prozac

mrsrenouard

Is anyone taking this while pregnant? I have been taking it for a few years, 40mg each day. My doctor changed it to 10mg a day to try to ween me off. I take for anxiety and depression. Today I had an anxiety attack. Haven't had one an a long time. Think I need to go back to 40mg but nervous for my baby. Anyone else with a similar issue?

ariaforte8

I will be on some kind of antidepressant for my pregnancy. I'm on Paxil (or I was, I stopped taking it with my BFP). I'm waiting to talk to my OB about what her recommendation is.
I know Prozac is one of the safer ones to take during pregnancy, except for third tri when I think it can cause lung development issues. Another is celexa, and I can remember the third right now.
I would talk to your ob about what is going on. You don't have to wean off right away, and maybe a middle ground dose would work better for now. Hang in there!

schnitz9

I take prozac 40 mg daily.  Was weened down from 120 mg while TTC.  I've had no problems and have been at this dose now for almost a year.  I have seen some literature in regards to lung developement, but that is a very small risk and on much higher dosages.  The dosage up to 40mg is deemed safe.  Paxil is a class D so not the best to be taking with pregnancy.  @ariaforte8 have you also spoken with you're psychiatrist in regards to taking and SSRI that is a class C?

ariaforte8

@schnitz9‌ I'm not taking Paxil during pregnancy. When I was last TTC I was switched from Paxil to Prozac because as you said- paxil is not seen to be compatible with pregnancy. I eventually got back on paxil though because it works better for me and is compatible with breastfeeding.
I stopped my Paxil and will have an appointment soon to discuss my options for this pregnancy. Possibly Prozac, but there are other medication possibilities as well.

utopiaqueen

I was on Celexa for the last few months, and while my primary care physician said it was safe to take during pregnant, my OBGYN mentioned some information at my last visit that kinda of concerned me regarding taking any SSRIs during pregnancy.  I was taking 10mg, so I recently weened myself off entirely, but I am already noticing some mild symptoms of anxiety creeping back in.  Since my dosage was so low to start with, as I was dealing with situational depression, I am going to try yoga, meditation, and acupuncture for a bit to see if they help.

From what my doctor told me, the risks of anything serious when taking SSRIs are extremely rare (with the exception of a few specific pills, like paxil), and if taken during pregnancy, your baby might experience temporary discontinuation symptoms — such as jitters or irritability — at birth.  My doctor said that the baby's symptoms would only last a few days after birth, if at all - this doesn't always happen.  

My thoughts on your situation - the baby's symptoms are so mild compared to feeling anxious and depressed throughout your whole pregnancy.  It is probably best to revisit this with whomever prescribed the medication and your OBGYN.

Take care!

savalita

SSRIs and mental health are very personal issues, so I get that plenty of mommas need the support of an SSRI to make it through.  One thing I'd add for those who are trying to do without their SSRI but experiencing anxiety is this: remember (as my therapist says) that SOME anxiety and even feeling depressed can be totally normal because pregnancy is a huge huge life-change, and very stressful even under the best circumstances.  Anxiety and the blues can go be a normal part of processing and getting through.  

I would never advise someone to white-knuckle their way through 9 months of panic and sadness; nor would I judge anyone for getting what they need to be well, including medicine. I just wanted to say that it is also normal to have some intense emotions that aren't straight up joy, excitement, etc.  I know I have! Doesn't necessarily mean something is wrong or out of balance (though you know your personal sitch best, obviously).

utopiaqueen

Thank you for that very kind input, savalita!  That was so well worded and relieved my nerves about having some anxiety during all of this!

mrsrenouard

Thank you. My doc upped dosage to 20 mg. I had my first anxiety attack this week in 2 years. Not good at all. Thankfully today I am starting to feel closer to normal again

xhochixx

I am taking 150 mg of Prozac. It stresses me out to be on such a high dose, but my OB said to keep taking it for now. Prozac is one of the "safer" ssri's taken during pregnancy, but it still freaks me out.