Zoloft (anti-depressants; also on May 11 board)

cbranch89

Is there anyone on Zoloft or any anti-depressant? I was diagnosed with severe depression years ago and self weened myself off of my meds. My OB and different L&D doctors suggested I see a psychiatrist because it's a strong chance I will get PPD. So I set up the appointment and the doctor thinks I should be back on medication but gave me a long list of side effects for baby. Basically, the way the doctor said it is I can either take Zoloft (which she recommends) or Celexa (which I was on prior to, and works for me) and risk a lot of stuff to baby or I can not take the meds and go into preterm labor.

Needless to say, I was a wreck by the end of my appointment because I don't know what to do. I requested to contact my ob to see what she thought about each drug, She said Zoloft would be better.  My question to you all is what would you do? If you are on medication (especially second time moms) did your baby have any side effects? Also, when did you start the medication? Early in the pregnancy or late? I've searched the boards for answers but didn't find too many recent posts on the topic so I thought I'd ask. Thanks

Aloe0l

I just started zoloft, but am not pregnant, but am still breastfeeding.  While talking with my OB about it, she says they very commonly use zoloft for pregnant women as well. 

But, I can understand the reluctance to take it.  I know I would be that way too. 

If you feel like you need medication, then I would go for the zoloft.  Otherwise, if you feel like you can make it through your pregnancy without it, then, see if you can hold off until after you deliver, and then start the meds.  Or, just say you want to wait it out and see.  It's a tough decision, but, entirely your own.  You know yourself best, so just trust your judgement. 

cbranch89

I feel I need the medication. I'm just scared something will hurt the baby. I may just go ahead and try to zoloft

katie8170

I have suffered from depression for 17 years.  gosh I had to stop and think how long it's been!  i weaned myself off medication when I was trying to get pregnant but found that I needed to be on something while pregnant.  I got Zoloft which works a little. I'm still breastfeeding 10 months later and finding that it's not working as well.  I understand being scared about the baby, but you have to take care of yourself too.

Pennilyn Novus

I went onto zoloft at week 14 of my pregnancy because my OB felt that the risk factors involved with my depression and anxiety would harm the baby far worse than any problems resulting from the medication.  I spoke with a lot of women who had been on zoloft while pregnant and the resounding response was their LOs were completely unaffected by being exposed to the medicine.

The most important thing the baby needs is for you to be healthy and calm.  HTH.

 

klcl8981

I started Zoloft 50 mg at 25 weeks pregnant for PPD diagnosed 8 months postpartum. I did not have a history of depression previously.

I can tell you, it is making a difference for me. I believe this is my third week now, and it's taken some time, but it's working. Still waiting to feel 100%. But my experience with the Zoloft so far is a good one.

Mrs.Saxy

my ob recommended zoloft.  I started at the end of 2nd tri.  I hit 3rd tri tomorrow, though I'm scared of some of the s/e, I think my health will be better overall and it will outweigh the negative things.

I did not have depression when pg with DS1, I got it when he was 10 months old. 

TheDreamingTree

I have had depression for a long time, and when I found out I was pregnant with my first, my son, I was on prozac, which has the same warnings as zoloft. I listened to my dr's and stayed on the medication and had to increase while I was pregnant. My son is now 6, and honestly, he is better than most kids I know! no side effect what so ever! And I was a better momma because I was medicated.

I just had my daughter 8 weeks ago. I have been on Effexor XR for over 3 years, and was hoping to come off of it while pregnant with her. I went from 225 mg down to 75 before I became pregnant, a pregnancy I planned. I wanted to be off of it before the 3rd tri but I became more depressed and ended up back up to 150 mg.

She is amazing and super smart! good luck. Medication is better that not, if it is what you need. 

paintednightsky

I was taking zoloft prior to knowing as well but weaned myself off.  Then my OB said it was ok to take but even then I wasn't going to take the dosage I was taking before so I halved the dosage.  I did try to take lower dosages but my body was rejecting it for some reason.  Maybe the baby didn't like it?  But I was throwing up anytime I took it for a couple of days so I stopped attemping to take it.

ereyn07

Pennilyn Novus:

I went onto zoloft at week 14 of my pregnancy because my OB felt that the risk factors involved with my depression and anxiety would harm the baby far worse than any problems resulting from the medication.  I spoke with a lot of women who had been on zoloft while pregnant and the resounding response was their LOs were completely unaffected by being exposed to the medicine.

The most important thing the baby needs is for you to be healthy and calm.  HTH.

 

 

This exactly!   I was on Pristiq and Zoloft prior to pregnancy, and the OB suggested i wean off of Pristiq (which i did).   The Zoloft has been wonderful for me, and as PP said, mommy has to be healthy in order for baby to be healthy.  Take care of you!