zoloft and pregnancy?

Question

im 31 weeks pregnate and the doc put me on zoloft. I was in xanax before i got prego and went off when i found out i was prego. and ive been dealing with my panic attacks and anxiety but i cant do it anymore i wont even go into stores its that bad. Has anyone taking this med during pregnancy or at all and what where your results and did you have any bad side effects?

Answer 1

I took paxil at the advice of my doctor for panic disorder with agoraphobia. This was before they new it caused problems to the fetus. I lost my baby. He was stillborn at 29 weeks. I don't trust any of those anti-depressants while pregnant. If you are 30 weeks I would say hold out for the 10 more weeks you've made it 30 weeks so far, 10 more weeks should be nothing, as long as it ensure the safety of your baby.

From drugs.com:
Zoloft has not been studied in pregnant women. However, side effects have been reported in babies exposed by their mother during pregnancy.

That is the same thing they said about Paxil one year before they changed it to "should not be taken during pregnancy"

My doctor told me that she believed that there was probably more risk to the baby from my constant anxiety and panic attacks than the risk from the medication would be. Boy was she wrong.


I know you are probably tired of listening to ramble on and on and on, but I know how you feel. I know exactly how you feel. I couldn't leave my house or go to stores either. While I felt this way I did find ways to accomplish some tasks such as grocery shopping when it wasn't as stressful. It really helped going shopping at a 24 hour grocery store at around 2 or 3 am when their were fewer people around. Also alot of things can be done online like renewing your tags and drivers licence instead of waiting in line at the DMV. It was even difficult for me to make phone calls, so when I could I would have my boyfriend or my brother make neccesary phone calls for me. If you have someone to help you through the next few weeks without taking zoloft that would be your best bet.

Answer 2

There haven't been too many studies regarding Zoloft and pregnancy. In general, anti-depressants are best avoided during pregnancy unless the mother's depression is severe. Some articles I have found all suggest Zoloft may increase the risk for respiratory complications and increased hospital stays for newborns. I would suggest discussing the benefits and risks with your doctor. As a nurse speaking, I would not take this medication until after I delivered. Zoloft is category C, which means: "Animal studies have shown an adverse effect and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. OR No animal studies have been conducted and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women." P.S. No drug is 100% safe during pregnancy! Even those frequently used in pregnancy may carry some risk.

Answer 3

I took Zoloft during my last pregnancy, and it helped tremendously. I was on Effexor and Lamictal before I became pregnant, and neither are really known to be safe during pregnancy.

I didn't start taking it until about 30 weeks, if I remember correctly, and I was having panic attacks and feeling very stressed and depressed before I started taking it.

Zoloft is the antidepressant of choice for pregnant women, but, with any drug you take during pregnancy, you have to weigh to possible risks against the benefits. In my case, it was much better for me to be less stressed and less depressed, since stress can be VERY harmful to an unborn baby.

I didn't have any side effects during my pregnancy. It helped me A LOT. I was only taking 50mg then, and I'm now taking 100 (my baby is 9 months old now). I've noticed a little weight gain, but nothing else.

Some doctors recommend weaning slowly during the last few weeks before birth, then beginning again after the baby is born. You should discuss this with your doctor.

Zoloft is a pregnancy category B drug, which is the same category as Tylenol.

Answer 4

I used to have a different opinion on this subject until I started working as an OB nurse. My opinion used to be that these meds were not studied long term and women should just tough it out without their meds.

However, I've cared for many women who have done just that and they've been an absolute nervous wreck caring for the baby, dealing with sleep deprivation, sore nipples/breastfeeding, generally they are having panic attacks, very tearful, develop postpartum depression. Since viewing this, I've realized that some women really NEED their antidepressants to function and that they can be dangerous not only to themselves but also their babies if they are not properly medicated.

Therefore, I think you should work carefully with the doctor who prescribed your meds (if a psychiatrist), your OB/GYN and a lactation consultant (if you are breastfeeding) to find a regimen that works for you.

Answer 5

I haven't taken Zoloft but I am on Effexor and with my last I was on Paxil. If the Effexor stops working they are going to put me on Zoloft though. I love my meds. They are the only thing that makes it so I can function. No bad side effects and my baby was totally healthy last time. This one seems to be so far as well. Good luck

Answer 6

it should be fine to take...trust your dr. Chances are the benefits outweight the risks. MAny of these drugs are safe to take during pregnancy, i did hear that prozac was one of the safer ones and that with all the new studies about paxil this was not a good choice...not to say EVERYONE who took paxil had bad experiences. Why suffer if you have options! Hope you feel better and good luck with your baby!

Answer 7

Zoloft gave me panic attacks when i wasnt even pregnant, so i could only imagine what its doing to you. If its getting in the way of your social life then i would seriously talk to your doctor! But if you have just started this medication then it could take anywhere from 2-4 weeks to be at its full potential. I was put on Welbutrin and absolutely LOVED it!!!... Hope this was helpful!!

Answer 8

It's not safe!!
My doctor told me that Prozac is the only SSRI that hasn't had any effects on the fetus, yet.