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 04:59:20 · 11 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ Women's Health
No. antidepressants and pregnancy do not mix. although there are some which are ok to take during pregnancy, you should talk to your family doctor about that. often times when people are depressed, they think that having children will take those feelings and states away. this isn't always true, however, for people like myself, it has been great having a child. my mental state is healthier. but it is a lot of work. sit down and really think of what you want. i didn't have a child because i was depressed. i got preg unplanned. but make sure you really know what you want. and you have a stable living enviornment for the child. good luck, and cheer up.
2006-12-12 05:03:53 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
There are some alternatives for you so don't give up.
1. Depression is helped by group therapy. So if you decide to go medication free, you might find a group that will give you the support you need to think things through and lessen the depression... at least enough to get by until your delivery date.
2. Ask your physician to consider using Wellbutrin (Bupropion HCl) as an alternative to Zoloft. It is a Catagory B drug which means no reported incidence of fetal damage. If you go this route, try a six month period on the drug and see how well it maintains your mood prior to conception. For many patients, it works very well.
3. Worst case scenario, the Zoloft seems to be most harmful in the 3rd trimester of pregnancy. They might be able to keep you on it until the begining of the 3rd trimester and then wean you off.
This would give you the smallest amount of time off medication while maintaining safety for the newborn.
2006-12-12 13:37:40 · answer #2 · answered by Bob 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It sounds as though you didn't go off the antidepressants with your Dr.'s OK. You should speak to a professional about this. You say you don't do anything and find it hard to do anything, but you think you are ready to take on the responsibility of raising a child 24 hours a day? It would be unfair, and selfish to bring a child into your life without having you illness under control. I am living proof that depression can be controlled.
2006-12-12 13:07:03 · answer #3 · answered by Mike M. 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It depends on the medication that you are on. Ask your doctor, they would know. I am pregnant and on my antidepressants and the baby is perfectly healthy. They have not found anything in the antidepressants that can harm the baby, so I think youre safe. But check with the doctor just to be on the safe side :)
2006-12-12 16:48:38 · answer #4 · answered by kasey06 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would address the issue of your depression first before deciding to have a baby. Having a baby is no walk in the park (I should know, I just had a baby) and since you already have a history of depression, you have a higher chance of having postpartum depression, which will not be good for you or your baby.
2006-12-12 14:33:14 · answer #5 · answered by itgirly 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I've heard that antodepressants can be very dangerous for a developing baby. Maybe you should stay on them and try to work out your problems, psychological and otherwise, before you try to get pregnant. If you are depressed, having a baby will not magically make you happy. It will only complicate things even more. Sort out your issues first, then go into it strong and prepared for anything--you'll need to be!
2006-12-12 13:02:58 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Definitely talk to you doctor first, because most anti depressants can cause birth defects in babies if their mothers take them while pregnant. Your doctor should be able to give you some advice on whether there is a medication you can take while pregnant. Good luck.
2006-12-12 13:02:02 · answer #7 · answered by stacijo531 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
These are questions that only your doctor can answer for you. You need to talk to your doctor about this as he knows your condition and whether he feels it would be safe for you to use the zoloft while pregnant etc.
2006-12-12 13:02:05 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
This is a question for the doctor who is overseeing your pregnancy, not for the Yahoo Answer Community.
2006-12-12 13:02:13 · answer #9 · answered by soulguy85 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
best to talk to your doctor about this and get all the facts as there is a baby going to be involed
2006-12-12 13:06:22 · answer #10 · answered by Lindsay D 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋