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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Is There A Risk In Taking Antidepressants During Pregnancy Period?

My wife is pregnant with our third child, she suffers from extreme anxiety disorder and was prescribed lexapro and xanax for panic attacks. She found out about her pregnancy and stopped taking the lexapro and xanax, she did this gradually. Now she is suffering from severe panic attacks, we know there is a risk with antidepressants and pregancy but her panic attacks are dibilitating. Should she stay off of the them and suffer or take them and risk the babies health?
Mon, 20 Jan 2014
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Infectious Diseases Specialist 's  Response
Hello,
Thank you for your post on HCM,
I have gone through your history gradual stopping of these anti anxiety drugs can also leads tothe risk of side effects such as confusion, drowsiness, loss of coordination and weakness.
Try and be off the any depression and anxiety medicine when trying to get pregnant and during the first 3 months.If your taking Lexapro 30 mg tapered off the drugs. It is really hard to do but try to exercise to relieve the tension and try to cut back on caffeine.
Drinking lots of water and taking deep breath may help you but you cannot stop Lexapro once you crosses 3 months of pregnancy you can reduce the dose to 20 mg.
My sincere advise is you consult both obstetrician and Psychiatrist.
Than you.
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Is There A Risk In Taking Antidepressants During Pregnancy Period?

Hello, Thank you for your post on HCM, I have gone through your history gradual stopping of these anti anxiety drugs can also leads tothe risk of side effects such as confusion, drowsiness, loss of coordination and weakness. Try and be off the any depression and anxiety medicine when trying to get pregnant and during the first 3 months.If your taking Lexapro 30 mg tapered off the drugs. It is really hard to do but try to exercise to relieve the tension and try to cut back on caffeine. Drinking lots of water and taking deep breath may help you but you cannot stop Lexapro once you crosses 3 months of pregnancy you can reduce the dose to 20 mg. My sincere advise is you consult both obstetrician and Psychiatrist. Than you.