I was on Lexapro before I found out I was pregnant with my second child. My OB put me on it at the end of October, when I was showing signs of postpartum after the birth of my first child 10 months ago. I felt great and back to my old self again, but found out I was pregnant in December with my second child. The doctor took me off of the Lexapro and said he was waiting til I make it past my first trimester, and if at that point I was feeling like before, he would place me on something. I quickly went down hill again. Even more severe depression than before, and couldn't take care of my 12 month old. He placed me on Zoloft per my request. I read it had less of a risk, but it did hardly anything for me. After letting my Doctor know, he suggested I go back on the Lexapro and gave me free samples. I am so afraid of hurting my baby, and all of the info on antidepressants show heart and lung birth defects. Does anyone have a child who was born with any of these problems. What is the truth?
2007-02-22 05:51:21 · 3 answers · asked by Jacqueline R 1 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Other - Pregnancy & Parenting
Unfortunately, there is no way to tell at this point. The only information about Lexapro(and other SSRI's)is babies exposed to the drug late in the third trimester had more delivery and post-delivery problems. All SSRI's are Pregnancy Category "C" which means benefit should outweigh the risk. Zoloft is the only one the FDA has given a "B" rating which is almost the best rating you can get safety wise. Unfortunatley, there just aren't enough studies done on the effects of SSRI's b/c no mother wants to elect to undergo drug testing! If you are really concerned, then go back on the Zoloft for the remainder of the pregnancy and Lexapro postpartum....I know you said it didn't do much for you, but it would be the best option in the interum. You're going to have to get a lot of help but it might help you rest easier.
2007-02-22 06:36:11 · answer #1 · answered by emrobs 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I started the pregnancy taking Cymbalta. After finding out I was pregnant, I was taken off and hit rock bottom. I was then placed on Zoloft and have been ever since. I had a level 2 ultrasound every two weeks (because I am diabetic) and a fetus EKG by Riley hospital to make sure the heart and lungs developed normally. I deliver in nine days and the only problems that she has so far is she is breech. I know that they do sometimes have withdrawl symptoms after they are born, but that is short lived. I wish you the best of luck.
2007-02-22 06:02:30 · answer #2 · answered by Denise C 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am 33 weeks with my second. I have been on Celexa for 4.5 years and my first child was breastfed on it (no affects). So far we have no indication that there will be any problems with this baby. I haven't heard of any birth defects, only that the baby may show some withdrawl symptoms from the meds after birth. I can't go without being on the Celexa, so I am on as low a dose as I can handle. Not enough is known about the affects of all the different drugs.
2007-02-22 06:04:35 · answer #3 · answered by finding_my_dream 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you can handle not being on the prescription, don't take it. Doctors and researchers only have a vague idea of what can happen if you take X drug. The first few months are very important in fetal development for the organs.
2007-02-22 05:56:49 · answer #4 · answered by Patrick D 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋