Anyone else having to come off Psych meds for IVF/Pregnancy?

[LiveandLetLive42]

Like most people, I suffer from anxiety and depression. I've been on Zoloft 100mg and Abilify 5mg for two years, which has worked WONDERS! Since I started IVF, my doctor took me completely off the Abilify and has me taking 50mg of Zoloft every other day. It's been roughly 3 weeks and man, am I feeling shitty! My anxiety is sky rocket, I am so irritable, depression isn't bad, but it's starting and I just feel out of control. I put an urgent call through to my doctor in the meantime. Does anyone have advice? Maybe there is another med I can take? I also read that Zoloft is okay to take while pregnant. But, of course I don't want to risk taking it if it isn't safe. Thanks everyone!

[CarolN2020]

Hi good to read your story hope you are doing ok I came off my medication a year ago in march had my first ivf transfer end of February but ended in a negative starting my next round next month I have been doing a lot of research and some anti depressants are OK I think but I came off my medication slowly as I knew I wanted to do ivf but sometimes I feel is it good or bad as my doctor kept giving me my medication I stopped it myself I was on 25mg serequal for over 2 years and im still none the wiser the anxiety mood swings stopped for me I have to say it took 8 to 10 weeks unfortunately. Anyways just wanted to let you know you are not on your own x

[CarolN2020 in reply to CarolN2020]

I do still have mood swings but all manageable as I learnt the best for me is exercise clears my mind.

[LiveandLetLive42 in reply to CarolN2020]

Awww thanks. I’ve been feeling like the only one lately. I’m realizing that I’m not okay off my meds. I’m spiraling down fast. It’s just weird because I’m on Zoloft and everywhere I read, it says it’s okay to be on it when pregnant and it says it’s better to be stable for the baby rather than depressed and stressed out. Of course the doctors are going to tell me to be off all meds, but what is the actual truth? Do I risk harming the baby by being up and down with my moods all the time or be on the meds happy and healthy?

[CarolN2020 in reply to LiveandLetLive42]

I know one girl who done ivf transfer around the same time as me and she is on anti depressants and her doctor told her its better to feel good happy mam happy babies and she is currently 11 weeks with twins I think its about what our bodies feel best at I honestly have taught I done the wrong thing I still feel not as good as I can be even now I have had my 1st period after failed ivf and its like the whole world is anxiety to me I just want to stay in bed so your definitely not alone xx I'm here even thinking about the taught of long protocol next month im dreading it if our mind is right we will be right x message me anytime hun x

[LiveandLetLive42 in reply to CarolN2020]

I’m so sorry. Are you doing another round of IVF? My heart goes out to you. I know so much about wanting to just stay in bed. Up until I added the Abilify to my Zoloft, I felt the same way. Are you on medication?

[CarolN2020 in reply to LiveandLetLive42]

Im on no medication now off it all a year since March when I'm focused im 💯 ok if I don't feel sick like now worst period ever im starting 2nd cycle may period so next month I was on medication years im 35 was on lyrica for mood stability and serequal at night Im off lyrica 2 years and serequal 1 its hard going but would be worth it. Having an ivf fail is very mentally hard I found its all I think about ivf please god next month is my month x

[LiveandLetLive42 in reply to CarolN2020]

Carol I wish you the best. I’m sending a lot of prayers your way for a successful next round. I am sure it’s all you think about. I would too. This is my first round and I’m petrified.

[Idril in reply to CarolN2020]

Hey, I think you shouldn't put yourself in a "bad" place to start IVF. Opinions are diverse but I have been taking sertraline 25 mg during my last IVF too, I couldn't stop and when I got the BFP, my anxiety really ease and I was able to stop progressively even before actually (sadly ended in ectopic after few weeks) but the all point is that you might feel completely different if this has worked and really, I don't think it will do any harm to the baby :). I guess it helps to go through the process and that's the main important thing because if you don't feel good with your self, I don't think it's good! All that said, it's just my opinion ! Good luck !!!