Anxiety/panic/ocd

panicMom

I'm 11 weeks pregnant with my 1st child. I've had panic disorder, anxiety and ocd since I was an early teen and was on paxil for 12 years. I weened off when I found out I was pregnant but the crippling disorders are coming back. I'm lost. I'm scared my constant panic will affect my baby. Has anyone else had this and can give me any advice?

erbear

I stayed on low-dose Zoloft while pregnant. It's not ideal but I was a mess without it. Ask your ob.

DrCsWife2b

I also have terrible anxiety. I stopped Celexa abruptly Friday night when I found out but I just just started back on it after I MC'd last month (so going cold turkey was not terrble). My doc saidboth  zoloft and prozac are safe if you need it during pregnancy. But talk to your doc.

mrsseguin

I'm sorry your dealing with this.  I have anxiety as well, not on meds.  I'd ask your doctor if there is anything else you can take during pregnancy that would help.

kdjudd

I suffer from chronic depression and anxiety. I took Zoloft during my last pregnancy and will continue to take it through this pregnancy. There are some small risks involved, but honestly there are risks involved with not treating mental illness as well. You need to be in a good emotional place in order to take care of yourself and your baby. Talk to a doctor and see what is best for you! Thinking of you

panicMom

Thanks so much everyone. I feel a little better knowing I'm not alone. I plan to talk to my Dr. On Wednesday.

maiganlynn

I have minor anxiety issues. I'm not currently on meds and so far I feel I can do without. But like all the PP's have said, there are medications that won't harm the baby and you should talk to your doctor as soon as possible.

rebeccaparis

There are medications for this that are safe (or safer) during pregnancy. Talk to your dr. about it.

katiebenes

ask your OB about safe medications for it.

huntjul

Yes, untreated issues can cause problems for both you and baby.  While paxil isn't safe for pregnancy, some of the other medications are.  I've stayed on my safe antidepressant and intend to throughout pregnancy.  I'd talk to your doctor right away about getting switched to a new drug.

SleepingBeauty79

I'm on Paxil 40 mg for panic disorder. Although Paxil is a Category D, my OB says the chances of anything bad happening are still very small. I'm planning on staying on it.

TurtleMomma

I am on a low dose of lamictal (200mg/day) and am doing fine, its a class C. All the research on pregnancy with that drug was done at much higher doses (300+ mg/day) and the effects on the fetus were negligibly higher than not taking the medication.

You do what you have to do to take care of yourself. There is no shame in that.

 

EDIT: I also have panic/anxiety and OCD, have had it for many, many years.

MJHershey

I remember your post from a few days ago and have been thinking of you. Definitely go talk to your doctor about your options.  We can give advice but your doctor is the final say with the education behind it. Stress is not good if it is crippling.

I am on Celexa and will remind on it through the pregnancy and afterwards.