As I get close to thrid trimester, getting nervous about stopping Zoloft....

hey all....well, throughout my pregnancy I have maintainted my 75mg dose of Zoloft under the guidance and care of my OB and my NP who I talk to and precribes my meds.  My Dr. says that she will prob have me stop during my 3rd trimester, but my NP says it is fine to take them until delivery....of course being an expert on pregnancy and babies makes me want to take the advice of my OB...so as that time draws near I am starting to freak out a little.  I am worried about how I will cope with my anxiety, if i will turn back in to the same person who has to deal with horrible almost mind crippling thoughts throughout the day.....and what about withdrawl (withdrawal)? Can that be dangerous to me and my baby?  I have been on zoloft for like 2 years now.......any advice would be so great, thanks!

[peekawho]

I wonder if you might be able to back down to 50 or even 25mg as you get closer.  I'd be afraid to stop completely, if the panic and anxiety is as bad as that.  You can't stop abruptly, for sure.  

But perhaps a reduced dose would allow you to function well enough to tolerate?  

[energy_train]

I would follow the advise of your OB since this is a Category C drug as he/she probably knows best and there has to be a reason that he/she let you take it during the first part of your pregnancy and then wants you to stop for your 3rd trimester. You can always use www.safefetus.com and type in the drug name and it will give you information as well.  If you can cope without it, even if it's hard, it's best to follow your OB.  Good luck

[Jame0223]

I agree with peek. Its possible to actualy get withdrawls from the meds. I was actually experiencing some yesterday because i forgot to take the meds in the normal time frame I usually do due to how busy I have been at work. You can have some BAD side effects including flu like symptoms, joint pain, palpatations, anxiety..(kinda a given) and others. It even has its own syndrome name..but I dont remember. You can look up antidepressant withdrawl (withdrawal).

As for continuing it...I am not sure..I would talk to your OB and ask her if it would be harmful to keep taking it. I would also be afraid of being forced to stop taking my medication...

But I will tell you my experience. I have been on zoloft before. I was at 50 then went to 100 then stopped over the summer ( I was taking it for school and wanted to see if I could cope without it) Then I started having attacks again and started taking it again and I couldnt handle the side effects of going from 0-100. So I got switched to Lexapro...which is safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding. I only take 10 mg and the side effects arent as bad but its just as effective. I know that I can't go for long without my medications...I get anxiety by being in a car afraid that I will get sick to my stomach. I have had this disorder for oh....4 years and it is very stressful. But to tell you the truth I stopped taking my meds and then found out I was pregnant. I was so happy and just so caught up with everything and the baby that I didn't have ANY attacks! I was putting the baby before myself and I just didnt worry about me and how I was feeling. I know panic attacks very well and my anxiety is really really bad, but I was fine while I was pregnant. Who knows...maybe your baby will be your cure. I miscarried at 8 weeks so now I am back on the meds but you never know! Good luck...just go with what you feel is right for you. I would try and go the easiest stress free route.

[ziggysgrl0724]

Yeah I think I could tolerate a lower dose...but the reason why I am supposed to stop is because supposedly the baby can be born with an addiction to the zoloft.  Have you seen this Peek?  my dr. also has told me though that she has had MANY patients take it all the way through and everything is fine, but it would perhaps be better if I stopped. I would never want my baby to have a problem.  Ugh, I know if I wean off slowly I will prob be fine, but im getting anxiety of my possible anxiety!!!!!  GEEZ!

[peekawho]

I know I've taken care of pts taking zoloft, and there is nothing special done to monitor their babies, nothing but routine care.  I don't believe in my personal experience and knowledge that I've seen anything bad happen.

But my experience is not equivalent to whatever is in the literature and or recent studies.  I would impress upon your OB the extent of your anxiety, and be sure he/she is aware of how bad it could be without meds.