Sertraline in pregnancy

[LemonadeAndSchnapps]

Is anyone else on this? I've been on fluoxetine for years and I've been swapped onto this because it's not linked to any birth defects. But I'm just feeling so low. I'm only 8 weeks along and although I want the baby I keep thinking that if I lost it I wouldn't try again because I'm just so utterly miserable. And I feel like such an awful "mum" for feeling that way. It's not as bad as if I was on nothing, but I'm just left feeling so hollow. I feel so alone in this. Is there anyone else?

@lemonadeandschnapps
I could relate this this- I used to be on sertraline for years it was the hardest medication to get off of- maybe try speaking to your therapist about how you are feeling?I have tried acupuncture and it helps tremendously! And I have also focused on things that make me happy and perk my feelings, like talking walks in the park, reading a good book, spending quality time with those I love, taking a bath, painting my nails, this had helped me in the past and you are absolutely not alone! So many people in the world feel exactly the way you do! I would try and get off all medicine very very slowly with the supervision of a doctor- It takes a long time for our bodies to be filled emotionally- also trying writing in a journal all of the good and bad feelings it helps a lot to talk about! Please ep me updated@LemonadeAndSchnapps everything will be just fine !

How long have you been taking sertraline @LemonadeAndSchnapps? Have you given it at least 6 weeks to start working?

Many people including myself are on antidepressants for complex medical reasons (hormone imbalances for example) and can't just snap out out of it by having a nice walk in the park or some acupuncture, @EPSpartyof3. For some of us it's not an option to stop taking the medication and to suggest casually that you can is just plain dangerous.

OP i really wouldn't worry about being on sertraline. It's very safe in pregnancy and will help you cope with the hormones better in the long run, plus hopefully reduce the effect of PND if you end up suffering with that.

Whatever you do, don't stop taking the medication until you've had a chat with your gp about how you feel. I'm on fluoxetine currently at 16 weeks but going to ask to be changed to sertraline soon.

@aliensprig I understand what you are saying and like I said I can relate I was on antidepressants and anti anxiety for over 15 years I’m trying to tell her that doing these types of things can actually helped based on my personal experience I tried to be clear about that - and yes with the help of a doctor watching me I was able to ween myself off the medication