for her.

Fortunately, most fetal development is done by now, so the depression meds risks are mostly to you being jittery or irritable, or early labor. But at 38 weeks, you are considered full term..

I would look up the facts on mayoclinic, it will give you some good idea of side effects and precautions to take (there are two pages):
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/antidepressants/DN00007

Your doctor has a very legit concern... you are prone to depression and you are about to jump head-first into PPD. She's being cautious and is probably hoping to regulate your emotions before the onslaught of the hormones.

It's totally up to you and ALL meds are risky during pregnancy. In all reality, though, at 38 weeks your child is completely developed and considered "viable".

I also take Zoloft, except when I'm pregnant. I honestly don't think there is any harm in starting it now, your baby is already developed! Plus, your doctor wouldn't recommend it if it wasn't safe. It takes about 6 weeks to really take full effect, so starting now is a good idea. I already have my prescription set up to go for after I deliver this baby too! I truly feel so much better when I take it, don't ever feel embarrassed or ashamed for needing meds to help you. Good luck!!!

I would listen to my doc. Its hard enough to get through those first couple of months if your not prone to depression. Im not necessarily prone to it and I was a blubbering mess! If it is necessary and wont hurt the baby, take a hold of it now, before its too much to handle! Good luck mama

Hello,
I just googled this and found this information:

Sertraline (Zoloft)

Risks: Has been associated with PPHN when taken during the last half of pregnancy; has been associated with septal heart defects; has been associated with omphalocele
(Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension of the Newborn (PPHN)

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/antidepressants/DN00007

Can you wait until you deliver next week?

I took Zoloft while pregnant and breastfeeding my younger daughter. My doctor reassured me that it has actually been well-studied in pregnant and nursing women, and is really quite safe. It really helped me not to have post-partum depression (which I had had a terrible case of with my older daughter). Everything turned out great, and I'm glad I took it.

Best of luck!!

Yikes!!! I would not even consider it!!!! You are 38 weeks into this -- keep your child as healthy as you can -- it's only just around the bend.Take a look at this site detailing third trimester issues with Zoloft and you will see there are far more serious side effects than weight gain.

Zoloft: http://depression.emedtv.com/zoloft/zoloft-and-pregnancy-...

Zoloft and Pregnancy: Third Trimester Concerns
"There have been reports of fetuses being exposed to Zoloft during the third trimester of pregnancy developing complications that require hospitalization, respiratory support, and/or tube feeding. These newborns experienced a number of symptoms, including:
Difficulty breathing
Seizures
Lack of oxygen in the blood
Feeding difficulties
Tremors
Irritability
Constant crying.
Also, babies exposed to Zoloft late during pregnancy are at increased risk for developing persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN). PPHN is associated with significant complications and even death. Women who take SSRIs, including Zoloft, after week 20 of pregnancy have a six-fold increase of delivering a baby with PPHN."

Are you in therapy? Do you have a support system? Please make sure you have all this in place as a first measure to combat potential depression going forward. I would certainly research on your own, the issues regarding taking Zoloft during breastfeeding -- but would not even consider it during pregnancy.

I would really wait until you deliver. It's only one more week. Could you get it filled and start taking it right after you deliver? Are you plannign to breastfeed, I'm not sure if you can take it while nursing though.

I took Zoloft in High School and while it didn't help me (ended up finding a different medication) I know a few close friends/family members who it has helped greatly with their depression.

Do not take anti-depressants until after he's born. I waited until my DS was born before doing this. In fact the night he was born the nurse showed up with the pill and I took it! I don't think its safe at all! Get therapy 1X or 2X a week or whenver you need it until you can take your meds. I understand exactly where you are coming from but you should avoid it if you can.

I think there are law suits being advertised on TV right now about taking Zoloft while pregnant and having birth defects.

I would not start anything right now, if things are so bad that you get really down and you are not safe then by all means call some friends and tell them. Ask them to come stay with you for the next couple of weeks until the baby comes or talk to the doc about taking the baby early.

But I am just a mom with an opinion. You should really really really talk to a pharmacist. They are trained professionals in medications. They know everything about drugs and interactions. I would take a pharmacist opinion over any docs at any time. Docs really only know what they are told by drug reps and they don't have photographic memories even if they actually studied about them.

Also talking to a Psychiatrist that deals in antidepressants and other meds is also an option. They are up to date with all current reported side effects. They would know more than a regular MD that does not study the different medications.

If your depression starts getting out of control call someone that will come. Go to the ER, do something, don't let it take control.

I wouldn't do it. I see all these commercials about lawsuits against zoloft b/c of birth defects. If there is a serious depression happening then you're in a position to consider it b/c you have to weight the two options but honestly, it seems you are lucky enough to not need to make that decision. Your depression is light. If postpartum happens, deal with it then and take the zoloft after the baby is safetly out of your womb. Of course you'll have to find out about breastfeeding on zoloft but I really wouldn't take it at this time b/c it doesnt sound like you need it badly enough to take the risk. I've been on and off zoloft my whole life and luckily didn't need it when I was pregnant. After i saw the commercials about the birht defects, I was so thankful I got pregnant during a time i was off of it (it was a surprise pregnancy). Best of luck!

I am sure that most of the people that act like it's ridiculous to even consider taking Zoloft during depression have never actually experienced clinical depression! I went off Zoloft for the end of my first pregnancy, and tried to stay off. I ended up having such severe ppd that it put my whole family in real danger! I would never do that again. In my subsequent pregnancies I reduced my dosage at the end. It's true that we don't have all the details as to what every side-effect may be, but we do know what sorts of things have happened to children and their mothers with severe depression.

You don't say if the doctor you saw is a GP or an OB/GYN. Either way I would ask for a referral to a psychiatrist with experience in Postpartum Depression (which is what your doctor is actually concerned about). I took Eglonyl (which is not only an antidepressant but also often boosts milk production). ALL prescription medicines are "not recommended for use in pregnancy" because (ethically) no testing of pharmaceuticals can be carried out on pregnant women. To avoid potential lawsuits (should anything happen - no matter how unlikely) they have to say use is not recommended. (I know this because I was involved in Clinical Trials for medicines). Please, not only for your sake but for the sake of your family as well, take heed of your doctor's advice. Depression is nothing to be ashamed of, nor is it your fault! A diabetic would not hesitate to take insulin. Depression should be seen in the same way. I have 2 healthy, happy teens now. I will be on antidepressants for the rest of my life. My life, and my family's life is now a "normal", happy one and I can work and take care of them (which I could NOT do, until I was put on the correct medication). You are not alone! Best wishes and good luck to you all!! :)

Hey D.,
I had mild depression during my pregnancy and then severe PPD about a week after my son was born. I was able to manage until about 8 weeks and then started my period. It was pretty awful. I went to my chiropractor and he put me on a supplement called Gabatone. I took 6 a day (two with every meal) and it got me through one full year of breast feeding. There are natural alternatives out there.
There is a huge investigation going on with one of the antidepressants right now because of severe medical side effects. The fact is, there has been NO studies done showing that taking this medication is safe during pregnancy because there is such huge liability for the drug companies.
I am seeing an endocrinologist in Irvine (Dr. Jannet Huang) and she has really helped me with the depression, which was even worse when I stopped breast feeding my son. She is a holistic doctor and has helped many a woman with PPD.
My suggestion would be to make an appointment ASAP with her to have her check you out. There might be a reason why you are feeling this way such as thyroid issues, hormone imbalance, etc. and an endocrinologist will properly be able to identify the problem.

Did you suffer from PPD w/ your first?
Are you excited about this baby?
Will you have any help once your new son is here?

These are things I would consider.

I too, suffer from depression off and on.

Years ago I took Efexor. I took myself off of it and swore off depression meds for good.

I did not ever have PPD. So just because you deal w/ depression does not automatically mean you will get PPD.

I am not telling you to not take the meds if you need them...there is no shame in it. But I would wait. And if things are going ok after the birth I would not take it then either.

Best wishes and congrats on the new baby! Take things slow and don't put too many expectations on yourself. And if it is available, don't be afraid to ask for help.