A mom writes in asking for advice about taking an antidepressant/anti-anxiety medication while pregnant. This mom was recently taking Lexapro but switched to Zoloft, which she says is considered safer during pregnancy. She says that the initial dosage her doctor prescribed (100mg) did not yield results, so the doctor upped the dosage to 200mg. This mom is “just looking for reassurance” from others that may have taken such drugs while pregnant and is looking for advice/feedback from those who’ve had a similar experience.
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A member of the community asks:
“Questions about antidepressants/anti-anxiety medication and pregnancy.
I am currently 5 months pregnant with my second child. I was taking Lexapro for anxiety (the anxiety significantly impacts my quality of life/interaction with my toddler if left unchecked), but I switched to Zoloft because it is considered safer during pregnancy and nursing. We started at 100mg/day and it wasn’t helping much at all so my doctor changed the dosage to 200mg/day. I guess I’m just looking for reassurance that others have taken that higher dosage and everything was okay with the baby? Please no hate… if I could stop taking medication I absolutely would, and I feel guilty enough as is.”
– Mamas Uncut Community Member
Community Advice for This Mom Who Wants to Hear from Other Moms About Taking Antidepressants While Pregnant
To see what advice the Mamas Uncut Facebook community has for this mom in need, read the comments of the post embedded below.
Advice Summary
The community offered this mom in need a lot of great advice. Read some of their responses below. But please note: When it comes to medication, we love to hear moms share their stories and advice, but you should always consult with your doctor before taking, changing, or stopping your medication.
“I was on Zoloft with my second son and he is fine.”
“I’m on Zoloft as well at 200 mg and everything is perfectly fine. My baby is healthy and I’m healthy as well.”
“I was high risk due to my age (43) and had the top specialists treating me. Their advice was that Lexapro was the safest antidepressant to use during pregnancy. They did Lowe my dosage from 20mg to 10 mg. Zero complications with the baby other than a rough birth that has nothing to do with the medication. She was born perfect and 4 years later she still is!”
“I took Lexapro through my pregnancy and breastfeeding and everything went just fine. If you do better on Lexapro, I would switch back.”
“I was on 30mg Lexapro and then switched to Zoloft 50mg and everything is just fine as well. I just continue to stay on it.”
“I just want to say that if anyone wants to judge you for being on medication that you need, they can sit on a cactus and twist. I’d look into the pros and cons of both meds, I hope everything goes well for you.”
“I took Lexapro through my entire pregnancy as advised by the doctor and my son is 16 months and perfect.”
“Lexapro is a pretty strong one to take compared to Zoloft (in my opinion based on having taken both). I’ve never taken either one during pregnancy though (after for postpartum depression). I’m pretty sure your Dr. wouldn’t have given it to you if he didn’t feel the benefit outweighed the risk to both you and baby. How long have you been on Zoloft…maybe give it a few more weeks for your body to adjust?”
“Only your doctor can tell you. Not everyone reacts the same so if one works well on someone it might not work well for another.”
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