Pregnancy and Depression/Mental Illness

Hi Ladies-

My husband and I are 7weeks pregnant with our little IVF miracle.  I have been taking 10mg of lexapro for anxiety for the past 7 or 8 years.  I tried to go off of it while on the IVF medication, but that didn't go well, so doctors thought I should stay on it, for my own sanity. Are any of you ladies on lexapro?  Do you know of any side effects to the baby? Any advice would be much appreciated.

Thanks,

A

I do not think it is. However, there are medications for anxiety that are safe. I take Lorazapam aka Adivan which is a class C. You only want to take it occasionally when your anxiety gets bad. Talk to your OB about it, always confirm with your OB about any medications. If you don't have an OB yet, call an office near you or one recommended by a friend, ask to talk to the nurses and explain your situation. They should be more than happy to assist you! Good Luck!

Lacey

I took lexapro throughout my third pregnancy. The primary thing you have to worry about are septal heart defects (which by the way, according to most research is not increased much more by moms taking lexapro/antidepressants than a normal pregnancy w/o meds) in the first trimester and then there's some third trimester issues to worry about such as PPHN (Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension) and withdrawal of the infant after birth. My son was absolutely fine. BUT as lacey stated, all decisions regarding meds should be made with your doctors.

you can start here: http://www.motherisk.org/women/drugs.jsp And recommend your doctors call Emory in Atlanta for consult. http://www.emorywomensprogram.com

HTH!
warmest,
lauren