anti depressant pregnancy

I want to know how likely it is my docter will give me an anti depressant. I am almsot 13 weeks and will be close to 14 weeks before i see her again. I also wondered how safe it was. I am at the point where i NEED something. Alot of life changing events in the last month and its all very hard to deal with. Thanks
Sara

p.s.
she was planning on the thrid trimester, but im not sure if i can wait. (history of ppd)

[Lilyb]

does ppd stand for postpartum depression? did you have depression with your previous pregnancy(s)?
Ive heard that antidepressant have come a long way. My doctor once mentioned that during second trimester it is ok to take them.

[AndiJ78]

It depends on the medication. I am one that vehemently speaks out against Paxil and Zoloft during pregnancy as there have been far too many troubling studies with regards to heart defects and those meds when taken during pregnancy. Other meds are safer to take throughout the pregnancy and some safer after the first trimester has passed. This is really a conversation for you, your doctor, and your pharmacist. Always have a thorough conversation with your pharmacist about any med your doc gives you and rx for. Ask lots of questions, go over the med in Drugs For Pregnancy and Lactation Guide.

[cantwait4baby]

I know of a pediatrician who had to take something during her 2nd pregnancy to prevent PPD after her first pregnancy was awful with PPD.  There are some things that are safe.  Look at the category.  C and over are No Good.  A and B are ok.

[ziggysgrl0724]

I found this post interesting because I currently take Zoloft and am planning on TTC in Jan...I have been so curious if staying on the Zoloft would be ok....my NP that prescribes it says it is fine, but it still makes me nervous....I am just so afraid to come off it and feel the way i did before I started it (anxiety disorder).....any advice for this?

[ziggysgrl0724]

ok nevermind wow...after I posted that I googles it and some of the stuff I saw is alarming....how about a new question, lol....is there something better I could take?

[AndiJ78]

This is a good conversation for the pharmacist. They are much more knowledgeable about meds than I am.

[spade22]

Here is something I posted yesterday regarding Zoloft and pregnancy.

There has been no evidence that links Zoloft with birth defects in the human fetus and Zoloft  has been classified as a Class C drug by the FDA (studies on animals show adverse effect and toxicity on fetus but adequate and well controlled studies done on pregnant women have not been done).  

The biggest problem regarding Zoloft and pregnancy occur when it is taken late in the 3rd trimester.  Babies often experience Zoloft withdrawal effects , for up to a week, which can include the following:
Breathing difficulties
suckling problems
gastrointestional upset.  T

This often requires the baby remain in the NICU until such symptoms pass.

Paxil is considered a Class C drug however, there is recent evidence to suggest that it causes heart defects and a class lawsuit is being filed against the makers of this drug.  More than likely, this drug will be classified as class "D" in the future.

Prozac is probably one of the safest SSRI's to take during pregnancy; it is a Class B drug (studies show it does NOT harm the fetus).

Of course, you should discuss the use of SSRI's during pregnancy with a neonatal psychiatrist.  They have years of training and experience in these matters and will be able to best advice you.  A regular doctor does not have the same level of expertise.  Also think of it this way.  If you had a brain tumor would you see a regular doctor or a neurologist?  The same thing applies with matters of the mind - you should see a specialist in the area ESPECIALLY when the decision made could potentially impact your unborn fetus.

[kierstynsmommy]

I have been on 20 mg of Prozac since I was pregnant with my 2 year old in 2005. I am currently 26 weeks pregnant and am still on it...both of my babies are just fine...I even took it while I breastfed her, she showed no signs of withdraw whatsoever. I was unsure if I should stop and wait until I was past the first trimester and start again, but the doc says it will be just fine. Hope this helps a little

[daprincess21]

Yes i had post pardom with my daughter. Very bad actually. One the medication was started i was better...thats how i know the stuff works...when you really need it=(

[keri3]

my husband just recently started taking cymbalta. i went with him to a doctor appt. and even asked about myself taking it being 8 1/2 weeks pregnant. the doc said cymbalta is the only anti depressant that a pregant women can take. you might want to ask about it.

[keri3]

i was just wondering how your friends baby is doing?