Zoloft during pregnancy?

[crisy1708]

I have Anxiety Disorder pretty bad and moderate depression.  Since I have become pregnant it has become signifigantly worse.  I had a panic attack for the first time in my life a few days ago.  I got to the point where I didn't think I could handle everyday life.  No suicidal thoughts or anything like that, but uncontrollable thoughts of losing control, crying spells, extreme irritation at home and work, paranoia about everything from losing my job, people thinking I'm crazy for crying all the time and being so stressed, etc... I think you get the point!  Anyway, I am almost 16 weeks pregnant and I made the decision to get on Zoloft. It is supposed to be the safest, and I am only on 25mg this week, then up to 50mg after that.  It seems to be helping already so that is great!  The only thing is now I am worried anout hurting my baby.  Has anyone been in this situation before and had good or bad side effects from taking Zoloft while pregnant?  I am really really concerned.

[nextgen901]

I was on Zoloft for about four years while I was not pregnant. I wasn't particularly TTC-ing at the time but wasn't on any chemical/hormonal contraceptives either. My doctor (GP) at the time said that it was safe but she advised me to tell her if I was seriously trying to conceive.

Later, I moved and changed doctor and my new doctor prescribed Lexapro. She said that it is a better drug than Zoloft and that I would experience less side effects. With Zoloft, I had gained much weight and was continuously having extreme fatigue. When I began seriously TTC-ing, I did research about Lexapro and found out that it is relatively safe. I stopped taking it three months before I got pregnant with my second one, not because I was worried but because I lost my health insurance and couldn't afford the drug.

When I found being pregnant this time, I told my OB about my history of taking Zoloft and Lexapro. She said it's fine. I think she even said Lexapro is often prescribed to pregnant women for depression during pregnancy.

I guess my point is though, talk to your OB and/or psychiatrist and make sure your symptoms are treated. I started suffering from depression with my first pregnancy 10 years ago but didn't know I was depressed then. And so, I didn't do anything and didn't take any medication. After 4 years, I started taking Zoloft and then Lexapro but never ever fully recovered until I became pregnant again. It's been so long that I almost forgot how I really was. My family as well as myself also suffered a lot all this time. Only after I became pregnant with this one, because of enormous hormonal changes or what not, I am back to myself and I now  feel the changes every day!

I am 30 week pregnant now and so afraid that I may return to my depressed stage after delivery. But I will do my best to make sure it doesn't happen this time because I know how devastating it is, both to myself and to my loved ones as well.  

So, take necessary steps to treat the symptoms and don't be harsh on yourself. You need to be happy to have a happy baby. Take care...You're in my prayers...

[adgal]

I too have severe anxiety, although in my case it came on strong post partum.  I am trying to conceive again and know that I probably require medication on an ongoing basis, so have asked an awful lot of questions about this issue.  It is always risk vs. benefit.  I think in a perfect world we wouldn't have to take anything during pregnancy.  The reality is that many people suffer from issues like yours and mine, and other things that can even require narcotics, etc.  When taken properly and under physician care, it is usually just fine.  Your not abusing this and your Dr. knows, so try not to worry about it.  They wouldn't have prescribed it if not necessary.  I know what it's like to have extreme anxiety and it's not healthy for you which means it's not healthy for your child.  So please don't be hard on yourself, and rest assured that you are doing the right thing.  Congrats on your pregnancy and I have no doubt all will be fine.  Many many women have taken this or similar meds during their pregnancy and had no problems at all.  I am glad to hear it is working for you, thats fantastic!