Deciding to stay on psych meds during pregnancy

SleepingBeauty79

What medications did you and your ob/psychiatrist Ok for pregnancy?  (Anxiey, depession, etc)

Mamafesto

First of all, I want to just say that I know what a tough decision this is, and I applaud you for putting your mental health first. I was on a very small dose (25mg) of Zoloft following a miscarriage this summer. As soon as I found out I was pregnant, I discussed it with my OB. She was 100% on board with whatever decision I made. She told me that zoloft is thought to be one of the safest anti-depressants to use during pregnancy and that she would have no problem with me staying on it throughout. She did also let me know that no drugs are completely risk free during pregnancy and I did independent research. Because I was on a low dose, had been doing really well recently and did not suffer from any depression during my first pregnancy a few years ago, I decided to come off the meds just after I got my BFP. That said, I gave myself permission to change my mind if I ever felt myself slipping back to a dark place.

I would encourage you to talk to  your dr. and come up with the treatment plan that best addresses your needs and poses the lowest risk to the baby. I know that there are a number of meds that are regularly prescribed during pregnancy and that women tend to have good outcomes with. I also think non-medical interventions such as counseling, yoga, mediation, regular exercise, etc., can be helpful on their own or in combinations with medical treatment. Good luck with your decision!

emsmama15

I was started on Zoloft around when we found out IUI #6 didn't work and we'd have to move to IVF.  That was so anxiety producing for me.  In all honesty, I could have probably started it earlier around IUI #2, but oh well.  I was on 50 mg.  When I got my BFP, I cut to 25 mg and did that for a couple weeks and then I stopped it and I've felt fine.  My OB, however, sent me several articles about the safety of Zoloft in pregnancy, particularly in early pregnancy and really put me at ease.  It's really about what you need.  Chaos and sadness aren't good for the baby, so take care of you!

EverythingsBetterOutside

I'm on Nortriptylene, traditionally/officially an anti-depressant, but I use it for other health issues. I had tried to get off of it before TTC, but was not able to function. I initially felt horrible about it, but after talking with a couple of doctors, doing my own research, discussing with my husband, and consulting a great organization called Mother to Baby, I'm at peace with my decision to continue using it.

I really recommend calling Mother to Baby. Their mission is: "MotherToBaby, a service of the non-profit Organization of Teratology Information Specialists, is dedicated to providing evidence-based information to mothers, health care professionals, and the general public about medications and other exposures during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. MotherToBaby affiliates support and contribute to worldwide initiatives for teratology education and research." Their website is https://mothertobaby.org and you can check there for a local hotline to call to discuss your specific medications. I found them to be the most well-informed, research-backed source for information on what to avoid during pregnancy and any potential effects of my medications. After I spoke with them, I really felt like I had all the information possible to make an educated decision about what medication(s) to use to manage my health condition.

lillebowski23

You ladies are strong. Do what it take to manage your physical and mental health for you and baby!

SleepingBeauty79

Thanks so much for your feedback. Much appreciated

alitria

Feel free to PM me if you'd like to talk more.  I've got two amazing doctors who have really included me in making decisions and sharing research with me so I could feel confident in my decision but it's still really scary and isolating. 

alitria

My doctors have approved Wellbutrin and Prozac.  I did have to go off my ADHD meds (obviously amphetamines and pregnancy don't mix) and my medication for panic attacks.  It's not ideal, but I can maintain.