Did you take an antidepressant/anxiety medication while pregnant?

JuliaL20

I have health anxiety - always have.  Lately it's really out of control to the point where I constantly think I have cancer, a brain tumor, aneurysm, etc.  I have been to the doctor several times - she's done a few rounds of bloodwork, a full neurological exam, etc.

I think I need to go on medication (also upon her recommendation) to help with this.

I've tried Zoloft - the side efffects made the health anxiety worse - so that one is out.  I've also used Xanax, which works - but I know it is not safe for pregnancy so I don't want to try that one again.

I am looking for something that can be taken while pregnant because we would like to start trying for a second child.  Of course I am going to talk to my doctor and my OB about this, and I have appointments scheduled - but in the  meantime I am wondering what you took while pregnant.  I am worried about the side effects on the baby, but I have to balance that with my own issues.

Any information/thoughs/advice you can provide is greatly appreciated.  Thank you!

MrsMommyQ

I take Ativan (not regularly...every once in a while when I'm having a really hard time) and it's not safe during pregnancy, so I just didn't take anything. It was tough. I thought I had a blood clot and many other issues during pregnancy. My anxiety was worse than usual, but my DH and mom are very understand and would listen to all my crazy fears and reassure me nothing was wrong. Thank God everything with me and DD was just fine.

I don't have any recs for you, but I just wanted to say I know what you're going through. It's not easy.  Good luck

MegGary

I have panic disorder & found celexa the best for me while not pregnant. When I got pregnant with DD I was taken off it. By my 2nd tri I had to go back on something. So the doctor & I decided on Zoloft. I had taken it before when I was first diagnosed w/ PD & didn't like the side effects. It is proven to be the safest during pregnancy so thats what I went with. 

Talk to your doctor & see what they say. They might know of another drug. That or Zoloft might be ok during pregnancy for you being that your hormones are elevated. It might not effect you badly during pregnancy. Hugs to you & I hope you find some comfort. I know just how distressing it is. Especially while pregnant.  

PolishWonder

I took lexapro my entire pregnancy. I actually participated in a study for its effects on pregnant women and newborns. I dropped to the lowest dose possible, which helped. LO had no side effects, that we were aware of.

zeke24

I take Zoloft right now for anxiety and have taken in the past before too. The side effects can be super annoying. Jittering, not be able to sit still, feeling hungry but not able to eat, dizziness, and headaches are what I experienced. They subsided after about a week or two. Not sure how long you took it for, might be worth sticking it out. I almost stopped taking them too because like you, I freak out about health stuff. I'm doing so much better on the medication, I feel like a new person. Now if only I could solve my sleep issues /facedesk! I hope you find something that works for you. Anxiety is awful, take care!

Ago

I've had stomach issues on zoloft, and now I'm on citalopram, which is similar but no side effects.  Took it during pregnancy with no issues.

mlf625

I stopped mine when I got pregnant, but only because my anxiety was pretty mild and I hadn't been on it long, anyway.  My OB mentioned that if I started to feel more anxiety, there's a newer drug he recommends that's Class B and (he feels) very safe.  It starts with a 'B'.  Maybe something to ask about!  

I have friends who have stayed on their meds throughout pregnancy and have perfectly healthy little ones.  And it's true - you've got to be healthy and strong, too.  Hopefully your OB will help you out! 

westerngirl91

I'm pregnant with #2 and have been on Xanax and Lamictal for the entire pregnancy. In some situations, the benefits outweigh the risks. I have had a perfectly normal, healthy pregnancy. GL

tlcondon

I took Lexapro my entire pregnancy for depression and anxiety, with no adverse effects.

racegrrl714

I had went off Celexa (citalopram) not too long before I got pregnant, but by about 16 weeks, I was having to go back on it because the depression and anxiety was kicking my butt. LO is perfectly healthy.

julianne0407

I believe I took Prozac when I was pregnant, and my doc had said it was safe.

MJHershey

Ago:

I've had stomach issues on zoloft, and now I'm on citalopram, which is similar but no side effects.  Took it during pregnancy with no issues.

That's the generic for Celexa actually. 

Good to read this thread because i am curious about this as well!