anti depressants and pregnancy?

Question

I am very concern about my and my babys health, ever since i was a teen ive been on anti depressant for a long time to help with my severe depression that is hereditary, once i found out i was pregnant the doctor weaned me off of them, but now my whole life has shifted and my depression is worse then before, they are trying to talk me into going back on them but im just not sure if its safe, i went through my 1st and 2nd trimester without them im on my third but i just dont know how to deal. can someone help me?

Answer 1

A family friend was on antidepressants throughout her pregnancy. During her delivery, the sound of the baby laughing came echoing out of her even before the baby emerged.

Answer 2

Hey congrats on the pregnancy and good for you for trying to go it without the antidepressants. I am in the same situation but didn't last that long without the meds. I was only about 20 weeks along and started feeling like I was loosing control of everything. I called my doc and told him how I was feeling and he called in and RX for Zoloft. I know there are people and docs who are against antidepressants while pregnant. If your doc is against them then you need to switch. Yes, switch to a new doctor. There is no reason for you to feel depressed while you are pregnant. I mean, that it is a very common thing and there IS help out there that is safe for the baby. Your body doesn't product the right chemicals and it is NOT your fault. You can't will youself to get through this and you should not try. I felt better three days after going back on meds and I am very happy that I did. I felt guilty until I talked to a nurse who told me that willing youself to not be depressed is like a diabetic willing herself to have better blood sugars. It just isn't going to happen! Please talk to your doc or a different one. It will be better for you AND better for the baby. Best of luck!

Answer 3

Hi, my name is Lina. I have suffered from Post traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, severe depression, and bipolar disorder for several years now. I'm now 37 weeks pregnant with baby #3 and I was on 20 mg of lexapro through my last pregnancy and this one. I tried going without my meds, but I didn't make it. My son was born healthy and this pregnancy has been monitored very closely and he is healthy too. It's a decision that you and your partner will have to make together, but my doctor said that the benefit that my medicine held for me was way more beneficial than what could happen to the baby. I hope you have a happy and healthy pregnancy, I'm sure your baby will be healthy!

Answer 4

That is a tough situation to be in. My wife is bi-polar, and it is an issue we are still dealing with. The fact is that anti-depressents could, possibly, hurt your unborn child. That said, being depressed can possibly hurt your unborn child, as well. It is a tough situation. If I had to make a choice, I'd suggest trying to stick it out without the medicine. You're almost there! BUT... if the doctors think you need to go back on medication, discuss the safety issues regarding your baby, get a second opinion, and then do what they say. They are the experts, not us. Good luck!

Answer 5

I am on effexor and preg. so, is my best friend. She is about to have her baby and has remained on effexor through the pregnancy. I am going to as well. And her pregnancy is going wonderful and they say the baby is fine. My doctor is worried that slipping into a deep depression would/could be way worse for the baby than trying to get off of it. I don't want to sound mean but, your doctor must not know how different effexor is than regular anti depressents... you cant wing yourself off of it! You will have intense brain shivers etc. If you are going to get off of it have your dr. prescribe you lower dosages biweekly or monthly. The only thing my husband and I decided is that I will not breast feed so, after the baby is born It will not continue to have the medicine in it's system. I will use formula. I have been on effexor for 7 years. I agree with my doctor that in my case, it could be more dangerous to the baby to get off of it. Taking care of yourself is import. to having a healthy baby. Good luck sweetie! Congrats!

Answer 6

Please go on whatever anti depression RX your doctor prescribes. You need to take care of your body and mind especially with a baby coming. Post pardom depression will be a real problem if you don't get a handle on this now. Your doc won't put you on a med that can hurt you or your baby. If he is wanting you to go back on meds then the benefits clearly outweigh the risk.

Answer 7

it depends which ones you're on. Certain meds don't cross the placenta, others do. I know what you're going through, i was on paxil for 12 years and wellbutrin for 3. I quit cold turkey from both and never looked back. What helped me? Staying away from sugar, corn syrups, and white flour products. go figure. a lot of my depression symptoms were dietary. maybe look into that?

Answer 8

Okay, your doc would scare me. I'd never recommend anyone with depression as such to come off their meds unless the one you were on is not safe for a baby. In such a case, you should have been placed on something different.

Answer 9

Anti depressants and pregnancy. Sounds like a night of unadulturated fun to me.

Answer 10

talk to your doctor about your concerns, they wouldnt recommend this if they didnt think it was safe. ask him/her all the possible side effects or what would happen if you waited untill your baby was born. if you air you concerns they may discover a compromise even if temporary untill they baby arrives. you dont know unless you ask and information is power! good luck.