SSRI use during pregnancy

[kerrybennysmama]

Just wondering how many on this board are using antidepressants, particurally SSRIs during this pregnancy. There was a study done that showed an increase risk of the infant developing PPHN when mothers took SSRIs. I took Celexa with my first child no problem and have had several friends on SSRIs during their pregnancies without problems. My OB recommendes that due to my history of depression (including PPD) and anxiety that I remain on it.

I am afraid to stay on and afraid to go off. It seems the risk is for mothers who took it after the 20th week, so I still have time to stop if I want to. Just wondering if anyone else is facing this dilema.

[mama_b]

I think the risk is pretty small. I stopped taking mine abruptly at the beginning of this pregnancy, which I wouldn't recommend. But mine was not working all that well once I got pregnant anyway. If it really helps you, the small risk is probably worth it.

[look11]

I'm in the same boat as you.I weaned myself off Lexapro, only to become insanely irritable. Zoloft is the safest, so my psychiatric nurse practitioner put me on it. I took the first dose today - half a pill - and it was like a bad trip! I was nauseous, tired, panicky and freaked out. It was horrible. I cannot tolerate those side effects even for 3 days, so I'm going back to Celexa - the second most safe SSRI. I, too, took Celexa during my first pg with no problems. The studies show very low risk of problems, and for me, I have to take the chance.

Both the PNP and genetic counselor said in their experiences with pg women and these drugs, they've never seen any problems. That was very reassuring to me.

Good luck!

[kerrybennysmama]

thanks for the responses. I am taking Lexapro right now, which is basically just a cleaner form of Celexa. I have a tendency to worry about everything (part of the reason I am on it), so when I heard about the PPHN I panicked a little. I am still thinking about what to do.

[Ceinwen]

I think the risk is pretty small. I stopped taking mine abruptly at the beginning of this pregnancy, which I wouldn't recommend.

Agreed (for me anyway).

I was on Zoloft for eighteen months (anxiety and depression and OCD here); weaned off when I first found out I was pg. Did it over two weeks...

Now I'm seventeen weeks pg, and a bloody walking nightmare.

As much as it pains me to do so, at my next midwife appt., I'm going to discuss with her going back on it.

I am a much happier, calmer person when I am taking it.