Anti-depressants and TTC - not sure what to do

[Nic_o_la_la]

Hi lovelies.

I’m really after some thoughts and advice around taking anti-depressants whilst TTC / going through treatment. I’ve always been a bit resistant. Not totally sure why but think I worried about adding yet another tablet to the many I’m already taking, whether you should take during pregnancy etc and any other impact it might have going through treatment etc. Probably very silly! But here we are.

Anyway, I’ve been off work since our 4th cycle failed in the summer as I have just felt so low and depressed and felt something had to give and needed time to pick myself back up. It’d been coming for a long time. I’ve been having regular counselling and although had points of feeling a bit better, I’m still feeling pretty flat and mood quite up and down so I’m wondering if I should be exploring anti-depressants to help stabilise my mood / pick me up a bit whilst I carry on with counselling. Still in active treatment (currently doing Clomid and follicle tracking whilst we explore decisions around moving to donor eggs / further IVF cycles) so I know things may still get more challenging, that’s if we can even have a successful outcome. This ‘journey’ is just so hard!!

Any thoughts or reassurances around it would be so helpful. Thank you 😊 xx

[LisaBeatrix1980]

Hi,

I have taken Sertraline for years and have carried on during my current 4th cycle. Had egg collection yesterday. I was always told by my Dr it’s not harmful and better for me because the more calm I can be during this whole process, the better. It’s a personal decision I can see why you’d have worries, i think you have to do what’s right for you xx

[Nic_o_la_la in reply to LisaBeatrix1980]

Thank you for the reassurance. I think I’m at point I need to try something else. Did chat to GP today and discussed options for use in pregnancy etc. Hope all went well with your egg collection and fingers crossed for successful outcome x

[BECIO]

Heyy I understand how you feel I’ve been struggling . my doctor told me it’s ok been on citalpram for years, I hope it helps you and good luck for next steps. I’m starting clomid and stima this week and worried about how clomid is going to affect my mood xx

[Nic_o_la_la in reply to BECIO]

Hey. Sorry to hear you’ve been struggling too. It’s such a shitty journey isn’t it! I don’t think you can really put into words what it’s like. I spoke to GP today and have been prescribed meds so will see how I get on. I have to say I didn’t notice any impact of Clomid at all. I was only on lowest dose so might be why! Wishing you lots of luck, do keep an eye out for you and hope for a successful outcome x

[DianeArnold Partner Nurse Fertility Network UK]

Hi Nic. Remember you are the most important person here. If you need to have a break in order to have treatment, then so be it. There are anti depressants that can be taken during fertility treatment, your specialist or GP will know what they are. keeping as placid as you can can only be a bonus. All the best and I do hope you are successful with treatment. Diane

[Nic_o_la_la in reply to DianeArnold]

Thanks Diane. Very good point! I took time out for me and to feel better in myself above anything else so perhaps this is what I need to help that. I have spoken to GP today which was helpful x

[XOXO13]

I just wanted to send you loads of love and support from afar. Right now, you’re the most important person so you do what is right for you to help you through your journey. After my third unsuccessful cycle, second miscarriage, I was at my lowest and taking a break from work and treatment (just a couple of months off treatment) really helped to reset my frame of mind ahead of my fourth cycle. I don’t have experience with anti-depressants but from the above, it sounds like they’re okay to take and if that’s what may help you, then it’s always worth a shot. Take care xxxx

[TeddyBear5]

I take escitalopram and I did through pregnancy and have a healthy son.

I couldn’t not take them as I know how I feel without and it wouldn’t have helped.

Can understand your worry but your mental health is so important xx

[Daarcat]

Hello 👋, I'm the same as Lisa and have been on sertraline (50mg) for years. I recently had my 3rd embryo transfer (frozen). All the drs I have spoken to have said its safe to take and to be honest I don't know how I could cope with this process without it! It's made a massive difference to how I'm able to manage the stress and upset and I feel really grateful to be taking it! If you feel that it will help you I'd advise you to speak to your GP. The Drs advised me to stay on it as reducing stress and staying as calm as possible is important 🙂xx