https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Sun, 26 Apr 2026 19:31:04 +0000 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> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/ppd-and-zoloft#post-1210805 Tue, 12 Nov 2013 11:38:16 +0000 bisous 1210805@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@edelweiss: Thanks so much. You're kind to check in. I am taking a 1/2 pill each day now and the symptoms are not affecting me noticeably at all. It's amazing that just cutting the dose in half was enough to do that.</p> <p>The Zoloft has taken the edge off my depression, but I do think I will need to increase to taking a whole pill daily. I am going to try to increase the dose on a weekend when I feel ready. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/ppd-and-zoloft#post-1210592 Tue, 12 Nov 2013 10:41:30 +0000 edelweiss 1210592@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@bisous: just wanted to check in and see how you are feeling. i hope the unwanted side effects have lessened and that things are improving! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/ppd-and-zoloft#post-1204485 Fri, 08 Nov 2013 12:07:01 +0000 bisous 1204485@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@edelweiss: Thanks. Glad I am getting help, I am just disappointed that I have to feel so crappy before the medicine starts to work. I am taking one 25 mg dose a day.</p> <p>Thanks, everyone. It's reassuring that so many people feel Zoloft works well. I have been taking it with food, but that hasn't been doing much to help with the nausea. I think I may call my doc to see if I can try to cut the pills in half so I can start a little more slowly. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/ppd-and-zoloft#post-1204115 Fri, 08 Nov 2013 09:47:56 +0000 LovelyPlum 1204115@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I am 18 weeks pregnant and have been on Zoloft for about 6 months. My doctor had me ramp up to a 50 mg dose, so I took half a pill every night for a week before going to the full dose. I have found taking it at night helps me not to feel side effects.</p> <p>I would say try to stick it out for a few days...it took me a little while to feel better, but that stuff WORKS WONDERS. Any chance you could try taking it in the evening with food, like yogurt or applesauce?</p> <p>I hope you can find something that works for you. Good for you for taking care of yourself! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/ppd-and-zoloft#post-1203961 Fri, 08 Nov 2013 09:02:04 +0000 aprk 1203961@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I started zoloft at 24 weeks pregnant due to hormonal panic attacks. I asked to take it at night instead of in the morning since it made me so tired. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/ppd-and-zoloft#post-1203960 Fri, 08 Nov 2013 09:01:38 +0000 edelweiss 1203960@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>that's great that you are getting help for the PPD and being proactive. do you mean that you are taking one 25mg dose each day, or twice a day? maybe you could ask your doctor about lowering your dosage until your body gets used to it more?</p> <p>it's hard to say what to do. i do think it's worth trying a medication for at least a couple of weeks to see the effect, but not if you're miserable the whole time. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/ppd-and-zoloft#post-1203957 Fri, 08 Nov 2013 09:00:21 +0000 Crisark 1203957@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@bisous: Stick it out.<br /> I started Zoloft when we decided to TTC because what I was originally on wasn't safe for pregnancy. I started with a 50mg dose and stuck with that until my 4wk pp check up. I then increased to 100mg and feel wonderful.<br /> You do need to give it at least 2 full weeks. Your body will take time adjusting. It is difficult at first to want to stick through it but I'm telling you you will feel a lot better.<br /> Zoloft, to me, is mild enough that I don't feel drugged but I don't feel anxious and worried All.The.Time like I was before. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/ppd-and-zoloft#post-1203950 Fri, 08 Nov 2013 08:56:09 +0000 bisous 1203950@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Not sure if anyone else has experience (similar or not) with taking Zoloft for PPD. My doc prescribed it to me this week after she determined I am having mild PPD.<br /> The dose is 25 mg-I have taken two pills over the past two days and I feel awful--so nauseous and so tired I could sleep all day (and I am waking up in the middle of the night). After calling the doc, she left me a message saying I need to wait a week or two before judging the medicine.<br /> Anyone else have a hard time starting on Zoloft? It's hard to even work and I can't afford sick days just to help me start. Should I stick it out? </p>