Anxiety Meds

Drove2u · January 2016

So I saw my GP today just to check in since I haven't been there since May 2014. I was prescribed Zoloft. I haven't filled it yet and going to talk to my RE first when I see him on Monday. But was curious if anyone else is on these types of meds and if your re said it was fine to take them or to stop.

KidShrink · January 2016

I think it all depends why you were prescribed Zoloft. If you're having difficulty functioning in your day-to-day life, then the benefits probably outweigh the risks. However, as a psychologist, I always warn people against using anxiety meds as the first line of treatment (especially when prescribed by GPs who distribute them like they're smarties). If your concerns are also fertility-related, I'd start with a psychologist or therapist also specializing in infertility. Either way, there are tons of great resources out there I'd recommend before starting meds. There are numerous progressive muscle relaxation, deep breathing and other mindfulness exercises available for free online. You can also look up the 'Mind Over Mood' program (can be purchased for around $20 on Amazon if I'm not mistaken). Feel free to PM me of you have any questions.

KLake42 · January 2016

Your GP only knows about whether it's safe to take whike pregnant, not whether it impacts fertility. Talk to your RE.

Have you taken Zoloft before? Do you feel you need it? Or would it help to get a little talk therapy first? I've taken various things for anxiety off and on, and I don't think I'd trust a GP alone to help me decide whether I need something. It's a joint decision, between GP, me, and my therapist.

mskeenan · January 2016

Hi there! I agree with others that I would talk to your RE first. I was battling depression/anxiety a lot last year and antidepressants were prescribed to me as well but I made the decision not to take them and have been seeing a counselor instead . I didn't want to worry about going off of them when I get pregnant. I found that therapy has been really helpful to work through a lot of my issues. I also use the app "headspace" to meditate. That has helped my anxiety tremendously! Oh and acupuncture!! Good luck!!!

twomommiestobe · January 2016

I agree with @mskeenan I would worry about having to stop meds once pregnant. Definitely talk to your RE. Our RE office has a therapist there that specializes in infertility, so maybe that can be an option for you.
I have been doing yoga and also doing adult coloring books. There is a ton of research about how they are equivalent or better than meditation. I found them on amazon but most major retailers carry them.
BUT I would weigh all of the options- how they will interact with fertiliry meds and your mental health as well. You want to be in a good place mentally because the meds the RE will prescribe will take a toll on you. Good luck!

catkids3 · January 2016

I just had this conversation with my mental health practitioner today. She told me to double check with my RE. I am weaning off Lexapro which is a class C for pregnancy, meaning risks cannot be ruled out. I am just starting Buspar which is a class B meaning it is pretty much safe (no drug is absolutely 100% safe). When you do get pregnant and are deciding whether or not to come off the meds they'll weigh the risks to the mother (is it going to make you super anxious and put your pregnancy at risk that way) vs the risk to the baby. That's kind of how it was explained to me I guess. I'm getting set up to meet with a counselor so I'm hoping that helps and I get drop the meds. GL to you!! Anxiety/depression sucks and this fertility stuff doesn't make it any easier!

2015dee · January 2016

I think this is a really complicated question. Like @kidshrink said, if the anxiety is markedly interfering with your daily functioning, then it might be worth checking with your RE and OB about what meds would be safest during pregnancy. Psychotherapy is very effective in treating anxiety though, so I would be inclined to try that first. There are other self-help things that you can also try. "The Anxiety and Phobia Workbook" has been helpful to a lot of people. Good luck in making your decision!

@kidshrink - we share a profession.

Drove2u · January 2016

Thanks everyone. I pretty much decided not to take them. And I do yoga and exercise 5 days a week like cycling, Pilates, barre etc. I've been doing everything I can. The fertility stuff has really got me down. Like really down. I've been doing the treatments since July. And trying since May 2014. I know everyone is in the same situation. But I used to get sad with bfns only and now I'm just sad all the time. I'm still functioning just miserable. Talking to someone may be the best option. Thanks again!!

alexiskiriluk · January 2016

I know many people who have taken Zoloft through pregnancy and everything turned out fine. I think the most important thing is to make sure the risks outweigh the benefits. Talk to your RE. I think it is a very persons decision. You need to do what you feel comfortable with. If you need the help, it's ok. Being sad is not something we can always control on our own. It is often times a chemical imbalance. Think of all your body has been through (emotionally and hormonally)
I have been going to a yoga therapist who teaches me how to meditate and it has been helpful. But trust me when I say, sometimes I just need a Xanax or a glass of wine to calm down. We are all going trough a lot and sometimes a crutch is needed!!!
Just remember!!! You are a strong woman!! Look at how far you have come in this journey!! Pat yourself on the back. Give yourself a brake. This is not easy shit!

riveridgional · January 2016

Here is a link to a fertility guided meditation that helped me a lot. It was my first experience with meditation so it felt a little awkward to me at first, and my husband and I would crack up during it the first few times. Then, I settled into it, loved it, and looked forward to doing it every night. I did it every night in bed. We have a "smart tv", so I would set the tv sleep timer to 30 minutes then play the video in the youtube app. Or, I would just let it play on my phone next to my bed if we were traveling. Most nights, I would fall asleep in the beginning part since I found it so relaxing and knew my subconscious was still following the rest of it. Figured I'd share it in case it helps you or anyone else reading this:

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=a9wRHiXOT1U

babyexpress · January 2016

@Drove2u Hi! You already mentioned this in your 2nd comment, but please think about what you have been through. It is totally normal for you to be depressed and feel down, based on what has been happening. I think we started this process together and I know first hand the toll it puts on you and life in general. My marriage, work and overall energy has diminished due to the struggles in infertility. This is a real issue that is not in your head, very normal and human to feel down about it. I will be going to my 2nd therapy session this week based on advice of other ladies on this forum. I already feel better. Sometimes you just need to talk about it. Give it a shot and it can't hurt.

Drove2u · January 2016

You are all so right. I won't be taking the meds and won't even tell my re because even if he says it's safe I still won't take them. I think they could possibly make me feel better but I'm still functioning. I think I may just have better quality days with them but will suck it up and seek out other options. Thanks everyone for your advice. :-)

alexiskiriluk · January 2016

@Drove2u you don't need to suck anything up!! You need to take care of you!! That comes before anything! The rest will somehow fall into place after.

emsmama15 · January 2016

LURKER, Signature warning......

@Drove2u, it breaks my heart to read your posts because I was in the same place a few months ago. I was actually prescribed Zoloft by my NP at the RE's office. I spoke to my OB and to my therapist before I started taking it, but I wanted to share with you the comment my NP made that really made me consider it. As I sat there crying and discussing our move to IVF, she said "Bottom line, embryos do not like chaos and right now, that's what you have." It really made me think. In addition, my fertility therapist told me that in years past, anti-depressants were actually part of IVF protocols. So, I took it and I've just weaned off this week. And it made the past few months bearable. You have to do what you have to do to get by...

RipleyLV426 · January 2016

As someone who has lived with depression and anxiety most of my life, I would be careful about not taking a prescribed medication. Both my doctor and re told me that it was perfectly safe to take during pregnancy. Your emotional well being is very VERY important. To just be functioning isn't safe, and I would be worried about you not taking it. If depression or anxiety is something you're living with, you should consider taking the meds after you have a child. Postpartum depression is no joke. My mother and grandmother both had it, so I'm not taking any chances. I'm not criticizing your decision in ANY way! That's not what this site is for. But I just want you to be careful.

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