Depression meds and TTC

pooky · 10-23-2006, 09:39 PM

After a really bad bout with my depression last year we had to take a break from TTC. I've been on a few antidepressants and the current combo of Cymbalta and Wellbutrin seem to be doing pretty good.

I'm a little frustrated though because I have no clue when/if I'll be able to get off of the anti-depressants or when we'll be able to TTC again.

Has anybody else dealt with this in the past? What type of experences have ya'll had with ttc and depression meds.

How long do you have to have positive effects from your anti-depressants before your dr lets you start trying to taper off of them?

Any info would be helpful!

Thanks!

PBLayzod · 10-23-2006, 10:14 PM

I decided to take myself off my Lexapro when I started TTC. After a couple of years I realized I needed the meds TTC or not. A psychiatrist put me on Paxil, but then it was quickly reclassifed. My current psychiatrist said Paxil is cotraindicated for pregnancy, but that the birth defects caused were minor heart defects that were not life threatening and easily repaired. He didn't think I needed to panic about it, but said another med would work that would be better. He changed me back to Lexapro, but doubled my dose.

Talk to your psychiatrist. The RE will always tell you it's better to stop meds. If you need them then you can't do that. Discuss with RE or psychiatrist or both what exactly the risks are for the meds you are currently taking. Also, some risks are higher for 3rd trimester. If this is true with your meds, then you would have plenty of time to taper off after you got BFP. Every med is different, so make sure you are making an informed choice. If you finally found something that's working I wouldn't be to eager to stop taking it. But that doesn't mean you can't TTC. IMHO

HOLLAND · 10-23-2006, 10:22 PM

I have been on Lexapro since May. I'm now starting to come off of it. I think I only have 5 more days to go. I'm really scared to come off but I just want to try it. We have been TTC and I just have not wanted to take the chances. However if I need to go back on it I will.

I pretty much know what you are going through. I always worry about my health but of course I think about a possible fetus as well.

Take Care!!!

MommyJenny74 · 10-23-2006, 11:47 PM

I took prozac before, during, and after my pregnancy and had no problems with it. I had previously taken amitriptyline (given to me by another doc, not my regular one) and my regular doc had me stop that when I ttc. I took prozac 20 mg before and during pregnancy, and went up to 40 mg after I gave birth due to postpartum depression. The increased dose helped and caused no problems for us during breastfeeding. I was able to go back down to 20 mg after a year.

Hope this helps cyster
Hugs to you
Jenny

pooky · 10-24-2006, 12:51 AM

My OB/GYN's nurse said that they're normally ok with their patients taking Prozac, but I've found some info that puts that med into the iffy category for me. My psyc doc said that prozac is more common because it's been around longer and more studies have been done, so they know what to ecpect and can better weigh the risks and benefits.

With my last pregnancy I worked pretty hard at avoiding things (meds, types of food, etc.) that might cause any health problems to our son. So I'll want to keep up the healthier lifestyle for #2, but it won't do me much good if I'm suicidal while pregnant.

With my first pregnancy I was stressed out through the pregnancy and then I had really bad ppd. I just can't imagine having those depressive thoughts and feelings through an entire pregnancy.

MommyJenny74 · 10-24-2006, 05:28 AM

It's good that you are weighing the pros and cons of meds during ttc and pregnancy. For me personally I think it helped me to be a better mommy because my depression is better-controlled.

Best wishes with your decision cyster. If you need to talk I'm always glad to listen.

Hugs
Jenny