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Mental health

Sertraline and pregnant

13 replies

geologyrocks · 26/04/2017 18:50

Hi all,

I'm on sertraline 100mg od for anxiety and recently found out im expecting. Went to the doc today to confirm and mu usual doctor wasnt there.

She says I need to come off the tablets..to "get out of that habit and think positive that the pregnancy hormones will make everything ok"

I'm in a panic about stopping. I've only felt like my old self for the past 3 weeks :(

OP posts:

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Teaandbiscuits88 · 26/04/2017 21:25

I would ask to see another doctor. That's not a helpful response at all.

I was in a similar situation (albeit on a 50mg dose) and my gp actually persuaded me to stay on it saying the risk to my mental health was higher than staying on the tablets. He also offered to increase the dose to 100mg as I was going through a hard time.

No medical professional that I spoke to at any point had any concerns about me being on sertraline. They didn't even want me to stay in hospital after birth to check baby for withdrawal symptoms (had to stay in for other reasons but that's a different story).

Preganancy and hormonal changes are so difficult to deal with - and they definitely have an effect on your mental health. I would absolutely make an appointment with a different gp. Personally, unless you feel ready to come off the tablets, i don't feel like you should be doing so at this time.

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geologyrocks · 27/04/2017 15:55

Not helpful at all. I was shocked yesterday when she told me to come off. I'll try get an appointment with my usual go on Monday to see what she says.

The thoughts of doing without :(

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Teaandbiscuits88 · 27/04/2017 16:20

Please don't worry about having to come off them - just explain to your usual gp and I'm sure they will encourage you to stay on.

I did a lot of research into the possible risks associated in pregnancy and decided it was so minimal that I wouldn't worry about it. I believe that sertraline is one of the safest ADs to be on in pregnancy.

At the end of the day, you need to do what is best for your mental health in pregnancy. I'm angry on your behalf at the flippant way you were treated. If it was a case of just thinking 'positively' then none of us would need medication in the first place!

Feel free to pm me if you want to chat and I forgot to say in my previous post - congratulations on your pregnancy!!

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NanFlanders · 27/04/2017 19:53

My doc also persuaded me to stay on it. Really pleased I did l, as came off Prozac when pregnant with first dd and really crashed. See your normal doc.

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iveburntthetoast · 27/04/2017 20:08

I think you should make s mental note to never see that GP again. It's shocking advice and utter tripe.

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iveburntthetoast · 27/04/2017 20:09

I think you should make s mental note to never see that GP again. It's shocking advice and utter tripe.

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fafflygood · 27/04/2017 20:14

I have two healthy children, I took Sertraline throughout both pregnancies. There is a very slightly increased risk of heart defects so this needs to be monitored, and the risks considered keeping in mind that the biggest cause of maternal death during pregnancy is ... suicide.

The doctor's incompetent.

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Reow · 27/04/2017 20:14

I was told that sertraline is the best/safest to be on, and my GP actively encourages people on ADs to switch to it if they are considering pregnancy. I know several midwives who have also said this.

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BakingWithPreSchoolerand6YO · 27/04/2017 20:22

I was prescribed sertraline for PND as I could continue to breastfeed while taking it. Had a preg scare while on it and frantic googling (while waiting for DH to get home with a preg test) suggested that many women on sertraline continue to take it safely (fro them and baby) during pregnancy.

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WilliowGreen · 27/04/2017 20:22

Ask to see a doctor who has some experience in mothers mental health.
I was meat to come off my medication but my doctor decided it would be best to stay on it.

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waterjungle · 27/04/2017 20:24

See your usual Dr. I was also in Sertraline all the way through my pregnancy. It is also safe to bf on. I asked to be referred to the Mental Health midwife who has special knowledge of MH issues and pregnancy - she was lovely. Please don't worry xxx

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ClaraLane · 27/04/2017 20:28

What an awful doctor! I'm 26 weeks pregnant and have been on sertraline for the past 5 weeks. It's definitely one of the safest ones to be on during pregnancy and my GP said they would rather have me on it and be well. I'm not going to be stopping it any time soon and I'm happy with that because I'm finally feeling like myself. Definitely see a different GP.

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geologyrocks · 03/05/2017 22:19

Hey all,

I thought I'd update on this. I spoke to my usual doctor yesterday and she said that whilst there haven't been enough studies in relation to the effects on pregnancy that people still do take them as the benefits often outweigh the risk. She's referred me to the mental health team in my maternity hospital so will continue as I am and see what happens there. Thanks all for the replies, they were extremely helpful