Stopped Zoloft because I am pregnant

[preg87]

Hello

I have been taking zoloft (sertraline) 100 mg for about 11 months, since separation from my first husband.  I am recently remarried and we just found out that we are 10+ months pregnant.  I have decided to start weaning off zoloft a week before I found out (intuition i suppose).  Once I knew definately, I stopped altogether.  It's been 6 days and I have been feeling very dizzy.  I haven't been able to drive or go to work.  I don't mind the nausea feelings from being pregnant.  But the added dizziness from stopping zoloft have been taking such a toll on me.  Am I damaging my brain by stopping so quickly?  I don't want to go back on it in fear of harming the baby.  I rather suffer but I am afraid of long term affects.  Any advice is appreciated.

[preg87]

Correction---10 + weeks pregnant (not months)

[sf_jen]

You are definitely not damaging your brain by stopping the Zoloft. I was on Wellbutrin, which I think is in another drug class. I stopped 5 days before my expected period because I just knew that I was pregnant. The dizziness is normal, and if you can hold out, you will probably start to feel better very soon. I have pretty low energy, but I think that just comes with being pregnant. I would give it another few days and then if you feel worse, definitely call you doctor.
Jen 12 weeks

[azqtpies]

they say not to stop any anxiety meds cold turkey as it puts you at risk for seizures and the baby, not to scare you. You can goggle this and find more info, I would certainly give a  call into your doc, he  might just montior you more closely for a short time. Good luck

[40smama]

I would definitely consult your ob about weaning off Zoloft to get his advice on whether you should abe taking this drug during pregnancy.  Good luck! - jennifer (17w2d)

[preg87]

Thank you so much for your replies.  The support makes me feel better.   The dizziness have lessoned, although not completely gone.  I heard somewhere that it takes 6 days for the zoloft to get out of my system.  I'm sure it is different for everyone.  I have my first doctor's appointment Monday, so I will find out more.  Thanks again!!  

[Sunnieraez]

You will be ok off the zoloft.   I recently went "cold turkey" off 100mg, and I too felt dizzy, nauseous, cranky, sleepy and had major headaches! It should be weaned-being pregnant though I wouldn't take it.  Feel better.

[Chookdee]

Hi there. I would've done exactly the same thing..I have in the past been on a variety of anti-depressants and lithium. ( trying to find a combo that actually worked ), and if I fell pregnant on them, I would've stopped immediately, and booked into my doc. It could be worse with the side effects and I am glad ur feeling better already. You cartainly won't damage your brain!
You'll need ur doc to monitor your mood though, ( if you are at risk of slipping back into depression ), as it may take a few weeks for your original symptoms to re-emerge.
Good luck on Monday. Sarah ( 16wks 5 days )

[stephie4]

my first preg (11 years ago) I developed post partum depression, and had to stop breastfeeding so i could begin the zoloft... and was on it for years after that...

just make sure, if you don't plan on breastfeeding, you start back on it if you and your dr.  think you need to.

best wishes and congrats!!!