Anxiety and depression

lgarica86

so apart from my anxiety I gave diagnosed with depression as well. I've dealt with anxiety in the past two years but never with depression. I'm currently 22 weeks and would like to know any moms out there that have taken Zoloft during pregnancy.

MeghaJake

I have taken it with all three of my pregnancies. 75 mg with my first, 25 mg with my second and I am currently on 50 mg with my third. With my second and third pregnancies, I did not take any for the first 8 weeks or so. With my first pregnancy, I tapered down to 25 mg around 30 weeks. I will probably do the same with this pregnancy. My doctors never told me to taper at the beginning or end of my pregnancies but they always support my choice. Do you have any specific questions about it?

ChrissyD1203

Would you consider therapy? I've done that in the past when my anxiety has been bad- cognitive behavioral and exposure response both worked well for me.

drehera

I take 150 mg ( doc approved) as well as Lamictal- which I will wean off in the next month. I've suffered with anxiety and depression for a while now so I know I need the meds- and this is baby #3:)

cerafina205

I took 25mg my first pregnancy. My sister took a higher dose with her two pregnancy. This time a weaned off it for personal reasons. Plan on going back on it after I have this baby.

lgarica86

Specific questions I don't have.... I'm more scared of the birth defects. I was on Celexa before becoming pregnant but from what my therapist told me I am not able to take that type of medication because it's a type C. But my doctor also advise me that during my third trimester he would recommend me taking the Zoloft so what would be the point right? Because I'm 22 weeks and my third is around the corner. Did the it help you?

lgarica86

@Chrissy 1984 yes I would. Today o will see which ones take my insurance or how much it would be out of pocket.

lgarica86

@drehera and @cerafina14 no birth defects or the baby withdrawing from it?

MeghaJake

Some of the newer research I've read is that it might be beneficial for moms who are at risk for post partum depression to be on antidepressants when they deliver. I have always been on 25 mg in the third trimester and my kids have never had withdrawal at birth at least no one told me they did! My kids also didn't have birth defects. At this point, all the major organ development has occurred so I'm not sure what birth defects are possible. I'm also not a doctor!

jodieHxx

Hi there, I'm currently taking sertraline 100mg (zoloft in the states), for anxiety, depression and OCD. The perinatal mental health nurse said that in all of her years working as a mental health nurse, she has never come across any babies with birth defects. She also said that if I breastfed a small amount of it would be in the breast milk, so that would counteract any withdrawal effects.
I'm not a doctor or health care worker, but the advice from the nurse put me at ease, and stopped me feeling so guilty for taking the medication.
I'm also waiting for some cognitive behavioural therapy, as that has proven very beneficial to those suffering from anxiety and depression.
Hope this helps in some way, and hope you start feeling better before your little one arrives.
Take care xxxxxxx

lgarica86

Thank you ladies!!! My OB is on vacation so once I talk to her I will make my final desicion.

Beverly0628

A couple of PPs have mentioned cognitive behavioral therapy. Several years ago, I was suffering from severe anxiety, obsessive negative thoughts, and depression. I was to the point where I was going to seek out meds. First, I tried a therapist who used cognitive behavioral therapy. It took some time, but ended up being a complete lifesaver/life changer for me. I ended up not needing the meds. Maybe this could be an option for you. Obviously, everyone is different and there can be different chemical factors at play for different people. Pregnancy and delivery certainly add another component to the issue. The most important thing is to do whatever you need to so that you can be the best version of yourself and the best mom for your baby. It's good that you are going to discuss things with your OB. I hope that you can find a solution together. Good luck!

lgarica86

Thank you. Will look into that

Momona1

I started taking Lamotrigine (Lamictal) today. I am 20+5 and my mood swings have gotten out of control. I was hoping to have a medication-free pregnancy, but need to admit that I don't take very good care of myself or my surroundings when I feel unstable. It's the best thing for me and my little family. I wish you all the best!

anightintunisia

I messaged you OP

ambercakes92

I was taking Prozac at the beginning of my pregnancy, but since discovering that I was pregnant I made the decision to go off my meds completely. Being terrified of possible birth defects was my primary reason for doing so. However, I did go to see a perinatal psychiatrist at UNC and they reassured me that if my depression really got to be unbearable, that taking certain antidepressants really ends up having more benefits than risks. I see a therapist currently and take some probiotics that my OB suggested could help combat depression. I would seek out a therapist if possible, because I think behavioral therapy is a huge component to combatting depression. I don't know your unique situation, but you shouldn't necessarily feel guilty about having to take an antidepressant. But regardless, if you ever want to chat just shoot me a PM. I have been dealing with depression for years now, so I may be able to offer some comfort from time to time.

emzie54

I took Wellbutrin, a class c drug, for the first half of my pregnancy. In the 2nd tri my mood started to feel more manageable so I tapered off. All of my tests and A/S have looked good, so so far baby is healthy. My sister-in-law took Zoloft and my neice is perfect. I think the risk is very low, and it is a calculated one. If you are not doing well that is not good for baby either. Also, yes to therapy!