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November 2013 Moms
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No more antidepressants

ameliamcgameliamcg
in November 2013 Moms
I am Bipolar and have been on a great mix of meds for 8 years. Lamictal, Wellbutrin, and lexapro have worked extremely well. I came off the Lamictal months ago before we started trying because it's so dangerous during the first trimester. As soon as I found out I was pregnant last Thursday, I stopped taking the Wellbutrin and Lexapro, I noticed this past weekend that I was really lightheaded and would get really dizzy especially when agitated. It scared me to drive. I saw my psychiatrist yesterday and she said it was withdrawal from the lexapro. I was advised to decrease the lexapro from 20 mg to 10 mg for about a week and then try 5 mg for a week before coming off. I went back on 10 mg yesterday and feel better already. Hope this helps someone. I am mainly missing sleeping and allergy pills! But so excited to be expecting!!!
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Re: No more antidepressants

  • swimiz500swimiz500 member

    Have you talked to your OB about all of this? I just ask because with my pregnancy with DD, my psychiatrist also advised me to stop my meds (for anxiety and depression), and things got pretty bad for awhile. Between the withdrawal, and the return of my depression and anxiety, I was a mess. Finally, I brought it up to my OB who advised me to go back on Effexor and referred me to a MFM who managed my medications and kept an eye on everything for the rest of the pregnancy. 

    This time, I am still taking the Effexor. My psychiatrist had me on Abilify as well, which I am not sure if I should still take. Like you, I tried to stop cold turkey and had debilitating withdrawal. So now I am still taking it, hoping to get an appointment soon to discuss it all.

    Good luck to you, and congratulations!!  

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  • babyruth88babyruth88
    you can still take allergy pills. just take claritan
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  • Pas1224Pas1224 member

    I just want to say that I am so sorry you are going through this.  Withdrawal from anti-depressants is no joke.  I was on paxil for 11 years and getting off of it was absolute hell. 

    With that said, I am taking Celexa now and will take it throughout my whole pregnancy.  I also took it with DD.  For me, the benefits of taking it far outweigh the risks.  Maybe you could talk to your MD about switching to a different anti-depressant instead of just cutting them out completely?  Also, it is better in my opinion to taper off as opposed to quitting cold turkey. 

    I hope you start feeling better soon!!

    ETA:  For allergies, I take a benadryl at night.  It doesn't knock me out like most people. 




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  • TREDgirlTREDgirl member

    Ouch that can't be fun. My phychiatrist, RE and OB all told me that Lexapro was safe to stay on while TTC and pregnant. And that the benefits far outway any possible risk. Obviously that'a a personal decision for you to make-everyone is different. 

     I cut back from 20mg to 10mg and can tell a slight difference but it's not drastic. I also was told Zyrtec and antihistamine was ok during pregnancy. 

    Good luck! 

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  • purpleflowerpurpleflower member
    you really should talk with your Dr before you stop these medications! They should wean you off them. If you stop some medications to fast it can set your body into a imbalance that could hurt you and the baby more than if they wean you off. I would call your OB and talk to them as soon as you can!
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