[inpain]

Hi, i am thinking of getting pregnant, but i am taking paxil. So i guess, my question is whether to stay on it or not take it til i have a baby. Does anyone have experience with this?
Thanks

[Maven]

Talk to your doctor; s/he'll be able to tell you if it's safe to stay on it or if you'll have to go off it. I don't know for sure, but I'd guess you'd be taken off it. Ideally, you can plan your pregnancy, so you can get off the Paxil slowly, and then work on getting pregnant. Best of luck to you!

[inpain]

Thank you, Maven, for your answer . I will talk to my doc and see what she thinks. I guess i am just scared since i read online that 1 in 50 babies have a cardiac defect because of taking paxil in the first trimester.

[obsids]

I was on Paxil throughout my pregnancy. There are risks, but my doctors felt that the greater harm was in not taking the Paxil. I'd recommend that you go in for a physical and a consultation with an OB/GYN.

[Jerrypharmstudent]

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inpain said:
Hi, i am thinking of getting pregnant, but i am taking paxil. So i guess, my question is whether to stay on it or not take it til i have a baby. Does anyone have experience with this?
Thanks

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I agree with other members: talk to your doctors about this. If they decide it best for you to be off Paxil, ask if there is another alternative. Also, if you do go off of Paxil -talk to your doctor about slowly tapering off of it. Abrupt discontinuation usually = a lot of side effects/withdrawal effects.

Jerry

[jennie]

Ideally, pregnant women should avoid all drugs.

You need to do what's best for you and your baby. If you do something you are not comfy doing and later there's a problem with the pregnancy or baby, you may feel guilt that it was your fault not listening to your inner voice or instincts.

Should you take meds or not? Only you should decide that. Don't just blindly agree with a doc because he/she says this/that.

Some meds are really needed and some or not. That goes for all medications.

Do you really need Paxil? Only you can know.

Does Paxil prevent you from self harm, psychosis, or hurting others? If that answer is yes, then you have your answer.

An unmedicated depressed pregnant woman can also pose a risk to her unborn child. Low birth weight can result. The pregnant woman's eating and sleeping disturbances also effect the unborn baby. The woman is also at a higher risk to post partum depression (prevents nurture and bonding to newborn).

I'd recommend you switch to a "safer" medication if you decide you need psych meds. Paxil is now classified as a FDA Class D medication (birth defects are known).

If you can, postpone the pregnancy until you decide the medication issue.

*Never go off psych meds without the supervision of a psychiatrist.*

My story . . .

Over two years ago, I was taking 12 different medications (half were psychiatric meds). I was repeatedly told by doctors I would have to take some antidepressant and antipsychotic for the rest of my life. That was unacceptable to me. I wanted a baby.

This February, I had a baby. I didn't take any psych medications during my pregnancy. Today, I want to so badly stand in front of those psychiatrists and say, "I did it! I've been off meds for 2 years now! I have a healthy little boy. I have hope. I have a future!"

Maybe one day I'll need to go back on medications. But for now, I'm breastfeeding and I'm nurturing a very healthy baby boy.

I still have psychiatric problems . . . panic attacks, nightmares, paranoia, dissociate, etc. However, I am not depressed. I do not work so the only stress I have is raising the baby . . . which I'm so happily stressed in that way. Being a mom forces me to eat right (breastfeeding) and sleep on schedule. I know I cannot endulge in my dissociations and fears, so I do little grounding techniques to help me stay focused on reality and being a good mom. For now, it works for me.

I wish you and your family the best.

[LMo]

I am in a similar situation and discussed it with my doctor. He put me on Wellbutrin instead of my old favorite, Lexapro, because Wellbutrin is the only Class B psych med.

[Maven]

jennie, that's wonderful that you're handling motherhood so well, despite having psych problems. I hope you continue to deal well with it. It's also great that you're taking care of yourself to have healthy breastmilk and to take care of your baby. Not all mothers do that.

Many years ago, when I was a teenager, we lived next to a hair salon, in which the owner and his then-wife were friends of my mom's and dad's (when he was alive). I didn't like the wife; she was very blunt and arrogant. Anyway, one day, she actually told me that, when you get pregnant, any physical or mental problems you have go away for the pregnancy. I knew back then that wasn't true. Too bad, though, huh?

[jennie]

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Maven said:
Anyway, one day, she actually told me that, when you get pregnant, any physical or mental problems you have go away for the pregnancy. I knew back then that wasn't true. Too bad, though, huh?

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Everyone is an individual. Maybe some women enjoy their pregnancy. I didn't; it was hard work, exhausting, and uncomfy. I had to constantly tell myself that I wanted this to happen and that I'd allow it to happen.

Attitude is very important. Keeping a positive attitude about the pregnancy, the baby, and the future is a must!!!

I know it's hard work and a lot of stress (getting pregnant, being pregnant, being a new mom). My good attitude prevails despite the difficulties of motherhood. That's keeping it real.

Keep a good attitude & keep it real.

[Maven]

So, is that your baby in your avatar? Awfully cute!!!