Depression

AMDR1979

So ladies has anyone been diagnosed with depression during their TTC trials and tribulations? I just have and my doc wants to put me on meds. Not sure how I feel about that.

Knottie16743552

I've read it's much better to be on meds if you need them and the dr thinks you need them than not to. I believe that the thought process is that being of healthy mind and body is most paramount.

carrieandr

Are they safe to take while TTC?  I would assume that your dr wouldn't give you something that shouldn't be taken when pregnant, but it seems like almost every medicine has warnings about pregnancy.  I would double check just to be safe.

Good luck -- I know how hard this can be.

AMDR1979

Yes it would have to be one that is a pregnancy category B (I'm a drug rep). And I would wean off if I did get pregnant.

KLake42

I'm not medicated now, but I have taken various antidepressants off and on in my life.  They usually take a few weeks to adjust to them, so don't be surprised if you have a bunch of side effects at the start (dizziness, dry mouth, nausea).  If they're manageable, they will often subside in time.  

For me, the meds helped me get out of long term depressions.  They don't make me feel good, but they keep me from slipping into a deep bad, like a sort of safety net.  After 6 mo-2 years, I've generally felt okay to wean off them (I do get low libido when on them, which is not something I want long term).  I much prefer talk therapy and exercise as a primary way to manage my mood, but the meds have their place.

I'm just very lucky to not need them now, while TTC. If I did need them, I would take them.  

AMDR1979

Thanks for your feedback. Really appreciate it from someone who has been there. This one is fairly new on the market and has a low instance of side effects that you typically see with anti depressants.
I love how you use exercise as well @KLake42. I actually compete in bodybuilding/fitness shows and because of this I withdrew from my next one. I need my mojo back

Goldsgirl9

I just read last night that depression can affect fertility. Even if that's not true, I would think it's better to be on them if they are needed. Good luck on whichever route you decide to choose.

emsmama15

I work in the NICU and I can confidently say that a fair number of pregnant women are on SSRIs.  It's always better to take the medication if you need it then to try to "tough it out."  You mention weaning off if/when you get pregnant.  From a newborn standpoint, and only if it's possible, I'd recommend trying to wean off by your third trimester.  We ARE seeing infants withdraw from SSRIs more and more (as we see more and more moms taking them during pregnancy).  But that's usually at pretty high doses too.  

Good luck.  Having taken Zoloft for several years (for anxiety), I'm a proponent of doing whatever you need!!