Anti depressants whilst trying to conceive / pregnant

[Whathefisgoingon]

I’ve struggled with severe anxiety for many years, and after a couple rounds of CBT and worsening mental health, I’ve decided I need to give meds a go. I once tried sertraline many moons ago and had horrific side effects after just 1 pill (lock jaw, severe nausea, fatigue) so bad I had to leave work. So, I’m fearful of that happening again and don’t want that one.

My concern is that we are about to start trying for a second and I recall years ago before my first the GP had said there are “some risks” associated with SSRI’s and conception/pregnancy.

Im tempted to just carry on pushing through until a second child is here, as I have been, but another possible year or 2 is a long time.

Has anyone got any up to date info in similar situations?

I have had depression and anxiety on and off at different times in life. Medication never worked (& I was tried on many different types), had appalling side effects with all; long term psychotherapy/counselling did help and I have learned to manage the symptoms myself.

However I cannot imagine even considering conceiving a child whilst in the grip of depression and anxiety. It just isn't the right time.

I would so recommend you wait until you're feeling better to get pregnant, op.
Severe anxiety and pregnancy / new baby is a match made in hell.