Anxiety during pregnancy

lb1117 · December 2013

I'm not sure this is the right place to post but I am looking for info about being medicated for anxiety during pregnancy. I've suffered with it for a long time, and have tried coping unmediated. At 27 weeks, it's getting way worse and my midwife wants me on something now. I have to get the script from my family doctor though and I know anxiety + pregnancy wouldn't be her specialty. Any places I can get good info about mead options etc? Thanks!

MrsHaire · March 2014

I have also battled with anxiety for years. I have been meds free for a few months, but only just now become pregnant (5 weeks). My doctor told me that once I become pregnant, my hormone levels would compensate for the lack of meds, but I am worried it will not happen. Did you find anything that you can take for anxiety?

lb1117 · March 2014

@MrsHaire

I am sorry you're battling with anxiety. I was told that anxiety and pregnancy can go two different ways. Hormones can even it out without meds; or it came make anxiety worse. I had the latter happen - mine got worse. I am on 100mg of Zoloft. I have been on it since 28 weeks. Our baby is 2.5 weeks old. He had the shakes from withdrawls for a week or so, but other than that, he's fine.

mjmaine723 · March 2014

I've dealt with anxiety on and off mess for 12+ years. I was basically med-free when I got pregnant - only taking Ativan when my panic attacks got really bad. I haven't taken the Ativan since I found out I was pregnant. My first tri was hard, but I've found a rhythm since being in my 2nd tri. Either I'm getting better at dealing without meds, or the baby is helping balance it out.

If you feel like you should go on something - and it's really you that feels that way, not you feeling pressured becaus someone else said to - then you should talk to a doc. There is a daily anti-anxiety that is safe to take during pregnancy; I can't remember exactly what it is but it starts with a "b".

I wish you the best of luck in finding a solution. I hope you feel stronger soon!!

SophsRo · March 2014

Hey, I took citalopram 30mg and propranolol 120mg before I was pregnant and when I found out I was dropped to 10mg citalopram only which didn't help but then I got switched to 30mg amytripline (sp?) and I'm okay. It's at a place where I can cope with the anxiety, not as good as before when I was on the two meds but I know it's for a good reason and it's manageable

Hope you find something to help you

Jennyc00 · March 2014

I was switched to Prozac after becoming preggo. I have a high stress job as a hospital RN and have bad palpitations without it. I feel guilty but I think I'd be worse off without anything ..

sdo_082989 · March 2014

Hi...new lurker here.

My anxiety got way worse with this pregnancy. My midwife put me on Buspar... It has been incredible. It is category B for pregnancy. I know some things will not work for everyone but my midwife was very comfortable putting me on this. The downside is that that I can't take it BFing.

I hope you can find something that works for you.

lb1117 · July 2014

@MrsHaire

I am sorry you're battling with anxiety. I was told that anxiety and pregnancy can go two different ways. Hormones can even it out without meds; or it came make anxiety worse. I had the latter happen - mine got worse. I am on 100mg of Zoloft. I have been on it since 28 weeks. Our baby is 2.5 weeks old. He had the shakes from withdrawls for a week or so, but other than that, he's fine.

amus112904 · July 2014

I'm TTC and have been suffering from depression for 19 years and have been on meds just as long. I talked to a pyshchiatrist about the pros and cons of being on meds while pregnant. My husband and me talked about it and decided that I was better if I stayed on my antidepressants. I would talk to a pyshchiatrist and way the pros and cons on maybe to get back on antidepressants.

febmom4 · July 2014

Mrs haire -I am curious about how your doctor told you of the hormones would help in place of meds because I was told that because of all the hormones that my anxiety would probably get worse(and it has).

febmom4 · July 2014

But if it's going to get better soon that would be great news lol...also what else are you guys doing naturally to deal with your anxiety? I just started doing yoga more often it's definitely helping...

deanna1313 · July 2014

@jessmat I've been taking the baby on walks every morning. Exercise and the sunlight both really help.

I'm also working on training my thinking. Of course, postpartum depression and anxiety is a medical/hormonal problem, but I am doing things that make it worse like negative thinking. I am trying to stop my negative thought before it takes over. It's really hard!
Also, diaphragmatic breathing is a good tool.

febmom4 · July 2014

Just curious what kind of anxiety disorders do you all have? Generalized,OCD etc? I think I have generalized but also socially I get really anxious in certain situations and I'm seeing a pretty big (negative) difference since being off my meds on how I act and feel in meetings at work. I wish I didn't feel so uncomfortable but it's just the way I am. Also I feel really down in general just feeling bad about myself and extra needy with my husband. Anyone experiencing the same kind of anxiety?

deanna1313 · July 2014

I just realized this is for anxiety/depression while pregnant. I didn't have either while pregnant. I have postpartum depression though.

I have always had very mild anxiety since I was a child. It has never been bad enough to be medicated and I didn't feel I needed to seek help. My anxiety is normally stress induced. In college I went through a bout of OCD. I was aware and able to correct it myself. Typically it is just generalized anxiety. No social anxiety and I've never had depression.

homebird · August 2014

I am diagnosed with severe anxiety disorder with depression. I'm fine while taking meds, but off ... yikes. I tried to wean off while pregnant (at the "order" of my mistaken PCP) and it didn't go well. Ended up in the hospital because I was suicidal.

Anyway, all that to say - while I was in the hospital I had a great psychiatrist who put me back on meds. I was 6 weeks pregnant at the time and was put on 10mg lexapro which worked perfectly. Post-partum I got bumped up to 20mg because I always have a surge of anxiety at that time. I'm still on 20mg because it is working well for me, so I will probably be on it for the rest of my life.

I would NOT go to a PCP to get these types of medicines. They mean well, but I have met so many PCPs that are uneducated about mental health and how to treat it. You need to see a psychiatrist because they are specialized. It's kind of like ... you wouldn't use your PCP to treat cancer, you'd see a specialist. Or you wouldn't go to your PCP to have brain surgery. You know?

As far as "natural" methods - try aromatherapy. Deep breathing. Talk therapy (huge help for me). A great book is "Hope and Help for your Nerves" by Claire Weekes. I'm not a huge self-help book type of person, but this one was seriously amazing. And I am not being paid to say this, haha.

And natural methods may not work for you completely, you may need meds too. I know I do.

Hang in there! And feel free to PM me if you have any questions.

homebird · August 2014

MrsHaire said:

I have also battled with anxiety for years. I have been meds free for a few months, but only just now become pregnant (5 weeks). My doctor told me that once I become pregnant, my hormone levels would compensate for the lack of meds, but I am worried it will not happen. Did you find anything that you can take for anxiety?

Did a PCP or OB tell you that? That's what my idiot of a PCP told me. He refused to give me refills on my medication once he found out I was pregnant. He told me that "The hormones would kick in soon and I would feel better." Oh, and that I should "Look at the positive in my life and stop being so anxious."

Right. Because it's that easy to get over anxiety, right? lol.

totallyshocked · August 2014

So Im currently pregnant with #2 and can say this much...... yes they work both ways. With #1 I was on nothing and felt AMAZING (like best in my life) and then with this baby I got off my clonazepam asap and am still on Zoloft 100mg but have felt so anxiety and hormonal. I was hoping to get off the Zoloft but don't see it happening soon. Both my OB and PCP said its very safe during pregnancy but to def try to wean down. This stuff is so scary but remember healthy Mommy means healthy Baby.......

Vkobie22 · November 2014

Hi there.. I am new to all this as it's my first time and an unplanned pregnancy.. I've suffered severe anxiety/social anxiety and panic attacks for 14+ years now. I've been to shrinks and counseling tried many different anti anxiety medications and the only thing that has helped me thus far is Xanax.. Unfortunately. I've often thought I'd never have children bc of my condition.. This is truly an accident. But now that I am about 6 weeks, I don't know what to do.. The obgyn I went to today would not see me bc of the medication.. They are sending me to a high risk doctor.. I'm really considering terminating it, rather than continuing and giving a child birth defects.. If anyone has taken this medication while pregnant please let me know how things with for you.. Much appreciated xo

FeliciaM86 · November 2014

This is my fourth pregnancy and I have suffered with anxiety and depression for a few years now without medication. Although this year right before I got pregnant I was hospitalized because I had a mental breakdown. Finally I was properly diagnosed and put on Zoloft and Trazadone to sleep. 3 months later I found out I was pregnant, I was going back and fourth about getting off the meds and I tried I was a mess. Anxiety through the roof and insomnia. I found a OB and perinatal phychiatrist who have worked closely with me for my pregnancy and I have stayed on my medication. You would be surprised at how many woman are on anti-anxiety medication while they are pregnant. Find an obgyn who deals with pregnancy and mental health in woman. Good luck

Cliffhaven · December 2014

I'm a psychiatrist myself and took Lexapro throughout my first pregnancy for Anxiety and I am currently taking Wellbutrin, Cymbalta and Trazodone throughout my second pregnancy for Anxiety and Depression. I have reviewed the research again and again but the bottom line is that the risks of the meds are small whereas the cumulative risks of pregnancy with depression, anxiety and insomnia can be big - not just for mums but for babies. FWIW my 7 year old daughter is perfect. Well maybe a bit too smart...but definitely no worse off for having spent her time "on the inside" with her mom on meds.

Byanko · December 2014

I had a similar situation. My ex ob-gyn said that she will transfer me to a high risk, because of prozac and arivan. I than find another ob-gyn, who laughed at me when i said that i have to go to a high risk. Zanax is the same type of benzos as ativan. The didference is that zanax kick in faster. You will not have a birth defect! Not a single anxiety mom delivered baby with birth defect while on benzos. They just did a study on mouses. I am sorry, but u sound very uneducated. Find a good doctor, it might be hard. Get prescribed some antidepressants take your zanax and good luck!

lizzypoo96 · December 2014

OP- sounds like you're in the right place. I was on 50mg of Zoloft before I got pregnant, but I stopped because of the potential side effects. It has not been good. Hormones have only made my lows lower. I have generalized anxiety disorder. My OB and PCP support me going back on... It's my husband that doesn't "get" it. I'm hoping at my next appt we'll be able to have a consensus to start again, because it has been so difficult. Best wishes to you and you know where to find a good sounding board!

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