Lexapro while pregnant...

[kmac80]

Hello, I'd be grateful for any advice or experiences that you have had taking this anti-depressant while pregnant. I have been on lexapro on and off for 3yrs and as my pregnancy was a surprise I stayed on it, coming down to 5mg until three weeks ago. Now, at 17 weeks I feel bloody awful - extreme anxiety, crying all the time and deep sadness - the signs that tell me that I am sinking into deep depression.

When I saw my GP last week she was relucant to put me back on it, and suggested that I get a psych evaluation even though I've already gone thru that process, and really don't want to have to justify myself to yet another dr. She also suggested trying Zoloft a class B category drug(Lexapro is C).

Obviously I want what's best for the baby but right now I am struggling big time and want to fall in a heap. There are also family crisis going on and life could get even harder.

Any thoughts/ideas would be appreciated from a fragile first time pregnant girl...

I have Rapid cycling Bi Polar disorder so have been on a mix of anti depressants and mood stablisers for a number of years. I dont usually rate anti depressants because they make my mania worse but during all 3 of my pregnancies i have taken nothing.

I too have severe depressive episodes during pregnancy because of pregnancy hormones and i go see a phychologist every few weeks. Even though i hate going to see doctors i would much rather do this and be monitored than take medication that can pass to my baby. Some doctors say the meds are ok and reasonably safe but id rather risk me locked away in bed for days rather than risk anything happen to my baby. My doctor has said he doesnt want me to take anything so im happy with that.

Its really hard wshen you suffer from depression during pregnancy and i a few times have felt like giving up and either going to ask for pills or even once or twice feeling like not living anymore has got to be better than this. My advice would be to try stay strong, go see the doctor and only take the medication if you really feel you need it in life or death. Of course it is totally up to you and many mums will say theyve taken meds and their baby is perfectly fine, its your baby and your choice. Personally im not taking the risk.