pregnancy and anti-depressants

[cupcake22]

I've been on anti-depressants for over 10 years and as I get older and have the urge to have children, I worry that I will not be able to get off the pills when I do become pregnant. On top of that, I feel like no man would want to go through that hell in order to have children. I feel like undesirable goods at this point, and I'm scared I will be deprived of this joy because of these damn pills!

[Snny]

I heard that there are a lot of major health risks of taking anti-depressants while pregnant. This is a question that should be brought to your doctor- not amateurs from the internet who aren't qualified health professionals.

[RedDress]

I definitely think this is a question for your psychiatrist. Some medications have a high risk. Some are low (or unproven) risks. It may simply be a question of changing your medication or dosage.

 

Prescriptions and dosage are SO personal in terms of what they think would work for you - I would definitely consult your doctor for this advice.

[luminousone]

My SIL has had major depression all of her life and she also has type I diabetes. So before trying to get pregnant she went to an OB/Gyn that specializes in high risk pregnancies and I think they kept her on meds during the pregnancies. And both were born healthy.

 

The real challenge for her was actually following the birth - she had major post-partum depression but had lots of help and she made it through!

 

My niece and nephew are 15 and 19, and I guess they have newer studies on the effects of antidepressants on pregnancies. I heard something about adverse effects of anti-depressive meds but I don't know if it was just one or all of them that causes problems with the fetus.

 

My niece has had some bouts with depression in the last few years but I chalk that up to genetics. And she is doing well now.

 

So I say you should go to consult with a pediatric psychiatrist and also a high risk OB/gyn before taking the plunge. And if you have a medical school nearby that would be a good source for both of those.

[markfromark]

No matter what doctors tell you, common sense tells you to avoid any detrimental substances in your body during a pregnancy. Unfortunately big pharma tells doctors otherwise. 10 years is a long time to be on those brain chemistry altering meds. Have you ever tried to wean yourself off?

[chickydoodle]

If you decide to come off them before pregnancy- just give yourself plenty of time to wean off as slowly as possible. The more gradually you reduce, the less likely there will be withdrawal symptoms.

 

Only you can decide if the benefits outweigh the risks during pregnancy....do as much research as possible. Talk to an Obs and Gynae specialist rather than a GP.

There is not much literature unfortunately regarding their use during pregnancy.

Drug companies,Doctors, Pharmacists are all so worried about liability -they give advice conservatively these days.

Its always safest for baby if you take no meds but if the meds are lifesaving for you.......

[chickydoodle]

I heard that there are a lot of major health risks of taking anti-depressants while pregnant. This is a question that should be brought to your doctor- not amateurs from the internet who aren't qualified health professionals.

 

I think a lot of people who answer these medical questions are actually qualified to answer.

I'm sure those with no knowledge would not bother.

Even so anectodal experience is as equally valuable, at times as advice from a GP or Pharmacist....who often dont know the answers to such questions esp wrt SRI antidepressants.

 

I'm sure OP isnt going to follow anyones advice except her own and is collecting as much info as possible at this stage before making a decision.

[Fudgie]

I've been on antidepressants for about 11 years now. I have serious problems if I go off. It's one of the bigger reasons that I chose not to have kids, period.

 

Depression is also highly hereditary. It runs in my family on both sides despite different backgrounds and living situations so me and my siblings also have it. Even if I wanted kids, I don't think I'd want to spread this to someone.

 

It's really up to you but if you really feel like you don't want to be off your meds and/or you don't want to spread depression to someone else, then adoption may be a good choice.