XP: Anti-Anxiety/Anti-Depressants & Pregnancy...

benaisy3

I am currently taking Effexor XR (an anti-anxiety/anti-depressant medication).  I have been taking it for approximately 11 years (some small breaks in that time to try others, try without, etc.)  Overall I've come to the conclusion I need it and it will be a lifelong medication at this time.

I want to try and get pregnant soon.  Went to Dr. today - met with NP, she said I cannot take ANY anti-anxiety or anti-depressant medication while preg as the Dr won't prescribe any due to possible risks to the fetus.  I was shocked.  I said what do people do then? She said 'suffer through it' more or less.  She said the Dr. 110% will not prescribe any of these meds while pregnant ..... I don't know what to do .... I really can NOT go without them, I don't function ..

Has anyone taken an anti-anxiety or anti-depressant while pregnant?

I plan to do some research and have a 1:1 with my Dr. but in the meantime, I'd appreciate any feedback please 

spin25

I took Zoloft for part of my pregnancy, and my OB was actually the one prescribing it. For that particular medication (and some others in its class), the main concern is in third trimester. My OB wanted me off of it by 20 weeks, but I'm not sure if that was just to give me a cushion in case I needed a slower taper or something to be done by third tri. She said, however, she would consider risks and benefits of being on vs off it. If my depression was severe enough that I couldn't take care of myself etc, it would be better for me to be on it. Effexor isn't usually given in pregnancy, but other anti anxiety/antidepressants are frequently used. I would consider seeing another doctor, honestly. You not being able to function isn't good for you or baby. The NP you saw sounds like she doesn't understand how serious depression and anxiety can be if she basically said to suffer through it. How insensitive.

LittleLady77

I know quite a few people who came up with a plan with their doc and took medication while pregnant. Get a 2nd opinion for sure.

carcrashheart

yes, there are options for you to take. 

i was on effexor at the beginning of this pregnancy. the only concern was being on it towards the end, so the decision was to wean my dose somewhere around 36-37w. i ended up stopping effexor and going back to celexa, so it's a moot point to me.

i don't mesh well with dr's that have a strict no med policy. there are always cases when med benefits outweigh the risks and there are almost always options. i have chronic migraines and take my class C meds (with both pregnancies). i make sure to work with my ob and other dr's to find a treatment plan that is agreeable to all and works to treat the issue. obviously there are certain anti depressants/anti anxiety meds my psych really didn't want me on, but he worked with the more appropriate options. i can't do zoloft-it can cause headaches and i found it made my migraine issues even worse. 

JLyn821

There are definitely options out there.  Have your doctors talk to one another.  My cousin is bipolar and currently 29 weeks pregnant.  Her therapist and OB have been in contact regarding what meds she can still take and what she can't.  She's been doing fabulously since being off most of her meds but she's in no way taking any chances and will FF and go back on them once she gives birth.

pb&fluff

I agree with PPs. There are things you can take. Zoloft is one, and I think my pysch said I could stay on Lexapro next time I get pregnant. However, my teacher (I'm in school to be an NP), says she always refers in that situation. Talk to your therapist. If need be, find a new OB.