(Zoloft) sertraline 25mg during 2nd trimester.

[Mommy1986]

Is it okay to start this medication for my anxiety and depression during my 2nd trimester? My gynecologist and counsellor thinks I need to take it. Please share your experiences and how babies are doing after delivering them..

I’ve just been prescribed it by a psychiatrist so it must be okay to take during pregnancy. I haven’t taken any yet though, I’m doubtful how much a medication can actually help me to be honest..I hope it helps you!

I’ve been on 100mg for my entire pregnancy and it’s made the world of difference to me. The risks to baby are very low and the benefit of being a happy and healthy mum outweigh the risks in my opinion.

I’m currently 16 weeks and everything is going smoothly.

Hope you feel better soon

Just to add - I spoke to my GP, midwife, a psychiatrist specialising in perinatal mental health and an obstetrician before starting the sertraline (while TTC).

Although they couldn’t entirely rule out risk (as risk can’t be ruled out in any drug), they were very reassuring and unconcerned about sertraline in pregnancy

@nelbert19 could I ask you how the drug helped you feel better/how it benefitted you? I am pregnant and suffer from major anxiety (many different types, eg health anxiety, thinking negatively, scared to leave the house often) mixed with a bit of depression I suppose. I am doubtful that a tablet could help any of this go away when there are reasons I have these anxieties?!

OP sorry to take over your post a little but I thought you might want to hear how it can help somebody as well

Hi @Catlover10

I’ve suffered from depression and anxiety for years and was also doubtful that a tablet would help, but I have found sertraline to be incredibly beneficial. I just felt like me again and am now able to cope with life without that constant background panic that makes me just want to stay on the sofa and avoid everything.

The tablet doesn’t solve everything, I’ve also undergone CBT and had to address some of the issues that made me prone to anxiety in the first place, but the sertraline gave me the energy and motivation to be able to do that. I tried coming off it while TTC to see if I could manage and the difference was massive - I ended up v unwell again and had to take weeks off work while I put myself back together

25mg is a very small dose and honestly I’d be surprised if you did notice a difference with that, but it’s a good start for you to see how you tolerate it. You can then slowly increase the dose if you get on with it. Try and do CBT alongside it (I’m sure your psychiatrist is already doing this with you)

Remember part of anxiety and depression is also the belief that this is just who you are and nothing will make you better. It drags you down to the bottom of a well and makes you feel like you’ll always be there - it takes away your hope and motivation. Trust the professionals - if they think this tablet will be of benefit to you, believe them instead of your anxiety that wants to you think you’ll never get better.

I hope you start feeling like yourself again soon - it’s lovely to be out of the bottom of the well!

Best person to ask would be your gynae/ obs team.

Thanks @Nelbert19 That is very reassuring! Ok I'll start and see where it goes. Just like you ..My gynecologist says the dose is too small and nothing will happen and me being happy outweighs any risks but she in her life has come across a ton pregnant woman taking Zoloft and their babies are perfectly fine... I definitely shouldn't worry about it..

just was nervous starting it.., coz online risks says something else.., so was seeking real people experiences to comfort me. I'll check about CBt. @Nelbert19 everything what you told is what I feel from years. Definitely trying to get out of this pit too.

That’s great @Mommy1986 I hope it works for you, it’s honestly been life changing for me.

Remember you won’t feel a difference for 4-6 weeks and you’re likely to need to take at least 50mg before you feel any benefit, so don’t give up on it!

Feel better and be happy xx

I was started on it during my last pregnancy and it just helped me cope better, I'd had pnd on a previous pregnancy and was feeling the same way. It stopped the constant crying and feeling so low I couldn't get out of bed, it also helped me cope much better with labour and newborn and it made it a much different experience

Last evening was the first dose I took, took only 25 mg but had my 2 and half year old daughters Valentine's Day dance party at her school today and met all moms And teachers.. I came out and sat in the car and felt extreme anxiety about the event... did I behave, speak well. Did I hurt anyone...? So I just sat there for half n hour with rushing thoughts... and the whole day went being sad and anxious... I don't understand it's the tablet or just me going though the sad days that I have but with more intensity today... or is it me just pretending to feel this way? Or is it the side effect. I wish I just don't feel this way and can be normal like everyone... I definitely feel like I'm in a pit. And feel this way with no reason at all. Have perfect life but I'm not living in it... feel disconnected at times... I don't understand what is going on?

It's perfectly safe; I took 200mg throughout pregnancy. No issues with me or DS.

Sorry, I did that annoying thing of replying without reading the thread. I'm sorry you had a rough day today OP but I think it's unlikely to be a side effect given you're on a very small dose (below therapeutic levels I think). Those kind of situations are very stressful though, especially if you're not feeling great. It will get better.

How old is your kid now? @mynameiscalypso

He's 6 months.

Hello @Mommy1986, I’m sorry you’re having such a rough time. That won’t have been a side effect of the Zoloft - the dose is too small and it’s too early for side effects.

That spiralling of anxious thoughts you described would really be helped by cognitive behavioural therapy - you can do a course online or ask your counsellor about it. It’s designed for you to recognise when you’re starting to spiral and to give you the tools to be able to pull yourself out of it.

You’re going to be ok, it’s just going to take some time. Be honest with friends and family. I found it a relief when I could explain to people and they could reassure me that I hadn’t behaved stupidly and people don’t hate me (I’m usually very private about my feelings). Keep checking in xx