Zoloft during pregnancy and breastfeeding

[ceezo]

I am currently 33 weeks pregnant.  I was taking zoloft before pregnancy and had stopped up unitl my 28th week when I started becoming depressed and having bad panic attacks again.  I am definately happier and healthier now and can't imagine going back to the way I was feeing before medication.  Anyway, I am currently taking 50mg/day and am wondering if anyone else was on this medication while pregnant and what the side effects are concerning the baby.  Also, I am going to try to breastfeed my baby.  I have read that most doctor's will allow breastfeeding while taking zoloft but of course I found some information on the internet advising mother's on zoloft not to breastfeed.  My Ob-Gyn says that she doesn't have a problem with it but that I should check with my pediatrician before starting and I haven't choosen one yet.  Any information would be greatly appreciated.

[marie79]

Ceezo, I have been on Zoloft for the last 10 years.  I stopped taking it when I started trying ttc due to the advice of my Dr.  What I read from Zoloft's website is that they don't exactly advise taking it while pregnant, but that they also don't have any evidence that it causes harm to your baby.  Plus, you are on a very low dosage.  I was totally worried that I would freak out when I went off Zoloft.  I am prone to anxiety attacks too.  I was hoping that the "high of pregnancy" would keep the depression and anxiety at bay.  I just m/c though, so I imagine I will be going back on it until I ttc again.

Here's a website that answers a lot of your questions: http://www.otispregnancy.org/pdf/zoloft.pdf

Here's what they say in particular about breastfeeding while taking Zoloft:

"Can I take Zoloft while breastfeeding?
Very small amounts of Zoloft and its
breakdown product, norsertraline, are found in
breast milk. When a mother takes Zoloft, about 1-
2% of the drug passes into the breast milk. There
are several published reports on Zoloft and
breastfeeding. These reports have found no harmful
effects on the nursing infant. Long-term studies on
infants exposed to Zoloft in breast milk have not
been conducted. Please talk with your health care
provider if you need to take Zoloft while
breastfeeding."

Hope this helps.

Good luck!!

[marie79]

Here's another website that may be helpful:

http://parents.berkeley.edu/recommend/medical/zoloft.html

[ceezo]

Thank you so much for your comment and for sending me those links.  I've been told that the amount of Zoloft I am taking is far safer for me and my baby than the panic and anxiety attacks I was having so I guess I just need to trust that and not worry.  Sorry to hear about your m/c.  My thoughts are with you during this time.  I would highly suggest getting back on the Zoloft, especially now.  Hopefully you won't have to go through those issues on top of everything else you are feeling right now.

[AnnieBrooke]

I take that dose of Zoloft, at my fertility clinic they said there are a lot of people who do take it during pregnancy and they have not seen a problem.  It is actually the anti-anxiety drug they change people to when they are ttc (taking them off Paxil, Prozac, etc.)  And it is a small dose, as the other poster commented.  I would try not to stress over it.

[girlybuff]

I was on zoloft when I got pergnant and promptly stopped but at the end of my pregnancy my panic attacks retured andm y dr put me back on it.  I think the stress was worse than the meds.
I am now breast feeding a 5 month old and am on 50mg a day.
As with any drug, if the benefits for the mother outweigh the risks for the baby, you're ok.
Good luck to you!

[niklyssmom]

HI,

I was wondering if you know how harmful taking 100mg is? All of you said you are on 50, i was just wondering if you have herd anything about that dose. Or if you have any info. I am currently taking 100mg, and my husband and i are talking about having another baby.

thanks