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Mental Health (Expert Forum)
Best way to wean off Zoloft in preparation for birth/breastfeeding
Answered by
Roger Gould, M.D. - Mental Health, Wellness
Questions posted in the Mental Health forum are being answered by Dr. Roger L. Gould, author of the Mastering Stress and Depression program and affiliated with the UCLA. Department of Psychiatry. Topics covered include anger, attention deficit disorder (ADD), bipolar disorder, dementia, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), learning disabilities, memory, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), panic, personality disorders, phobias, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), schizophrenia, stress, transitions, and work problems.
Best way to wean off Zoloft in preparation for birth/breastfeeding
by petunia2, Sep 04, 2006 12:00AM
I've been on 50 mg Zoloft during 8 months of my pregnancy for anxiety. I just realized that there may be some side effects in the baby during breasfeeding so I'm going to try to wean off over the next several weeks. Can you please let me know the effects of Zoloft on a breastfeeding baby and also the best dosage schedule for weaning.
Thank you!
Thank you!
Doctor's Answer
by Roger Gould, M.D., Sep 05, 2006 12:00AM
, Sep 05, 2006 12:00AM
I believe that Zoloft will be found in the blood stream of your child, so weaning is important. do it over 3 weeks, each week reducing dose so start taking 5o every other day, then 25 every other day, then 25 every third day, then stop...but be sure and inform your doctor re this and follow his advice. He or she may want to cover you at the end before delivery to avoid complications of withdrawal if you are overly sensitive.
I was also taking Zoloft 50mg throughout the course of my preganancy and was reassured by my OB that this drug was compatible with pregnancy and breastfeeding. I continue to take the medication and breastfeed my 18month old (only in the morning and before bed). Both his pediatrician and my OB are fine with this. It is always ideal to be taking no medication, but I assume that you have been on Zoloft for anxiety/depression, which are two qualities that are NOT ideal in a new mother. Good luck and talk to your doctor.