B.C. asks from East Meadow, NY on August 07, 2009
Pregnancy and Antidepressant Withdrawal
Hi- I was wondering if anyone has experience with coming off of antidepressants during pregnancy. I am in my second pregnancy and have weaned off celexa over the past 4 months and despite the slow tapering have terrible withdrawal symptoms (insomnia, dizziness, extreme irritability, cry spells, nausea, electrical sensations, fatigue). My main concern is how long this will last.
Thanks.
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More Answers
T.W. answers from New York on August 10, 2009
I do not have experience with going off meds during pregnancy but I did have all the symptoms you are experiencing. They were things I felt during both of my pregnancies. Maybe at this point is isn't the withdrawal, maybe it is just your pregnancy.
I am definitely an advocate giving your baby the best start possible-no meds, no drinking, during pregnancy BUT, if you find that your actual depression/anxiety if too much, there must be something mild that you can get by on until after the birth.
Hang in there!
J.D. answers from New York on August 10, 2009
I went on Zoloft after my son was born and stopped it just about at the time I was allowed to so I really didn't even take it for that long, tapered off too and had the WORST withdrawal symptoms that I think lasted for about a month. Are you in contact with your prescribing doctor? I am guessing its going to take a while depending on how long you were taking the meds. Hang in there and just take it as easy as you can during this!
T.K. answers from New York on August 08, 2009
I decided to stay on my meds during pregnancy but have had to change becasue of changes in hormones and drugs effectiveness. I found benefit of being on meds more important than suffering from depresion and anxiety. Good luck. I was on a drug not studied much during my first child's pregnancy and she seems to have no effects from it- just positive becasue her mommy enjoyed the pregnancy and continues to work a day at a time in staying patient and using my tools to be a good mom and person.
C.N. answers from New York on August 08, 2009
I stopped an anxiety drug cold turkey when I got pregnant and it SUCKED. I had the electric shocks, it was awful. I know it lasted for several months (I would say 3-4?) and then was gone, symptoms got less and then disappeared..its not fun and I wish you luck. I just stopped nursing and am back on it again..its a tough road but a large sacrafice I guess of being a mom.
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