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Offered fluoxetine for OCD - worth starting in 3rd trimester?

6 replies

WorryWurta · 04/01/2015 17:14

Does anyone have any experience with fluoxetine in pregnancy? I have to make a decision tomorrow about whether to start. I really wanted it a few weeks ago as my OCD had been so bad, but now things are a little more even and I'm not sure if it's the right call or not. I read that it takes 6-8 weeks to work properly, and that I'd need to change to another antidepressant after the birth in order to breastfeed. With me being 30 weeks already I'm wondering if it's even worth taking in that case, I know I'll feel dreadful if I don't even try breastfeeding. I wasn't OCD before the pregnancy and whilst I've been pretty bad the last few months I still live in hope it will go away after?

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spamanderson · 04/01/2015 17:25

I don't have experience during pregnancy, however I probably should have! I was given it shortly after having dd1 for PND. I continued to take it for OCD and I tell you, after taking my 4th day of it, it was like a miracle, i felt completely different, it was like magic. I stopped taking it during pregnancy 2 then again straight after she was born to keep away and chance of PND etc.
You might well find that as it appeared during pregnancy, that it may just go away just as quick, probably something due to the hormones etc. I asked about meds that were safe to take during breastfeeding (with dd1 as I expressed up to 6 weeks) and was told the ones that are suitable are 'very old fashioned and not nearly as effective). Do you feel like you need the fluoxetine? If yes, then I would start them, you may find they only take a few days to kick in rather than the 6-8 weeks :)
Please don't feel dreadful if you can't or don't bf. I felt massive pressure to do it with dd1 and felt horrific when I had to stop expressing to take meds but I realised not long after that that was a big part of the cause of PND. With dd2 I said I wouldn't even try, I attempted in the delivery room, it felt awful, and she went onto formula. The experience couldn't have been more different than with dd1.
Sorry that turned into a bit of a novel but just struck a chord :) hope you're feeling better soon. X

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Lizzy86 · 04/01/2015 17:36

I'm currently 23 weeks and have been taking fluoxetine for 4weeks now. It was a hard decision to make but after careful consideration and advice from my doctor I decided to try them as i was feeling very low and depressed.
I suffered with depression before pregnancy so was very honest with doctor. I don't regret starting the medication, my mood has completely lifted and I feel positive about having my little boy which i wasn't before.

The risk of me having PND was high so I felt that if I start to take them now and tackle my demons them when baby is here I will feel more like me and be able to look after him properly

Good luck

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abbiebunn · 04/01/2015 17:46

I am supposed to take fluoxetine for depression but I didn't want to. I am 18 weeks pregnant, my consultant said that it's fine to take them during pregnancy and that it was fine to take them if I was breast feeding.

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WorryWurta · 05/01/2015 12:35

Thanks everyone for sharing your experience, it's really helpful to know other people have taken it and it's helped! I still don't know what to do, I have more good days than bad now but when something sets me off it can really cause issues.

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comeagainforbigfudge · 05/01/2015 12:58

I have nothing to add re the fluoxetine but I will have to go back on meds for multiple sclerosis 3 months after baby is born and will definately have to stop breastfeeding feeding.

I'm trying to decide if it's worth bf to begin with.(given it will be my first time and have no idea if baby will take to it or not)

My point is that I refuse to be made to feel "guilty" if I choose not to bf. Imo it's more important that my baby has a mum that can look after them than stressing over bf.

I'm still reading up on it all though.

It's difficult not to feel pressured though.

You need to consider what the pros and cons are for you. And speak to mw/gp again.

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WorryWurta · 05/01/2015 13:48

It is soooo difficult, the midwives push it so hard as being best it makes you feel like if you don't bf you must not want what's 'best'. Definately agree it's more important to have a well and happy mum, for me because I stress so much about making the baby ill I'm weighing up will the guilt at not trying bf exacerbate things. :-S so much to work out!