Anyone taking antidepressants while having IVF treatment?

[LittleT123]

I’ve taken sertraline in the past however decided to come off it so I wasn’t taking it whilst having IVF. The nurses said it was ok to take and had to think of my own mental health but I still didn’t want to take it as felt I wouldn’t want it in my system if pregnant. Now I’m actually in this crazy black hole I’m worried that my mental health may suffer and perhaps anti depressants would be beneficial at this time. Thoughts please ladies xx

[Whatarollercoster]

I started taking 50mg sertraline before my FET cycle in February. I was having a very hard time after my first cycle failed. Also a couple of close family members were given a cancer diagnosis. It helped to lift my mood and to stop overthinking. The FET was successful and I continued it throughout my pregnancy.I was informed it was safe to take throughout and felt this was the best decision for me and my baby. I just gave birth to my little girl and intend to keep taking it until I feel it's necessary. I had also taken sertraline before in the past for mental health (anxiety & depression) but came of it when we first started trying for a child 3 years ago.

A healthy mind throughout this process is more important.You shouldn't make yourself suffer, this process is hard enough already. If you have any questions please contact me or if you need some extra support please PM me x

[LittleT123 in reply to Whatarollercoster]

Thanks for your reply that helps a lot xx

[LittleT123 in reply to Whatarollercoster]

And congratulations you the birth of your daughter xx

[Whatarollercoster in reply to LittleT123]

Thank you x

[K8ie]

Hi LittleT123

I like you came off my sertraline before I starting trying to conceive and I managed to survive the worst of covid not on them but after two failed IUIs, a health scare and the loss of two family members I found it hard to cope and had to restart the sertraline. I’ve been told by my fertility consultant it’s ok to take and at the end of the day getting my mental health in check was more important as stress can affect pregnancy so for me I felt it was the right choice. Ultimately your mental health is paramount whilst trying to conceive and during pregnancy. I know it’s a hard choice to make and I grappled with it for a long time but you have to do what you feel best. As what is said before - this journey is super hard already, don’t make things harder for yourself in the process. If you need it then you need it - there’s no right or wrong. Good luck and feel free to message anytime x

[LittleT123 in reply to K8ie]

Thanks for sharing x

[Llizzie]

If it helps at all, I’ve just been prescribed 50mg of sertraline at six months pregnant as I’m really struggling with my mood (funny as I expected to be over the moon if my treatment worked). I spoke to a perinatal psychiatrist who reassured me that any risks are incredibly low. Your mental health is important so I would have a conversation with your clinic and your doctor to find something that works for you. I hope you feel better soon and best of luck with your treatment. xx

[LittleT123]

Thanks for your reply and i think after being through the trauma of the IVF mental health can suffer regardless of the outcome. I wish you every happiness with your final trimester xx

[Dancingdolly]

I took 50mg of sertraline during our IVF. My doctor said it’s the most used drug of this type for pregnant and breast feeding ladies. I take it for my anxiety rather than depression. You have to take care of yourself during this time so I would go with it xxx sending hugs. Xx

[LittleT123]

Thank you for sharing and hugs back xx

[Solly-44]

I’m sorry you’re struggling 💕

I was on sertraline at quite a high dose (150) during my previous cycle. I think I brought it down to 100 during my cycle and then when I got a positive test tapered off it very quickly. They didn’t ask me to but I wanted it.

I think they say that it’s ok to take if the benefits outweigh the risks. If you are really struggling then it’s worth speaking to your dr about going back on it or trying something else. IVF is such a head f*ck anyway, you need to look after yourself too xx

[LittleT123 in reply to Solly-44]

Thank you xx it really is a head fuck xx

[Fizzbip]

I'm so sorry you're having a hard time. I've been taking escitalopram all through IVF because I know I would spiral if I stopped it. More than one doctor has assured me that it's ok to keep taking.

[LittleT123]

Thank you xx

[ArishaC]

I've had my transfer in October (unfortunately ended up with a chemical) and 5 weeks before that came off Sertraline, as I decided I don't want to take it during the pregnancy. I was on 100mg. It was the worst decision ever. I was in such a bad place, all throughout the 2ww. My doctor was always telling me its OK to take Sertraline and its best if I don't come off it, but I decided not to listen. When I had a BFP and line got darker from day 6 to day 9 I felt a bit better. On day 9 it started getting lighter and I was told I've had a chemical, my aunt was in intensive care, my business was struggling and everything was just going wrong and I had such a melt down. My friend came over and saw me and couldn't believe how bad things were. So she advised me to go back to Sertraline and that she took it over her pregnancy and my other friend did over 3 pregnancy's. So I went back on them. And honestly it was the best decision ever. I'm so much more calm now, we have our 3rd transfer next week (decided not to wait long after chemical) and me being calm everything seems to be better. My lining was ready on day 12 this time, last time it wasn't ready till 21 days! Stress and negative emotions play a massive role in a pregnancy. I have again spoken to my doctor again and she told me it's absolutely fine to take Sertraline, she said she is glad I'm back on it as she could see what a bad place I was in during my last transfer. She knows me well as we have been with her for over 2.5 years now and I only deal with her from day 1 of my IVF journey. Hope this helps XXX