I discontinued my use of antidepressants (zoloft) about 3 months ago. I want to have a baby and decided that no medication in my system would be the best thing. It went ok for awhile but in the last month I have become really depressed. I don't do anything and I find it hard to motivate myself to do anything, even clean my house. I just hate the way I feel right now. Should I consider going back on my antidepressants? Could it harm the baby if I get pregnant?
2006-12-12 04:58:26 · 17 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Pregnancy
I do plan on talking to my doctor. I just wanted to see if anyone else has had to deal with this problem.
2006-12-12 05:11:51 · update #1
If I waited until I wasn't depressed I'd never have a child! I have dealt with depression since I was a kid and chances are, I'll always have it. It is manageable with medication. I just did not want to have anything in my system. I thought that would be best. I am going to my doctor to discuss it with him and see what he says. I just wanted some input from those who have faced this situation before.
2006-12-12 05:16:37 · update #2
The truth is, Zoloft hasn't been determined to harm the fetus yet - there simply isn't enough information yet to determine that. In the classification system for pregnancy, it is a Class C drug.
Here is an explanation of classes:
http://www.globalrph.com/pregnancy.htm
And here is sertraline's (zoloft's) listing in regards to Pregnancy.
http://www.medicinenet.com/sertraline/article.htm
The rule of thumb for now is 'we don't know' and it'll take many years in controlled experiments to determine whether it is safe or not. Honestly, Claritan is a class C drug, and that's even an OTC drug now.
Your doctor will likely suggest a change in lifestyle before relying on zoloft... different food, more exercise, etc. But no one here can tell you how to live your life - it's between you and your doctor. Best of luck, and congrats on the baby!
2006-12-12 05:12:31 · answer #1 · answered by Prakash V 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I would not take antidepressants when pregnant, because although they say that the effect on the fetus is "insignificant", to me, a newborn dealing with drug withdrawal symptoms is very worrisome. The first few hours after birth are crucial to the baby bonding with the mom.
Also, the way that the medical community decided that some people have a "chemical imbalance" which is the cause of their depression, is that they found that there is a difference is brain functionality and chamistry after a person has taken antidepressants. This change is irreversible.
A baby in utero getting antidepressants would almost certainly experience some differences in brain development as a result, if an adult's brain chemistry is permanently altered after taking antidepressants. There is not enough information out there to safely conclude that there are no ill effects from this. Antidepressants haven't been around and popular long enough for there to be information on the children of mothers who took antidepressants during pregnancy as they grow older, or as adults. Also, most studies on antidepressants and depression were funded by the antidepressant drug manufacturers, which makes for untrustworthy results.
It's just not something I would feel comfortable messing with.
That being said, I've struggled with depression my entire life. I still have "breakdowns" as I call them, but it's something I've just had to accept as a part of myself. I am not always down, and when I'm not that's great--I just try to live as much as I can during those times. I have a 16 month old baby (and I did not take antidepressants before or during pregnancy), and I have found that the change in my life of having a child has done more for my state of mind than anything has before. Of course, not everyone has this experience, and many women experience post-partum depression (often made worse or caused by bad birth experiences, btw, so f you get pregnant, do take a strong role in ensuring your birth is what you want it to be, not just with a birth plan, either!)
But, the moral of the story is that sometimes a life change can have a happy effect. And remember that there are also things you can try to do to "break" yourself out of depression, like go on a road trip, or do something you love, just anything to break the day-to-day crappiness. It is so very hard to see out of depression when you're at the bottom of it, but try to remember times when you haven't bee depressed (even just a day, or an afternoon here and there-those count!), just to remind yourself that it is possible to feel better, and do what you can to "help" yourself feel better. It's bound to end some time!
Good luck!!!
2006-12-12 06:23:16 · answer #2 · answered by oursonend 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It is my understanding that Prozac has been studied quite a bit, (actually the only anti-depressant studied for use during pregnancy, so there's no definitive proof that it is the BEST one to use). I took it during my first pregnancy for depression, and there are no apparent effects on my firstborn. However, I did make the decision to risk my emotional well-being during my second pregnancy, just on the outside chance that there could be some detrimental effects to my child. My first son weighed only 6 lbs. 7 oz. at birth and did not cry immediately after birth. His shallow breathing also caused some concern at the beginning, and was a little scary for a second. My second son (no Prozac) weighed 8 lbs. 1 oz. at birth. Could be related - maybe not. There's no way to know for sure. Some of the side effects that have been documented can be avoided by discontinuing the medication in the last trimester.
PLEASE UNDERSTAND THAT I'M NOT RECOMMENDING THAT ANY WOMAN DECIDE TO DISCONTINUE TAKING ANTI-DEPRESSANTS ON HER OWN...PLEASE CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE MAKING A DECISION LIKE THIS. IF YOU'RE SEVERELY DEPRESSED, THIS COULD BE DANGEROUS TO YOU, YOUR UNBORN BABY, AND YOUR CHILD.
Anyway, there is a wealth of information on the internet about Prozac studies during pregnancy, and in the end, only you and your doctor can decide what's best for you and your babies. Both of my babies are beautiful and smart and I think they'll be fine.
God bless.
2006-12-12 05:50:18 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Some antidepressants are safe to take during pregnancy and some are not. Mine was, but I'm sure about Zoloft. You should make an appointment with an Obgyn, and they will be able to discuss your options for medication. However, I can tell you from experience that you should take something for your depression if at all possible- you will need it to cope with the stresses of pregnancy and delivery.
2006-12-12 05:05:36 · answer #4 · answered by AshletD 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
For the baby's sake, but also for your sake, don't do it without having spoken to a doctor. You would feel guilty whenever you take a pill, so your depressions could get worse. A doctor can tell you whether you may use zoloft without doing any harm to the baby or, if that's not so, prescribe something you may take.
Every medication must have a leaflet with consumer's informations. There is always a part "May '....' be taken during pregnancy?" Read that leaflet for zoloft!
2006-12-12 05:07:52 · answer #5 · answered by corleone 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I talked to my ob/gyn & family doc about this so these are facts. Zoloft will not harm a fetus. There is no research that points to that. If you take Zoloft during pregnancy, the most that will happen is your baby will have withdrawal symptoms after birth WHICH ARE NOT DANGEROUS OR LIFE THREATENING. The baby will just be a little more fussy than normal, and even my doctors said that this is pretty rare. If you need your meds, there is no danger in taking them. Best wishes.
2006-12-12 05:02:09 · answer #6 · answered by IMHO 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
If the risks out weigh the benefits you should not be taking them. Though Zoloft is approved for treatment during pregnancy. It seems in your case, as well as mine was, the benefits out weigh the risks. With hormones raging as the do while your pregnant, having depression on top of it can be so much worse. I understand how your feeling & I will keep you in my thoughts. Good luck in getting pregnant.
2006-12-12 05:07:00 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
There are some selections for you so do no longer provide up. a million. melancholy is helped by using team therapy. So in case you come to a determination to pass medicine loose, you would be able to desire to hit upon a team that provide you the assist you would be able to desire to think of issues by using and cut back the melancholy... a minimum of adequate to get by using until your transport date. 2. Ask your healthcare professional to contemplate utilising Wellbutrin (Bupropion HCl) instead to Zoloft. it incredibly is a Catagory B drug which skill no stated prevalence of fetal harm. in case you pass this path, attempt a six month era on the drug and see how nicely it keeps your temper previous to concept. for many sufferers, it works o.k.. 3. Worst case state of affairs, the Zoloft seems to be maximum risky contained in the third trimester of being pregnant. they'd have the flexibility to maintain you on it until the begining of the third trimester and then wean you off. this might provide you the least volume of time without work medicine collectively as keeping protection for the toddler.
2016-10-05 05:32:53 · answer #8 · answered by catherine 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
never stop your medicine without your doctors consent on your own without being monitored. if, you get pregnant you will contact your doctor and he/she will advise you. once the hormones from the baby kick in you wont need them until you have the child. your on the antidepressants for a reason.DEPRESSION
2006-12-12 05:05:57 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
How about not getting pregnant right now considering that you're depressed. Not to be harsh but if you're depressed right now and can't take care of yourself how could you possibly think about getting pregnant? First you should take care of yourself and seek some counseling of some kind and once you no longer need antidepressants then you could consider getting pregnant.
2006-12-12 05:05:53 · answer #10 · answered by rokthunder 2 · 0⤊ 3⤋