Anti anxiety medication

heyarto · October 2015

Hi

I've been taking citalopram 20mg for anxiety on and off since I was 21. Now 28 and found out a week or so ago that we're 6 weeks pregnant. I immediately stopped taking my medication, and was also told by my doctor when I saw him that that was the right thing to do. Since stopping I've had one of the worse weeks of my life, panic attacks, bouts of depression, sleepless nights, feeling angry inside at my partner but not being able to communicate anything to him. My partner has a lot going on at the moment with a death in the family and other commitments outside of our relationship, and he can't be there for me 100% or stay with me overnight for the whole week. I feel trapped and lonely (I live overseas and have no family here, don't have the kind of friendships I can confide in/people don't know we're pregnant) and worried that if I start taking my medication again I will harm my baby.

Has anyone any advice or has anyone taken these tablets while pregnant/been told to definitely not take them?

Thanks.

Unicorn522 · October 2015

A quick Google search shows that it's a category C drug meaning the risks are not known. You should definitely call your dr and ask if the benefits outweigh the risks in your case or if there is a different medication that is safer for you to take while you are pregnant. There may or may not be other options for you but it's definitely worth asking about if you are struggling. I hope you feel better!

finnybooboo · October 2015

I agree with PP! Talk to your doctor to see what medication you may be able to take!

sillyfox · October 2015

Agree with above. Hope you find something that works for you! I have anxiety and panic attacks too, I truly understand. Talk to your doctor. Hugs!

jewels1020 · October 2015

I do understand I have horrible anxiety as well and I see the doctor this wednesday I will be asking what are some pregnancy safe anxiety medications or what they feel like I should do stay strong and you can always pm me if you need to talk sending good vibes your way!

cinnamonrollcupcake · October 2015

Hi - I'm so sorry you're dealing with bad anxiety. I know the feeling. I have taken Citalopram 10 mg every day for years and for my first pregnancy two years ago I tried getting off of it. I did get off it and had bad anxiety. My doctor prescribed me Zoloft to take instead because she said that's considered safer during pregnancy but I had some side effects with that and it didn't work for me. My doctor determined it was best for me and baby to get back on the 10 mg of Citalopram during pregnancy. So I took it during my last pregnancy and our baby was born with no known issues from me taking 10 mg Citalopram every day throughout the entire pregnancy. And I am currently taking Citalopram 10 mg every day for this pregnancy as well. I strongly recommend that you schedule an appointment with your doctor as soon as you can so you can figure out something that will be best for you and baby. There are options and you shouldn't have to feel the way you do. I hope you start feeling better real soon!

saladflambe · October 2015

I was on Klonopin when I found that I was pregnant (albeit I was weaning off of it at the time since we were actively TTC). Getting off of the Klonopin was hell. Absolute hell. I was almost hospitalized. BUT...I did get through it. Acute withdrawal lasted about 2-3 weeks; prolonged withdrawal was at least a month, sometimes I still have relapses.

I'm surprised they had you go off cold turkey. That can be dangerous! Can you go back up a bit and wean back down?

Definitely talk to your doctor. If my withdrawal hadn't let up, I would've gone back on because I was suicidal and much more likely to cause harm being OFF the meds than on them.

vinerie · October 2015

I just want to say that taking anxiety meds during pregnancy is more common than you think. Drs. don't want to dole it out like candy as pg is anxiety-inducing, but there are people who legitimately need them. And it's safer than I think the public realizes.

heyarto · October 2015

Thank you for all your kind words. I've booked another appointment with my doctor to see if there are any other options I have.

tripledaggerWed95976 · October 2015

I struggle with anxiety too, i've been on gabapentin for 8 years to manage it. I had to go off my gabapentin when I got pregnant. Though it is category c, the babies sometimes come out and go through withdrawals so my OB and I decided the benefit to me doesn't outweigh the risk to the baby. She said that many ssri's are totally safe to take in pregnancy though, so we're looking in to me starting one soon. Maybe there's something ur OB feels is safe in pregnancy that u could switch to? It's definitely an uphill battle

lilyandtheoandlulu · October 2015

You have to take care of yourself to take care of your baby. I took Zoloft for my entire first pregnancy (and while nursing for a year). Now I'm on fluvoxamine, which is working better for my symptoms. As long as you and your doctor are on the same page, there's no reason you can't take certain meds while pregnant. The benefits for you and baby far outweigh the risks.

jewels1020 · October 2015

I just got out of my doctors app and discussed anxiety medicine, she told me I could take benidryl in the first trimester but wouldn't prescribe anything till 2nd trimester and then she would only prescribe adavan. . But didn't recommend it unless absolutely necessary.. so I'll be trying just benidryl however I'm scared I'm going to be sleeping more than I already do lol.

But I will say I've been off my regular Valium for a around 6 months and my anxiety came back when I got pregnant. And everyone is different as is their situation!

Scottwswife · October 2015

I've been on Zoloft for years for depression and anxiety, including through a previous pregnancy and nursing up to 15 months. Fwiw, my oB said it was one of the better choices and I hope you make it through this rough time.

KaKip · December 2015

Hey there! I'm on Zoloft and Buspar with permission to take Klonopin as needed, sparingly, now that I'm in the 2nd trimester. Some of us need meds and there is no shame in that. I'd say find a doctor who will work with you to find something that works.

proudparent2b · December 2015

There was a study that was on the news this morning that says that taking anxiety/depression medication while pregnant increases your child's risk of having autism, so you just have to weigh the risk (like with anything else in life). Have you thought about counseling as an alternative or doing yoga or tai chi?

I do understand though- my husband also has anxiety. He has been on medication for over fifteen years and only just recently went off it. It can be tough for him at times, but he is using the coping techniques he learned long ago when he was in therapy and is doing well!

KidShrink · December 2015

I was just going to comment on the increased autism risk, particularly with SSRIs during the 2nd and 3rd trimesters where lots of connections are being built in baby's brain. I'm a child psychologist, and would highly recommend getting something like cognitive-behavioural therapy rather than meds. CBT helps with the negative thoughts leading to anxiety, rather than making you numb and not feeling the anxiety until you get off. It's more expensive than meds, but any good psychologist should be able to help you considerably within 8-12 sessions (or less) and give you ways to cope. It will also help you in the long run rather than put a temporary band aid on the situation.

KaKip · December 2015

I absolutely agree that folks suffering from depression and anxiety should try therapy.

But I'm sure you, as a psychologist, know that therapy alone does not work for everyone. I say this because I think it is important to acknowledge that lots of depressed and anxious people are seemingly doing everything right and they still feel depressed and anxious.

The news about the SSRI-autism link was a gut punch for me and I bet a lot of other folks taking SSRIs. Mental illness is a bitch and it is really hard feeling like the treatment you need to live your life may pose a risk. But I did note that they stated the risk was still very low, which of course does not really reassure me all that much.

Basically I just want to say that lots of us who are pregnant and taking antidepressants have thought about and struggled with this.

CBS78 · December 2015

I just wanted to comment on that recent study that's been in the news regarding autism and antidepressants during pregnancy.

While of course it's better not to take any meds at all while expecting, what the reports on the news gloss over is that the study showed a risk increase of a half percent (the general population risk of autism is .7%, results showed a 1.2% risk of autism in mothers who took SSRIs during the second and third trimesters of their pregnancies).

As someone who just went back on an SSRI during the 18th week of pregnancy, I didn't take this decision lightly. But it was necessary, and I'm willing to risk that half percent because the pros of taking it (10 mg of celexa) definitely outweigh the cons for both me and my baby.

laurenmdrn16 · December 2015

Trigger warning: Sexual assault mentioned

I too have just started an SSRI in my 20th week and am terrified of all the risks. However, I can't deny that my depression and anxiety have been negatively impacting my work and home life to the point where I have put my career at risk and MH would come home from work to find me curled up in a ball of nerves and sobbing with all the lights off while my son runs around with no diaper and covered in poop because I literally can't get up because I am sure if I move, the "intruder" will see me through the window (which I covered with a comforter because I tore down the blinds trying to frantically close them), know we are home and break in to kill all of us. So, yeah, I need SOMETHING. I have only taken the prescribed Klonopin twice (once at work when I had a knock-down drag-out panic attack and once at home when I was thinking about how to fix the mess I had made at work), but for now I am hoping the Zoloft helps (it did when I had issues with PTSD after being sexually assaulted at age 16 and suffering major clinical depression/anxiety). Of course, my best friend was talking about how she had to take Zoloft during her first pregnancy...and her oldest son has autism. So, that didn't really help, but I know that therapy, relaxation, yoga, prayer, and meditation aren't enough. I have a legit biochemical imbalance caused by PTSD and severe depression/anxiety. I went off all meds while pregnant with my son and there were many nights I thought about taking him and myself away to a better place where we wouldn't have to deal with pain and fear. I even made a plan to kill both him and myself. Strangely, the post-partum period was great and I didn't feel the need to go back on the meds, but I know that the way I have been limping through is just not acceptable.

It is not acceptable for me to wet the bed because I am terrified of getting up and tripping and falling down the stairs and killing the baby. It is not acceptable for me to get out of work, pick up my son from daycare, get home, and fall asleep while he plays and watches TV until MH comes home. It is not acceptable for me to shake with fear while putting my son to bed, imagining all the ways someone could hurt and kill myself, my unborn baby, and my child while we are vulnerable in his room. It is not acceptable for me to cry during meetings with parents and administrators at work. It is not acceptable for me to continually avoid social situations. It is not healthy for me or my family and that is how I justify doing what my doctor recommends and what I know I need to do to survive and make it through.

LadySamLady · December 2015

@laurenmdrn16 I'm sorry you are going through all of this. Based on all of the thoughts going on in your head, I STRONGLY urge you to see a therapist ASAP - if you aren't already. It takes more than medication to manage anxiety and depression of this magnitude. Please, please do everything you can to ensure your safety and the safety of your child(ren).

summerfunxo · December 2015

**Removed for TOU Violation**

LadySamLady · December 2015

**Removed for TOU Violation**

I'm sorry but, how is this helpful? Your judgements are hurtful and insensitive to someone who has already stated that she feels bad about herself for what she's been going through. It is one thing to constructively explain your views to someone but quite another to put them down and judge them with no advice whatsoever. Really uncalled for in my opinion.

yogahh · December 2015

**Removed for TOU Violation**

I get that anyone can post in any board they want... but please don't jump into a board of people that you don't know and give your judgmental opinions. Especially one such a sensitive subject. Its easy to say things behind the safety of your computer screen. But if PP is feeling this way, the best thing to do is to be supportive, not to cut her down. Words have effects, and you don't want to be the person to cause someone else harm or further dispair. Think before you speak.

KaKip · December 2015

**Removed for TOU Violation**

I'm sorry but, how is this helpful? Your judgements are hurtful and insensitive to someone who has already stated that she feels bad about herself for what she's been going through. It is one thing to constructively explain your views to someone but quite another to put them down and judge them with no advice whatsoever. Really uncalled for in my opinion.

Thank you Lady Sam Lady!!!

Laurenmdrn came to this board for support, not judgement.

And those of us struggling with anxiety and depression are thinking, sometimes too much! Taking a SSRI or other anxiety medicine is in no way equivalent to snorting coke and frankly the analogy is offensive. It smacks of an archaic perspective on mental health conditions in which anxiety and depression are a character failing or a lack of control.

Would you tell someone with diabetes not to take their medicine? I think not. Well, for some of us, mental illness is like having diabetes. Despite all the lifestyle adaptations we make, we sometimes still need medicine to help us along.

BuzzBee614 · December 2015

summerfunxo said:

**Removed for TOU Violation**

Wtf. Are you kidding me? If you could take your judgmental head out of your ass you would realize @laurenmdrn is a great mom and loves her children. So you are saying that all moms with suicidal thoughts due to postpartum depression should give their kids away or not have them?

I better stop here because I'm going to get myself banned.

KidShrink · December 2015

Absolutely, I'm not saying that no one should ever be on medications, and in more severe cases (like what some of you are describing), not takings meds is just not an option. What I was trying to say is that too often doctors will be very quick to prescribe meds without having recommended therapy (because cost wise, meds are much cheaper and don't require as much time investment). If money is tight, there are multiple online resources you can use (just google 'diaphragmatic breathing' or 'deep breathing' and 'progressive muscle relaxation' exercises for some great guided relaxation). There's also a great book that can be done in somewhat of a self-help way called 'Mind Over Mood' which you can easily purchase on Amazon for less than $20 (https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/1462520421/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1450289297&sr=8-1&pi=SY200_QL40&keywords=mind+over+mood+workbook&dpPl=1&dpID=51ujqjAv9xL&ref=plSrch ).

Not judging anyone for taking meds, just recommending other more helpful solutions in the long term which should be done in combination with meds if you're going to take them.

@laurenmdrn16 : for your sake and that of your children, please get yourself qualified professional help. It breaks my heart to see people suffering so much.

KaKip · December 2015

@KidShrink

Thanks for explaining! I agree with you completely. I'll have to check out that book.

js8812 · December 2015

summerfunxo said:

**Removed for TOU Violation**

I hope you just trying to stir up drama because you have NO idea what you're talking about. This board knows that @laurenmdrn is an excellent mother. Lauren, please don't take her comments seriously. You are a good person and a great mom to your little boy and will be to your new baby. You felt comfortable to open up to this group and those of us who know you are here to support you 100%. Don't listen to a random drive by.

@LadySamLady had great advice and it could be very beneficial to talk to a therapist. Anyone who has been through what you have would need to do that.

I don't know enough about anti depressants and pregnancy to comment, but it's ridiculous to compare them to illegal, recreational drugs.

I am just so disgusted with @summerfunxo. Lauren, I'm sorry you read that comment.

Edited because words.

js8812 · December 2015

Did Lauren delete her profile? I tried clicking on her name to send her a PM, but it says user not found.

I'm worried.

BuzzBee614 · December 2015

@js8812 Oh no! I sent her a PM about 15-20 mins ago but now I just clicked and its not working.

dshannah · December 2015

I'm trying to report summerfun's comment for being abusive, but my mobile won't let me. Someone else?

yogahh · December 2015

dshannah said:

I'm trying to report summerfun's comment for being abusive, but my mobile won't let me. Someone else?

No problem!

laurenmdrn16 · December 2015

Ironically, I didn't read the comment right away because I was in de-escalation with a student who was kicking and punching me and other staff and had to simultaneously assess staff and the student for injury while trying to protect myself and keep the student safe, and then contact the parent, complete mounds of paperwork, and then have an in-person conference with the parent.

I know I was putting myself out there with my comment, but felt it needed to be known that people live among us who are dealing with unthinkable pain and somehow find a way to function. We need to destigmatize mental illness and see beyond to the person. I felt like I had shown enough of who I am, separate from my diagnosis, so it was safe to share that, hey, I am funny, smart, overwhelmed, crave crazy foods, like GIF parties, and yes, I live with mental illness. It really doesn't bother me when people say they feel sorry for my children because I do too sometimes. Heck, I feel bad for myself and MH and my mom and my sisters and my friends and...the list goes on. But what my son and this little nugget I'm growing will have that I don't see much of nowadays is compassion and empathy. They will know that some people are hurt and living with the pain and the only reason to look at someone else's painful wounds and peel back the bandaids we all use to desperately hide our pain is to see how you can make them better, not to pity them or degrade them. So I feel bad that they will learn this lesson so young, but I will never apologize for bringing life into this world and giving everything I have to make sure they feel loved and confident enough that they never feel the need to tear someone else down. There is a difference between true concern and condescending judgment and I have gotten very good at knowing the difference. Those who have expressed true concern are much appreciated and those who chose to pass judgment are just ignorant and have a false sense of self-righteousness, hopefully from a life relatively free from the pain I and many others live with everyday. I would never wish this pain or even the understanding of this pain on anyone. I will be judged, but by the One who truly knows me and my heart and through prayer, I am assured I will not be found lacking.

I want to apologize to OP for high-jacking this thread and I hope you were able to get some helpful responses before things took a turn. Please feel free to PM if you want some non-judgmental advice. As you know, as you all now know, I have been there and if I can help others by sharing my story, I will gladly show you my wounds to help yours heal. God bless all, especially those who chose to pity and judge. I will pray for you.

yogahh · December 2015

laurenmdrn16 said:

Ironically, I didn't read the comment right away because I was in de-escalation with a student who was kicking and punching me and other staff and had to simultaneously assess staff and the student for injury while trying to protect myself and keep the student safe, and then contact the parent, complete mounds of paperwork, and then have an in-person conference with the parent.

I know I was putting myself out there with my comment, but felt it needed to be known that people live among us who are dealing with unthinkable pain and somehow find a way to function. We need to destigmatize mental illness and see beyond to the person. I felt like I had shown enough of who I am, separate from my diagnosis, so it was safe to share that, hey, I am funny, smart, overwhelmed, crave crazy foods, like GIF parties, and yes, I live with mental illness. It really doesn't bother me when people say they feel sorry for my children because I do too sometimes. Heck, I feel bad for myself and MH and my mom and my sisters and my friends and...the list goes on. But what my son and this little nugget I'm growing will have that I don't see much of nowadays is compassion and empathy. They will know that some people are hurt and living with the pain and the only reason to look at someone else's painful wounds and peel back the bandaids we all use to desperately hide our pain is to see how you can make them better, not to pity them or degrade them. So I feel bad that they will learn this lesson so young, but I will never apologize for bringing life into this world and giving everything I have to make sure they feel loved and confident enough that they never feel the need to tear someone else down. There is a difference between true concern and condescending judgment and I have gotten very good at knowing the difference. Those who have expressed true concern are much appreciated and those who chose to pass judgment are just ignorant and have a false sense of self-righteousness, hopefully from a life relatively free from the pain I and many others live with everyday. I would never wish this pain or even the understanding of this pain on anyone. I will be judged, but by the One who truly knows me and my heart and through prayer, I am assured I will not be found lacking.

I want to apologize to OP for high-jacking this thread and I hope you were able to get some helpful responses before things took a turn. Please feel free to PM if you want some non-judgmental advice. As you know, as you all now know, I have been there and if I can help others by sharing my story, I will gladly show you my wounds to help yours heal. God bless all, especially those who chose to pity and judge. I will pray for you.

applause followers gente clap clap grazie

summerfunxo · December 2015

OK I may have been a little too harsh, but I was just quite shocked by her initial post, it hit home for me as both my parents had some similar issues when I was growing up, so I automatically feel very upset when I read things like that. I know I should have restrained myself from posting, and don't worry, I won't be posting on this board in the future.

doozer1345 · December 2015

@summerfinxo are you a May2016 mommy to be?

pelicanesque · December 2015

Oh jeez, when I stopped taking citalipram cold turkey a few years back, I had these terrible "shocks" running through my body. It was BAD and I'm sorry you're having a rough time. I hope it gets better soon. I haven't read the other responses on this thread, but weening yourself off is probably the better option unless of course it's a category D or X, then maybe it's better to go through the withdrawals.

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