Getting Ready to have a Baby

I have been taking a low dosage of Zoloft for almost a year now to help with my anxiety and depression. My husband and I would like to start trying to get pregnant at the end of the year. I want to know if I need to get off the medication before I do so. I am afraid I may fall back into the depressed stage if I get off the meds.  I was taking 75mg (3 pills) but now have cut down to 50 mg (2 pills) which seems to be working OK.  I want to make sure my body is ready and for the baby to be healthy while I am pregnant. What do you suggest?

[Elaine Brown, MD]

Hi!
Many studies show that a high percentage of women who discontinue their anti depressants during pregnancy end up becomming depressed and needing to resume them.  Zoloft has beed fairly extensively studied during pregnancy and is perceived to be the safest of the SSRIs.  If you were my patient, I would advise you to continue to use the lowest dose that works for you--while you are trying and while you are pregnant.
Also, women with underlying depression are at higher risk for postpartume depression, so you may actually need to increase the dose after the birth.
I have seen these drugs used for 10-15 years and have not seen any significant harm from them.
I hope this helps!
Good luck!
Dr B

[cgricci]

Goodluck.  I took zoloft during both my prgnancy and everything was fine.  I know (as of June 23) have three beautiful daughters.