https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Fri, 22 May 2026 20:05:14 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/tell-me-about-weaning-from-ssri-pre-ttc#post-2706778 Tue, 07 Mar 2017 09:43:38 +0000 yoursilverlining 2706778@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I didn't wean to TTC, but I have been on and off Zoloft for the better part of 15 years and haven't ever experienced horrible (or even bad, really) withdrawal and weaning from it as long as I did a good, gradual step down process over the course of about 2 weeks.</p> <p>Effexor on the other hand - never again! Even missing a dose by a few hours brought about symptoms and getting off that was a nightmare (even stepping down extremely gradually). My doctor had to Rx me another med just to get through getting off effexor. You couldn't pay me to go back on that - but Zoloft also works well for me. </p> <p>Good luck! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/tell-me-about-weaning-from-ssri-pre-ttc#post-2706776 Tue, 07 Mar 2017 09:30:29 +0000 IRunForFun 2706776@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Slightly different but I was on Lexapro prior to TTC and was told it was OK to stay on through pregnancy (I tried Zoloft and it didn't work for me.) After getting pregnant my doctor changed his mind and wanted me off of it so I weaned onto a different class of drug and it was an awful experience because my anxiety came back with a vengeance. My midwives and a maternal fetal medicine specialist assured me the risks with Lexapro were very, very low and encouraged me to go back on it. I did and my DD didn't experience any withdrawal syndrome or anything like that. I'm still on it, in fact I've upped my dose, while breastfeeding, and she doesn't have any issues related to the SSRI. (Now reflux and dairy intolerance are a whole other ball game! :silly: ) </p> <p>So if you find you aren't handling weaning well, try not to worry too much about risks! And I echo everyone else who says to wean very slowly. Good luck! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/tell-me-about-weaning-from-ssri-pre-ttc#post-2706772 Tue, 07 Mar 2017 09:21:49 +0000 edelweiss 2706772@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>my OB told me zoloft was safe for ttc, pregnancy and breastfeeding (in contrast, lexapro, citalopram, lamictal are not okay). i was on it for all those phases and have 2 healthy boys. i don't have advice about weaning from zoloft, but just wanted to add another perspective. whatever you decide, good luck! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/tell-me-about-weaning-from-ssri-pre-ttc#post-2706767 Tue, 07 Mar 2017 08:58:50 +0000 HeartAbandoned 2706767@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Dahlia: Thank you for sharing! I'm so relieved to hear that you, @Coral: &amp; @catomd00: were able to continue on the medicine while pregnant and/or BFing. I am still hopeful to wean from Zoloft for more than just TTC, but it's helpful to know that if Zoloft is what it takes for me to be my best self, I won't have to sacrifice BFing or worry about pregnancy side effects (any more than normal, anyway)! </p> <p>@farawayyama: Good luck if you decide to come off the meds! </p> <p>@PawPrints: I'll definitely keep this in mind. My PCP's office recommended reducing by 25 mg for 2-3 weeks at a time, and scheduling an appointment about a month from now to check in. Hopefully it will go smoothly. </p> <p>And for everyone who has commented - I'm so thankful for a place to talk openly and honestly about mental health and how important it is for us to take care of ourselves. I've been out of the HB world for nearly 2 years (something about my kid actually being born meant I suddenly couldn't be on the boards anymore), and it's nice to know it's still the loving, supportive community I experienced while TTC #1. :heart: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/tell-me-about-weaning-from-ssri-pre-ttc#post-2706669 Mon, 06 Mar 2017 20:59:39 +0000 catomd00 2706669@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Following because I would like to wean off Zoloft before we TTC again. I will say, I started taking it when DD2 was 4.5 months and did not notice any side effects with breastfeeding. Still going strong at 9 months. The only thing I noticed is I started getting a recurrent plugged duct every few weeks. I never took Zoloft with DD1 and had 1 plugged duct the entire 20 months. It might just be a coincidence and not anything to do with the Zoloft but figured I'd mention it. I'm on 100mg and definitely plan to wean very slowly. I tapered up more slowly than my doc told me to. I basically waited until I had no side effects at one dose for a few days then when up. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/tell-me-about-weaning-from-ssri-pre-ttc#post-2706583 Mon, 06 Mar 2017 18:11:33 +0000 PawPrints 2706583@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My experience may not be directly relevant because I weaned when I felt symptom-free for six months, not in preparation for TTC. But my one input is that when your psychiatrist tells you that withdrawal symptoms can include all the symptoms of the flu, that can be SERIOUS BUSINESS. I figured I might feel tired. Yeah, even after a very gradual tapering, I still felt like I got hit by a truck and was more or less unable to work for a few days. So another vote for weaning very, very gradually. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/tell-me-about-weaning-from-ssri-pre-ttc#post-2706577 Mon, 06 Mar 2017 17:56:20 +0000 Coral 2706577@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@HeartAbandoned: I'm relieved you didn't think I was being pushy! I just wanted to give another option. I have been on Zoloft since the month before I got pregnant with my son and bf him until 14 months. I saw absolutely no effects whatsoever that would have given me concern. We had a great bf relationship (after the first dreaded 6 weeks :silly: ) and I honestly think that zoloft helped me to avoid ppd/ppa.<br /> I have tried to get off of it many times and the most recent time, I did it in a healthy/smart way (also seeing a counselor) but I think I just need it to be a healthy, happy mama. :happy: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/tell-me-about-weaning-from-ssri-pre-ttc#post-2706528 Mon, 06 Mar 2017 16:26:25 +0000 farawayyama 2706528@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Commenting to follow. I'm on Zoloft amd debating whether to come </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/tell-me-about-weaning-from-ssri-pre-ttc#post-2706526 Mon, 06 Mar 2017 16:23:03 +0000 Dahlia 2706526@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I was on a low dose of Citalopram when I got pregnant and I stopped cold turkey. Probably not the best idea, although I didn't have withdrawal issues. I continued seeing a therapist throughout my pregnancy and at times felt my anxiety was better than it had been on the Citalopram (thanks, hormones!). About 6 weeks after DD was born, the anxiety was out of control again so I starting taking Zoloft and took it the whole 16 months I breastfed and still take it now. No issues with it. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/tell-me-about-weaning-from-ssri-pre-ttc#post-2706496 Mon, 06 Mar 2017 15:44:20 +0000 HeartAbandoned 2706496@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Coral: Thank you for sharing your experience! That is definitely helpful and I will absolutely keep the option to continue the medication in mind as I go forward and attempt weaning from Zoloft. Did you BF your son while still taking the medication, and if so, did you notice any side effects? That will (hopefully, assuming we're successful TTC #2) be my next question. In a perfect world I'll wean from the Zoloft and not need to go back on, but I'm realistic in that I may very well end up on an SSRI for the rest of my adult life, and I'm ok with that if it makes me my best self! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/tell-me-about-weaning-from-ssri-pre-ttc#post-2706474 Mon, 06 Mar 2017 15:23:10 +0000 Coral 2706474@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@HeartAbandoned: This may not be what you are looking for but I wanted to give a different perspective. I have been on Zoloft to treat anxiety for my entire adult life. When I was prepping to ttc, I went off of it. Unfortunately, I experienced a couple of losses and really needed to go back on. My GP consulted with a a top OB (who has a background in behavioral meds) and said that there wasn't any reason to go off of it. I did only take 25mg a day (the most I have ever taken was 50 mg.) I didn't wean during the third trimester and my son had no symptoms of withdrawl. As far as SSRIs go, I believe zoloft is considered one of the "go-to" meds for pregnancy and bf-ing. </p> <p>If you are set on weaning, then I would do it really really slowly. I have tried following the standard protocol and found that I experienced withdrawl symptoms. I would cut pills into fourths. So, when I was on 50 and I weaned, I took 3/4 of a pill for 2-3 weeks (or until I felt like I had gotten used to it,) 1/2 of a pill for 2-3 weeks, and then 1/4 of a pill for 2-3 weeks. If I was still feeling a bit meh, I took 1/4 every other day for 2-3 weeks. I am not a doctor by any means, but I found that extending the weaning process helped tremendously and felt less like a shock to my system.</p> <p>Now, I feel very stable and emotionally healthy but I think some of it is because of the Zoloft. I'll be TTC in April and intend to keep on keeping on with the Zoloft.<br /> I don't want to change something that is "working."</p> <p>Sorry for the novel! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/tell-me-about-weaning-from-ssri-pre-ttc#post-2706466 Mon, 06 Mar 2017 15:13:12 +0000 HeartAbandoned 2706466@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Baby Fever is in high gear over here, but one thing standing in the way of pulling the goalie is me tapering off Zoloft. Anyone have any experience in this? </p> <p>I started taking Zoloft last July (so about 8 months) to treat anxiety. DS was around 18 months at the time, and several life circumstances led me to seek counseling and medication to treat my anxiety. I'm still seeing a therapist once/month. </p> <p>We're getting ready to potty train DS, and once we've reached that milestone, we feel ready to try again, but I want to be totally weaned from the Zoloft before we start trying. I'm feeling quite stable emotionally, and I'm excited about the thought of going off the Zoloft and starting to TTC again, but I'd love to hear personal experiences if any of you have gone through something similar. TIA for answering :heart: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anxiety-medication-and-pregnancy#post-2608355 Mon, 22 Aug 2016 11:42:13 +0000 Mrs. Blush 2608355@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Irunforfun: I am so sorry! That sounds really crappy :crying: </p> <p>I am really glad you shared this... my gut is telling me to seek another opinion, but I don't want to just for the sake of convenience. I'm glad you shared this. Keep us updated if you can - I'm anxious (haha) to see how it continues to go for you and if the Buspar ends up kicking in and getting you into a better place. I'll let you know what else I find out and experience as well.</p> <p>Did the dr share any of the new studies with you? </p> <p>Good luck! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anxiety-medication-and-pregnancy#post-2604918 Tue, 16 Aug 2016 15:49:23 +0000 IRunForFun 2604918@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Blush: Because I commented on this thread originally and have had changes, I thought I'd comment. I saw my doctor when I was 13 weeks, and the same doctor who had me switch to Lexapro because it was safer for pregnancy, said based on new studies he no longer felt comfortable with it. I was so so so upset since I'd gone through a tough med transition before getting pregnant so I wouldn't have to do it while pregnant. I double-checked with my midwife and she agreed with my doctor. So I spent 2 weeks weaning off the Lexapro and the doctor started me on a non-SSRI medication for anxiety called Buspar.</p> <p>It's been really, really rough on me. I'm still having withdrawal symptoms and the Buspar isn't that effective. I'm actually about to increase my dose in hopes that it helps. I'm 17 weeks now and over the past few weeks have had trouble eating and sleeping which is no good for pregnancy and I'm just really unhappy with how the whole thing was handled.</p> <p>I'm not saying this to scare you, but maybe prepare you. If I could go back and do it over I'd make 200% sure I would not need to make any switches during pregnancy. I wouldn't recommend waiting until pregnancy to address it because there's so much else happening with your body. </p> <p>Obviously this is just my experience and my opinion but I wish I'd known so I wanted to share!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anxiety-medication-and-pregnancy#post-2604909 Tue, 16 Aug 2016 15:35:16 +0000 Mrs. Blush 2604909@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Ok - so it's a been a while since I posted this. But I wanted to report back in case anyone down the road is reading! </p> <p>I spoke to my OBGYN about this issue, and she really wasn't concerned. She said this is an issue they would usually address following getting pregnant. She re-confirmed what most have said about risk v. benefit.</p> <p>Hopefully once I am dealing with this for real (instead of just hypothetically) I will remember to post my experience here in hopes that it can help the next bee! :silly: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anxiety-medication-and-pregnancy#post-2582330 Thu, 07 Jul 2016 10:42:24 +0000 Mrs. Blush 2582330@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@iced tea: Yay! I have also been wondering if pregnancy hormones will help to "mellow out" my anxiety. Good to know they did for someone out there! Thanks for sharing! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anxiety-medication-and-pregnancy#post-2581967 Wed, 06 Jul 2016 19:19:07 +0000 Iced Tea 2581967@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I just wanted to mention another possibility. We always fear what pregnancy and post-partum hormones will do, and that was a big concern for me beforehand also. I had used medication for my anxiety in the past (but wasn't on it when I got pregnant). Turns out that those hormones were actually good for me. I was the least anxious I'd been in two decades. Just thought you'd like to hear about that possibility. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anxiety-medication-and-pregnancy#post-2581950 Wed, 06 Jul 2016 18:41:37 +0000 mamabolt 2581950@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I was on 75 mg Zoloft when I got pregnant. I weaned down over pregnancy to 25 mg and stayed there, and am still there 3 mo postpartum. It's all about mental health balance, an anxious or depressed mama isn't healthy for a growing baby either. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anxiety-medication-and-pregnancy#post-2581896 Wed, 06 Jul 2016 17:07:01 +0000 Mrs. Blush 2581896@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@simplyfelicity: Yes, our first! And I am concerned about the possibility of ppd, too. I remember when I first began taking zoloft, and how much better I felt. I never wanted to be one of those people who relied on medicine to manage, but it literally changed my life. Even though I am on a small dose, I am concerned about not having it + pregnancy hormones + impending potential ppd. I am beginning the search for a good therapist before ttc, just to have another tool in my belt. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anxiety-medication-and-pregnancy#post-2581829 Wed, 06 Jul 2016 15:24:04 +0000 simplyfelicity 2581829@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Blush: whoops forgot to tag you in the above response! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anxiety-medication-and-pregnancy#post-2581828 Wed, 06 Jul 2016 15:23:20 +0000 simplyfelicity 2581828@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Is this your first LO? I will say that if there is ever a good time to continue to be on mess (if you deal with anxiety and/or depression) is during the postpartum period with a newborn. It's amazing but also INSANE. I don't know how I wold have functioned without zoloft. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anxiety-medication-and-pregnancy#post-2581616 Wed, 06 Jul 2016 12:29:13 +0000 Mrs. Blush 2581616@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Paddington10: Thanks so much for sharing! I feel the same about the risk of the medication also being anxiety-inducing, and I'm worried I will freak out about its affects on the baby as well! But I am so nervous about being off the medication completely. I am going to also begin to see a therapist and see how they can help me work through this issue.</p> <p>And very good advice about the OB visit - I could see myself being in the same situation and not understanding exactly the risk at different points in the pregnancy </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anxiety-medication-and-pregnancy#post-2581316 Tue, 05 Jul 2016 19:49:36 +0000 ladybee 2581316@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Blush: I took Celexa before pregnancy but stopped shortly before I found out I was pregnant. My depression and anxiety sky rocketed and was at its worse around 16 weeks pregnant. I saw a psychiatrist that put me on Zoloft. My doctor took me off it in my third because he felt it wasn't safe. My high risk doctor was livid and put me on Celexa. Mental health is so important. My OB is super old school. </p> <p>If I'm ever pregnant again, I'll be on Zoloft immediately. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anxiety-medication-and-pregnancy#post-2581261 Tue, 05 Jul 2016 17:07:00 +0000 Paddington10 2581261@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I have been on Lexapro and Valium for years for panic disorder! </p> <p>Did you have to change medication before or during pregnancy?<br /> I went off completely. For me, the "what if?" would be anxiety-producing. It hasn't been ideal, but I think I would end up panicking over whether the medication would affect the baby, so I just decided not to take anything. My dr. did seem OK with me taking a low dose of Lexapro if I had to though. Valium, less so.</p> <p>How did you manage your anxiety or depression throughout pregnancy in a baby-safe way?<br /> I see a therapist once per week. If I am having a tough time sleeping, I take Tylenol PM.</p> <p>Any advice for me as I schedule an appointment to discuss this with my doctor?<br /> Ask for specifics about the exact risks by trimester. I never felt I got a clear answer and just felt that generally it "wasn't ideal." </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anxiety-medication-and-pregnancy#post-2581243 Tue, 05 Jul 2016 16:04:33 +0000 Mrs. Blush 2581243@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@simplyfelicity: Same! I have been on the same very, very low dose for a long time. Good to know you had a perfectly fine experience! Thanks for sharing. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anxiety-medication-and-pregnancy#post-2581150 Tue, 05 Jul 2016 13:40:22 +0000 MrsKoala 2581150@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I actually stopped Zoloft (for post partum anxiety) right before this pregnancy but I was assured that I could continue on it if I needed to. There have been several moms on here that have taken anxiety medication throughout their pregnancy (all different kinds) and I've never seen any kind of problem arise from taking it. I agree with others that a healthy you equals a healthy pregnancy and baby. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anxiety-medication-and-pregnancy#post-2581147 Tue, 05 Jul 2016 13:38:00 +0000 simplyfelicity 2581147@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I took 25 MG of zoloft (very very low dosage.) After two miscarriages, I needed the "help." I also see a therapist for anxiety. I have been on zoloft my whole adult life.<br /> My son is perfectly healthy. In my opinion, you can't take care of baby if you don't take care of mama. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anxiety-medication-and-pregnancy#post-2581144 Tue, 05 Jul 2016 13:34:41 +0000 IRunForFun 2581144@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I switched from Paxil to Lexapro before TTC. I tried Zoloft in between because it's supposed to be "safest" for pregnancy but I didn't do well on it. My psych, GP, and OB all agreed a low dose of Lexapro was better than uncontrolled anxiety (mine is pretty severe...like can't eat or sleep) during a pregnancy. I feel fine about it and have heard plenty of stories of perfectly healthy pregnancies and babies on this medication. The benefits outweigh the risks for me.</p> <p>ETA: I'm 11 weeks pregnant now. And, if your doctor isn't supportive of what you feel you need, I highly suggest shopping around for a new doctor. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anxiety-medication-and-pregnancy#post-2581098 Tue, 05 Jul 2016 12:47:20 +0000 macintosh 2581098@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I was on 20 mg of lexapro and my dr. had me cut down to 10 mg. I was fine on that. </p> <p>My dr. seemed like she would have preferred to have me off it completely, but she did say that she considered having uncontrolled depression during pregnancy worse than any possible risks of taking the medication (risk vs. benefit). DS was not affected in any way. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anxiety-medication-and-pregnancy#post-2581096 Tue, 05 Jul 2016 12:41:39 +0000 Mrs. Blush 2581096@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I have taken a low dose of an SSRI for anxiety and mild depression for over four years. I am concerned that my doctor is going to take me off of my drug or switch me to a new drug during pregnancy and the negative affects this could have on my mental health. </p> <p>Did you have to change medication before or during pregnancy?<br /> How did you manage your anxiety or depression throughout pregnancy in a baby-safe way?<br /> Any advice for me as I schedule an appointment to discuss this with my doctor? </p>