Hello all
I am new to the forum. I had been on Lexapro and Cymbalta for about a year now and within the past month or so have weened myself off because my husband and I would like to start trying to conceive. I am finding it very difficult to be without my medicine but am more terrified of the unknowns associated with taking antidepressants/anxiety meds while pregnant. I guess I'm curious to see if there are any other mother's out there that have gone through a pregnancy while on antidepressants and if so which ones and were there any issues. I understand every woman's reaction to meds and pregnancy are different so I'm trying to do as much research as possible to make an informed decision on whether I should continue on some form of meds. Unfortunately there are not alot of proven studies out there so any feedback is greatly appreciated:o
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First of all, congratulations on getting yourself off the meds! I know from personal experience how awful it is. I decided to get off the meds when we were ttc for awhile and once I was off (a few months of hell and many a sleepless night) we were able to conceive right away. Most of these drugs are category C which means they do not have much information on how they effect a baby since not many people are willing to try it. It also means that there are possible adverse effects which were shown in animal studies. I have stayed off all meds and realized with time that I did not need them, I learned to deal with my feelings and issues without drugs. I hope you are able to do the same as it is so much better for the baby. Good luck I hope it all works out for you. ↑
I am 9 weeks pregnant and on effexor for depression and ritalin for add. I sometimes take xanax for my anxiety. I was not taking xanax at all until a few days ago. My boyfriend (and father of this baby as well as my other two kids) walked out after 6 and a half years and left me pregnant and taking care of two other kids and my anxiety got terrible. I have had to take it a few times which really worries me. I know that I will not be sane and able to take care of my kids if I don't take my meds. ↑
mlebeouf - how are you doing? firstly i just want to say that if you are going to get pregnant you need to understand that if you are stressing throughout your pregnancy - your baby will be too. so sometimes it is better to be on antidepressants while pregnant - you just need to weigh it up. i'm wishing you all the best with your TTCing. Another thing - have you researched ZOLOFT? that is currently (in australia i dont know about th US) the most recommended antidepressant for pregnancy and breastfeeding. The only side effect is that you need to give birth in a bigger hospital as occasionly baby has trouble taking deep breaths and may have to be put on oxygen for a day or so. there are no other recorded side effects on baby and also no recorded deaths. I only know this as i have been on this drug whilst trying to TTC (I'm not on it now, but still TTCing) and i did all the research possible. Another thing i wanted to tell you was that my close friend had a baby in april the year before last and she was on lexapro the whole pregnancy and breastfeeding - she had no side effects at all and the only thing that happened was that when she ceased breastfeeding, her DD was very difficult for about 2 weeks (grumpy, unsettled etc) and her doctor put that down to withdrawels. She is now fine and is the happiest toddler i have ever seen! so i wish you all the best in making your decision - oh one last thing i am not a doctor so i think your best idea would also be to discuss this in depth with your doctor. I hope i have helped - KAZ ↑
