[Sabene]

I went to the Dr to talk about my anxiety (I have struggled since I was a teen) and she confirmed what I had been thinking all along in that infertility can cause a lot more anxiety than we maybe realize. (My doctor had gone through infertility treatments and now has 3 children). She mentioned the stress it can cause in marriages, the stressful financial impact, on the waiting and not-knowing and emphasized it may be causing a lot of my recent anxiety even though it might seem like it really comes from other events.
Anyway, she put me on Zoloft. It is kind of funny that I am extremely anxious to take medicine that is supposed to help with anxiety.

Has anyone else taken medicine for anxiety or experienced general anxiety that is made worse by infertility?

[DRB]

I kind of question her judgement on this. That drug is a pregnancy Category C and would have to be titrated down when you stop, you can't stop cold turkey. My advice is counseling and natural calming methods. Drugs tend to put bandaids on things and can be dangerous if you were to get pregnant while on them.

Hate to be a debbie downer, I used to sell Zoloft, so I know of the risk

[humbird97]

I respect that yes, Zoloft has risks. I'm a pharmacist and I can understand that. However, as a woman who has struggled with anxiety and depression, both pre-infertility and of course now with infertility, sometimes medication is a great help. It all depends on whether the benefits outweigh the risks.

Discuss this with your doctor (maybe you already have). Yes, the medication can be titrated down in the 3rd trimester, and your doctor can discuss this with you. Even if you remain on the medicine throughout your pregnancy, this can be best. It all depends on your situation. Good luck!

[Sabene]

I have talked to both my regular doctor and my fertility specialist and they are both alright with taking Zoloft. Their only concern was if I did actually get pregnant and once I gave birth, there were no studies on how it might be transfered into breast milk. However, I am not necessarily going to get pregnant tomorrow (I have been trying without success for a while) and I am not necessarily going to keep on the drug forever. I will trust their judgement (no offense) over yours since they both have medical degrees and you merely sell drugs from a business standpoint and of course have been alarmed to the worst case scenarios. I have tried behavioral therapies and have dealt "naturally" with anxiety for over half my life and I am to the point where I want some relief from constant worry and obsessive thoughts. I don't believe I am using a chemical bandaid as my first resource at this point in my life. Thank you for your perspective though...it is important to talk these things out.

[DaniFrmCali]

Well I've never heard of taking anything for infertility anxiety but it's good to know because I'm having a lot of problems not being able to control mine anymore. It seems to have gotten out of hand in the last few months (after starting treatments). I'm actually having a lot of problems being at work because I'm snapping and going off on my employees when it"s not there fault. I might talk to my doctor about the pros and cons about this and see if maybe I might need to get some help. Thanks!!

[wtnganother1]

Sabene- It sounds like you already had anxiety issues that have become worse dealing with IF. IF is very stressful, and that doesn't necessarily end when you get pregnant. It's only natural to worry if everything is okay, etc, even after you're pregnant. My best friend was already on something for anxiety when she became pregnant, and her doctor kept her on it throughout the pregnancy. For her, natural treatments weren't enough, and the benefits of taking something outweighed everything else. It would be ideal if no one had to take any medications while pregnant, but that's not always realistic. Good luck!

[Paige4]

I took lexapro for anxiety before conceiving my last child, during the pregnancy and now as I am breastfeeding. My RE said that it was fine. In fact, my RE, perinatologist and pediatrician say it is better to be treated.

[mom2bntexas]

Originally Posted by Paige4

I took lexapro for anxiety before conceiving my last child, during the pregnancy and now as I am breastfeeding. My RE said that it was fine. In fact, my RE, perinatologist and pediatrician say it is better to be treated.

Paige - thanks so much for saying this - I'm on Lexapro and need it for anxiety. My RE told me though if I got pregnant that I would have to get off of it - I don't want to. I guess every pregnancy is different and at my age he wouldn't want to take a chance. My sister-in-law has been on Prozac or Zoloft (not sure which one) for both of her pregnancies and my nieces are great!

[Paige4]

momtobntexas--that's interesting because I remember seeing my RE and thinking that I had to go off Lexapro before getting pregnant and she said, "oh no, you can get pregnant on Lexapro." I went on to ask more questions and she said that you can stay on it throughout pregnancy. The RE did say that our baby might be a little colicky--but he was and is the calmest baby--we never had a problem with colic. Then my maternal-fetal med doc and pediatrician said it is fine for nursing. They did mention that Paxil (I think this is the one) is the one that is not safe.

Both the RE and MFM (perinatologist) encouraged me to stay on lexapro. Hope this helps.

[Paige4]

Oh, one more thing--about the age. I had him at age 39. I was glad that I could stay on the lexapro--I did not want to stop taking it either.

[mom2bntexas]

Originally Posted by Paige4

Oh, one more thing--about the age. I had him at age 39. I was glad that I could stay on the lexapro--I did not want to stop taking it either.

Thanks again Paige! I'm 40 and if our IUI is not successful this week, we will have to go back to IVF and trust me, I need Lexapro through all of that! Last time I felt like I was going to come out of my skin so if I can stay on it that would be fabulous!! Have a great night!

[momtocats4now]

I've been on Lexapro for a year now. It's been okay'd by my psychiatrist (who I see for PMDD and infertility related issues...), my PCP and my RE. From what I understand, it's the safest anti-depressants to take during pregnancy.
I have PMDD, and obviously taking BCP while trying to become pregnant isn't going to help. It's also been recommended that I take the time out of my day to exercise for at least 30 minutes. SUPPOSIDLY this is just as good as taking any anti-anxiety or anti-depressants.

[Paige4]

momtobntexas--I hope it works for you this week! My RE is great and she said Lexapro was just fine and I have been able to continue on it even while nursing. Maybe get a second opinion if your RE still says no. I take it for anxiety, too--and I wonder sometimes if it did help in getting pregnant (by reducing anxiety). Good luck!!

[dylansmommy]

hey ladies
I struggled with depression before conceiving my first son and tried many anti-depressents but the side effects usually made me more miserable than the depression so i finally found one that didn't have too many side effects for me and not only did it help me feel better but i took it thru most of my first pregnancy(with my dr and obgyn consent) matter of fact they think it may have helped me conceive him...so if you think you need it and your dr agrees then it doesn't matter what anyone else thinks about it...only what is good for you and your baby or baby to be...always let your dr know what is going on they are there to help you
naomi

[Sabene]

Just an update...I have been on Zoloft for about two weeks now and I feel great! I had some very minor side effects (mostly just spaced out tired) but I don't get the anxiety or constant worry about little things anymore. I also feel more positive overall. I am starting a new IUI cycle this month after having to take 2 months off due to stubborn cysts on my ovaries, and I feel very energized and hopeful. Now, since Clomid has finally left my system completely, I will have to get used to that again (barf!) but overall I feel much better. Of course, being on summer break from teaching also helps.

Good luck to all!