Mood Swings and depression

[BionicMommy]

Hi,
I am 37, 13 and 3 days pregnant with my second.
I was on Zoloft for 6 years and quit cold turkey when i found out i was 4 weeks pregnant. It's been almost 2 months since i quit Zoloft and i feel like i am losing it. Depression is getting worse. I just want to sleep. i am so irritable with everything. My fiance and i are fighting more and although he is being loving and supportive i feel bad that he has to deal with this side of me. I am so tempted to go back on the zoloft but god forbid anything happen to the baby i would never forgive myself........I still have a long ways to go and the way i feel is just getting worse. Can anyone relate or give me some advice?
I just would like to feel like I am not alone feeling like this.
THanks

 

[septbride]

Hi honey,

I'm so sorry you're going through this and I can absolutely relate. First of all, have you talked to your doctor? I don't think they advise going cold turkey on those drugs...I wonder if it was a shock to your system and you might want to try a lower dose and then wean off that?

Before I got pregnant, I did a lot of research and talked to several doctors, and ultimately decided to stay on my low dose of Celexa. Here is some reading you might find helpful: https://www.womensmentalhealth.org/specialty-clinics/psychiatric-disorders-during-pregnancy. The bottom line is that the medical community considers some SSRIs safe during pregnancy. Of course, you need to do what is right for you, but do remember you have to take care of yourself during this time. A stressed/depressed mommy is not good for baby.

Go easy on yourself and let me know what your doctor says. You are definitely not alone -- I've dealt with mild depression, and on top of that, pregnancy hormones are seriously no joke. I also understand the irritability with your partner -- maybe you can try explaining that you actually feel sad and need him to help you through this? Maybe you can give yourself a little treat every day, even if it's just an ice cream or a warm bath.

Let me know what your doc says and be nice to yourself.

 

[44npregnant]

I wish I had some advice but I just wanted to give you a and wish you luck.

 

[BionicMommy]

Thanks everyone...
I did go to my doctor yesterday and he referred me to a therapist.
i feel good today.
To be a little more clear i didn't actually go cold turkey. I dropped the dose myself from 100mg everyday to 50mg every other day...... I told the doc and he seemed surprised that i dropped it down so quick. he told me to go for about 7 days like that and then stop.....I stopped after 5......
so to me it felt like cold turkey but i just couldn't stand the fact that i was taking something that could harm my baby.
I would rather stay off all meds until after i give birth. But i do know that i will probably go back on zoloft or similar after i have the baby. It really helped with my overall mental health well being.
It helps to know that people can relate and understand so I don't feel so alone.
Thanks again

 

[MonyMony]

My psychiatrist was supportive of Zoloft use during pregnancy. Said she hadn't had any adverse outcomes, it was one of the oldest and most commonly used drugs in pg. I got off of it a few months before pg because I felt better, but I get supremely depressed during pg, so we're open to using meds if necessary. Since you're past the first trimester there's an even lower risk of any long-term effects on your fetus. I'd do what you need to do to stay healthy! And try not to feel guilty--there's so much that's completely out of our hands. Good luck.

 

[FeistyMom]

Hang in there! I have battled depression periodically, and it definitely gets bad during pregnancy. It seems the worst when you also have LOs running around that need you, and you can't muster the energy or drive to play with them.

I hope things look up for you! With any luck your care providers will be able to create a workable routine for you, whether or not it includes drugs, and you'll be able to minimize the depression and enjoy this pregnancy

Happy thoughts and energy headed your way!

 

[GI_Jane]

I'm in a similar situation but not with Zoloft. When I found out I was pregnant at 5 weeks I quit cold turkey and I was doing ok but gradually over time I could feel the symptoms creeping back. At 22 weeks I made the agonising decision with my GP and OH to go back on the drug.

I felt like a failure, like the love for my babies health wasn't enough to stop me from getting depressed but I couldn't fight it. I am on a lower dose than I was previously but I am still struggling.

The drug I take is not safe in the 3rd tri- effects babies breathing at birth but this is the only class of drug that has worked for me. Even if my baby is born safely, I know by taking this drug I am more than likely changing my babies brain chemistry in the womb and I have a hard time with that.

But after all this, we need to well for when our babies arrive and I couldn't have gone on as I was to be honest. ultimately these were the reasons I had to go back on it. I know what you are going through and pleased to hear they have referred you to a therapist