BFP and on antidepressants. Anyone else?

MrserinJ

Hi Ladies!

I got my BFP this morning at DPO. This will be our third child fingers crossed!

I have been on Lexapro for anxiety and depression since the birth of my youngest son, 2 years ago. I have struggled with anxiety for about 9 years now.

When I told my doctor we were planning to TTC, she said that there are a few options; that staying on it was fine in her opinion, as I take a low dose, but if it made me feel better, that I could lower those dose, or switch medications. I did try last month to lower my dose, with horrible results. I felt so irritated, emotional and angry. I went back to my normal dose. The doctor said there isn't enough info to say the meds are for sure safe because they can't really test it in a controlled experiment, but it was generally considered safe. She also said that untreated depression is a risk to baby too. I have tried to switch to Wellbutrin in the past, but that didn't go well either.

I'm struggling with the decision of what to do. The doctor basically said it was up to me. I'm wondering if anyone else is on antidepressants and what your doctor said. I have done a lot of research and there is conflicting information. I'm just looking for some insight from others. I don't want to jeopardize this baby but also don't want to be depressed and anxious, as I struggle to be a good mom to my other boys when in this state.

Thanks so much for listening and for any advice or insight. I really appreciate it.

mama&baby

I don't have direct experience but I thought I would comment...

Honestly, if you don't believe what your doctor is telling you about it being OK I would get a second opinion. I think it pretty much boils down to something only you can answer-- how bad is it when you are off the medication? The only reason why I say this is that if you feel it is something that can be controlled with increased counseling sessions, meditation, etc then to me it's not worth the risk of taking the pills. I have read of too many cases of birth defects from certain pills (not necessarily what you are on)

However, if being off those pills scares you and after some self reflection you feel like if you are off the pills you will go in a downward spiral, I would stay on them or look into a different brand. A healthy mommy is a healthy baby and you need to ensure that you are doing whatever you need to to take care of yourself. Not saying you are anywhere near this severe, but I have read of a case where a woman who suffered from severe depression and bi-polar disorder was OK on meds but got off of them and ended up committing suicide. Obviously, the baby died as well...

I don't expect you to share your whole story on here.... but I would take a look at your situation and see if there are forms of therapy you could pursue instead of taking drugs. If that's not for you, then just keep in contact with your doctor to make sure you are being safe with your meds.

transcriber87

Im kind of in a mess myself with prescriptions.  Kind of a long story...I have been on Xanax for at least 2 years. I have generalized anxiety disorder.  Well after my third positive pregnancy test, I called my GP and they said to keep from having possible seizures since I have been on them for so long, to cut down from 3 per day to just 1 a day this week and then next week, cut down to 1/2 day..that way it is gradual.  Well on Oct 3, I was in a bad car accident, was rear ended by a texting while driving woman, my car was totalled and i was taken to the ER by ambulance..I had a whiplash injury, my back was hurt and I had a seatbelt injury..left the hospital with muscle relaxers and pain meds.  Wound up not getting any better so I went to my reg doc who changed my pain meds to something not so constipating and gave me an order to start physical therapy.  Well I conceived between the car accident obviously so I immediately stopped all pain meds, muscle relaxers and yesterday they told me at therapy they could no longer do intensive therapy like they were because I was pregnant.  Sorry this has turned into a long story but I would call the doc that prescribed those to you.  When I was pregnant with my first I was on an antidepresent and they changed it to Buspar, she said that was the only antidepressant a pregnant woman could take but that was 4 years ago.  Best of luck to you, I know how you feel!!

homebird

I am on lexapro, 10 mg a day for anxiety and I'm 11 weeks pregnant.

I've shared my story a few times on here. My PCP didn't want me to be on lexapro while pregnant, so he told me to wean off of it. I had horrible anxiety and numerous panic attacks daily. I developed depression and ended up admitting myself to the hospital because I was suicidal. I was 5 weeks pregnant at the time.

I saw a great psychiatrist in the hospital who told me that (obviously) the risks of me being off my medication were too great. In my case, the benefits of lexapro far outweighed any risks. He discussed the possible side effects with me (they were minimal) and we both decided that it was better for me to go back on lexapro during pregnancy.

I am seeing a new doctor now, as well as a psychiatrist and a counselor. I don't love that I have to take medication during pregnancy, but I know it's what's best for me and the baby at this point in my life. 

As far as risks to the baby, I was told that the main risk is that the baby might develop a dependency to lexapro. If you've ever missed a dose of your medicine before you've probably experienced some of the withdrawal effects. He told me that doctors would monitor the baby after it was born, and that it might be a little fussy or sleepier than other babies. He said that if I was breastfeeding, the baby would get some of the drug through my milk and might not show any withdrawal symptoms whatsoever. He said there is no risk of birth defects or anything serious like that.

All that to say - you have to decide what is best for you. Of course there are risks. There are risks with almost any medicine you take. But there are also very serous risks when a mother experiences extreme stress/anxiety/depression during pregnancy.

homebird

I also wanted to say that I highly suggest getting a psychiatrist, if you don't have one already. Most primary care physicians mean well, but they are *usually* not as well-equipped to deal with someone who has a mental illness like anxiety or depression. Psychiatrists are trained to specifically deal with your issue and they are up-to-date on medications, dosages, etc.

Amores0121

homebird:

I also wanted to say that I highly suggest getting a psychiatrist, if you don't have one already. Most primary care physicians mean well, but they are *usually* not as well-equipped to deal with someone who has a mental illness like anxiety or depression. Psychiatrists are trained to specifically deal with your issue and they are up-to-date on medications, dosages, etc.

I agree with PP. A psychiatrist knows the ins and outs of meds and the possible effects they can have on the baby. I have Bipolar Disorder and was on Depakote and wellbutrin but had to stop taking them. Depakote is an absolute no-no while PG but I could of continued the wellbutrin until the 3rd trimester. However, DH and I prefer no meds. Plus, with bipolar you need the 2 meds to balance each other out. I have a long, hard road ahead of me but I don't have much of a choice.  If it is ok and there is a very low risk, I would continue with the meds.

jillianjigs7

I had been on Wellbutrin 150mg once daily along with Klonopin for my anxiety and depression for 2 years before we conceived (klonopin just a couple weeks before we conceived). I weened myself off both (with my dr.'s permission) once I found out I was pregnant. I did the same with my DD. It seemed for me that the pregnancy hormones helped me keep "balanced" and the meds weren't needed while pregnant (thankfully). But once I had my DD I went right back on them in case the depression came right back. I will do the same this time. I do feel anxious some times still, but NOTHING like before. 

Whatever you chose to do is a personal decision. Some people need to keep with their medicine, and there is nothing wrong with that.  

BLT20051

I'm on Lexapro. I discussed it with both my OB and my therapist. Both felt that the benefits of me having less anxiety and stress out weigh the potential risk to baby. There haven't been any human studies done so it is still considered a class C. Wellbutrin is a class B but my therapist said it was just because of something to do with the date range of testing and he didn't trust it. His opinion was that lexapro was my best option during pregnancy. HTH!

MrserinJ

Thank you all so much for your thoughts and for sharing your stories.

I really think that I will try to wean myself off as both times I was pregnant, I felt pretty good. It was afterwards that was bad for me. I am scared to go off, as I don want to go to that terrible place if anxiety all. The. Time. Again but I deel like I should at least try it again.

I'm very sensitive to the change in dosage and that scares me but I think if I take it really slow, maybe it will help.

My PCP doesn't deliver babies, so I will be seeing a different doctor we don't see Ob/Gyn's here in Canada unless its high risk, so I will get his opinion when I go to my first appt. in the mean time, I think I will try half a pill per day again.

Thanks so much for listening again :

MrserinJ

Baconlettucetomato:

I'm on Lexapro. I discussed it with both my OB and my therapist. Both felt that the benefits of me having less anxiety and stress out weigh the potential risk to baby. There haven't been any human studies done so it is still considered a class C. Wellbutrin is a class B but my therapist said it was just because of something to do with the date range of testing and he didn't trust it. His opinion was that lexapro was my best option during pregnancy. HTH!

That is very interesting about Wellbutrin.

If you don't mind me asking, what dosage are you on of Lexapro?

BLT20051

MrserinJ:

Baconlettucetomato:

I'm on Lexapro. I discussed it with both my OB and my therapist. Both felt that the benefits of me having less anxiety and stress out weigh the potential risk to baby. There haven't been any human studies done so it is still considered a class C. Wellbutrin is a class B but my therapist said it was just because of something to do with the date range of testing and he didn't trust it. His opinion was that lexapro was my best option during pregnancy. HTH!

That is very interesting about Wellbutrin. If you don't mind me asking, what dosage are you on of Lexapro?

 

10 mg. He also told me that Wellbutrin works more on depression than anxiety and has been known for some people to make their anxiety worse.

Luthy

I was on a cocktail of celexa and wellbutrin before we started TTC. Unlike some of the other PP's doctors, my psych was totally not okay with me staying on the wellbutrin while pregnant. He did recommend I stay on the celexa (with a much lower dosage) because there is no way I could stay out of the hospital without it, much less keep my job. I'm struggling on the lower dosage, but it's worth it. I managed to get through my m/c earlier this year without falling into the pit, so I must be at least kind of okay.

 I would trust your doctor's opinion, but if you need more information, talk to another doctor. Unfortunately it really is the kind of decision only you can make. Good luck!

MrserinJ

Bacon+lettuce+tomato:

MrserinJ:

Baconlettucetomato:

I'm on Lexapro. I discussed it with both my OB and my therapist. Both felt that the benefits of me having less anxiety and stress out weigh the potential risk to baby. There haven't been any human studies done so it is still considered a class C. Wellbutrin is a class B but my therapist said it was just because of something to do with the date range of testing and he didn't trust it. His opinion was that lexapro was my best option during pregnancy. HTH!

That is very interesting about Wellbutrin. If you don't mind me asking, what dosage are you on of Lexapro?

 

10 mg. He also told me that Wellbutrin works more on depression than anxiety and has been known for some people to make their anxiety worse.

I am on 10 mg as well.

I tried Wellbutrin because I thought I was having decreased libido but it turns out as soon as I stopped my BC, my libido came back. Anyway, Wellbutrin was horrible. It didn't work at all for my anxiety and gave my rambling, intrusive thoughts that freaked me out. I had never experienced that before and hated every second of it.

Anyway, thanks again to everyone! Your info was very helpful.

imsoskarude

I am 10 weeks and I am on Effexor XR 150 mgs a day. My OB is not happy that I am not taking it, but I have OCD, depression, and anxiety that is unbearable without it. I have a 4 year old daughter that I care for, and without it, I become a different person because I am having to constantly cope with the overwhelming symptoms of my illness. I have been on every medication that was mentioned in this post, and sadly effexor is the only one that works, and it is considered a class "C" drug because not enough conclusive studies have been done with it. It's a tough choice to make, and I worry often that I am compromising my baby's health, but I can honestly say that the benefits outweigh the risks, and any complications with this child after my bub is born, I am willing to handle.

Amores0121

I just wanted to say...does anyone else find it frustrating that they don't have a "mental health/mental illness while PG" board?  I am sure there are other women on here like us that would greatly benefit from it.  I mean, they have a "cloth diapering" board for Pete's sake. Mental health is a tad bit more important.  And the Postpartum Depression board is a great board to have but I think they need one for women who have mentall illnes before/when they get pregnant. Not just after!

blanchettecc

I am on Wellbutrin, I was put on it by a psychiatrist after I miscarried. I took it really hard. We just found out last Saturday that we are expecting ( 2nd round of IUI... Hooray!!!!). So I am being followed by a fertility specialist and a psychiatrist, both of them are on board of me staying on the Wellbutrin as I will do better on it instead of coming off of it. It would cause more stress on the baby if I come off the meds.

 

My suggestion is talk to your doctor and do what is best for you and your baby.

 

 All the best:)

homebird

Yes, I wish there was a board for this too. It's hard being pregnant or being a parent and dealing with a mental illness. I'd love to find other ladies to talk to about this and share stories/support with. The PPD board doesn't apply to me at all.

Betsy720

I currently take 20 mg of Prozac and 450 mg of Wellbutrin XL each day. I had a nice chat with my psychiatrist before we became pregnant. My doctor wants me to stay on the meds. I have a history of a suicide attempt... so for me it is better that I stay on them. I am worried about the baby, but I am trusting my psychiatrist on this one. I plan on double checking with the OB when I see her in December, however, I am trying to see a OB sooner to inquire about pregnancy and the meds.

Betsy720

I agree with you. I would love to see a board for mental health/illness while pg board. Is there some way we can get one started?